Splendid Mariposa Lily
Calochortus splendens
- Native to:
- United States
WBeckon
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Liliaceae
- Genus:
- Calochortus
- Species:
- Calochortus splendens
- USDA Symbol:
- CASP
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Geophyte
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple, lavender
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Anthophorula nitens, Diadasia bituberculata, Diadasia Patton
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Geophyte that resprouts from underground bulb after fire. Benefits from fire clearing competing vegetation in chaparral and grassland habitats.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Native to dry, open slopes and grasslands
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate with fall rains. Bulbs require summer dormancy and dry conditions during dormant period.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds treated with dry heat at 120 C for 5 minutes resulted in decreased germination.
Establishment: The plant is found within the mattoral vegetation association of California. Avoid pre-treatment with dry heat as it decreases germination.
Source: npn.rngr.net