Also called: Checkered Lily

Fritillaria lanceolata
L. fritillus, a dicebox (from the spotted markings on the flowers);
Lanceolata, spear-shaped or a narrow shape coming to a point

Description. Chocolate Lily grows to 60cm (24”) tall from small scaly bulbs. The blooms, pendulous purple, mottled with green or yellow spots, sit atop unbranched, leafed stems. The fleshy seedpods, ringed with vertical wings, stand upright. Chocolate Lily can be found at low elevations in grasslands and meadows.

Historical plant use. The starchy bulbs and bulblets were boiled or pit cooked and were a staple food for Native peoples.

Unusual aspects of this plant. The flowers smell of dirty socks or rotting meat.