The Butterfly Mariposa Lily produces exquisite white, pink, or lavender flowers with intricate markings that vary dramatically across its range in California. It grows from a bulb in dry grasslands and open woodlands. The bulbs were an important food source for indigenous Californians, and the flowers attract native bees.
Best time to see a Butterfly Mariposa Lily
The best time to see a Butterfly Mariposa Lily is April–May, when about 70% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 6,467 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Butterfly Mariposa Lily? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Butterfly Mariposa Lily sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
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