Chocolate Lily
Fritillaria camschatcensis
The Chocolate Lily is a striking native wildflower of the Pacific Northwest and Northeast Asia, prized for its deep, chocolate-brown to near-black nodding bells and unusual rice-like edible bulblets. It symbolizes depth, mystery, and the hidden richness of wild places.
Liliaceae (Lily family)
Late spring to early summer (May–July)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: checkered lilys and freesias also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
The Chocolate Lily holds deep cultural significance among Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest coast. For the Haida, Tlingit, and other coastal nations, the appearance of its blooms historically marked the arrival of the ceremonial New Year and the renewal of the land. The rice-like bulblets were a valued food source harvested carefully by communities across Alaska and British Columbia. In the broader language of flowers, its unusual near-black coloring — so rare in the plant world — gives it an association with mystery, depth, and the beauty that lies beyond the conventional.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open meadow conditions with cool summers
Water
Prefers consistent moisture, especially in spring during active growth; tolerates seasonal wet conditions typical of its coastal habitat
Soil
Moist, Humus-rich, Sandy loam, Well-drained to moderately moist
Expert Growing Tips
Plant bulbs 3–4 inches deep in well-drained but moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil in fall
Grows best in cool, moist climates of the Pacific Northwest or similar maritime regions
Tolerates transplanting and spreads naturally through rice-like bulblets around the parent bulb
Avoid hot, dry conditions — the plant goes dormant after seed set in summer
Leave bulblets in place to naturalize; or harvest and replant in autumn for new colonies
Despite its unpleasant floral scent (which attracts fly pollinators), the plant is highly ornamental in the garden
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Native wildflower and cottage gardens in cool, moist climates
- Woodland edge and naturalized meadow plantings
- Specimen plant for its dramatic near-black flowers
- Pacific Northwest native plant gardens
Traditional Uses
- Bulbs and bulblets were an important traditional food for coastal Indigenous peoples including the Haida, Tlingit, and Coast Salish — boiled, dried, or added to soups and stews
- The flower is used ceremonially by some First Nations in British Columbia as a symbol of the New Year, decorating costumes for the flower dance
- No significant documented medicinal uses; primarily of cultural, culinary, and ecological importance
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Chocolate Lily
Why is it called the chocolate lily?
The chocolate lily (Fritillaria camschatcensis) gets its name from its deep chocolate-brown to near-black flower color — one of the darkest flower colors in North America. The flowers can range from dark greenish-brown to deep brownish-purple, often with faint yellow spots.
Is the chocolate lily edible?
Yes — the bulbs and rice-like bulblets of Fritillaria camschatcensis were an important traditional food for Indigenous peoples of coastal Alaska, British Columbia, and the Pacific Northwest. They were typically boiled or dried and used in soups and stews, often soaked first to reduce bitterness.
Does the chocolate lily smell like chocolate?
No — despite its name, the chocolate lily does not smell like chocolate. Its flowers emit an unpleasant, somewhat foul odor designed to attract fly pollinators. The name refers entirely to the flower's dark brown color, not its scent.
When does the chocolate lily bloom?
The chocolate lily blooms in late spring to early summer, typically from May through July, depending on elevation and latitude. It is one of the most distinctive wildflowers of coastal meadows and open forests in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
How do I grow chocolate lily in my garden?
Plant bulbs 3–4 inches deep in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in a partially shaded or open position. Chocolate lily grows best in cool, maritime climates similar to its native Pacific Northwest habitat. It naturalizes well and spreads through its numerous rice-like bulblets.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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