Calochortus dunnii
Dunn's mariposa lily
(c) Madeleine Claire, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Calochortus dunnii (Dunn's mariposa lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by white petals with red-brown spots and white anthers.
Dunn's mariposa lily is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in southern San Diego County in dry, stony ridges of chaparral and yellow-pine forest at elevations of 1,500 to 1,700 meters. Flowering in June, this plant produces white to pink flowers with distinctive red-brown spots above the nectary, 20 to 30 millimeters long with delicate yellow hairs near the flower's center. Growing 20 to 60 centimeters tall with slender, generally branched stems, it develops erect flowers in clusters of 2 to 6. Its basal leaves are 10 to 20 centimeters long, channeled and withering, with reduced cauline leaves ascending the stem. The fruit is an erect, linear structure 2 to 3 centimeters long with distinct angular edges.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 sympatric species; white petals with red-brown spots and white anthers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, stony ridges in chaparral, yellow-pine forest
Elevation: 1500-1700 m
California counties: San Diego
Outside California: northern Baja California
Bloom period
Calochortus dunnii blooms Jun.
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 dunnii native to California?
Yes. Calochortus dunnii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calochortus dunnii bloom?
Calochortus dunnii blooms Jun.
Where in California does Calochortus dunnii grow?
Calochortus dunnii occurs in San Diego, at elevations of 1500-1700 m.
What plant family does Calochortus dunnii belong to?
Calochortus dunnii is in the Liliaceae family, genus Calochortus.
Is Calochortus dunnii rare or endangered?
Calochortus dunnii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.