Calochortus fimbriatus
Late-flowered mariposa lily
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Family: Liliaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Calochortus fimbriatus (Late-flowered mariposa lily) is a native California perennial in the Liliaceae family, recognized by square petals much shorter than sepals, long anthers.
Late-flowered mariposa lily is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in southern Coastal Ranges and Transverse Ranges in dry, open coastal woodland and chaparral at elevations below 900 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces pale cream to dark red-brown flowers with dense, long cream-white to yellow bordering hairs, creating a distinctive bell-shaped perianth. Growing with erect, slender stems 30 to 90 centimeters tall that are generally branched, it develops from a fibrous bulb. Its basal leaves extend 20 to 40 centimeters long and wither during flowering, while cauline leaves become progressively reduced and inrolled upward. The plant produces linear, angled fruits 4 to 5 centimeters long with an acuminate tip, emerging erect from the delicate stem.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 20 sympatric species; square petals much shorter than sepals, long anthers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, open coastal woodland, chaparral
Elevation: < 900 m
California counties: Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Ventura, Los Angeles
Bloom period
Calochortus fimbriatus blooms Jul-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
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 fimbriatus native to California?
Yes. Calochortus fimbriatus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calochortus fimbriatus bloom?
Calochortus fimbriatus blooms Jul-Aug.
Where in California does Calochortus fimbriatus grow?
Calochortus fimbriatus occurs in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Ventura, Los Angeles, at elevations of < 900 m.
What plant family does Calochortus fimbriatus belong to?
Calochortus fimbriatus is in the Liliaceae family, genus Calochortus.
Is Calochortus fimbriatus rare or endangered?
Calochortus fimbriatus carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, 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 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.