Checker lily
Fritillaria affinis
Last reviewed: September 2026
Checker lily (Fritillaria affinis) is a perennial forb native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 1 more states. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees and flies.
Toxicity unknown
Checker lily (Fritillaria affinis) 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
12"–24" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CA, ID, MT, OR and 1 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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A slender bulb with whorled leaves and nodding, checkered maroon-and-green bell-shaped flowers. It goes fully dormant in summer after seed set.
Growing Checker lily
Grow Checker lily in part shade and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 4 to 8 inches wide.
Wildlife value
An early spring nectar and pollen source for native bees and flies emerging from winter dormancy.
Common questions
- How much sun does Checker lily need?
- Checker lily grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Checker lily bloom?
- Checker lily blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Checker lily native?
- Checker lily (Fritillaria affinis) is native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Checker lily attract?
- Checker lily draws bees and flies.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Checker lily? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.