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Kamchatka Lily

Fritillaria camschatcensisfam. Liliaceae
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edibleherbsedibleedible rootnative asiaperennialshade tolerant
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Fritillaria camschatcensis (Kamchatka Lily) — botanical photograph
Pl. 4A49 — Fritillaria camschatcensis
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Overview

Kamchatka Lily (Fritillaria camschatcensis) is a perennial herb belonging to the Liliaceae family, native to the coastal regions of North America and Asia. It can be found in Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon, and parts of Japan and Russia, including Kamchatka and Primorye. This plant thrives in moist, light (sandy) or medium soil and prefers partial sun to full sun exposure. Known for its edible root and seedpod, it has been utilized by local communities for culinary purposes. The Kamchatka Lily typically reaches a height of about 0.5 meters and is hardy in zones 4-8. Its distinctive features include its native range, which spans from the northern coasts of North America to eastern Russia, and its ability to grow in a variety of coastal environments. For cultivation, the root and seedpod can be used for propagation. This plant is well-suited for gardens and landscapes where it can add a touch of fragrance and a unique presence.

Quick answers

What is Kamchatka Lily?

Kamchatka Lily (Fritillaria camschatcensis) is a perennial herb belonging to the Liliaceae family, native to the coastal regions of North America and Asia. It can be found in Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon, and parts of Japan and Russia, including Kamchatka and Primorye.

Compare with:Asian Lily→Bamboo Lily→Chocolate Lily→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Kamchatka Lily thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy) or medium in texture. It grows best in hardiness zones 4-8 and reaches a height of about 0.5 meters. For propagation, the root and seedpod can be used. This plant is native to regions such as Alaska, Kamchatka, and parts of Japan, making it adaptable to similar climates. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but avoid overwatering to prevent rot.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Kamchatka Lily for the first time

8steps

Start with Kamchatka Lily to experience growing bulbs, even if you're a beginner.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Kamchatka Lily bulbs or seeds, potting soil, container, watering can.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in late summer to early fall for best results.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a well-draining mix with light sand. Ensure the container has drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Place bulbs 2-3 times their height deep in soil, pointed end up. For seeds, sow shallowly and keep moist.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water sparingly to avoid rotting the bulb. Keep the container cool and dark until sprouts appear.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide partial shade in summer. Water when soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering. Fertilize lightly once a year.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    After flowering, allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally before cutting it down. Do not dig up bulbs.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Planting too deep, overwatering, neglecting to provide partial shade, forgetting to wait for natural leaf death.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:RootSeedpod
Edible uses: The Kamchatka Lily is edible, with its root and seedpods being the parts consumed. Typically, these are prepared by digging up the roots and drying them before use in various dishes. The seedpods can also be harvested and dried for later culinary applications.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

13 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across2 continents· 13 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Japan
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Aleutian Is., Amur, British Columbia, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., Magadan, Oregon, Primorye, Sakhalin, Washington
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Fritillaria camschatcensis (Kamchatka Lily) — botanical photograph
Kamchatka Lily (Fritillaria camschatcensis)
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See also

8 related

Plants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Liliaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.

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Explore further

Growing zone
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