Mariposa is Spanish for butterfly, as the markings inside the cup of the flower resemble a butterfly. Also commonly referred to as Mariposa tulip or Butterfly tulip, some members of its genus, Calochortus, are now endangered.

Mariposa Lilies were once gathered in large numbers by Indians for cooking and eating. The genus name Calochortus comes from the Greek meaning ‘beautiful grass,’ in reference to the flowers and leaves of this plant.