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Plant Encyclopedia > Mariposas

Key Facts About Mariposas

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Attributes of Mariposas

Leaf type

Deciduous

Scientific Classification of Mariposas

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Lilies, supplejacks and allies

Family

Lily

Genus

Mariposas

Distribution of Mariposas

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Distribution Map of Mariposas

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

How to Grow and Care for Mariposas

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Mariposas is a vibrant plant genus demanding moderate maintenance. These species prefer full sun exposure, well-drained soil, typical watering, and cool to average temperatures. Common challenges encompass bulb rot due to overwatering and susceptibility to pests like slugs and aphids. For optimal growth, they demand seasonal care: pruning back in autumn, shielding from frost in winter, and watering sparingly in dry summer periods. Overall, with proper care, they offer stunning and unique blooming displays.

How to Water Mariposas?

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Exploring the Mariposas Plants

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8 most common species：

Sego Lily

Sego Lily (Calochortus nuttallii) is a perennial wildflower commonly found in open grasslands and woodland areas. Flowers bloom from spring to summer with showy white bell-shaped flowers with yellow centers. Prefers full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.

Tolmie star-tulip

Tolmie star-tulip is a perennial flower native to the west coast of the United States. Also known as hairy star tulip or white pussy ears due to its fuzzy petals, it takes the name tolmie star-tulip from scientist and explorer Dr. William Fraser Tolmie.

White globe lily

The white globe lily is a hardy wild lily, despite its delicate appearance. Its flower petals with closed orbs give the blooms an almost lantern-like appearance, earning it the nickname “fairy lantern.” The lilies bloom in the winter and spring and go dormant after they flower. They are native to and grow throughout much of southern California.

Subalpine mariposa lily

Subalpine mariposa lily (Calochortus subalpinus) is indigenous to the northwestern part of the United States. It's also known as mountain's cat ear because the fuzzy flowers look just like the ears of a cat. The bulbs of this plant are edible, and they're also a popular food with grizzly bears.

Butterfly mariposa lily

Butterfly mariposa lily (Calochortus venustus) is a flowering perennial herb species native and endemic to California. Butterfly mariposa lily grows in light, sandy soils in grasslands and open wooded areas. This species is a member of the lily family and only grows in or near to California.

Smokey mariposa

Other names for Calochortus leichtlinii (smokey mariposa) are Mariposa Lily and Leichtlin’s Mariposa. This perennial herb is native to western North America. Native American tribes feasted on the delicious underground bulbs of the species.

Short lily

Short lily (Calochortus amabilis) is endemic to northern California in the U.S., where it grows in coastal scrub and woodland. 'Amabilis' in the scientific name means “pleasing” or “lovely” and, indeed, it is a popular ornamental plant in wildlife gardens.

Splendid mariposa lily

Native to valleys, foothills, and coastal mountains of California and Baja California in North America, splendid mariposa lily is a perennial herb that is sometimes used in horticulture. Splendid mariposa lily produces bowl-shaped flowers that come in several shades of blue, purple, lilac, and lavender, but it doesn't bloom in the garden each year.

All Species of Mariposas

Sego Lily

Tolmie star-tulip

White globe lily

Subalpine mariposa lily

Butterfly mariposa lily

Smokey mariposa

Short lily

Splendid mariposa lily

Gold nuggets

Gold nuggets

The gold nuggets plant is native exclusively to California, where it is found in grasslands, coastal prairies, and the occasional forest. It needs direct sunlight to grow properly. The bulbs are small, but edible, and can be either cooked or eaten raw. It has even been suggested that these bulbs can be used as staple foods, though no efforts have been put toward cultivating them on large scales.

Weed's mariposa lily

Calochortus weedii is also known as weed's mariposa lily. It is a flowering perennial herb that is native to North America. The species is part of the lily family. It has an attractive yellow color and shape.

Plummer's mariposa lily

Plummer's mariposa lily

Plummer's mariposa lily, a beautiful flowering plant endemic to southern California in the U.S., is rarely seen in the wild. It grows from a bulb and blooms with complex and extremely showy flowers from spring to summer.

