Ethnobotany

Blooming in early spring, this charming little flower is well described by its common name. The blossom, up to 35 mm long by 10 mm wide, nods at the top of 10–30 cm tall stems.

Although many members of the lily family are poisonous, the fleshy bulbs and tiny bulblets (which have been called ‘root rice’) are edible either raw or cooked. First Nations people collected them in early spring and used them fresh, or dried them for winter use. (Kershaw 109)

This plant is not currently in the garden, but we hope it is coming soon.

Botany

To be added soon.

References

• Kershaw, Linda. 2000. Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Rockies. Lone Pine Publishing, AB.