Seasonal Wild Flowers

Fritillary

Fritillaria meleagris

Liliaceae

April and May

Wild, probably native, fritillary found in localised sites in East

Anglia and around Oxford since the 1730s.

Naturalised escapes are scattered throughout the country,

but are most common in the South.

For a map see the National Biodiversity Network Gateway

Fritillary is found in damp meadows used for hay making with

subsequent grazing.

It is also planted, and sometimes naturalised in other types of

grassland.

The white fritillary shown on this web page were seen growing

in a small wood in Lancaster.

It is a bulbous perennial herb growing up to 30cm.

The flowers are distinctive, hanging bells (30-50mm across),

ranging from white to a mottled purple.

The whole plant appears fragile and the leaves are grey-green

and grass-like.

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Fritillary in a copse, Lancaster

White flower

Flower showing stamens

Flower showing 3 styles

Purple flower