Calochortus weedii var. intermedius

Intermediate mariposa lily

Family: Liliaceae · Type: perennial · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2

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.

Habitat: Dry, rocky, open slopes

Bloom period: Jun-Jul

Elevation: < 680 m

Bioregions: SCo, n PR.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.