Lilium humboldtii subsp. ocellatum
Ocellated humboldt lily, Ocellated Humboldt Lily
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Lilium humboldtii subsp. ocellatum (Ocellated humboldt lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by spot pattern with light margins.
Ocellated humboldt lily is a California native perennial ranked 4.2 by CNPS, found in southern coastal and southwestern California in oak canyons, chaparral, and yellow-pine forest at elevations below 1,800 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces striking yellow to light orange flowers with distinctive red-margined spots that become larger and more defined toward the flower's tip. Growing to a moderate height with a bulb that has often purple-tipped scales, it emerges from an underground bulb with elegant, arching form. Its leaves are arranged along the stem, creating a graceful backdrop for the bold, spotted perennial flower. The bulb's unique coloration and the dramatic spotted flower make this lily a distinctive woodland species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; spot pattern with light margins is diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Oak canyons, chaparral, yellow-pine forest
Elevation: < 1800 m
California counties: San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, Kern, Santa Cruz, Tulare
Bloom period
Lilium humboldtii subsp. ocellatum blooms May-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
How to tell it apart
vs Hemerocallis: Lilium has whorled stem leaves; Hemerocallis has all leaves at base in a clump.; vs Fritillaria: Lilium has >12 leaves in whorls; Fritillaria has fewer leaves scattered or whorled.; vs Alstroemeria: Lilium has leaves right-side up; Alstroemeria has twisted leaf bases making leaves upside-down.; vs Amaryllis: Lilium has leafy stems; Amaryllis has naked flower stalks with all leaves at base.; vs Hippeastrum: Lilium has leafy stems and many whorled leaves; Hippeastrum has leafless flower stalks.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lilium humboldtii subsp. ocellatum native to California?
Yes. Lilium humboldtii subsp. ocellatum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lilium humboldtii subsp. ocellatum bloom?
Lilium humboldtii subsp. ocellatum blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Lilium humboldtii subsp. ocellatum grow?
Lilium humboldtii subsp. ocellatum occurs in San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, Kern and other counties, at elevations of < 1800 m.
What plant family does Lilium humboldtii subsp. ocellatum belong to?
Lilium humboldtii subsp. ocellatum is in the Liliaceae family, genus Lilium.
Is Lilium humboldtii subsp. ocellatum rare or endangered?
Lilium humboldtii subsp. ocellatum carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S4?.
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.