Chocolate Lily (Fritillaria affinis) is a native species found in Victoria, BC, and throughout much of western North America. It is a member of the Liliaceae family, which includes other plants such as lilies, onions, and garlic.
Chocolate Lily is a perennial plant that can grow up to 60 cm in height. It produces one to three nodding, bell-shaped flowers that are typically a deep maroon or chocolate brown color, hence the name "Chocolate Lily." The plant blooms in the spring and prefers moist, well-drained soil in shaded or partially shaded areas.
In addition to its ornamental value, Chocolate Lily has cultural significance for Indigenous peoples in the Pacific Northwest. The bulbs of the plant were traditionally used as a food source, and the plant has spiritual significance as well.
Chocolate Lily is also an important species for pollinators, as it is visited by a variety of bees and other insects.
References:
Pojar, J., & MacKinnon, A. (2004). Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska. Lone Pine Publishing.
Turner, N. J., & Łuczaj, Ł. J. (2019). Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants of Britain and Ireland. Bloomsbury Publishing.
While the bulbs of Chocolate Lily (Fritillaria affinis) were traditionally used as a food source by Indigenous peoples in the Pacific Northwest, it is important to note that the bulbs of some Fritillaria species are toxic and can cause gastrointestinal upset and other symptoms if ingested in large quantities.
Therefore, before consuming any part of a wild plant, it is important to properly identify the plant and ensure that it is safe to eat. Additionally, it is important to respect the cultural and ecological significance of wild plants, and to harvest them sustainably and ethically.
If you are interested in consuming wild plants, it is recommended to seek out information from reputable sources and to consult with local experts who are knowledgeable about wild edible plants.
References:
Pojar, J., & MacKinnon, A. (2004). Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska. Lone Pine Publishing.
Turner, N. J., & Łuczaj, Ł. J. (2019). Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants of Britain and Ireland. Bloomsbury Publishing.
