Calochortus monanthus
Single-flowered mariposa lily
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1A
Calochortus monanthus (Single-flowered mariposa lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by presumed extinct.
Single-flowered mariposa lily is a rare (CNPS 1A) California native perennial found in the northeastern Klamath Ranges near Yreka, Siskiyou County, in vernal meadow habitat at approximately 800 meters elevation. Flowering in June, this plant produces a single erect flower with pink petals 40 to 50 millimeters long, featuring a distinctive chevron-shaped dark red spot above each nectary and delicate irregular teeth near the petal tips. Growing with a simple, straight stem and basal leaves that wither, the plant emerges from a bulb that produces small bulblets. Its petals are obovate to wedge-shaped, sparsely hairy near the nectary, with long linear bracts surrounding the solitary bloom. The fruit develops as an erect, linear, angled structure that continues the plant's elegant form.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; presumed extinct
Habitat and range
Habitat: Presumed extinct; vernal meadow
Elevation: +- 800 m.
Bloom period
Calochortus monanthus blooms Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1A
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 monanthus native to California?
Yes. Calochortus monanthus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calochortus monanthus bloom?
Calochortus monanthus blooms Jun.
What plant family does Calochortus monanthus belong to?
Calochortus monanthus is in the Liliaceae family, genus Calochortus.
Is Calochortus monanthus rare or endangered?
Calochortus monanthus carries California Rare Plant Rank 1A, state rank SX.
What habitat does Calochortus monanthus grow in?
Calochortus monanthus grows in Presumed extinct; vernal meadow.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.