Checker lily

Checker lily (*Fritillaria affinis*) is a bulbous perennial native to western North America, where it grows in open woods, meadows, scrub, and grassland. Its spring nodding bells are patterned in variable brown, green, yellow, and sometimes purple tones, and stalk height varies by habitat ([USDA NRCS plant guide](https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/cs_fraf2.pdf), [California Flora Nursery](https://www.calfloranursery.com/plants/fritillaria-affinis/)). ## Siting and seasonal display Give checker lily a sunny to lightly shaded place with well-drained loam, such as a slope or woodland-edge bed. It tolerates shade but prefers sun. Keep moisture moderate during growth and avoid frequent irrigation; the USDA guide notes that this species does not tolerate watering as often as a lawn. Establishment can be slow, so avoid disturbing the bulbs. ## Maintenance The plant forms rice-like bulblets that can be separated for propagation, and it can also be grown from seed. Use those small offsets to increase a planting while keeping the original bulbs in place.