Kamchatka Lily (Fritillaria camschatcensis)

Family: Liliaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Fritillaria camschatcensis is a BULB growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

tastes like baked chestnuts. — Bulb - raw, cooked or dried for later use.; A staple food in areas where it grows wild, when cooked it tastes like baked chestnuts.; One report says that the bulbs have a slightly bitter taste, even after cooking.; The best-tasting bulbs are said to come from coastal areas where the plants are occasionally covered with salt water.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist areas from sea level to 600 metres in open woods and sub-alpine meadows. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)