Cupido Mariposa Lily
Calochortus uniflorus
Care
full sun
very low
0–0ft tall
Mar-May
Friendly
Prized
Bulbs eaten roasted or boiled; traditional Indigenous food
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
Endemic to California, habitat loss from urban development
California state threatened species
Wildlife Supported
Insects
pollen collection for provisioning spring nests
early spring foraging for emerging queen colonies
caterpillars utilize foliage for development in spring
larvae feed on plant tissues during spring emergence
Birds
early spring nectar source during breeding season establishment
Mammals
seed collection and storage for winter food caches