Yellow mariposa

Yellow mariposa (Calochortus superbus) is native to California in the U.S. and grows along the coast and foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is part of the lily family and can grow as high as 60 cm. In spite of the name, the flowers can be found in a variety of colors.

Santa catalina mariposa lily

Santa catalina mariposa lily

Santa catalina mariposa lily is endemic to Southern California and can be found growing naturally in coastal habitats, including grasslands, chaparral, and forests. The genus name "Calochortus" translates to "beautiful grass," given for the plant's pleasing appearance and native habitat.

Desert mariposa lily

The Calochortus kennedyi is commonly called the desert mariposa lily and is native to the deserts of the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its petals can be red, yellow, or orange, and it has two subspecies.

Slender mariposa lily

Slender mariposa lily (Calochortus clavatus) is a rare perennial flower found almost exclusively in California in the U.S. It grows on chaparral hillsides, mostly along the coast, and in full sun or partial shade. The slender, skeletal stem can reach 1 m in height. Though not officially listed as an endangered species, it is provisionally considered threatened.

Winding mariposa lily

Winding mariposa lily (Calochortus flexuosus) is an attractive wildflower that you are most likely to see when it blooms in late spring and early summer. The white or pink flowers stand out well in the plant's native grasslands, deserts, and dry scrubs of the Southeast USA and Northern Mexico.

Sagebrush mariposa lily

Sagebrush mariposa lily (Calochortus macrocarpus) is grown ornamentally for its showy violet flowers which have yellow centers. Though found in pine forest and juniper woodland, it primarily occurs in sagebrush habitat, which is why it is commonly called "sagebrush mariposa lily."

Elegant mariposa lily

Elegant mariposa lily

The inflorescence bears 1 to 7 erect bell-shaped flowers. Each flower has three sepals and three petals with very hairy inner surfaces and edges. Each petal is greenish white in color with a purple crescent above a hairless patch at the base. The fruit is a winged capsule about 2 centimeters long.

Dunn's mariposa lily

Dunn's mariposa lily

Dunn's mariposa lily is a perennial wildflower with a slender, grass-like appearance that often escapes notice until its bloom season. Unique bulbous roots give rise to tall, delicate stems, each topped with a solitary, elegant, cup-shaped flower. The blossoms, usually in a soft violet shade, feature intricate patterning, which makes dunn's mariposa lily a botanical jewel in its arid native habitats. Resilient to drought, this plant's lifecycle is tuned to the scarce rainfall of its natural environment.

Cedars mariposa lily

Cedars mariposa lily

Cedars mariposa lily is a captivating flowering bulbous perennial with slender stalks, hosting graceful cup-shaped blooms in vibrant hues. These large, solitary flowers exhibit a trio of delicate petals, often adorned with a distinct, central fringe or blotch. Its narrow leaves emerge in grass-like clumps, contributing to cedars mariposa lily's elegant silhouette. Adapted to its native serpentine soils, cedars mariposa lily thrives in well-drained conditions with full sun exposure, typically blossoming in the late spring to early summer.

Yellow star-tulip

Calochortus monophyllus is a perennial herb producing a slender, sometimes branched stem up to about 20 cm tall. The basal leaf is 10 to 30 cm in length and does not wither at flowering. The inflorescence bears 1 to 6 erect, bell-shaped flowers.

Munz's mariposa lily

Munz's mariposa lily

Munz's mariposa lily flaunts its large, cup-shaped, creamy-white to pale lilac flowers with distinctive purple markings at the base. It embraces its harsh, dry environments by storing nutrients in bulbous roots. In spring, each slender stem may crown with up to three blooms, each petal unfurling like a delicate dance with survival.

White mariposa lily

White mariposa lily

White mariposa lily is a perennial herb boasting large, showy flowers, typically white to purple with a base of yellow and purplish glandular hairs. The broad, grass-like leaves clasp at the base, with the plant favoring open, sunny habitats. These elegant blooms emerge from bulbs and are particularly adapted to survive in dry, summer-dormant regions.

