Mount Diablo fairy lantern
Calochortus pulchellus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Mount Diablo fairy lantern (Calochortus pulchellus) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw native bees.
Mount Diablo fairy lantern (Calochortus pulchellus) 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"–24" H × 3"–6" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA
Pollinators
native bees
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A bulb-forming perennial with a slender stem and nodding, lantern-shaped yellow flowers in late spring. Grows on shaded, rocky slopes and goes fully dormant in summer, leaving no trace above ground.
Growing Mount Diablo fairy lantern
Grow Mount Diablo fairy lantern in part shade and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 3 to 6 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Its nodding flowers are pollinated by native bees able to access the enclosed, hanging blooms.
Common questions
- How much sun does Mount Diablo fairy lantern need?
- Mount Diablo fairy lantern grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Mount Diablo fairy lantern bloom?
- Mount Diablo fairy lantern blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Mount Diablo fairy lantern native?
- Mount Diablo fairy lantern (Calochortus pulchellus) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Mount Diablo fairy lantern toxic to dogs?
- Mount Diablo fairy lantern is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Mount Diablo fairy lantern toxic to cats?
- Mount Diablo fairy lantern is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Mount Diablo fairy lantern attract?
- Mount Diablo fairy lantern draws native bees.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Mount Diablo fairy lantern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.