Each year, I hiked into various areas and watch for the appearance of chocolate lilies (fritillaria sp.).   On a rainy day, I drove to the upper grasslands of Lac du Bois Grasslands Nature Conservancy and hiked on trails and through grassland meadows to enjoy the wildflowers.   Chocolate lilies were emerging in the 10’s of thousands, with only a fraction in bloom.

The bell shaped flower heads hide the inner parts of the flower, so I lay on the wet ground to take a photo, looking up, complete with raindrops.

There was lots of variation from chocolate brown to yellowish-brown and all variations, including some purplish tepals.

A number of growing plants had 2 – 5 flowers emerging.   i looked for a 6, but didn’t spot one.

I will be back to see the next phase of the chocolate lily bloom.   For more information, there is an article on this website – Chocolate Lilies.