Checker Lily (Fritillaria lanceolata)

 

Rowena Plateau, Tom McCall Preserve, Columbia Gorge, OR 4/2013.

Russ Jolley (Wildflowers of the Columbia Gorge) refers to these as  “Chocolate Lilies” but other sources reserve that nickname for Fritillaria camschatcensis, found mostly in northern Washington.  Also known as “rice root,”  due to its rice-like bulbs that were once eaten by coastal tribes.  Said to taste like bitter rice.

Hood River Mountain Meadow, Near Mosier, OR, 5/2014.

 

 

Advertisements