Mount Diablo fairy-lantern (Calochortus pulchellus) is in the lily family family (Liliaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,300 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.
Conservation status (iNaturalist): G2.
When to photograph Mount Diablo fairy-lantern: observations by month (U.S.)
About Mount Diablo fairy-lantern
Calochortus pulchellus is a rare species of flowering plant in the lily family known by the common name Mt. Diablo fairy-lantern or Mount Diablo globelily.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Mount Diablo fairy-lantern by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,300 | 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 Mount Diablo fairy-lantern?
Nationally, May has the most observations, with the main season from April to May.
Where is Mount Diablo fairy-lantern most often seen?
The most observations come from California.