Kamchatka Lily, Kamchatka fritillary

Fritillaria camschatcensis

Physical Characteristics

Fritillaria camschatcensis is a BULB growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Northern N. America - Washington to Alaska and eastwards to Siberia and Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Seedpod Edible Uses: Bulb - raw, cooked or dried for later use[2, 46, 105, 183]. A staple food in areas where it grows wild[177], when cooked it tastes like baked chestnuts[74]. One report says that the bulbs have a slightly bitter taste, even after cooking[256]. The best-tasting bulbs are said to come from coastal areas where the plants are occasionally covered with salt water[254]. A pudding is made by mixing the bulbs with the fruit of Empetrum nigrum[183]. The bulb is also dried and ground into a powder, then used as a flour or starch for making breads and soups[183]. The bulb is best if harvested in the autumn[172], it resembles a cluster of cooked rice grains[207]. The green seedpods can be eaten raw or cooked. They are somewhat bitter[172].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known