Clubhair Mariposa Lily

calochortus clavatus

The Clubhair Mariposa Lily (Calochortus clavatus) is a striking wildflower native to California's dry hillsides, canyons, and chaparral. Characterized by its brilliant, golden-yellow bell-shaped blossoms, this hardy perennial bulb thrives in harsh, nutrient-poor soils, including serpentine and volcanic formations. It belongs to the lily family and is celebrated for its sheer resilience and dazzling beauty, often emerging as a vibrant highlight in the chaparral landscape during late spring. What makes this species particularly fascinating is its evolutionary relationship with wildfire. While intense summer heat dries out the above-ground vegetation, the bulb remains safe beneath the soil, waiting for the nutrient-rich ash of a fire to trigger a massive, synchronized super-bloom. Spotters love this plant for its bold presence and the delicate, intricate structures hidden within its petals, making it a highly rewarding find for hikers and botanists alike. Learn to recognize Clubhair Mariposa Lily in the wild using the Snappit field guide app.

Habitat: Typically found on dry, rocky slopes, grassy hillsides, and within chaparral, coastal sage scrub, or open coniferous forests across California.

Appearance

This lily features robust, zigzagging stems growing up to 100 centimeters tall, topped with one to several upright, bowl-shaped flowers. The three petals are a rich, glossy golden-yellow, measuring 3 to 5 centimeters across, and are accented with a dark red or purple zig-zag band near the base. The defining characteristic is the presence of short, thick yellow hairs with swollen, club-like tips (clavate hairs) lining the lower inner surface of the petals, accompanied by dark purple or brownish anthers.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderLilialesFamilyLiliaceaeGenusCalochortus

Clubhair Mariposa Lily

Interesting facts

Indigenous peoples of California traditionally dug up and ate the sweet, nutritious bulbs of Mariposa lilies, either raw, boiled, or roasted.

The common name 'clubhair' refers to the unique, tiny hairs inside the flower's petals, which have knobby, club-like tips visible under a magnifying glass.

These plants are highly adapted to fire; their bulbs remain safely insulated deep underground during wildfires and often bloom spectacularly in the ash-enriched soil the following spring.

Special abilities

The plant's underground bulbs survive wildfires and utilize the sudden influx of nutrients and sunlight post-fire to trigger abundant blooms.

The club-shaped hairs inside the petals help trap morning dew and guide specific native bee pollinators toward the nectaries.

The species enters a state of deep dormancy during hot, dry summer months, storing energy safely underground in its bulb.

Measurements & details

Length: 20+ cm
Lifespan: 5+ years

Diet & Feeding

As a photosynthetic plant, it generates its own energy from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, while extracting key minerals through its root system.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Carbon Dioxide
Soil Minerals

Ecological connections

mutualism

Yellow-faced Bumblebee

Bombus vosnesenskii

Pollinated by native bees that are attracted to the nectar and the bright yellow petals.

eaten by

Botta's Pocket Gopher

Thomomys bottae

Bulbs are dug up and eaten by pocket gophers, which can impact local plant density.

eaten by

Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus

Mule deer occasionally graze on the buds and seed pods during early summer.

Traits

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Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Clubhair Mariposa Lily?

The easiest way to identify Clubhair Mariposa Lily is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Clubhair Mariposa Lily?

20+ cm

How long does Clubhair Mariposa Lily live?

5+ years

What does Clubhair Mariposa Lily eat?

As a photosynthetic plant, it generates its own energy from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, while extracting key minerals through its root system.

Where is Clubhair Mariposa Lily usually found?

Typically found on dry, rocky slopes, grassy hillsides, and within chaparral, coastal sage scrub, or open coniferous forests across California.