Desert Mariposa Lily Seeds

Desert Mariposa Lily

The Desert Mariposa Lily, scientifically known as Calochortus kennedyi, is a striking wildflower native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States, including parts of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. Here are some key characteristics and facts about this plant:

The Desert Mariposa Lily typically features bright orange, cup-shaped flowers that are about 2 inches across. The petals are often marked with darker spots or streaks.  The plant generally grows between 4 to 12 inches tall.It has slender, grass-like leaves that are often dry or withered by the time the flowers bloom.

Plant Characteristics 

This lily thrives in desert scrub and pinyon-juniper woodland environments, usually at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 7,000 feet.  It prefers well-drained, sandy, or gravelly soils.  The Desert Mariposa Lily typically blooms from March to May, depending on the elevation and specific climate conditions of its location.

The bright flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are essential for the plant’s reproduction.  While not currently listed as endangered, the habitat of the Desert Mariposa Lily can be threatened by development and changes in land use. Conservation efforts focus on preserving its natural habitats and managing invasive species that could compete with it.

Some Native American tribes have historically used the bulbs of the Desert Mariposa Lily as a food source.  This wildflower is not only an important component of its native ecosystem but also a beautiful representation of the biodiversity found in desert regions.

You will receive 20 seeds.