Calochortus raichei
The cedars fairy-lantern
(c) Roger Raiche, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Calochortus raichei (The cedars fairy-lantern) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by distinctive glaucous mealy appearance and large nodding flowers.
The cedars fairy-lantern is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in southern North Coast Ranges (The Cedars, Big Austin Creek drainage in Sonoma County) in open serpentine woodland at elevations of 200 to 300 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces pale yellow flowers with obovate petals 35 to 45 millimeters long, nodding and slightly hairy with distinctive ciliate edges. Growing with stout stems 10 to 100 centimeters tall, it has a glaucous, mealy appearance and mostly simple stem structure. Its basal leaves are long and channeled, reaching 10 to 40 centimeters in length, while cauline leaves are reduced and fewer in number. The plant bears nodding, angled fruit 25 to 35 millimeters long, containing irregular dark brown seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; distinctive glaucous mealy appearance and large nodding flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open serpentine in woodland
Elevation: 200-300 m
California counties: Sonoma
Bloom period
Calochortus raichei blooms May-Aug.
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 raichei native to California?
Yes. Calochortus raichei is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calochortus raichei bloom?
Calochortus raichei blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Calochortus raichei grow?
Calochortus raichei occurs in Sonoma, at elevations of 200-300 m.
What plant family does Calochortus raichei belong to?
Calochortus raichei is in the Liliaceae family, genus Calochortus.
Is Calochortus raichei rare or endangered?
Calochortus raichei 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.