Calochortus weedii var. weedii
Weed's mariposa lily
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Calochortus weedii var. weedii (Weed's mariposa lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by truncate petal tips and deep yellow color distinguish from var. intermedius.
Weed's mariposa lily is a California native perennial found in southern California ranges including Coastal Ranges, South Coast, Western Transverse Ranges, and Peninsular Ranges in dry chaparral, often growing in heavy or rocky soil at elevations below 1,900 meters. Flowering from May to August, this lily produces deep yellow flowers with distinctive dark or yellow hairs on petals that are somewhat truncate at the tips. Growing with slender stems to approximately 30 to 50 centimeters tall, it emerges from a bulbous base characteristic of mariposa lilies. Its leaves are typically grass-like and narrow, emerging from the base of the plant in a sparse, upright arrangement. The flower's unusual hairy petals and acute anthers distinguish this variety as a unique and striking member of the mariposa lily group.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 24 sympatric species; truncate petal tips and deep yellow color distinguish from var. intermedius
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry chaparral, often in heavy or rocky soil
Elevation: < 1900 m
California counties: San Diego, Riverside, Orange, Santa Barbara
Bloom period
Calochortus weedii var. weedii blooms May-Aug.
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. weedii native to California?
Yes. Calochortus weedii var. weedii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calochortus weedii var. weedii bloom?
Calochortus weedii var. weedii blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Calochortus weedii var. weedii grow?
Calochortus weedii var. weedii occurs in San Diego, Riverside, Orange, Santa Barbara, at elevations of < 1900 m.
What plant family does Calochortus weedii var. weedii belong to?
Calochortus weedii var. weedii is in the Liliaceae family, genus Calochortus.
What habitat does Calochortus weedii var. weedii grow in?
Calochortus weedii var. weedii grows in dry chaparral, often in heavy or rocky soil.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Calochortus bruneaunis — Bruneau mariposa lily
- Clintonia andrewsiana — Andrew's clintonia
- Clintonia sp.
- Clintonia uniflora — Bride's bonnet
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.