Mariposa Lily*
Calochortus pulchellus
Care
full sun, part shade
very low
1–1ft tall
Friendly
Prized
Bulbs eaten raw or roasted; traditional Indigenous staple food
Meadows and grasslands of the central and northern Sierra Nevada foothills, 2000-5000 ft elevation.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Mt. Diablo fairy-lantern in full sun on a well-draining slope or raised bed - this rare native thrives in the chaparral and woodland conditions of Mount Diablo's bayside slopes, so drainage is critical. Plant in fall or early winter to align with natural growing season. Space plants to accommodate mature height of about 1 foot, and pair with other drought-tolerant native plants from chaparral and foothill woodland communities.
After Planting
Once established, never irrigate this plant during summer - it's adapted to survive on rainfall alone. The first year after planting, monitor soil moisture during the dry season but err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering; soggy soil is the #1 threat to this species. Expect the basal leaves to persist through flowering, and allow the plant to complete its natural cycle without pruning. This is a perennial that will return year after year with minimal intervention if given proper drainage and dry summer conditions.
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Early season nectar source for queen establishment and worker provisioning
Mammals
Small mammals consume seeds during dispersal period post-flowering