Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Calochortus argillosus is a species of flowering plant in the lily family which is known by the common name clay mariposa lily. It is endemic to coastal central California, where it grows in hard clay soils in the local mountains. This is a perennial herb producing an unbranching stem to heights between 40 and 60 centimeters. The leaf at the base of the stem is narrow in shape, reaching up to 30 centimeters long withering away at flowering. The flower cluster bears 1 to 4 erect bell-shaped flowers. Each flower has three sepals and three petals up to 4 centimeters long. The petals are rounded in shape and white to pink in base color with a central spot or streaking of red, purple, and yellow. The fruit is a narrow capsule up to 6 centimeters long.

Plant type

Perennial herb, Geophyte

Size

1 - 2 ft Tall

Calscape icon
Color

White, Purple, Pink

Sun

Full Sun

Water

Low, Very Low

Summer irrigation

Never irrigate once established

Soil drainage

Slow

Site type

Hard clay from volcanic rocks

Plant communities

Foothill Woodland, Valley Grassland, Yellow Pine Forest

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 1 likely

Confirmed Likely

Orange Tortrix Moth

Argyrotaenia franciscana