[2] There are only three known colonies of this rare species in the vicinity, including the Pitkin Marsh situated near State Route 116 between Sebastopol and Forestville, California.

The whorled leaves of the Pitkin Marsh lily are staggered along the stem and are generally elliptical to oblanceolate in shape.

Petals are red at their outer margins, transitioning to yellow at the centers, with small dark maroon dots.

This species is distinguished from its more common lookalike, the Leopard lily (Lilium pardalinum), by shorter petals and anthers.

Ongoing threats to this species are deemed to be cattle grazing and alteration of wetlands hydrology and water quality.

A major subdivision is planned in the surrounding area, but a "conservation easement" agreement between the California Department of Fish and Game and the landowner will mitigate in preserving this population.

This loss was due to wetland filling, but was primarily caused by the collection of specimens and bulbs for horticultural use.