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Scarlet Fritillary

Fritillaria recurva

Last reviewed: September 2026

Scarlet Fritillary (Fritillaria recurva)
Photo: (c) Nolan Exe, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Scarlet Fritillary (Fritillaria recurva) is not flagged as toxic to dogs or cats by Plants For A Future (PFAF) (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, NV, OR

Pollinators

hummingbirds

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaCentral California Foothills and Coastal Mountains

Fritillaria recurva, commonly known as Scarlet Fritillary, is a striking native bulb with distinctive nodding bell-shaped red and yellow flowers. It grows 1-3 feet tall with narrow leaves and blooms in spring, creating a delicate woodland accent in gardens.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Scarlet Fritillary is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, foundation.

  • Goes dormant in summer, leaving bare spots
  • Limited visual impact due to narrow growth habit
  • Requires careful placement in designed beds rather than as standalone

Wildlife value

The bright red and yellow flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, providing a valuable nectar source during spring months.

Common questions

How much sun does Scarlet Fritillary need?
Scarlet Fritillary grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Scarlet Fritillary bloom?
Scarlet Fritillary blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Scarlet Fritillary native?
Scarlet Fritillary (Fritillaria recurva) is native to CA, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Scarlet Fritillary toxic to dogs?
Scarlet Fritillary is not flagged as toxic to dogs by Plants For A Future (PFAF). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA.
Is Scarlet Fritillary toxic to cats?
Scarlet Fritillary is not flagged as toxic to cats by Plants For A Future (PFAF). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA.
What pollinators does Scarlet Fritillary attract?
Scarlet Fritillary draws hummingbirds.
Is Scarlet Fritillary HOA-friendly?
Scarlet Fritillary is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

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.

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