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).

What pollinators does Mount Diablo fairy lantern attract?

Mount Diablo fairy lantern draws native bees.

Mount Diablo fairy lantern

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

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

Pollinators

native bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains

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.

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