Fritillaria biflora

Fritillaria biflora, the chocolate lily or mission bells, is a species of fritillary native to western California, US, and northern Baja California, Mexico. It occurs in the chaparral and woodlands ecoregion, often in serpentine soil formations and hillside grassland habitats. Fritillaria biflora is a bulbous herbaceous perennial up to 60 cm tall. It is called "chocolate lily" because its flowers can resemble the color of chocolate, although sometimes they are greenish purple or yellowish green. Flowers bloom in March and April. Fritillaria biflora should not be confused with Arthropodium strictum, which is also called "chocolate lily". In the latter, the scent is reminiscent of chocolate, rather than the color. The Kamchatka fritillary (F. camschatcensis) is sometimes also called "chocolate lily" in Alaska.

Description

A temperate bulb plant in the Liliaceae family.

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Edible Uses

The bulbs are eaten raw or cooked, used in soup, or dried and ground into flour.

Traditional Uses

The bulbs are eaten raw or cooked. They are also used for soup or dried and used for flour.

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Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

References (1)

• Lim, T. K., 2015, Edible Medicinal and Non Medicinal Plants. Volume 9, Modified Stems, Roots, Bulbs. Springer p 43 (As Fritillaria lanceolata Torr.;)

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