Calochortus plummerae
Plummer's mariposa lily
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Calochortus plummerae (Plummer's mariposa lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by distinctive pink flowers and long anthers.
Plummer's mariposa lily is a California native perennial found in southern California, Transverse Ranges, and Peninsular Ranges in dry, rocky chaparral and yellow-pine forest at elevations below 1,700 meters. Flowering from May to July, this lily produces pale pink to rose flowers that dry purplish, with widely bell-shaped perianths 30 to 40 millimeters long, featuring distinctive long yellow hairs in a wide central band and orange-bordered nectaries. Growing 30 to 60 centimeters tall with slender, generally branched stems, the plant emerges from a fibrous bulb. Its basal leaves are linear and elongated, reaching 20 to 40 centimeters long, while cauline leaves become progressively narrower and reduced toward the stem's upper portions. The fruit is an erect, linear capsule 4 to 8 centimeters long, producing flat seeds with a fine net-like surface.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 21 sympatric species; distinctive pink flowers and long anthers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, rocky chaparral, yellow-pine forest
Elevation: < 1700 m
California counties: Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Orange, Calaveras
Bloom period
Calochortus plummerae blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
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 plummerae native to California?
Yes. Calochortus plummerae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calochortus plummerae bloom?
Calochortus plummerae blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Calochortus plummerae grow?
Calochortus plummerae occurs in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Orange, Calaveras, at elevations of < 1700 m.
What plant family does Calochortus plummerae belong to?
Calochortus plummerae is in the Liliaceae family, genus Calochortus.
Is Calochortus plummerae rare or endangered?
Calochortus plummerae carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S4.
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.