It is endemic to California where it is found in forests and on chaparral slopes.

[1] The Calochortus clavatus lily produces tall stems up to 1 metre (3.3 ft) in height and only basal leaves.

[2] Atop the stem is a lily bloom with sepals up to 4 centimeters long.

The petals are up to 5 centimeters long and yellow with a darker line or series of bands near the base, which are often red.

The cup of the flower is filled with hairs which have clubbed ends.