White Flowered Snake's Head Fritillary Fritillaria meleagris var. unicolor subvar. alba
ABOUT
Known commonly as the white snake's head fritillary, this particular variety of plant features a distinctly delicate and elegant appearance. Its blooms are notable for their pure white, bell-shaped flowers, which dangle gracefully from slender stems. Each flower is characteristically unmarked, presenting a clean and uniform white coloration that makes it stand out in a garden setting. The petals curl slightly upwards at the ends, further accentuating the bell-like form of the bloom. The foliage of this plant is slender and linear, with a glossy, lance-shaped leaf structure that provides an attractive contrast to the soft, white blossoms it supports. Overall, the plant exudes a sense of refined beauty, retaining a simplicity in its coloring while displaying a complex, visually appealing structure.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae.
Synonyms
White Snake's Head Fritillary, White Guinea Hen Flower, White Snake's Head, White Chequered Lily.
Common names
Fritillaria meleagris, Fritillaria alba, Fritillaria meleagris var. alba
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as White Flowered Snake's Head Fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris var. unicolor subvar. alba) is not widely recognized as being toxic to humans. Very little information is available regarding its toxicity, suggesting that it is generally considered safe. However, due to the lack of specific information, it is always prudent to exercise caution and avoid ingesting any part of unknown plants, as their effects on humans could be unpredictable.
To pets
The White Flowered Snake's Head Fritillary is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets, including dogs and cats. The absence of reported cases and lack of information on its toxicity implies that it might not pose a significant risk. Nonetheless, as with any plant not specifically known to be safe for pets, it's advisable to prevent pets from ingesting this plant to avoid any potential adverse reactions. If a pet does ingest part of this plant and shows any signs of illness, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: With its striking white bell-shaped flowers, the plant, commonly known as White Snake's Head Fritillary, adds elegance and a unique pattern to gardens and landscapes.
- Biodiversity Support: It provides nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects, which are essential for the health of ecosystems.
- Educational Interest: The plant can be used for educational purposes, such as in botanical studies, due to its distinct morphology and genetic characteristics.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care beyond the occasional watering and is tolerant of a range of soil conditions.
- Historical Significance: The plant has a rich history and has been appreciated in gardens for centuries, offering a sense of tradition and continuity in horticulture.
- Seasonal Interest: It flowers in the spring, providing seasonal interest after the cold winter months and creating anticipation for the coming of warmer seasons.
- Wildlife Habitat: It can serve as a habitat and source of food for certain species of wildlife, thus contributing to the sustainability of local fauna.
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 (Snake's head fritillary) bulbs can be used as a nutritious starch source in times of food scarcity, as they are rich in carbohydrates.
- The chequerboard pattern of the petals has been an inspiration for artists and designers, influencing patterns in textiles and ceramics.
- In some cultural traditions, the dried bulbs are carried as talismans to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
- The Snake's head fritillary is sometimes planted in meadow restoration projects to attract pollinators and increase biodiversity.
- The flower's unique shape and pattern make it a popular choice for use in floral arrangements, especially in spring-themed bouquets.
- Educational use in botany and ecology classes to demonstrate bulb growth and development stages.
- These flowers can be used in the study of plant pigmentation to understand the genetics of color and pattern in petals.
- The plant can be used as an indicator species for the health of wetland ecosystems as it thrives in damp meadows.
- Some gardeners plant Snake's head fritillary to create a historical or heritage garden, as it was popular in Victorian times.
- Its dried seed capsules have a unique appearance that can be used for creating natural, rustic jewelry or decoration pieces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe White Flowering Snake's Head Fritillary is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe White Flowering Snake's Head Fritillary is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance: Fritillaria meleagris, commonly known as the Snake's Head Fritillary, often blooms early in the spring, symbolizing the ability to endure and persevere through challenging conditions.
- Uniqueness: With its distinctive checkered pattern, the Snake's Head Fritillary represents individuality and the beauty of being different.
- Nobility: In the past, its rarity in English meadows gave it an air of exclusivity, making it symbolic of nobility and high status.
- Mystery: The unique and somewhat elusive appearance of its flowers can symbolize mystery and intrigue.
- Transformation: As a bulb that emerges after a cold winter, it can symbolize the start of new beginnings and transformation.
WaterThe White Flowering Meadow Lily should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Carefully water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, using around 1 gallon of water per week during the growing season. During the dormant period, water sparingly, just enough to keep the soil from completely drying out. Over-watering can lead to bulb rot, so ensure good drainage and avoid letting the plant sit in waterlogged soil.
LightThe White Flowering Meadow Lily thrives in partial shade to full sun. An ideal spot is one that receives morning sunlight and is shaded in the afternoon, which will protect the plant from the harsh midday sun. Filtered light beneath deciduous trees can also provide the right conditions for healthy growth.
TemperatureThe White Flowering Meadow Lily prefers temperate climates with temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during its growing season. It can survive winter temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid exposing the plant to extremes of heat or cold to maintain its health and flowering potential.
PruningPruning the White Flowering Meadow Lily is not generally necessary but removing spent flowers can encourage healthier bulbs. After flowering, snip off the dead flower heads but leave the foliage in place until it turns yellow and dies back naturally to allow energy to return to the bulb. Pruning is best done in late spring or early summer after blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe White Flowering Snake's Head Fritillary requires well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. A mix of loam, sand, and leaf mold or compost is ideal, with the addition of grit for improved drainage. Balancing moisture retention with good drainage is crucial to prevent bulb rot.
RepottingThe White Flowering Snake's Head Fritillary should be repotted every three to five years. Repotting is best done in the late summer after the foliage has died back, ensuring minimal disturbance to the bulbs during their dormancy period.
Humidity & MistingThe White Flowering Snake's Head Fritillary prefers moderate humidity levels, consistent with outdoor garden conditions. If grown indoors, ensure that the environment isn't excessively dry or humid; a range of 40-60% is typically suitable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; keep soil moist.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Fritillaria meleagris var. unicolor subvar. alba, commonly known as the white form of Snake's Head Fritillary, begins with seed germination in late spring or summer, as the seeds require a period of warm temperatures followed by cold stratification to break dormancy. After germination, the plant develops a bulb from which foliage will sprout; the leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, emerging in early spring. During this time, a single flower stalk also grows, bearing a solitary, nodding, bell-shaped white flower with a delicate checkered pattern that blooms in April or May. Once flowering is complete, the plant sets seed, which is then dispersed to start new plants, while the above-ground parts die back to the bulb which enters dormancy through summer and autumn. The bulb remains dormant underground during the winter months, conserving energy for the next growth cycle. With the arrival of the next spring, the cycle repeats as the bulb sends up new growth, continuing the perennial life cycle of the plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagating Fritillaria meleagris var. unicolor subvar. alba, commonly known as the white checkerboard or guinea hen flower, is by bulb division. This plant naturally propagates by producing bulb offsets, also known as daughter bulbs, which can be gently separated from the parent bulb after the foliage has died back in summer. The ideal time to divide and replant these bulbs is in the fall, specifically from September to October. When replanting, you should place the bulbs at a depth of about 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) and space them approximately 3 to 4 inches (7.62 to 10.16 centimeters) apart in well-drained soil and a location with partial to full sunlight. Properly separated and planted, these bulbs should flower in the following spring, providing the same delicate beauty as the parent plant.
