Fairy-lantern
Calochortus albus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Fairy-lantern (Calochortus albus) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees.
Fairy-lantern (Calochortus albus) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
low
Size
8"–16" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A delicate bulb with grass-like leaves and nodding, globe-shaped white flowers held on wiry stems in a shaded woodland setting. It goes fully dormant and disappears from view once summer dryness sets in.
Growing Fairy-lantern
Grow Fairy-lantern in part shade and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 16 inches tall and spread 4 to 8 inches wide.
Wildlife value
The pendant spring flowers are visited by native bees seeking pollen from the enclosed blossom.
Common questions
- How much sun does Fairy-lantern need?
- Fairy-lantern grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Fairy-lantern bloom?
- Fairy-lantern blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Fairy-lantern native?
- Fairy-lantern (Calochortus albus) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Fairy-lantern toxic to dogs?
- Fairy-lantern is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Fairy-lantern toxic to cats?
- Fairy-lantern is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Fairy-lantern attract?
- Fairy-lantern draws bees.
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
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Fairy-lantern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.