Splendid mariposa lily
Calochortus splendens
Last reviewed: September 2026
Splendid mariposa lily (Calochortus splendens) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw native bees.
Splendid mariposa lily (Calochortus splendens) 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
full sun
Water
low
Size
8"–24" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA
Pollinators
native bees
Before you buy
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Slender bulb with grass-like leaves and one to several cup-shaped lavender-pink flowers with darker centers held on wiry stems in late spring, found on dry grassy slopes. Foliage dies back to the bulb after flowering.
Growing Splendid mariposa lily
Grow Splendid mariposa lily in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 4 to 8 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Flowers are visited by native bees for pollen; the dormant bulb historically served as a food source for wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Splendid mariposa lily need?
- Splendid mariposa lily grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Splendid mariposa lily bloom?
- Splendid mariposa lily blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Splendid mariposa lily native?
- Splendid mariposa lily (Calochortus splendens) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Splendid mariposa lily toxic to dogs?
- Splendid mariposa lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Splendid mariposa lily toxic to cats?
- Splendid mariposa lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Splendid mariposa lily attract?
- Splendid mariposa lily draws native 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 Splendid mariposa lily? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.