Three fan-shaped smooth petals in various shades of lilac and lavender. Caspers Wilderness Park, San Juan Capistrano, CA. 5-13-06. © Joan Avise.

Splendid Mariposa Lily

Calochortus splendens

A 1/2 to 2 ft. sparingly branched plant, widespread and relatively common in grasslands, coastal sage scrub and occasionally chaparral.  First reported in the county in 1899 (Roberts), now the most frequently encountered species of Mariposa lily.  Flowering March - July.

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UCI Ecological Preserve, Irvine, CA. 4-4-10. © Joan Avise.

Three sepals, generally recurved and ribbon-like. O'Neill Regional Park, Trabuco Canyon, CA. 4-11-10. © Joan Avise.

UCI Ecological Preserve, Irvine, CA. 4-4-10. © Joan Avise.

UCI Ecological Preserve, Irvine, CA. 4-4-10. © Joan Avise.

Purple spots near the base are pollen grains which have fallen inside.  Thick fungus-like whitish hairs; 6 stamens, anthers 1/4 in., lilac, blue, purple or white; 3 stigmas.  UCI Ecological Preserve, Irvine, CA. 4-22-09. © Joan Avise.

James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Beach, CA. 4-24-10. © Joan Avise.

James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Beach, CA. 4-24-10. © Joan Avise.

UCI Ecological Preserve, Irvine, CA. 4-4-10. © Joan Avise.

Flowers bowl-shaped, 1-4,  terminating the branches. Limestone Canyon Wilderness Park, Irvine, CA. 6-4-11. © Joan Avise.

UCI Ecological Preserve, Irvine, CA. 4-17-10. © Joan Avise.

Silverado Trail to Bedford Peak, 5-7-15. © Ron Vanderhoff.

Lower leaves strap-like, 4-6 in. long, 1/4 in. wide, withering at flowering; few smaller upper leaves. Bracts 1 to 2 in. UCI Ecological Preserve, Irvine, CA. 4-17-10. © Joan Avise.

Silverado Trail to Bedford Peak, 5-7-15. © Ron Vanderhoff.