Fritillaria camschatcensis aka Indian Rice

Fritillaria camschatcensis is a bulbous perennial in the lily family. Common names include black lily and Kamchatka fritillary. Its native range spans the Russian Far East and Japan. It also grows in northwestern North America, including Alaska and western Canada. It lives in moist woods and sub-alpine meadows. These habitats extend from sea level to about 1,970 feet [600 metres].

The plant forms upright stems with rings of glossy green leaves. Each leaf is narrow and lance-shaped. The foliage dies back each year. Flowering stems stand about 0.7–1.3 feet [0.2–0.4 metres] tall. RHS gives an upper garden height of 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Its listed spread also reaches 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. The bulbs are fragile and need careful handling when planted.

Flowers open in late spring and early summer. Each stem usually holds three bell-shaped blooms that nod slightly. Their deep purple petals look almost black against the yellow anthers. This dark flower colour suits mixed beds and borders. RHS suggests cottage gardens, informal gardens, and sheltered courtyard sites. PFAF also places it at woodland edges and in dappled shade.

Grow it in fertile soil rich in humus, with good drainage. Loam and sandy soils suit it, with acid or neutral pH. It accepts full sun or partial shade in a sheltered spot. Soil must stay damp through summer when plants grow in full sun. RHS rates its hardiness H5; PFAF lists USDA zones 4–8. Plant bulbs at four times their own depth. Sow seeds in pots in a cold frame during autumn. Winter cold helps them germinate the next spring. Divide offsets in late summer. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. They need no pruning, and RHS reports few disease problems. Slugs and lily beetles may cause damage.

The sources give conflicting accounts of food use and safety. PFAF records bulbs eaten raw, cooked, or dried for storage. It also describes dried bulbs ground for flour or starch. Cooked bulbs may taste like chestnuts, though some accounts note bitterness. PFAF lists no known hazards and no known medicinal uses. RHS warns that the ornamental bulbs are harmful to people and pets. It says not to eat them and recommends protective gloves when handling. These food records should not be treated as proof of safety.