Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Calochortus uniflorus (Cat’s Ear, Short Stemmed Mariposa Lily)

Kingdom Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants

Class Liliopsida – Monocotyledons

Subclass Liliidae

Order Liliales

Family Liliaceae – Lily family

Genus Calochortus Pursh – mariposa lily

Species Calochortus uniflorus Hook. & Arn. – Monterey mariposa lily

Coming across a Mariposa Lily anywhere at any time is always a treat. This shorter Pacific Northwest lily is a bit easier to grow than some of the taller ones.

It does best in moist meadows and open woodland situations in USDA zones 8-9.

It is found naturally at lower elevations of the Cascade and Siskiyou Mountains in Oregon and can also be found around Monterey, California.

The solid bright lavender to pink petals have small hairs, therefore dubbed Cat’s Ears.

The pronounced stamens are quite attractive and the tepals peeking through the petals give these lilies their characteristic look.

Cat’s Ear needs spring moisture but loves a dry sunny position in summer with good drainage, a great rock garden lily.