Calochortus palmeri, commonly known as Palmer’s mariposa lily, is a perennial herb endemic to the chaparral, oak woodlands, and coniferous forest ecotones of California’s Transverse and Peninsular Ranges, including Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Kern, Riverside, and San Diego Counties. It reaches up to 24 inches in height and features a single basal leaf that withers by the time of flowering. The inflorescence consists of 1-6 erect, open bell-shaped flowers, each displaying white to light lavender petals, often with a base color of yellow or purple, and sepals that are brown-speckled. The flowering season typically occurs in late spring to early summer, and the flowers are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Palmer’s mariposa lily is valued for its ornamental flowers and is used in native plant gardens, rock gardens, and as a border plant in areas with Mediterranean-like climates. It requires well-drained soils, preferably with a sandy or rocky texture, and low to moderate water once established, reflecting its adaptation to dry summer conditions. It thrives in full sun to light shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases if conditions are too wet. Gardeners should be aware that this plant may not compete well with aggressive vegetation and may require some protection from overgrowth.CC BY-SA 4.0