Snake's head fritillary Fritillaria meleagris
ABOUT
Fritillaria meleagris, commonly known as snake's head fritillary, is a striking flowering plant. Its most recognizable feature is the unique, bell-shaped flowers that dangle gracefully from slender stems. The petals are typically checkered with a chessboard pattern in shades of purple, although some blooms may be a solid hue or, less commonly, white. Each petal is adorned with a delicate, tessellated pattern that adds to the plant's charm. The leaves of the snake's head fritillary are narrow and lance-shaped, with a glossy green color that contrasts beautifully with the distinctive flowers. They emerge from the base of the plant and along the stem, providing a complementary backdrop to the visual spectacle of the blooms. The overall impression of this plant is one of elegance and a quiet beauty, with its unique flowers providing a sense of intrigue and fascination. It's a popular choice for garden enthusiasts who appreciate its showy blossoms and the patterned allure that sets it apart from other spring-flowering plants.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae.
Synonyms
Snake's Head Fritillary, Snake's Head, Chess Flower, Frog-cup, Guinea-hen Flower, Leper Lily, Lazarus Bell, Checkered Lily, Chequered Daffodil, Drooping Tulip.
Common names
Fritillaria meleagris var. unicolor, Fritillaria meleagris var. alba, Lilium variegatum, Fritillaria mathei, Fritillaria discolor, Fritillaria meleagris var. mathei, Fritillaria meleagris var. discolor, Fritillaria pyrenaica subsp. meleagris.
ToxicityTo humans
Fritillaria meleagris, commonly known as Snake's head fritillary, is not commonly regarded as a toxic plant to humans. However, as with any plant material, sensitivity varies among individuals, and it could potentially cause mild stomach upset if ingested. It is always advisable to avoid eating any plant not specifically grown for consumption to prevent any negative side effects.
To pets
Snake's head fritillary is considered to be of low toxicity to pets. If ingested, pets may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, including nausea or vomiting. It is generally recommended to prevent pets from ingesting this plant, as it is not intended for consumption, but it is not expected to cause severe or life-threatening symptoms.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
0 feet 10 inches [30 centimeters]
Spread
0 feet 5 inches [15 centimeters]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecosystem support: Fritillaria meleagris, commonly known as snake's head fritillary, provides nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Biodiversity enhancement: By adding a unique species to the landscape, snake's head fritillary helps increase plant diversity in gardens and natural habitats.
- Aesthetic appeal: The distinct chequered pattern of the flowers adds visual interest and beauty to gardens, drawing the attention of visitors and nature enthusiasts alike.
- Wildlife attraction: The flowers can attract various species of insects, which in turn can attract birds and other wildlife, creating a dynamic and interactive garden environment.
- Educational value: As a plant with unique characteristics, snake's head fritillary can be used as an educational tool to teach about plant biology and pollination.
- Conservation status: Planting and cultivating snake's head fritillary can contribute to the conservation of this species, which has declining populations in the wild.
- Cultural significance: The plant holds historical significance in certain regions, offering cultural value and the opportunity for people to connect with their heritage.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fritillaria meleagris, commonly known as snake's head fritillary, can be used in decorative arrangements for its unique, checkered petals that add a distinct pattern to floral displays.
- The plant is often utilized in educational settings, such as biology classes, to discuss pollination strategies and plant reproduction due to its interesting flower shape that encourages specific pollinator interactions.
- In gardening, snake's head fritillary bulbs can be used as a natural pest deterrent thanks to the "fritillary" in its name, which refers to a dice-box, and is believed to refer to resemblance of the checkerboard pattern on its flowers to a box in which dice are carried; this pattern is thought to confuse certain pests.
- Photographers and artists may use the striking look of the snake's head fritillary as a subject for botanical illustrations, photography projects, or inspiration for patterns in artwork.
- The plant serves an educational role in conservation, highlighting the importance of preserving meadow habitats where it naturally occurs, making it a flagship species for habitat conservation efforts.
- Enthusiasts of Victorian language of flowers use the bloom to convey intricate messages; the snake's head fritillary can symbolize perplexity, due to its complex checkerboard pattern on the petals.
- Culinary enthusiasts sometimes use the image of the snake's head fritillary on food presentation and in cake decorating for its visually striking pattern, though the plant itself is not edible.
