Fritillaria atropurpurea aka Bronze Bells

Fritillaria atropurpurea grows from a bulb and belongs to the lily family. People call it purple fritillary or spotted fritillary. Some also call it chocolate lily. That name can mean other species, too. It comes from the western and west-central United States. It grows in California, Oregon, and the Rockies. Its range also spans parts of the Great Plains. It grows in temperate zones, often in the mountains.

This plant grows slowly to about 2 feet (0.6 metres) tall. It spreads about 0.3 feet (0.1 metres). Small bulbs grow below ground, with tiny bulblets joined to them. Bulblets are small bulbs. Its fine form suits gardens that keep small plants in view. Its spotted blooms are its main draw in gardens. Flowers bloom from April to May. Each has both male and female organs. Insects bring pollen to the flowers to pollinate them. The blooms supply nectar and pollen early in the season.

Wild plants grow in meadows, on rocky slopes, and in open woods. They also grow in gaps in sagebrush and in sheltered valleys. Some grow under trees and shrubs in damp soil rich in humus. Humus is decayed plant matter. In the mountains, plants reach close to the timberline, where trees stop growing. In gardens, choose sun or light shade and soil that drains well. Sand or loam suits this plant. The soil can be mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline. It may be dry or moist. The reported USDA hardiness range is zones 4–8.

Spotted fritillary suits native gardens, rock gardens, and planted meadows. It also suits the edges of woods and spots with dappled shade. Grow it from seed or split its bulblets. Plants grown from seed may take several years to bloom. For best results, sow fresh, ripe seed in a cold frame. Stored seed may take a year or more to sprout. Its slow growth calls for patience.

You can eat the bulbs and attached bulblets after cooking. Raw bulbs can taste bitter. Cooking makes their taste and texture better. You can boil, bake, or roast them. Their small size limits their worth as a food crop. Take care when you harvest to protect wild plants. Be sure of the plant's name before you gather any bulbs. Poisonous death camas can grow in the same places. Check that bulbs belong to the leaves and flowers you have named. A record of past use describes a salve for gland swellings. That record does not prove it is safe or works as medicine.