Fritillaria ayakoana inhabits the fringes of deciduous tree forests, where the new green aboveground cover develops in mid-late spring. Appearing from underground in late February, F. ayakoana flowers in March and dies back (wither from the tips of branches to the roots, leaving roots behind) in late May. That is why people refer to it as a spring ephemeral. This species is endemic to Shimane, and its Red Data Book lists it as a CR+EN. The flower (a set of sepals) is a cup-shaped campanulate structure with a striking nectary on each tepal, located a few millimeters from the base, which identifies this species. Bloom time: March-April.