Kamchatka Lily
Fritillaria camschatcensisfam. Liliaceae
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Pl. 4A49 — Fritillaria camschatcensis
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IOverview
Overview
Kamchatka Lily (Fritillaria camschatcensis) is a perennial herb native to the coastal regions of North America and Asia, including Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon, and parts of Japan and Russia such as Kamchatka and Primorye. This plant thrives in moist, light 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. One distinctive feature is its height, reaching about 0.5 meters; another notable characteristic is its native range, which spans from the northern coasts of North America to eastern Russia.
Quick answers
What is Kamchatka Lily?
Kamchatka Lily (Fritillaria camschatcensis) is a perennial herb native to the coastal regions of North America and Asia, including Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon, and parts of Japan and Russia such as Kamchatka and Primorye. This plant thrives in moist, light soil and prefers partial sun to full sun exposure.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
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
What you'll need
Kamchatka Lily bulbs or seeds, potting soil, container, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in late summer to early fall for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining mix with light sand. Ensure the container has drainage holes.
- 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
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rotting the bulb. Keep the container cool and dark until sprouts appear.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial shade in summer. Water when soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering. Fertilize lightly once a year.
- 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
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, overwatering, neglecting to provide partial shade, forgetting to wait for natural leaf death.
VIEdible & utility
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
VIIDistribution
13 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
13 native · 0 introducedDistribution 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
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Liliaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Liliaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 4a497b27-d34e-4d0d-bcd4-c0e285e2e159
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