other names- yellow mission bells habitat- well drained soil in mixed to conifer forests range- common below 7500 ft in Northern California montane habitats N to British Columbia, E to Wyoming description- alternate greenish-grey linear leaves on erect stem which turns reddish at base, one to few nodding yellow flowers with 5 elliptic to round petals and an unbranched style etymology- from the Latin; fritillus- dicebox, referring to the checkered flowers in some species of the genus, pudica- sensitive 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.