other names- Spotted Missionbells, Purple Fritillary, Leopard Lily habitat- leaf mold in mixed woodlands and conifer forests range- common in CA mountains and foothills from 3000 to 9500 ft, NE to Montana, SE to New Mexico description- erect stem up to 2ft tall, 2-4 linear to narrowly lanceolate leaves per node in whorls, several nodding flowers per stem in a one-sided raceme, petals are oblong to diamond-shaped, tapering toward the rounded tips, mottled reddish-purple and yellow with a lighter diamond-shaped patch in the center, split style etymology- from the Latin; fritillus- dicebox, referring to the checkered flowers, applications- as with other lilies, Native American tribes sometimes cooked and ate the bulbs. Research conducted in China has shown that compounds in other species of the fritillaria genus native to that region help inhibit the contraction of bronchial smooth muscle and decrease mucus secretion. Fritillaria is also used as a decongestant, and to reduce swelling.

CAUTION: Consult an expert before eating or using any wild plant for herbal applications.