Bulb scales: large 2-7; small 1-2. Stem 1-3.5 dm. Leaves 2-20, alternate, 3.5-12 cm; blade linear to ovate. Flowers nodding, odorless or faintly fragrant; tepals white, striped green, 1-1.6 cm, apex not recurved; nectaries obscure, purplish to greenish, narrowly linear, forming narrow band 1/2-2/3 tepal length; style obviously branched for 1/2 its length, branches longer than 1.5 mm. Capsules obtusely angled. 2n = 24.

Flowering Feb--Apr. Heavy soil, open hills and fields near coast; of conservation concern; 0--200 m; Calif.

Fritillaria liliacea is sometimes confused with F. agrestis, which has flowers with an unpleasant odor. This species is in cultivation, and is considered rare and endangered in California.