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Taxon  Report  
Fritillaria affinis  (Schult. & Schult. f.) Sealy
Checker lily,   Mission bells
Fritillaria affinis is a perennial herb (bulb) that is native to California.
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Bloom Period
Genus: Fritillaria
Family: Liliaceae  
Category: angiosperm  
PLANTS group:Monocot
Jepson eFlora section: monocot

Ultramafic affinity: 2 - weak indicator

Communities: Northern Coastal Scrub, Yellow Pine Forest, Mixed Evergreen Forest, Foothill Woodland, Chaparral

Name Status:
Accepted by JEF + PLANTS + POWO

Alternate Names:
JEFFritillaria affinis var. affinis
JEFFritillaria affinis var. tristulis
JEFFritillaria phaeanthera
Information about  Fritillaria affinis from other sources
Nursery availability from CNPLX
This plant is available commercially.
Jepson eFlora

USDA PLANTS Profile (FRAF2)

Photos on Calflora

Photos on CalPhotos

Google Images

Photos on iNaturalist

ID Tips on PlantID.net

[Wikipedia] Varieties, Habitat, Food Use: Fritillaria affinis, the chocolate lily, is a highly variable species of flowering plant in the lily family Liliaceae native to western North America. There are two varieties: Fritillaria affinis var. affinis: This is the more common and widespread variant, occurring throughout the plant's range. It can be differentiated by its strong mottling pattern. Its bulb has 2 to 20 small scales. Fritillaria affinis var. tristulis: This variant is much less widespread; it is found only in Marin County on the north coast of California. It has a much more subtle mottling pattern and is generally darker overall. Its bulb has 60 to 100 small scales. Its habitat includes oak or pine scrub or open woods and thickets near the coast. It prefers low to mid-elevation, shade or part shade, dry summer dormancy, and good drainage. Uses The roots or bulbs can be eaten raw or cooked. Historically, the bulbs of this plant were eaten steamed by Salish Native American peoples, including the Squamish, Sechelt, Halq'emeylem and Straits Salish. (link added by Mary Ann Machi)

Learn more about Fritillaria affinis: Fritillaria affinis Jepson video: (link added by Mary Ann Machi)


Suggested Citation
Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation, with data contributed by public and private institutions and individuals. [web application]. 2024. Berkeley, California: The Calflora Database [a non-profit organization]. Available: https://www.calflora.org/   (Accessed: 12/10/2024).