Description: Perennial herb arising from a small underground storage bulb. Stems 2 - 3, slender, erect, to 30 cm (12 in.) in height. Leaves linear, as long as stems. Inflorescence in clusters with 2-8 flowers. Flower petals light purple, 20 - 30 mm (0.8 - 1.2 in.), striated with darker purple veins; lower half of petal sparsely hairy, with triangular gland at base. Fruit a
capsule, 4 - 5 cm (1.8-2 in.) long, angled. Time of flowering: April to June.
Habitat: Riparian communities; in Nevada, restricted to alkaline meadows or seep areas. Elevations: 640 - 1,128 m (2,100 - 3,700 ft).
Range: Endemic to the Mojave Desert in California and Nevada. In Clark County, known only from two locations in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and Ash Meadows.
Comments: The conspicuously purple-lined petals and the triangular-shaped glands separate this species from any other in Clark County.
Special Remarks: Alkali mariposa lily has been rarely collected in
Nevada, and population trends are unknown.