Fritillaria striata
Striped adobe-lily
no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Fritillaria striata (Striped adobe-lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by fragrant striped flowers and limited range diagnostic.
Striped adobe-lily is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in southern Sierra Nevada Foothill regions, particularly in Tulare and Kern counties including the Greenhorn Mountains, growing in adobe soil at elevations below 1,000 meters. Flowering from February to April, this plant produces white to pink flowers with distinctive red stripes, nodding gracefully and measuring 2 to 3.5 centimeters long with delicate, recurved tips. Growing 25 to 38 centimeters tall with a large underground bulb, it develops 3 to 10 alternate leaves that are bluish-green and oblong-ovate. Its leaves measure 6 to 7 centimeters long and spread along the stem with a glaucous appearance. The flower's nectary is linear and green, delicately outlined in lavender, adding to its subtle and elegant botanical character.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species; fragrant striped flowers and limited range diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Adobe soil
Elevation: < 1000 m
California counties: Tulare, Kern
Bloom period
Fritillaria striata blooms Feb-Apr.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Lilium: Fritillaria has dark glandular spots in the lower half of each petal; Lilium petals lack these nectary patches.; vs Calochortus: Fritillaria flowers droop downward with glands inside; Calochortus flowers face upward or outward.; vs Platanthera: Fritillaria has 6 similar bell-shaped petals; orchid flowers have distinctly different upper and lower petals.; vs Clintonia: Fritillaria flowers hang downward with internal glands; Clintonia flowers stand upright and produce berries.; vs Maianthemum: Fritillaria has large drooping bells with 6 petals; Maianthemum has tiny 4-parted flowers in clusters.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fritillaria striata native to California?
Yes. Fritillaria striata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Fritillaria striata bloom?
Fritillaria striata blooms Feb-Apr.
Where in California does Fritillaria striata grow?
Fritillaria striata occurs in Tulare, Kern, at elevations of < 1000 m.
What plant family does Fritillaria striata belong to?
Fritillaria striata is in the Liliaceae family, genus Fritillaria.
Is Fritillaria striata rare or endangered?
Fritillaria striata carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Fritillaria viridea — San benito fritillary
- Fritillaria affinis — Checker lily
- Fritillaria agrestis — Stinkbells
- Fritillaria atropurpurea — Mountain fritillary
- Fritillaria biflora — Chocolate lily
- Fritillaria biflora var. biflora — Chocolate lily
- Liliaceae sp. — Lily family
- Lilium bolanderi — Bolander's lily
- Lilium columbianum — Columbia lily
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.