Butterfly Mariposa Lily
Calochortus venustus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Calochortus venustus is a California native wildflower that produces showy butterfly-like blooms from May through July. This drought-tolerant bulb thrives in full sun and attracts bees and butterflies to gardens.
Butterfly Mariposa Lily (Calochortus venustus) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 3"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Calochortus venustus, commonly known as Butterfly Mariposa Lily, produces elegant cup-shaped flowers in white to lavender with distinctive markings. This native bulb blooms in late spring to early summer, going dormant in the dry season. It prefers well-drained soil in full sun locations.
Growing Butterfly Mariposa Lily
Grow Butterfly Mariposa Lily in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 3 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Butterfly Mariposa Lily is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Goes completely dormant after blooming, leaving no visible foliage
- Best incorporated into mixed plantings rather than as standalone specimens
- Naturalistic appearance may not suit formal landscape designs
Wildlife value
The showy flowers attract native bees and butterflies, providing valuable nectar during late spring and early summer months.
Common questions
- When does Calochortus venustus bloom?
- Butterfly Mariposa Lily blooms from May through July, producing distinctive cup-shaped flowers with colorful markings.
- What pollinators visit Calochortus venustus?
- This native California wildflower attracts bees and butterflies, which are drawn to its showy blooms during the late spring and summer months.
- Where is Calochortus venustus native?
- Butterfly Mariposa Lily is native to California, where it grows naturally in grasslands, chaparral, and oak woodlands.
- How much water does Calochortus venustus need?
- This drought-tolerant native requires low water once established and prefers dry conditions during its summer dormancy period.
- Is Butterfly Mariposa Lily toxic to dogs?
- Butterfly Mariposa Lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Butterfly Mariposa Lily toxic to cats?
- Butterfly Mariposa Lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Butterfly Mariposa Lily HOA-friendly?
- Butterfly Mariposa Lily is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Butterfly Mariposa Lily? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz