Snakes Head Fritillary

Description

Fritillaria meleagris

A superb native bulb that has suffered through loss of it’s preferred habitat – damp meadows and flood-plains. It has recently been planted in an effort to recreate the meadows that were common in the late nineteenth, early 20th century. The checkerboard pattern of colour on the petals looking like snakes-skin gives the plant it’s name and the colour varies from quite deep purple to white. Leaves are narrow and grass-like. This wildflower often goes unnoticed until it flowers.

Early bees seek the nectar and pheasant eat the bulbs! Sow late summer for seedlings to appear the following spring.

Seed from Shropshire