SafePlants

Sierra Mariposa Lily (Calochortus minimus)

The Calochortus minimus, commonly known as the Sierra Mariposa Lily, is a captivating wildflower native to California. It is a member of the lily family (Liliaceae) and is admired for its delicate beauty.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• This plant grows from a bulb.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calochortus minimus Ownbey
• Common Names: Sierra Mariposa Lily, Lesser Star Lily, Lesser Star Tulip, Star Tulip
• Family: Liliaceae

Distribution and Habitat

• The Sierra Mariposa Lily is primarily found in California's Sierra Nevada and foothills.
• It also occurs in the Modoc Plateau and potentially adjacent parts of Oregon.
• Specific locations include Yosemite National Park (Miguel Meadow area, Ansel Adams Wilderness), Desolation Wilderness, and Sequoia National Park.
• Another variety, the Alkali Mariposa Lily, favors moist alkaline areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• This plant grows from a bulb.

Historical Uses

• The bulbs of Mariposa Lilies were a significant food source for some Native American tribes, such as the Sierra Miwok.
• They were typically harvested in April when the buds appeared.

Related Species

• Other Calochortus species mentioned include:
  • Calochortus albus
  • Calochortus amabilis
  • Calochortus apiculatus
  • Calochortus leichtlinii (Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily)
  • Calochortus luteus (Yellow Mariposa Lily)
  • Calochortus nudus (Naked Star Tulip)
  • Calochortus superbus (Superb Mariposa Lily)
  • Calochortus venustus

Quirky Facts

• "Mariposa" is the Spanish word for butterfly, reflecting the flower's delicate and butterfly-like appearance.
• There are 67 different species of mariposa lilies in the world, with 45 of them are found from the Santa Lucia Mountains to the Sierra Madre Ridge.