Calochortus clavatus var. recurvifolius
Arroyo de la cruz mariposa lily, Arroyo De La Cruz Mariposa Lily
(c) Skyler K, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Skyler K · licence
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Calochortus clavatus var. recurvifolius (Arroyo de la cruz mariposa lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by no sympatric species.
Arroyo de la cruz mariposa lily is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the central Coast Ranges in northwestern San Luis Obispo County on rocky slopes at elevations around 50 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces deep yellow flowers 40 to 50 millimeters long with striking deep purple anthers 8 to 10 millimeters in length. Growing with slender stems 8 to 20 centimeters tall, the plant has a delicate, graceful structure. Its leaves are distinctively strongly recurved, creating an elegant, arching profile. The unique combination of bright yellow petals and deep purple anthers makes this mariposa lily a visually striking species in its rocky coastal habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; no sympatric species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky slopes
Elevation: +- 50 m.
Bloom period
Calochortus clavatus var. recurvifolius blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Clarkia: Calochortus has 6 stamens and grass-like leaves; Clarkia has 8 stamens and broad stem leaves.; vs Fritillaria: Calochortus flowers open upward/outward in cups; Fritillaria flowers hang downward like bells.; vs Thismia: Calochortus has green leaves and open flowers; Thismia is leafless with closed tubular flowers.; vs Eschscholzia: Calochortus has 6 petals and parallel-veined leaves; Eschscholzia has 4 petals and divided leaves.; vs Sidalcea: Calochortus has 6 petals and grass-like leaves; Sidalcea has 5 petals and rounded lobed leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Calochortus clavatus var. recurvifolius native to California?
Yes. Calochortus clavatus var. recurvifolius is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calochortus clavatus var. recurvifolius bloom?
Calochortus clavatus var. recurvifolius blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Calochortus clavatus var. recurvifolius belong to?
Calochortus clavatus var. recurvifolius is in the Liliaceae family, genus Calochortus.
Is Calochortus clavatus var. recurvifolius rare or endangered?
Calochortus clavatus var. recurvifolius carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Calochortus clavatus var. recurvifolius grow in?
Calochortus clavatus var. recurvifolius grows in Rocky slopes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.