white fairy-lantern
Calochortus albus (Benth.) Douglas ex Benth.
White fairy-lantern is named for a flower that seems to keep its secret inside. The blossoms hang downward, with rounded petals meeting or nearly meeting at their tips. Their white-to-pink surfaces form small enclosed lanterns rather than wide-open cups. Narrower sepals lie against the petals, and fine hairs add detail close to the petal glands. Flora of North America: Calochortus albus
Botanical name
Kew and FNA agree on same binomial and common name; supplied authority omits basionym author (Benth.). Accepted combination and Cyclobothra alba crosswalk verified. Verified name: Calochortus albus (Benth.) Douglas ex Benth.. Kew POWO: Calochortus albus
Recognizing the plant
The branching stems usually stand twenty to eighty centimetres tall and carry two or more flowers. A long, flat basal leaf remains present during flowering. The petals measure about two to two and a half centimetres, longer than the narrow sepals pressed against them. Later, the fruits also hang downward: elongated, winged capsules two to four centimetres long, containing dark brown, irregularly shaped seeds. Flora of North America: Calochortus albus
Bloom window
California, United States
In California, the flora records flowering from mid-spring into mid-summer. Flora of North America: Calochortus albus
Native range
Calochortus albus is native to California and northern Baja California. Flora of North America describes shaded places within open woodland and brush, from near sea level to about 2,000 metres. This woodland setting accompanies the species across a substantial elevation range. Kew POWO: Calochortus albusFlora of North America: Calochortus albus
Botanical sources
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.