Fritillaria meleagris, commonly known as the snake's head fritillary or checkered lily, is a bulbous perennial plant native to Europe. Belonging to the lily family, it produces striking bell-shaped flowers adorned with purple and white checkered patterns. The plant typically reaches a height of 20-40 cm and blooms in early spring.
Fritillaria meleagris thrives in moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. It is often found in damp meadows, marshes, and along riverbanks. For centuries, the plant has been valued for its anti-inflammatory properties and used in traditional medicine.
Beyond its beauty as a garden plant, Fritillaria meleagris has culinary uses as well. Its bulbs have historically been roasted or boiled and consumed similarly to potatoes.
Despite being relatively easy to grow from bulbs, Fritillaria meleagris is considered endangered due to habitat loss, particularly from agricultural practices like the drainage of wetlands where it naturally thrives. Conservation efforts across Europe aim to preserve this unique species for future generations.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Fritillaria
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-11
- Mature Height
- 20 cm to 30 cm
- Mature Spread
- 15 cm to 23 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Purple, White
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm to 7.62 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring
- Planting Time
- Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Native Area
- Canada, western US
Other names.
