Crown imperial lily, Tears of Mary
Fritillaria imperialis
Family: Liliaceae
What it is like
A bulb plant. It grows 60-120 cm high and 20-30 cm wide. The leaves are glossy and twisted. They occur in rings or whorls around the stout stem. The flowers are at the top of the stem. They can be 8 nodding flowers. These can be 8 cm long. There is a green tuft at the top. The colour can vary from yellow to reddish-brown.
There are about 100 Fritillaria species.
Where it is found
It is a cool temperate plant. It is frost hardy. It can grow on heavy soils. It is best in full sun. The soils should be well drained. It suits hardiness zones 4-7.
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Australia, Asia, Britain, Central Asia, Europe, Himalayas, India, Iran, Iraq, Kashmir, Kurdistan, Middle East, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
CAUTION: Fresh bulbs are poisonous. They contain a toxic alkaloid called imperialine. The bulbs are eaten after cooking.
It is a cultivated plant.
Edible parts
Root, caution
How it is grown
Bulbs are planted about 20 cm deep in well prepared planting holes. Bulbs are spaced about 30 cm apart.
Its other names
Local names
Cesarski tulipan