Wikimedia Commons
Liliaceae
Snake's Head Fritillary
Fritillaria meleagris
Majesty, persecution, mystery.
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Genus
- Fritillaria
- Native to
- Europe, Western Asia
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Type
- bulbous perennial
- Height
- 20–40 cm
- Sunlight
- Partial shade to full sun
- Soil
- Moist, well-drained
- Water
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- 3–8
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Did you know
- The flower's intricate purple-and-white checkered pattern looks startlingly like reptile skin — hence the common name 'snake's head.'
- It's the county flower of Oxfordshire in England, where centuries-old wild populations bloom in ancient water meadows.
- The species name 'meleagris' refers to a guinea fowl, whose feathers have a similar checkered pattern.
- Snake's head fritillaries are surprisingly delicate considering their hardiness — they need cool, moist meadow conditions to thrive.
- Wild populations have declined by over 90% in the UK due to drainage of meadowland for agriculture.