SafePlants

Plain Mariposa Lily (Calochortus invenustus)

The Plain Mariposa Lily, scientifically known as Calochortus invenustus, is a beautiful wildflower native to North America.

Considerations for Pets

• The Plain Mariposa Lily belongs to the Liliaceae (Lily) family.
• It grows from a bulb.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calochortus invenustus E. Greene
• Common Name: Plain Mariposa Lily
• Family: Liliaceae (Lily)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonym: "Plain Mariposa Lily (Blue form)" is mentioned, referring to a color variation.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the mountain ranges of North America.
• Specifically found in California, including the Los Padres National Forest (Ventana Wilderness - Chew's Ridge), Mt. Hamilton, Diablo Mountains, San Jacinto Mountains (Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail), and Mt. Pinos, Kern Co.
• Often found in granitic soils.
• Also found in the Lily Family West of the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is a herbaceous, perennial, and bulbous plant.
• It is a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
• The perianth is bell-shaped.
• Sepals are yellow-green underneath.
• Petals are white or tinged lilac, occasionally spotted with purple below the nectary.
• Can reach up to 50 cm high.

Ecology

• The text specifies that it is endemic to California

Quirky Facts

• While commonly called "Plain Mariposa Lily," one source notes, "This species...is far from that."
• Some sources refer to it as "Shy Mariposa Lily."

Additional Information

• The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center focuses on protecting and preserving North America's native plants.
• The USDA PLANTS database contains information and images of Calochortus invenustus.
• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of the Plain Mariposa Lily.