Checker Lily
Fritillaria affinis
Also listed as Lilium affine
Also known as Chocolate Lily, Checker Chocolate Lily, Mission Bells
Climate Match for your location
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A delicate spring-blooming bulb native to the Pacific Northwest, featuring nodding checkered bell-shaped flowers in purple and yellow. It thrives in dry conditions after blooming and naturalizes well in woodland gardens.
Why grow it
Checker lily offers earlier spring interest than many native woodland bulbs, typically flowering in mid-spring before most shade perennials emerge. Compared to other Fritillaria species, F. affinis is notably more drought-tolerant once established and requires less summer moisture, making it practical for dry-summer regions. It naturalizes reliably in appropriate conditions without aggressive self-seeding, providing reliable seasonal color in low-maintenance woodland settings.
Watch out for
Bulbs may take 2-3 years to establish robust flowering after planting, particularly from small bulblets. Deer and rodents sometimes browse emerging shoots and bulbs, so site selection or physical protection may be necessary in areas with high wildlife pressure. These bulbs prefer excellent drainage and struggle in poorly drained soils, so heavy clay sites often require amendment or raised planting.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Liliaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington)
Native to: California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A delicate spring-blooming bulb native to the Pacific Northwest, featuring nodding checkered bell-shaped flowers in purple and yellow. It thrives in dry conditions after blooming and naturalizes well in woodland gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Checker Lily grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Checker lily offers earlier spring interest than many native woodland bulbs, typically flowering in mid-spring before most shade perennials emerge. Compared to other Fritillaria species, F. affinis is notably more drought-tolerant once established and requires less summer moisture, making it practical for dry-summer regions. It naturalizes reliably in appropriate conditions without aggressive self-seeding, providing reliable seasonal color in low-maintenance woodland settings.
Watch out for
Bulbs may take 2-3 years to establish robust flowering after planting, particularly from small bulblets. Deer and rodents sometimes browse emerging shoots and bulbs, so site selection or physical protection may be necessary in areas with high wildlife pressure. These bulbs prefer excellent drainage and struggle in poorly drained soils, so heavy clay sites often require amendment or raised planting.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Liliaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington)
Native to: California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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