American Chocolate Lily
Fritillaria biflora
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
American Chocolate Lily (Fritillaria biflora) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 3"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Fritillaria biflora is a native bulb that produces distinctive nodding bell-shaped flowers in spring. This compact perennial goes dormant in summer, disappearing completely until the following spring when it emerges with fresh foliage and blooms.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Chocolate Lily takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Goes completely dormant leaving bare soil for most of growing season
- Subtle flowers may appear weedy to traditional gardeners
- Very short growing period makes it look like failed planting
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the spring blooming period. As a native bulb, it provides early season nectar when few other plants are flowering.
Common questions
- How much sun does American Chocolate Lily need?
- American Chocolate Lily grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does American Chocolate Lily bloom?
- American Chocolate Lily blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is American Chocolate Lily native?
- American Chocolate Lily (Fritillaria biflora) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does American Chocolate Lily attract?
- American Chocolate Lily draws bees and beetles.
- Is American Chocolate Lily HOA-friendly?
- American Chocolate Lily takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow American Chocolate Lily? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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