Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily
Calochortus leichtlinii
Last reviewed: September 2026
Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily (Calochortus leichtlinii) 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, NV, OR
Pollinators
bees, beetles
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Calochortus leichtlinii, known as Leichtlin's mariposa lily, is a delicate wildflower with elegant cup-shaped blooms that appear in late spring to early summer. This low-water perennial grows from a bulb, reaching 6-24 inches tall with narrow, grass-like leaves that die back after flowering.
In an HOA neighborhood
Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Goes dormant after flowering, leaving bare spots
- Has a wild, meadow-like appearance not suited for formal landscapes
- Best planted in groups with companion plants to hide dormant period
Wildlife value
This native lily provides valuable nectar for bees and beetles. Its cup-shaped flowers create perfect landing platforms for pollinators seeking nectar and pollen.
Common questions
- How much sun does Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily need?
- Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily bloom?
- Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily native?
- Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily (Calochortus leichtlinii) is native to CA, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily toxic to dogs?
- Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily toxic to cats?
- Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily attract?
- Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily draws bees and beetles.
- Is Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily HOA-friendly?
- Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
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 Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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