Calochortus palmeri var. palmeri
Palmer's mariposa lily
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Calochortus palmeri var. palmeri (Palmer's mariposa lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by Multiple sympatric species; white-pink petals with red-brown basal spot.
Palmer's mariposa lily is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the Tehachapi Mountains, southern Coast Ranges, Transverse Ranges, and San Jacinto Mountains in meadows and yellow-pine forest habitats at elevations of 1,200 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from May to July, this lily produces white to lavender flowers with distinctive yellow-hairy nectaries, typically 4 to 6 centimeters long with gently recurved petals. Growing 30 to 60 centimeters tall with slender stems that develop distinctive bulblets, it has an elegant, delicate appearance characteristic of mariposa lilies. Its leaves are narrow and grass-like, typically 10 to 20 centimeters long, emerging from the base of the plant in a sparse, linear arrangement. The plant is distinguished by its unique reproductive strategy, forming small bulblets that allow for vegetative reproduction in addition to its stunning floral display.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Multiple sympatric species; white-pink petals with red-brown basal spot
Habitat and range
Habitat: Meadows, vernally moist places in yellow-pine forest, chaparral
Elevation: 1200-2200 m
California counties: San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Kern, Riverside, Ventura
Bloom period
Calochortus palmeri var. palmeri blooms May-Jul.
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. palmeri native to California?
Yes. Calochortus palmeri var. palmeri is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calochortus palmeri var. palmeri bloom?
Calochortus palmeri var. palmeri blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Calochortus palmeri var. palmeri grow?
Calochortus palmeri var. palmeri occurs in San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Kern, Riverside, Ventura, at elevations of 1200-2200 m.
What plant family does Calochortus palmeri var. palmeri belong to?
Calochortus palmeri var. palmeri is in the Liliaceae family, genus Calochortus.
Is Calochortus palmeri var. palmeri rare or endangered?
Calochortus palmeri var. palmeri carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
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.