Calochortus simulans
La panza mariposa lily, La Panza Mariposa Lily
(c) Bill Bouton from San Luis Obispo, CA, USA, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Calochortus simulans (La panza mariposa lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by distinctive red-spotted flowers.
La panza mariposa lily is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in southeastern Santa Lucia Mountains in central San Luis Obispo County, occurring in sandy grasslands and yellow-pine forests at elevations below 1,100 meters. Flowering from May to July, this delicate lily produces white to yellow flowers 30 to 50 millimeters long with distinctive dark red nectary spots and sparsely hairy petals. Growing 10 to 60 centimeters tall with generally branched stems and bulblets, the plant forms an approximately umbel-like inflorescence with 1 to 3 erect flowers. Its basal leaves reach 10 to 20 centimeters and tend to wither, while 1 to 3 cauline leaves measure 4 to 10 centimeters long. The flower's bell-shaped perianth features sepals 20 to 30 millimeters long with recurved tips, creating an elegant and distinctive appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; distinctive red-spotted flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sand (often granitic), grassland to yellow-pine forest
Elevation: < 1100 m
California counties: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles
Bloom period
Calochortus simulans blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
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 simulans native to California?
Yes. Calochortus simulans is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calochortus simulans bloom?
Calochortus simulans blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Calochortus simulans grow?
Calochortus simulans occurs in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, at elevations of < 1100 m.
What plant family does Calochortus simulans belong to?
Calochortus simulans is in the Liliaceae family, genus Calochortus.
Is Calochortus simulans rare or endangered?
Calochortus simulans carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, 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.