Calochortus kennedyi
Desert mariposa lily
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Vine · Native
Calochortus kennedyi (Desert mariposa lily) is a native California vine in the Liliaceae family, recognized by Glaucous desert mariposa, short (10--20 cm); erect bell-shaped vermilion-orange flowers dark-spotted near base; W&I, Mojave & desert ranges.
Desert mariposa lily is a California native perennial found in desert and low mountain regions at elevations of 10 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces stunning yellow to orange-red flowers with distinctive dark spots near the base, each 3 to 5 centimeters long and bell-shaped. Growing with glaucous stems 10 to 50 centimeters tall, often simple and occasionally twisted, it emerges from a basal bulb. Its basal leaves are 10 to 20 centimeters long, glaucous and channeled, typically withering by flowering time. The fruit is an erect, lanceolate capsule 4 to 6 centimeters long, with angled and striped surfaces.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Glaucous desert mariposa, short (10--20 cm); erect bell-shaped vermilion-orange flowers dark-spotted near base; W&I, Mojave & desert ranges
Habitat and range
California counties: San Bernardino, Inyo, Kern, Ventura, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Alameda
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 kennedyi native to California?
Yes. Calochortus kennedyi is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Calochortus kennedyi grow?
Calochortus kennedyi occurs in San Bernardino, Inyo, Kern, Ventura, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Alameda.
What plant family does Calochortus kennedyi belong to?
Calochortus kennedyi is in the Liliaceae family, genus Calochortus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Calochortus kennedyi var. kennedyi — Desert mariposa lily
- Calochortus kennedyi var. munzii — Desert mariposa lily
- Calochortus leichtlinii — Leichtlin's mariposa lily
- Calochortus longebarbatus var. longebarbatus — Long-haired star-tulip
- Calochortus luteus — Yellow mariposa lily
- Calochortus macrocarpus — Sagebrush mariposa lily
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.