Calochortus macrocarpus
Sagebrush mariposa lily
no rights reserved, uploaded by Braden J. Judson · CC0
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Calochortus macrocarpus (Sagebrush mariposa lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by distinctive glaucous coating and large purple flowers.
Sagebrush mariposa lily is a California native perennial found in northern California Ranges and Great Basin in sagebrush scrub and yellow-pine forest at elevations of 1,300 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces striking purple flowers with green stripes, 35 to 60 millimeters long, featuring distinctive purple-banded petals with dense beard-like hairs near the nectary. Growing 20 to 50 centimeters tall with a stout, generally simple stem, it develops distinctive bulblets and appears glaucous with a bluish-gray surface. Its basal leaves are 5 to 10 centimeters long and wither quickly, while cauline leaves are 2 to 5 in number, 5 to 20 centimeters long with inrolled tips that curl at the ends. The plant produces an erect, lanceolate fruit 4 to 5 centimeters long, containing flat, net-like seeds in light yellow or tan coloration.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 14 sympatric species; distinctive glaucous coating and large purple flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Sagebrush scrub, yellow-pine forest, generally volcanic soil
Elevation: 1300-2000 m
California counties: Lassen, Modoc, Siskiyou, Shasta
Outside California: to British Columbia
Bloom period
Calochortus macrocarpus blooms Jun-Aug.
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 macrocarpus native to California?
Yes. Calochortus macrocarpus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calochortus macrocarpus bloom?
Calochortus macrocarpus blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Calochortus macrocarpus grow?
Calochortus macrocarpus occurs in Lassen, Modoc, Siskiyou, Shasta, at elevations of 1300-2000 m.
What plant family does Calochortus macrocarpus belong to?
Calochortus macrocarpus is in the Liliaceae family, genus Calochortus.
What habitat does Calochortus macrocarpus grow in?
Calochortus macrocarpus grows in Common. Sagebrush scrub, yellow-pine forest, generally volcanic soil.
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.