Calochortus weedii var. intermedius
Intermediate mariposa lily
Photo: parent species Calochortus weedii · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Calochortus weedii var. intermedius (Intermediate mariposa lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by Variety-level differences; intermediate characteristics.
Intermediate mariposa lily is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in southern coastal and northern peninsular regions on dry, rocky, open slopes at elevations below 680 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces light yellow to tan flowers with petals rounded and adorned with distinctive dark or yellow hairs, creating a delicate and textured appearance. Growing with slender stems up to 40 centimeters tall, it emerges from underground bulbs in sparse, open grassland environments. Its leaves are typically narrow and grass-like, providing a delicate complement to the striking lily flowers. The flower's unique coloration ranges from pale yellow to dark purple or red-brown, with contrasting hairy petals that make it a remarkable and eye-catching species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Variety-level differences; intermediate characteristics
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, rocky, open slopes
Elevation: < 680 m
Bloom period
Calochortus weedii var. intermedius 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 weedii var. intermedius native to California?
Yes. Calochortus weedii var. intermedius is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calochortus weedii var. intermedius bloom?
Calochortus weedii var. intermedius blooms Jun-Jul.
What plant family does Calochortus weedii var. intermedius belong to?
Calochortus weedii var. intermedius is in the Liliaceae family, genus Calochortus.
Is Calochortus weedii var. intermedius rare or endangered?
Calochortus weedii var. intermedius carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S3.
What habitat does Calochortus weedii var. intermedius grow in?
Calochortus weedii var. intermedius grows in Dry, rocky, open slopes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Calochortus weedii var. weedii — Weed's mariposa lily
- Calochortus westonii — Shirley meadows star-tulip
- Calochortus albus — White globe lily
- Calochortus amabilis — Diogenes' lantern
- Calochortus amoenus — Purple fairy lantern
- Calochortus argillosus — Clay mariposa lily
- Clintonia andrewsiana — Andrew's clintonia
- Clintonia sp.
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.