Oakland Mariposa Lily

Calochortus umbellatus, commonly known as the Oakland Mariposa Lily, is a perennial herb native to the grasslands and open woodlands of California, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area. This species typically grows to a height of 12 to 24 inches, forming a slender, upright habit with narrow, linear leaves that can reach up to 12 inches in length. The flowers are one of its most striking features, characterized by their cup-shaped, white to pale yellow petals adorned with purple markings, blooming in late spring to early summer. The fruit is a capsule that contains several small seeds, which are dispersed by wind and water, aiding in the plant’s propagation across its native range.