Calochortus persistens
Siskiyou mariposa lily
(c) Arvel Hernandez, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Calochortus persistens (Siskiyou mariposa lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by distinctive persistent flowers.
Siskiyou mariposa lily is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the northeastern Klamath Ranges in Siskiyou County, growing in open, rocky areas at elevations of 1,000 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces pink to purple flowers with yellow-fringed petals in an umbel-like cluster, with two erect blooms measuring 35 to 40 millimeters long. Growing with a simple stem about 10 centimeters tall, it has persistent basal leaves up to 20 centimeters long and a single cauline leaf. Its distinctive petals are obovate, yellow-ciliate, and hairy above the nectary, with a wide, ciliate membrane bordering the nectary. The fruit is nodding, approximately 1 centimeter long, and winged.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; distinctive persistent flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open, rocky areas
Elevation: 1000-1500 m
California counties: Siskiyou, Trinity, Orange
Bloom period
Calochortus persistens blooms Jun-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 persistens native to California?
Yes. Calochortus persistens is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calochortus persistens bloom?
Calochortus persistens blooms Jun-Jul.
Where in California does Calochortus persistens grow?
Calochortus persistens occurs in Siskiyou, Trinity, Orange, at elevations of 1000-1500 m.
What plant family does Calochortus persistens belong to?
Calochortus persistens is in the Liliaceae family, genus Calochortus.
Is Calochortus persistens rare or endangered?
Calochortus persistens 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.