Calochortus kennedyi var. munzii
Desert mariposa lily
Photo: parent species Calochortus kennedyi · (c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Vine · Native
Calochortus kennedyi var. munzii (Desert mariposa lily) is a native California vine in the Liliaceae family, recognized by no sympatric species.
Desert mariposa lily is a California native perennial found in northern and eastern Mojave Desert Mountains, including Panamint, Clark Mountain, and Providence Mountain ranges in creosote-bush scrub and pinyon-juniper woodland at elevations of 600 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces striking yellow flowers with dark purple-brown anthers, creating a vivid color contrast. Growing with slender stems 15 to 40 centimeters tall, it emerges from underground bulbs in rocky or heavy soils. Its leaves are narrow and grass-like, typically 10 to 20 centimeters long, emerging from the base of the plant. The flower petals are cup-shaped and vibrant yellow, characteristic of the mariposa lily genus.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; no sympatric species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Heavy or rocky soil in creosote-bush scrub, pinyon/juniper woodland
Elevation: 600-2200 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Inyo
Outside California: Nevada, Arizona, Mexico
Bloom period
Calochortus kennedyi var. munzii blooms Apr-Jun.
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 var. munzii native to California?
Yes. Calochortus kennedyi var. munzii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calochortus kennedyi var. munzii bloom?
Calochortus kennedyi var. munzii blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Calochortus kennedyi var. munzii grow?
Calochortus kennedyi var. munzii occurs in San Bernardino, Inyo, at elevations of 600-2200 m.
What plant family does Calochortus kennedyi var. munzii belong to?
Calochortus kennedyi var. munzii is in the Liliaceae family, genus Calochortus.
What habitat does Calochortus kennedyi var. munzii grow in?
Calochortus kennedyi var. munzii grows in Heavy or rocky soil in creosote-bush scrub, pinyon/juniper woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Calochortus leichtlinii — Leichtlin's mariposa lily
- Calochortus longebarbatus var. longebarbatus — Long-haired star-tulip
- Calochortus luteus — Yellow mariposa lily
- Calochortus macrocarpus — Sagebrush mariposa lily
- Calochortus minimus — Sierra mariposa lily
- Calochortus monanthus — Single-flowered 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.