Alternate name: Butterfly Mariposa Lily, White Mariposa Lily

Family: Liliaceae, Lily view all from this family

Description This species has a greater color range than most Calochortus species, but is most often white. Each petal has a dark red blotch, often surrounded by paler blotches. The stems of this bulbiferous perennial are branched and bear grass-like leaves. Flowers occur in groups of 1-3.

Flower May - July.

Habitat Grasslands; hot foothill woodlands; 1000-8000 ft.

Range S. and c. Sierra foothills and s.and c. Coast Ranges of California.

Discussion The Square Mariposa Lily is a member of the lily family (family Liliaceae). Lilies are mostly perennial herbs from rhizomes, bulbs, or corms. The family is extremely complex and botanists estimate 250 genera and 4,000-6,000 species. Many, including tulips and day lilies, are handsome ornamentals. Asparagus, Sarsaparilla, onions, and the medicinally useful Aloe are from the family. A few species are poisonous.