Chocolate Lily – Seed Packet
These seeds were harvested in Kootenai County, Idaho. Note: Because of regional differences the species can vary in it’s appearance. The drawing on the packet and photos above are meant to capture this local variety.
ABOUT: Perennial wildflower native to the Inland Northwest and Pacific Coast. Nodding flower heads are a unique chocolately-plum color with a mottled pattern. Makes an arresting addition to a moist woodland garden or a native perennial bulb border. Grows in full sun or partial shade. Mature height: 1-3′ Other names for this plant are Chocolate Fritillary and Checker Lily.
HOW TO GROW: (A) Best sown in fall or early spring in a container with sandy loam soil, left outside, with seeds planted 1/4″ deep. Leave to grow for 2 seasons until bulblets have formed, then move to the garden. (B) Alternatively, sow seeds directly into the ground and lightly cover. Mark the spot well, as they will take a while to become fully established.
ETHNOBOTANY: This plant forms an unusual bulb with edible fleshy scales and rice-like offsets. Interior Salish tribes boiled them or steamed them in pits to use as food and called the plant Rice Root.
