Cupido Mariposa Lily

Calochortus uniflorus

perennial herbView on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun

Water

very low

Size

0–0ft tall

Bloom

Mar-May

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Edible

Bulbs eaten roasted or boiled; traditional Indigenous food

Native Range

Coastal grassland and scrub from Humboldt County to Marin County, below 1000 ft elevation, extending to southern Oregon

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your Cupido Mariposa Lily in full sun in a location that mimics its native coastal hill and meadow habitat. Choose a spot with excellent drainage, as this plant thrives in low-water conditions and won't tolerate soggy soil. Space plants to accommodate their delicate, short stems and basal leaves. Plant in fall or early winter so the bulb can establish before spring flowering (March through May).

After Planting

Water moderately during the first growing season to help establishment, then wean off completely - once established, never irrigate this plant again, even in summer. Expect minimal care after year one; the plant will enter dormancy after flowering and requires no pruning. The most common mistake is overwatering: treat this as a truly drought-tolerant native once it's settled in, and resist the urge to water during dry seasons.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

California kangaroo ratDipodomys californicus

Endemic to California, habitat loss from urban development

Federal: Endangered, CA: Endangered

California ringlet butterflyCoenonympha california

California state threatened species

CA: Threatened

Wildlife Supported