Contents
Description
Fritillaria Affinis, commonly known as checker lily or chocolate lily, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to western North America. It belongs to the Liliaceae family and is known for its unique bell-shaped flowers that have a checkered pattern. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall and blooms in early spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Fritillaria |
Appearance
The plant has long, narrow leaves that grow up to 10 inches long and 2 inches wide. The flowers are bell-shaped and grow up to 2 inches long and wide. They have six petals that are brownish-purple with a checkered pattern of green and white. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous seeds.
Care Guide
Water: The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and requires regular watering.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy growth.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: The plant requires full to partial sunlight to thrive.
Hardiness Zones: Fritillaria Affinis grows in hardiness zones 4 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
The plant is susceptible to bulb rot, rust, and fungal diseases. It can also be attacked by aphids, slugs, and snails. Proper care and maintenance can help prevent these pests and diseases from affecting the plant.
Habitat
Fritillaria Affinis grows in moist meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands. It is found in western North America, from British Columbia to California.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Fritillaria Affinis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should Fritillaria Affinis be fertilized?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
Q: Can Fritillaria Affinis be grown from seed?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown from seed, but it can take up to three years for the plant to bloom.
Q: How often should Fritillaria Affinis be watered?
A: Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Related Plants
- Fritillaria Imperialis
- Fritillaria Meleagris
- Fritillaria Pallidiflora
- Fritillaria Rotunda
References
- “Fritillaria Affinis – Plant Finder.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 30 June 2021. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c461.
- “Fritillaria Affinis.” Pacific Bulb Society. Accessed 30 June 2021. www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/Fritillaria_affinis.
- “Checker Lily (Fritillaria Affinis).” UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County. Accessed 30 June 2021. sonomamg.ucanr.edu/The_Kitchen_Garden/Plant_Library/Fritillaria_affinis/.
