Yellow mariposa lily
Calochortus luteus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Yellow mariposa lily (Calochortus luteus) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees.
Yellow mariposa lily (Calochortus luteus) 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"–16" H × 4"–6" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees
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A bulb-forming forb with cup-shaped bright yellow flowers marked with reddish-brown blotches near the base of each petal. Blooms briefly in spring on grassy slopes, then goes fully dormant through the dry season.
Growing Yellow mariposa lily
Grow Yellow mariposa lily in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 16 inches tall and spread 4 to 6 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Showy spring flowers attract native bees searching for early-season pollen.
Common questions
- How much sun does Yellow mariposa lily need?
- Yellow mariposa lily grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Yellow mariposa lily bloom?
- Yellow mariposa lily blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Yellow mariposa lily native?
- Yellow mariposa lily (Calochortus luteus) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Yellow mariposa lily toxic to dogs?
- Yellow mariposa lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Yellow mariposa lily toxic to cats?
- Yellow mariposa lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Yellow mariposa lily attract?
- Yellow mariposa lily draws 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 Yellow mariposa lily? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.