Pointedtip Mariposa Lily
Calochortus apiculatus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Pointedtip Mariposa Lily (Calochortus apiculatus) 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"–8" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
ID, MT, WA, WY
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Pointedtip mariposa lily is a delicate wildflower that produces elegant cup-shaped blooms in late spring and early summer. This low-growing perennial forms small clumps with narrow leaves and distinctive three-petaled flowers. It requires minimal water once established and thrives in sunny, well-drained locations.
In an HOA neighborhood
Pointedtip Mariposa Lily takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Goes completely dormant after blooming, leaving bare spots
- Very small size makes it appear sparse in maintained landscapes
- Wildflower appearance may not meet formal landscaping standards
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the blooming period from May through July. As a native bulb, it provides early season nectar when few other plants are flowering.
Common questions
- How much sun does Pointedtip Mariposa Lily need?
- Pointedtip Mariposa Lily grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Pointedtip Mariposa Lily bloom?
- Pointedtip Mariposa Lily blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Pointedtip Mariposa Lily native?
- Pointedtip Mariposa Lily (Calochortus apiculatus) is native to ID, MT, WA, WY, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Pointedtip Mariposa Lily toxic to dogs?
- Pointedtip Mariposa Lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Pointedtip Mariposa Lily toxic to cats?
- Pointedtip Mariposa Lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Pointedtip Mariposa Lily attract?
- Pointedtip Mariposa Lily draws bees and beetles.
- Is Pointedtip Mariposa Lily HOA-friendly?
- Pointedtip Mariposa Lily takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Pointedtip Mariposa Lily? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz