Calochortus leichtlinii ~ Smokey Mariposa Lily

Calochortus leichtlinii grows in open pine forest at an elevations of 4,000-12,000 feet, generally on gravelly decomposed granite soils. The flowers are white with charcoal and yellow markings. The English translation of mariposa means butterfly. I have not seen the flowers attract the butterflies but from a distance there could be a floral resemblance. Regardless Calochortus leichtlinii is astoundingly beautiful. The Mariposa Lily's white flowers come out in the late Spring and linger into Summer. Their native range includes the Sierra Nevada Range and into the Mountains of Nevada. Sharp drainage is required for the bulbs to survive the Summer if there is irrigation. Though they will take some summer water as long as they can dry out completely between irrigation cycles.

More Bulbs for a California Garden

Calochortus leichtlinii, Smokey Mariposa Lily — Flowers and foliage of **Calochortus leichtlinii** the Smokey Mariposa Lily. High resolution photos are part of our garden image collection.