Calochortus superbus
Yellow mariposa
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Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Calochortus superbus (Yellow mariposa) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by distinctive dark blotch in yellow zone pattern.
Yellow mariposa is a California native perennial found in northwestern California, the Cascade Range foothills, Sierra Nevada, southern Sierra Nevada, central western, and southwestern California in open grasslands, woodlands, dry meadows, and yellow-pine forests at elevations below 1,700 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces white to lavender flowers with distinctive bright yellow centers marked by dark central blotches, typically with 1 to 3 erect blooms. Growing 40 to 60 centimeters tall with a bulbous base and slender stems, it develops reduced leaves that become smaller toward the top of the plant. Its basal leaves reach 20 to 30 centimeters long and often wither during flowering, while the flower petals measure 20 to 40 millimeters and are generally lined with purple near the base. The fruit is an upright, linear capsule 5 to 6 centimeters long, producing flat, light yellow to tan seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 44 sympatric species; distinctive dark blotch in yellow zone pattern
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Open grassland, woodland, dry meadows, yellow-pine forest
Elevation: < 1700 m
California counties: Tuolumne, San Diego, Mariposa, El Dorado, Butte, Tulare, Placer, Kern, Madera, Amador, Shasta, Tehama, Fresno, Santa Clara, Mendocino, Lake, Santa Barbara, Nevada, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Merced, Yuba, Colusa, Solano, Napa, Alameda, Mono, San Luis Obispo, San Bernardino, Glenn, Plumas, Sonoma
Bloom period
Calochortus superbus blooms May-Jul.
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 superbus native to California?
Yes. Calochortus superbus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calochortus superbus bloom?
Calochortus superbus blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Calochortus superbus grow?
Calochortus superbus occurs in Tuolumne, San Diego, Mariposa, El Dorado, Butte, Tulare, Placer, Kern and other counties, at elevations of < 1700 m.
What plant family does Calochortus superbus belong to?
Calochortus superbus is in the Liliaceae family, genus Calochortus.
What habitat does Calochortus superbus grow in?
Calochortus superbus grows in Common. Open grassland, woodland, dry meadows, yellow-pine forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.