Adobe Lily
(Fritillaria pluriflora )
Liliaceae

Photo Copyright 2004 William Sleuter

Description: Perennial herb with yellowish bulb, 1/2 - 1 inch (1.3-2.5cm) long, with 1-12 large scales, and 0-2 small scales. Stems upright, 6-18 inches (1.5-4.5 dm) long. Leaves are elliptic to obovate, to oblong, 2 3/8 - 6 inches (6-15cm) long, 1/4 - 5/8 inches (7-15mm) wide, with 3-10 leaves clustered near the ground. Inflorescence is a raceme with 1-3 bell-shaped, nodding flowers. Flowers contain 6 pinkish-purple, obovate petals, 3/4 - 1 3/8 inches (2-3.5cm) long, 1/4 - 5/8 inches (7-15mm) wide. Fruit is a capsule with 3 chambers, and many flat, brownish seeds.  

Distribution:

Habitat: Adobe soil of interior foothills. Elevation 192 - 2256 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms February - April. 

Similar Plants:

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