Desert mariposa lily

Desert mariposa lily

Desert mariposa lily manifests as a vibrant desert perennial with large, bowl-shaped flowers, whose vibrant red to orange petals create a striking contrast against arid landscapes. These blooms, atop slender stems with grass-like leaves, beckon pollinators critical for survival in its harsh native habitats. Endemic resilience allows desert mariposa lily to bloom profusely in well-drained soils under full sun.

Tiburon mariposa lily

Calochortus tiburonensis is a perennial growing from a bulb to 10 to 60 cm in height with a single leaf. It produces anywhere from 2 to 7 erect flowers annually on a branching stem. The ciliate, light yellow-green petals are streaked with purplish-brown.

Plain mariposa lily

Plain mariposa lily

Plain mariposa lily graces the mountainous regions of California with its graceful, bell-shaped and pallid to deep purple flowers. Characterized by its tri-petal design marked by a central gland often fringed by fine hairs, this wildflower thrives in open, rocky terrains. Its delicate beauty belies a robust nature, well-adapted to the dry summers of its native habitat.

Desert mariposa lily

Desert mariposa lily

Desert mariposa lily boasts vibrant, cup-shaped flowers with distinct colors ranging from deep red to orange. This hardy perennial thrives in arid, well-drained soils, mirroring its native desert habitats' harsh conditions. Its narrow, linear leaves support a straight, slender stem, which gracefully elevates the colorful bloom to be pollinated by local wildlife.

Coast range mariposa lily

Coast range mariposa lily

Coast range mariposa lily is a captivating wildflower, characterized by its vibrant, goblet-shaped blooms, which are marked by a delicate interplay of colors, often with a striking contrast between their central glands and petal tips. These exquisite flowers sit atop slender, leafy stems that emerge from bulbous bases, adapted to the variable climates of their native habitats. Remarkably hardy, coast range mariposa lily thrives in well-drained soils where it graces the landscape with its brief but brilliant springtime display.

San luis mariposa lily

San luis mariposa lily

San luis mariposa lily is a charming perennial wildflower with graceful, bell-shaped blooms, often sporting vibrant purple or lavender petals marked with a distinct central eye. Nestled among grassy hills and open woodlands, this species thrives in its native Californian soil, utilizing a bulbous root to endure the summer drought. San luis mariposa lily's elegant stalks and distinctive coloring make it a striking figure in its natural habitat.

Calochortus purpureus

Calochortus purpureus is a striking wildflower characterized by its large, cup-shaped, purple blossoms that stand out amidst the grasses and shrubs in its native Californian habitats. Typically found on open, well-drained slopes, this plant leans towards the sun, each stem crowned with one to a few iridescent flowers. The smooth petals, adorned with a sunken gland, suggest a strategy adapted to attract specific pollinators.

Calochortus barbatus

Calochortus barbatus is a striking perennial noted for its large, bell-shaped flowers, which exhibit vibrant colors, often ranging from white to pink and purple, with a unique beard-like fringe at the petal bases. Thriving in well-drained soils, this wildflower's slender stems and grass-like leaves are telltale, emerging in spring to grace rocky slopes and meadows with its captivating blooms.

Beavertail grass

Beavertail grass

Beavertail grass boasts majestic, sky-blue blossoms standing out amidst grassy landscapes. Bearing bulbous roots, this hardy perennial thrives in well-drained soils, often dotting open woodlands and slopes. Bell-shaped flowers, with three large petals, emerge in spring, drawing pollinators with their vivid hue against slender, grass-like leaves.

Clay mariposa lily

Calochortus argillosus is endemic to coastal central California growing 40 to 60 cm in height. The leaf at the base of the stem is narrow in shape, reaching up to 30 cm long. The inflorescence bears 1 to 4 erect bell-shaped flowers. The petals are rounded in shape and white to pink in base color with a central spot or streaking of red, purple, and yellow.

