Fritillaria affinis, or rice root/checker lily, is a magical and challenging plant to cultivate. For those obsessed with its beauty (like myself), it is worth the time and energy to grow. Checker lily grows from a bulb that is covered with tiny bulblettes that look like small rice grains, hence the common name.

They can be found in mixed coniferous forests, coastal scrublands, and oak forests across California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The often grow in small clusters and spread slowly by seed. 

In spring, the leafy flowering stalk reaches up to 4 ft. and exhibits one or more pendent, cup-like flowers. The flower bracts are checkered with brown and green, sometimes with purple and yellow inside. Some are green, others are nearly black-purple.

They tolerate sun and part shade and make a lovely addition to naturalistic meadow landscapes. The bulbs are loved by slugs and gophers so consider planting them in a small cage. I have also successfully grown them in containers. They tolerate a bit of summer water, but consider keeping them dry in late summer to avoid root rot.

They are difficult to grow from seed and germination is very variable. They only flower every few years, but they are certainly worth the patience for those who love these mysterious plants!

Water Use: Light to Medium

Light Requirement: Sun to part shade

Soil Moisture: Damp to dry

Soil type: Sand, clay, loam

Soil pH: 6-8

Drought Tolerance: Moderate

Bulb