Diogenes' lantern (Calochortus amabilis) is in the lily family family (Liliaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 2,224 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.
Nationally it blooms mainly from April to May, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Diogenes' lantern: observations by month (U.S.)
About Diogenes' lantern
Calochortus amabilis (syn. C. pulchellus var. amabilis) is a species of the genus Calochortus in the family Liliaceae. It is also known by the common names Diogenes' lantern, yellow globe-tulip, golden globe-tulip, yellow globe lily, golden fairy lantern, golden lily-bell, Chinese lantern, and short lily.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Diogenes' lantern by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2,224 | May | Apr–May |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (lily family)
Yellow Trout Lily
Checker Lily
White Globe Lily
Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily
Yellow Mariposa Lily
White Fawnlily
Tolmie's pussy ears
Gunnison's Mariposa Lily
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Diogenes' lantern?
Nationally, May has the most observations, with the main season from April to May.
Where is Diogenes' lantern most often seen?
The most observations come from California.