Chocolate Lily (Fritillaria affinis)

Family: Liliaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Fritillaria affinis is a BULB growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rich in starch, the bulb is best used in the autumn. — Bulb - raw, cooked or dried for winter use.; Rich in starch, the bulb is best used in the autumn.; The plant has a small bulb surrounded by rice-like bulblets.; Both bulb and bulblets are used, when cooked they are tender and delicate, resembling real rice except for having a slightly bitter taste.

Habitat & North American Range

Prairies and grass bluffs to woodland and coniferous forests, usually on leafy soils overlying a rather stony sub-soil, from sea level to 1500 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)