Lilium pardalinum subsp. pitkinense
Pitkin marsh lily, Pitkin Marsh Lily
(c) Bruce Homer-Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bruce Homer-Smith · licence
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
Lilium pardalinum subsp. pitkinense (Pitkin marsh lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by very restricted geographic range to Pitkin Marsh area.
Pitkin marsh lily is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in southern North Coast Ranges (Sonoma County) in marshes and valley-oak scrub at elevations of 35 to 60 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces magenta and dark-tipped flowers with red-orange pollen, reaching 4.9 to 7.1 centimeters long. Growing to less than 2 meters tall with moderately clonal characteristics, it develops whorled leaves and complex bulb scales. Its leaves are arranged in distinctive whorls around the stem, contributing to the plant's elegant structure. The lily produces a complex bulb with segmented scales, reflecting its specialized adaptation to marsh environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; very restricted geographic range to Pitkin Marsh area
Habitat and range
Habitat: Marshes, valley-oak scrub
Elevation: 35-60 m
Bloom period
Lilium pardalinum subsp. pitkinense blooms Jun-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
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 pardalinum subsp. pitkinense native to California?
Yes. Lilium pardalinum subsp. pitkinense is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lilium pardalinum subsp. pitkinense bloom?
Lilium pardalinum subsp. pitkinense blooms Jun-Jul.
What plant family does Lilium pardalinum subsp. pitkinense belong to?
Lilium pardalinum subsp. pitkinense is in the Liliaceae family, genus Lilium.
Is Lilium pardalinum subsp. pitkinense rare or endangered?
Lilium pardalinum subsp. pitkinense carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Lilium pardalinum subsp. pitkinense grow in?
Lilium pardalinum subsp. pitkinense grows in Marshes, valley-oak scrub.
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.