- As a garden border plant, snake's head fritillary can be used to create a distinctive "wild" look, echoing the flowers' natural appearance in grasslands and meadows.
- The bulb of the snake's head fritillary is sometimes used in botanical and horticultural studies on bulb propagation and storage due to its hardiness in various soil conditions and climates.
- In folklore storytelling, the unique checkered pattern and nodding flower heads of the snake's head fritillary often feature in tales explaining the origins of the plant through myths and legends.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Checkered Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Checkered Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance and Resilience: Also known as snake's head fritillary, the plant often blooms in early spring, even when the last vestiges of winter linger, symbolizing an ability to endure and thrive in challenging conditions.
- Unique Beauty: With its characteristic checkered pattern, the snake's head fritillary stands out from other flowers, representing a beauty that is unique and distinctive.
- Protection: The plant's name, snake's head, can evoke feelings of caution and defense, suggesting it may symbolize guardianship and protection against harm.
- Mystery and Magic: The unusual markings and nodding heads of the snake's head fritillary flowers give them an air of mystery, often associating them with the magical and the uncommon.
WaterSnake's Head Fritillary should be watered thoroughly during its growth phase in the spring, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, which would typically be about 1 inch of water per week. After it has bloomed and the foliage has died back, reduce watering significantly, as the plant prefers a dry dormancy period. In terms of quantity, ensure that you provide between 1-2 gallons of water per square yard every week during the active growth period, depending on soil drainage and weather conditions. It's important not to over-water, as this can lead to bulb rot.
LightSnake's Head Fritillary thrives best in partial shade to full sun conditions. The ideal spot for this plant is a location where it receives morning sunlight but is shielded from the intense heat of the afternoon. Dappled sunlight under open canopy trees or in a well-lit garden area that does not experience the full force of the sun all day would be suitable for healthy growth.
TemperatureSnake's Head Fritillary can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best when the daytime temperature is between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures do not drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The bulbs can survive winter cold down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but it is the wet conditions rather than cold that are more likely to kill the bulbs, so ensure proper drainage.
PruningPruning is not necessary for Snake's Head Fritillary, as it's a bulb plant that naturally dies back after flowering. However, it is important to remove the spent flower heads to promote better bulb development for the next season. Pruning should only be done after the foliage has yellowed and begun to wither, usually a few weeks after flowering has finished, to ensure that the leaves can photosynthesize and collect energy for the next year.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe Snake's Head Fritillary thrives best in a well-draining, fertile soil mix with ample organic matter. A mixture of loam, sand, and compost or well-rotted leaf mold can create a suitable environment. The soil pH should ideally be neutral to slightly alkaline, around 6.5 to 7.0.
RepottingSnake's Head Fritillaries, being perennial bulbs, do not need frequent repotting. It is generally advised to repot or divide the clumps every 3 to 5 years to avoid overcrowding and to maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingSnake's Head Fritillaries prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable. As they are typically spring-blooming plants, they can tolerate the varying humidity levels of springtime temperate regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light; keep soil moist but not soggy.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in autumn, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Fritillaria meleagris, commonly known as Snake's Head Fritillary or Guinea Hen Flower, begins with seed dispersal, typically by wind, water, or animals. Germination requires a period of cold stratification, and once conditions are favorable, typically in autumn, the seeds sprout and roots establish, followed by the emergence of shoots in spring. The plant develops a single, slender stem adorned with lance-shaped leaves and one to a few nodding, bell-shaped flowers, usually marked with a unique checkered pattern. After blooming in spring, the plant undergoes pollination, often by bees, leading to the formation of a dry fruit capsule containing numerous seeds. The above-ground parts of the Fritillary die back after flowering, with the plant surviving as a bulb beneath the soil surface during the dormant summer phase. In the next growing season, the cycle recommences, with the bulb sending up new shoots to continue its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method to propagate the Fritillaria meleagris, commonly known as Snake's Head Fritillary, is through bulb division. This procedure is typically carried out in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but before the ground freezes. To propagate, gently lift the bulbs from the soil using a garden fork, being careful not to damage them. Detach the small bulblets that have formed around the base of the mother bulb. Replant these bulblets immediately at a depth of about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 centimeters) and space them about 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate room for growth. Water the newly planted bulbs well to settle the soil around them. This method enables the plant to naturally multiply, creating new bulbs that will flower in subsequent seasons.
