When does Calochortus venustus bloom?

Butterfly mariposa lily typically flowers from May through July, with the exact timing shifting a few weeks depending on elevation and winter rainfall.

What pollinators visit Calochortus venustus?

Bees and butterflies are the main visitors, attracted to the bold color patterns and markings at the base of each petal.

How much water does this plant need?

It does best with low water once established, since it grows from a bulb adapted to dry, well drained soils that dry out over summer.

What light conditions does it prefer?

Full sun is best. The flowers open widest and bloom most reliably in open, bright locations rather than shaded ones.

Does Calochortus venustus stay green year round?

No. As a bulb, its foliage dies back after flowering and it goes dormant through the dry season, resprouting the following spring.

Is Butterfly Mariposa Lily HOA-friendly?

Butterfly Mariposa Lily is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Butterfly Mariposa Lily

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Calochortus venustus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Calochortus venustus, the butterfly mariposa lily, produces cup shaped flowers in shades of white, yellow, pink, or red from May through July. It grows in dry, sunny grasslands and open woodlands at low to mid elevations in California.

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

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

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 typically flowers from May through July, with the exact timing shifting a few weeks depending on elevation and winter rainfall.
What pollinators visit Calochortus venustus?: Bees and butterflies are the main visitors, attracted to the bold color patterns and markings at the base of each petal.
How much water does this plant need?: It does best with low water once established, since it grows from a bulb adapted to dry, well drained soils that dry out over summer.
What light conditions does it prefer?: Full sun is best. The flowers open widest and bloom most reliably in open, bright locations rather than shaded ones.
Does Calochortus venustus stay green year round?: No. As a bulb, its foliage dies back after flowering and it goes dormant through the dry season, resprouting the following spring.
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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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