Late-blooming mariposa lily

Late-blooming mariposa lily

Late-blooming mariposa lily is a charming perennial herb with a bulbous base, boasting delicate, cup-shaped flowers. These vivid blossoms are framed by thin, elongated leaves and are often adorned with fringed petal margins, invoking its namesake. Thriving in well-drained soils, late-blooming mariposa lily's native habitats, such as grassy slopes and light woodlands, provide the dry summer conditions essential for its dormancy period and subsequent flowering.

Oakland mariposa lily

Calochortus umbellatus is a branching perennial herb up to 25 cm tall. Inflorescence is sub-umbellate with 3-10 white or pale pink flowers.

Bruneau mariposa lily

Bruneau mariposa lily

Bruneau mariposa lily is a captivating wildflower native to specific regions of the western United States. It features a striking display of large, tulip-shaped blooms with three distinct petals, which can range from vibrant purples to more muted hues. Adapted to survive in arid conditions, bruneau mariposa lily conserves water efficiently. Its foliage is slender, contributing to its graceful appearance, while its bulbous base allows it to thrive in well-drained soils, embodying the rugged beauty of its natural habitat.

Mt. diablo fairy-lantern

Calochortus pulchellus is a perennial herb growing a branching stem up to about 30 centimeters tall. The basal leaf is up to 40 centimeters long and does not wither at flowering; there are 2 or 3 smaller leaves farther up the stem.

Pointedtip mariposa lily

Pointedtip mariposa lily

Pointedtip mariposa lily is named for and stands out from other lilies because of the pointed tips that emerge from between the three large petals of its white flowers. This lily is very well adapted to colder winters and is a good lily to pick if your garden is in a colder climate.

Goldenbowl mariposa lily

Goldenbowl mariposa lily

Goldenbowl mariposa lily is a captivating wildflower with a single, upright stem and graceful bell-shaped flowers that evoke a sense of delicacy. These blooms typically display a gentle, creamy-yellow hue, vivid in contrast with the greens of its grass-like leaves. Thriving in open, dry habitats, goldenbowl mariposa lily relies on well-drained soils, its bulbous root adapted to survive seasonal droughts. The charm of goldenbowl mariposa lily is pronounced in spring when its flowers make a striking display.

Sierra mariposa lily

Sierra mariposa lily

Sierra mariposa lily, a petite mountain-dweller, flourishes in rocky substrates and alpine meadows. Displaying a trio of delicate white to lavender petals often with a subtle, central purple spot, it rises from grass-like foliage in late spring. This compact herb's bulbous base and slender, leafy stem culminate in a singular, nodding bloom, characteristic of its genus.

Palmer's mariposa lily

Palmer's mariposa lily

Palmer's mariposa lily is a striking wildflower native to North American meadows and slopes. Known for its large, cup-shaped blooms, it presents white to lavender petals with a delicate fringe and a base marked by vivid purple spots. The grass-like foliage sways gracefully in the summer breeze, hinting at palmer's mariposa lily's adaptability to its sunny, well-drained habitats.

Lyall's mariposa lily

Lyall's mariposa lily

Lyall's mariposa lily is distinctive because of its strikingly white flowers with yellow centers and magenta circles on the inner petals. The name 'mariposa' means butterfly in Spanish and refers to the plant's lovely butterfly-wing-shaped flower petals. This plant grows close to pine forests only in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, USA, and Canada.

Palmer's mariposa lily

Palmer's mariposa lily

Palmer's mariposa lily is a striking wildflower native to the western United States. Bearer of large, tulip-like blossoms, it flourishes with shades of pink and purple, set against a backdrop of long, lance-shaped leaves. This herbaceous perennial favors open woodlands and grassy slopes, relying on well-drained soils and seasonal fire cycles to thrive and reproduce. Distinctive for bulbous growth, palmer's mariposa lily emerges in spring, gracing landscapes with its unmistakable, delicate charm.

Monterey mariposa lily

Calochortus uniflorus is native to western Oregon and to California growing less than 5 cm tall. The basal leaf is up to 40 cm long. Each flower has three petals up to about 3 cm long. The petals are white to pink in color and may have purple spotting near the bases.

Purple fairy-lantern

Purple fairy-lantern

Purple fairy-lantern is a charming and delicate wildflower, notable for its vivid, cup-shaped blooms that exhibit an interplay of colors, often with a gradient from cream to pink or lavender. Its trio of broad petals is both its visual hallmark and its beacon to pollinators. Ideally adapted to well-drained soils, purple fairy-lantern emerges in the spring, gracing meadows and woodlands with its ephemeral beauty. This perennial's slender stem and grass-like leaves allow it to sway gracefully in the breeze, demonstrating nature's blend of strength and elegance.

Naked mariposa lily

Naked mariposa lily

Naked mariposa lily is a North American wildflower that typically flourishes in open, rocky habitats. With its slender, upright stems, naked mariposa lily stands out during its blooming season, showcasing solitary, cup-shaped flowers. These blossoms are often adorned with delicate petals ranging in color from white to lavender. The absence of leaves on the flowering stalks gives naked mariposa lily a distinctive 'naked' appearance, a trait suggested by its species name.

Doubting mariposa lily

Doubting mariposa lily

Doubting mariposa lily flaunts elegant grass-like leaves, supporting stems that culminate in striking, large tulip-shaped flowers. The blossoms exhibit a color palette ranging from pale yellow to deep purple, often with a shimmering, central eye zone. Thriving in arid environments, doubting mariposa lily displays beauty through resilience, with its bulbous roots specially adapted to survive dry seasons.

More Popular Genus

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Dracaena

Fig trees

Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.

Brambles

Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.

Maples

Prunus

Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.

Nightshades

Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.

Roses

Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.

Oaks

Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.

Mariposas

Calochortus

Also known as: Cat's ears, Star tulips, Fairy lanterns

Mariposas grow from bulbs, and the genus includes perennials and herbs. The species are native to North America and produce flowers in the spring and early summer from a single stem growing from the bulb. The flowers have up to three petals and vary in size and color, notably including both solids and streaked petals in different species.

Lifespan

Perennial

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Key Facts About Mariposas

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Attributes of Mariposas

Leaf type

Deciduous

Scientific Classification of Mariposas

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Lilies, supplejacks and allies

Family

Lily

Genus

Mariposas

Distribution of Mariposas

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Distribution Map of Mariposas

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

How to Grow and Care for Mariposas

Feedback

How to Water Mariposas?

How to Propagate Mariposas?

How to Plant Mariposas?

More Info About Caring for Mariposas

Exploring the Mariposas Plants

Feedback

8 most common species：

Sego Lily

Tolmie star-tulip

White globe lily

Subalpine mariposa lily

Butterfly mariposa lily

Smokey mariposa

Short lily

Splendid mariposa lily

Show More Species

All Species of Mariposas

Sego Lily

Tolmie star-tulip

White globe lily

Subalpine mariposa lily

Butterfly mariposa lily

Smokey mariposa

Short lily

Splendid mariposa lily

Gold nuggets

Weed's mariposa lily

Plummer's mariposa lily

Yellow mariposa

Santa catalina mariposa lily

Desert mariposa lily

Slender mariposa lily

Winding mariposa lily

Sagebrush mariposa lily

Elegant mariposa lily

Tiburon mariposa lily

Plain mariposa lily

Desert mariposa lily

Coast range mariposa lily

San luis mariposa lily

Calochortus purpureus

Calochortus barbatus

Beavertail grass

Clay mariposa lily

Late-blooming mariposa lily

Oakland mariposa lily

Bruneau mariposa lily

Mt. diablo fairy-lantern

Pointedtip mariposa lily

Goldenbowl mariposa lily

Sierra mariposa lily

Palmer's mariposa lily

Lyall's mariposa lily

Palmer's mariposa lily

Monterey mariposa lily

Purple fairy-lantern

Naked mariposa lily

Doubting mariposa lily

More Popular Genus

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