Butterfly mariposa lily Calochortus venustus
Butterfly mariposa lily (Calochortus venustus) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Liliaceae family, native to Grassland and open woods of central California. It grows 20–60 cm (8–24 in) tall and 8–15 cm (3–6 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 10 cm (4 in) apart.
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Butterfly mariposa lily at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Mature height | 20–60 cm (8–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 8–15 cm (3–6 in) |
| Spacing | 10 cm (4 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: bulbs (cooked, traditionally) |
| Native to | Grassland and open woods of central California |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Butterfly mariposa lily toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
- Parts: all parts (cats)
Not known to poison people or dogs; a member of the lily family, so keep cats away to be safe.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Butterfly mariposa lily
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Butterfly mariposa lily
- How far apart should I plant Butterfly mariposa lily?
- About 10 cm (4 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–15 cm (3–6 in).
- Does Butterfly mariposa lily need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Butterfly mariposa lily need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Butterfly mariposa lily?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Butterfly mariposa lily flower?
- From about May for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Butterfly mariposa lily poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to poison people or dogs; a member of the lily family, so keep cats away to be safe.
- What grows well with Butterfly mariposa lily?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Butterfly mariposa lily. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Calscape: California native plants, California Native Plant Society
- Calflora: information on California plants, Calflora (non-profit database), Berkeley, California
Notes and assumptions
- A California native of the chaparral and foothills: it grows through the mild, wet winter and rests in the dry summer, when it should be left unwatered once established.
- Three broad petals form tulip-like cups in white, pink, purple or yellow, each painted with a dark blotch and a red “eye” like a butterfly wing, in late spring. The bulb must be bone dry in summer; grow it in pots in rainy climates.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lily Lilium
- Tulip Tulipa gesneriana
- Crown imperial Fritillaria imperialis
- Toad lily Tricyrtis hirta
- Snake’s head fritillary Fritillaria meleagris
- Madonna lily Lilium candidum
- Regal lily Lilium regale
- Easter lily Lilium longiflorum