Calochortus palmeri var. munzii
San jacinto mariposa lily, San Jacinto Mariposa Lily
Photo: parent species Calochortus palmeri · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Calochortus palmeri var. munzii (San jacinto mariposa lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by differs from var. palmeri by bulblet and bract arrangement.
San jacinto mariposa lily is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the San Jacinto Mountains in yellow-pine forest at elevations of 1,200 to 2,200 meters. Flowering in June, this plant produces delicate white flowers with distinctive purple-hairy nectaries. Growing with slender stems that produce paired pedicels and opposite bracts, it reaches moderate heights typical of mariposa lilies. Its leaves are characteristic of the Calochortus genus, likely narrow and grass-like. The plant produces no bulblets, distinguishing this variety from other mariposa lily populations.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 sympatric species; differs from var. palmeri by bulblet and bract arrangement
Habitat and range
Habitat: Yellow-pine forest
Elevation: 1200-2200 m
California counties: Riverside, San Diego
Bloom period
Calochortus palmeri var. munzii blooms Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 palmeri var. munzii native to California?
Yes. Calochortus palmeri var. munzii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calochortus palmeri var. munzii bloom?
Calochortus palmeri var. munzii blooms Jun.
Where in California does Calochortus palmeri var. munzii grow?
Calochortus palmeri var. munzii occurs in Riverside, San Diego, at elevations of 1200-2200 m.
What plant family does Calochortus palmeri var. munzii belong to?
Calochortus palmeri var. munzii is in the Liliaceae family, genus Calochortus.
Is Calochortus palmeri var. munzii rare or endangered?
Calochortus palmeri var. munzii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.