Characterizing the major morphological traits and chemical compositions in the bulbs of widely cultivated Fritillaria species in China

► The morphological traits differed significantly among nine Fritillaria species. ► The morphological traits of ZB-Ft and WY-Fwu were different from other species. ► Short diameter of bulb could be used as the most important identification indicators. ► Nine species were clustered into two groups based on the chemical composition. ► The alkaloid and saponin contents could be used for species identification.