San Benito Fritillary

Fritillaria viridea is considered rare and endangered in California. It is closely related to F. affinis and considered synonymous with it by some authors.

Bulb scales: large 3–5; small 0–4. Stem 3–6.5 dm. Leaves in 1–2 whorls of 3–4 leaves per node proximally, alternate distally, 4–10 cm, usually shorter than inflorescence; blade narrowly lanceolate; distal leaves usually ± equaling proximalmost leaf. Flowers nodding; tepals pale green to almost black, not mottled, lanceolate, 0.9–1.8 cm, apex not recurved; nectaries green, lanceolate, ca. 1/2 tepal length; style obviously branched for 1/2 its length, branches longer than 1.5 mm. Capsules winged.

Calif.

Flowering Apr--May.

Serpentine slopes; 200--1500m.