This subgenus of North American Fritillaria, centred on California constitutes Clade A and contains more than 20 species. They have distinctive bulbs with several imbricate (overlapping) scales. Their resemblance to the bulbs of Lilium lends this subgenus the name of Liliorhiza, or lily-roots. Most species exhibit loosely attached bulbils, whose size and shape gave them the name of "rice-grain bulbils". These are also seen in subgenus Davidii, but appear to have evolved independently. Stem leaves are whorled.
This subgenus of North American Fritillaria, centred on California constitutes Clade A and contains more than 20 species They have distinctive bulbs with several imbricate (overlapping) scales. Thei,r resemblance to the bulbs of Lilium lends this subgenus the name of Liliorhiza, or lily-roots. Most species exhibit loosely attached bulbils, whose size and shape gave them the name of "rice-grain bulbils" These are also seen in subgenus Davidii but appear to have evolved independently. Stem leaves are whorled.