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checker lily

Fritillaria affinis

The checker lily is a beautiful flower with unique checkered patterns on its petals. It grows in the wild and adds color to meadows and forests during springtime.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The checker lily has unique nodding, bell-shaped flowers mottled with purplish-brown and green hues, creating a distinctive checkered pattern. Its slender stem supports several blooms, making it easily identifiable among other spring wildflowers.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderLilialesFamilyLiliaceaeGenusFritillaria
checker lily
flowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgespring_blooming trait badgefragrant_flower trait badge
checker lily

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

It's a wild cousin to garden tulips and true lilies, even though it looks quite different!

Its scientific name, Fritillaria, means 'dice-box' due to its speckled, bell-shaped flowers!

Some people call it 'Mission Bells' because its unique flowers hang downwards like tiny bells!

The checker lily's bulb can smell like a fox or skunk, helping to deter hungry animals!

Special abilities

Ability

Smelly Defense

The checker lily has a strong, skunky scent that helps it deter hungry animals from eating its leaves and flowers.

Ability

Underground Storage

The checker lily has a bulb underground that helps it store energy to survive dry periods and harsh winters.

Ability

Camouflage Pattern

The checker lily has speckled, earthy-toned petals that help it blend into the dappled light of the forest floor.

Measurements & details

Height
30-90 cm
Flower Size
2.5-5 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Black-tailed Bumble Bee

Bombus melanopygus

collects nectar and pollen

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

gathers nectar and pollen from flowers

pollinates

Common Wasp

Vespula vulgaris

visits flowers for nectar

Traits

Also known as

Chocolate Lily

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not pick flowers without permission, and always be gentle with nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is checker lily?

30-90 cm

How big are the flowers on checker lily?

2.5-5 cm

When does checker lily bloom?

Spring

Is checker lily edible?

No

Is checker lily toxic?

Mild

What is checker lily's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is checker lily pollinated?

Insect

Where is checker lily usually found?

Forests

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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