Fritillaria biflora, commonly known as Chocolate Lily or Mission Bells, is a bulbous perennial herb native to California’s diverse ecosystems, including oak woodlands, grasslands, and the lower montane coniferous forest. It is often incorrectly associated solely with chaparral and coastal sage scrub. This plant typically grows to a height of 0.5-1 feet (0.15-0.3 meters) and is notable for its nodding, bell-shaped flowers that are a rich chocolate brown or maroon, sometimes with a yellowish tinge, blooming in early to mid-spring. The flowers’ unique coloration and mottled patterns make them quite showy despite their small size.

The Chocolate Lily is valued for its distinctive, attractive flowers and its adaptability to a variety of garden settings, particularly those designed to mimic native plant communities or wildflower meadows. It is used in rock gardens, native plant gardens, and as an understory plant in woodland gardens. It requires minimal maintenance once established and is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping. Chocolate Lily prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from clay to sandy loam. While it thrives in full sun to part shade, it benefits from some afternoon shade in hotter climates. There are no major disease problems associated with this plant, but it can be susceptible to bulb rot if overwatered. It is also important to note that Fritillaria biflora bulbs are toxic if ingested, so care should be taken if planting in areas accessible to pets or children.CC BY-SA 4.0