Fritillaria pyrenaica - Pyrennean Fritillary
Phylum: Anthophyta - Class: Equisetopsida - Order: Liliales - Family: Liliaceae
Description
The flowers of Pyrennean Fritillary (also known as the Pyrennean Snake's-head) are chequered brownish purple with yellowish tinges. The outsides of the tepals have chequered markings, sometimes so bold that they almost look like scales. This slender plant grows to a height of between 20 and 40cm and the nodding bell-like flowers are typically 3 to 4cm in length, and its elongated lanceolate leaves are alternate.
Habitat
This mountain species is found in some high-altitude woodlands and in open grassy alpine meadows.
The chequered petals and yellowish interior of Fritillaria pyrenaica
Distribution
This fritillary is not found in the wild in Britain; it is native to the Pyrenees in France, Portugal and Spain. In France this species is found in the Aude, Tarn, Hérault and Lozère as well as in the Aveyron region, where we photographed the specimens shown on this page.
Flowering Times
The Pyrennean Fritillary produces its flowers in April and May.
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