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 BSBI disribution map for - Fritillary

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