Talus Fritillary
(Fritillaria falcata )
Liliaceae

Photo Copyright 1981 Lee Dittmann

Description: Perennial, bulbiferous herb, with 2-4 large fleshy scales, and 8-32 small scales. Stems 2 3/4 - 8 inches (.7-2dm) tall. Leaves (2-6), sessile, fleshy, folded, sickle-shaped, widely linear, and 1 3/8 - 3 3/8 inches (3.5-8.5cm) long. Inflorescence are racemes with 1-4 flowers. Flowers are upright, bell-shaped, greenish outside, and mottled rusty-brown and yellow inside. Flowers contain 6 obovate petals, 5/8 - 7/8 inches (1.5-2.2cm) long, and 1/4 inch (5-7mm) wide. Fruit are capsules, 3/4 inch (2cm) long, with many flat, brownish seeds.

Distribution:

Habitat: Serpentine talus. Elevation 960 - 4880 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms March - May.

Similar Plants:

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B