Mariposa Lily — (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo by (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY
Pet safety reference

Mariposa Lily

Calochortus spp.

Also known as Calochortus gunnisonii

Mariposa lilies are a group of bulbous perennials known for their striking, tulip-like flowers. They are considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.

Butterfly TulipCalochortus gunnisoniiCalochortus nuttalliCalochortus spp.Gunnison's Mariposa LilySego Lily
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Habit
Bulbous perennial
Care
Moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Uncertain

Identity or evidence quality is not strong enough for a firm answer.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Catsconcern notes

Common signs

Under review — original classification flagged as a likely labeler error pending curator verification.

Escalation note

Under review — original classification flagged as a likely labeler error pending curator verification.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

Under review — original classification flagged as a likely labeler error pending curator verification.

Escalation note

Under review — original classification flagged as a likely labeler error pending curator verification.

Safer alternatives

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Calochortus species are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Plants of the World Online - Calochortus

botanical · 95% reliability

Open source

Taxonomic record for the genus Calochortus, confirming its classification within the Liliaceae family.

cats safety pagedogs safety page

Questions about Mariposa Lily

Is Mariposa lily toxic to cats?

The safety classification for Mariposa lily (Calochortus spp.) is currently uncertain — the original classification has been flagged as a likely labeling error and is pending curator verification as of May 2026. Until the classification is confirmed, treat any ingestion as potentially concerning.

What symptoms would a cat show after eating a Mariposa lily?

Specific symptoms for Mariposa lily ingestion in cats are not confirmed — the classification data is under review and has been flagged as a possible labeling error. If your cat has eaten this plant, watch for general signs of GI upset such as vomiting or lethargy and contact your vet.

What should I do if my cat ate a Mariposa lily?

Because the toxicity status of Mariposa lily is currently unverified, treat it with caution. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian right away, and be ready to describe how much your cat ate and when.

Why is the Mariposa lily classification listed as uncertain rather than safe or toxic?

A provenance audit completed on 2026-05-06 flagged the original Mariposa lily classification as a likely labeling error; it is pending verification by a curator before a definitive safe or toxic determination can be published. The confidence score for the current classification is low (0.4), which is why the safety status is shown as uncertain rather than confirmed.

Is Mariposa Lily toxic to dogs?

The safety status of Mariposa Lily for dogs is currently uncertain. The plant's toxicity classification was flagged as a likely labeling error during an ASPCA provenance audit in May 2026 and is pending curator verification, so it cannot be confirmed safe or toxic at this time.

What symptoms would a dog show after eating a Mariposa Lily?

Specific symptom data for Mariposa Lily ingestion in dogs is under review and cannot be confirmed. If your dog has eaten this plant, watch for general signs of GI upset such as vomiting or lethargy, and contact your veterinarian.

What should I do if my dog ate a Mariposa Lily?

Because the plant's classification is unverified, treat it with caution rather than assuming it is safe. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, and bring a photo or sample of the plant to help with identification.

Why is there conflicting information online about whether Mariposa Lily is safe for dogs?

An ASPCA provenance audit completed in May 2026 flagged the Mariposa Lily's toxicity classification for dogs as a likely labeler error, meaning prior 'non-toxic' listings may not be reliable. The classification is pending curator verification, so current sources should be treated as uncertain.

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