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Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily

Calochortus leichtlinii

Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily is a beautiful flower with bright yellow petals that look like little cups. It blooms in spring and can be found in meadows and grasslands, adding color to the landscape.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily has striking cup-shaped flowers, typically brilliant white or pale yellow, with a distinctive purplish-brown crescent mark and fine hairs at the base of each of its three large petals. Its slender stem supports a single flower or a small cluster, rising above grass-like leaves.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderLilialesFamilyLiliaceaeGenusCalochortus
Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily
flowering trait badgespring_blooming trait badgefragrant_flower trait badgecolorful trait badge
Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

4

Interesting facts

Each petal has a fuzzy patch near its base, which helps protect the flower's reproductive parts!

Mariposa means 'butterfly' in Spanish, perfectly describing these delicate, colorful blooms.

Native Americans once ate its sweet, potato-like bulbs, dug up from the ground!

This lily can grow in very dry, rocky soil where many other beautiful flowers struggle to survive!

Special abilities

Ability

Bulb Power

Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily has an underground bulb that stores water and food, helping it survive dry summers and grow back year after year.

Ability

Nectar Guides

The flower's dark markings and hairs act like a landing strip, guiding busy bees straight to its sweet nectar for pollination.

Ability

Drought Dormancy

It can go dormant during hot, dry periods, allowing it to conserve energy and reappear only when conditions are right.

Measurements & details

Height
15-60 cm
Flower Size
3-5 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar and pollen, aiding in reproduction.

pollinates

Western Bumblebee

Bombus occidentalis

Buzz-pollinates the flower, helping spread pollen.

eats

Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus

Occasionally browses on the leaves and flowers.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch flowers in nature to keep them safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily?

The easiest way to identify Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How tall is Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily?

15-60 cm

How big are the flowers on Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily?

3-5 cm

When does Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily edible?

Yes

Is Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily toxic?

None

What is Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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