Fritillaria biflora

Fritillaria biflora (Chocolate Lily) is a species in the Liliaceae (Lily) family that is endemic to California and northern Baja. It is found along the coast from Montery County south. Fritillaria biflora is called “Chocolate Lily” because its bell-shaped flowers resemble the color of chocolate. It should not be confused with Arthropodium strictum, which is also called “chocolate lily” but which resembles the scent of chocolate rather than the color. It is an extraordinarily beautiful flower but infrequently available and not easy to grow. It is grown from a bulb that should be planted fairly deep, around 4 in. It needs fast drainage and requires a dry summer dormancy.