Spotted Fritillary

Spotted fritillary is a perennial bulb native to western North America, found in meadows, open woodlands, and dry grasslands. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves and nodding, bell-shaped flowers that are dark maroon to purplish-brown, often mottled with yellow or green. Blooming in spring, the flowers are pollinated primarily by flies. This species prefers well-drained soils and seasonal moisture and is an important component of native grassland and woodland plant communities. The bulbs are a traditional food of many Northwest tribal people, and are a favorite of squirrels.