Calochortus flexuosus
Winding mariposa lily
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson · licence
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Vine · Native
Calochortus flexuosus (Winding mariposa lily) is a native California vine in the Liliaceae family, recognized by wavy intertwining stems.
Winding mariposa lily is a California native perennial found in eastern desert regions in dry, rocky creosote-bush and sagebrush scrub at elevations of 600 to 1,700 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces white flowers with lilac tints and purple spots, 30 to 40 millimeters long, arranged in 1 to 6 erect blossoms. Growing 10 to 40 centimeters tall with generally wavy and sprawling stems that often intertwine with surrounding vegetation, it has a distinctive meandering growth habit. Its basal leaves reach 10 to 20 centimeters long and wither early, while cauline leaves are linear and long-tapered, becoming progressively reduced toward the stem's apex. The fruit is an erect, stout structure 3 to 4 centimeters long, bearing flat, light tan seeds with a distinctive net-like pattern.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; wavy intertwining stems are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, rocky sites; creosote-bush or sagebrush scrub
Elevation: 600-1700 m
California counties: Riverside, Inyo, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Kern
Outside California: to Colorado, New Mexico
Bloom period
Calochortus flexuosus blooms Apr-May.
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 flexuosus native to California?
Yes. Calochortus flexuosus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calochortus flexuosus bloom?
Calochortus flexuosus blooms Apr-May.
Where in California does Calochortus flexuosus grow?
Calochortus flexuosus occurs in Riverside, Inyo, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Kern, at elevations of 600-1700 m.
What plant family does Calochortus flexuosus belong to?
Calochortus flexuosus is in the Liliaceae family, genus Calochortus.
What habitat does Calochortus flexuosus grow in?
Calochortus flexuosus grows in Dry, rocky sites; creosote-bush or sagebrush scrub.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.