Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Calochortus vestae is a species of flowering plant in the lily family known by the common name coast range mariposa lily. It is endemic to the forests of the North Coast Ranges of California, where it generally grows in clay soils. It is a perennial herb producing a branching stem between 30 and 50 centimeters tall. The basal leaf is 10 to 20 centimeters long and withers by flowering. The flower cluster is a loose cluster of 1 to 6 erect, bell-shaped flowers. Each flower has three petals up to about 4 centimeters long and three sepals 2 to 3 centimeters long beneath. The petals are white to purplish in color with a central area of pale yellow with a darker reddish or brownish blotch within. At the base of each petal is a red-streaked patch of hairs.

Plant type

Perennial herb, Geophyte

Size

1 - 2 ft Tall

Calscape icon
Color

White, Yellow, Red

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water

Low, Very Low

Summer irrigation

Never irrigate once established

Soil drainage

Slow

Propagation

For propagating by seed: No treatment.

Sunset Zones

7*, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

Site type

Clay soils

Plant communities

Mixed Evergreen Forest, Yellow Pine Forest

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 1 likely

Confirmed Likely

Orange Tortrix Moth

Argyrotaenia franciscana