San Benito Fritillary
(Fritillaria viridea )
Liliaceae

Photo Copyright 1998 John Game

Description: Perennial, bulbiferous herb, with 3-5 large scales and 2-4 small scales. Stems 1 - 2.1 feet (3-6.5dm) long. Leaves in whorles below, and alternate on stems above, 1/8 - 3/8 inches (4-10cm) long, and narrowly spear-shaped. Inflorescence is a raceme with nodding flowers. Flowers contain 6 pale green to almost black, spear-shaped petals, 3/8 - 3/4 inches (.9-1.8cm) long. Fruit are winged capsules with many flat, brownish seeds.

Distribution:

Habitat: Serpentine soils. Elevation 640 - 4880 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms March - May.

Similar Plants:

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