Snakes-head Fritillary
These flowers remind me of my childhood. They were once common place in water meadows and damp woodlands but intensive arable farming has significantly reduced their natural environment over the last 30 years. They are now considered rare which is a shame because they are beautiful and there is no other flower quite like them.
I’ve always known these flowers as Snakes-head but they have a number of interesting common names including Lazarus Bell or Leper Lily because the flower head resembles the shape of the bell worn by lepers in the Middle Ages. They are also known as Chess Flower and Chequered Lily due to their unusual petal patterns and Frog-cup – I have no idea where that name came from!
Snakes-head bloom in Spring, often around the Easter period. Ancient folklore explains that the flowers droop because they witnessed Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and hung their heads in sorrow. Within each flower is a bead of nectar said to be an eternal tear.
Fritillaria meleagris
I am such a fan of your writing. you take us places we only dream about. you have a gift and you share it so wonderfully! love it. love it. Love it!
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Thank you Dennis, The Winter Bites My Bones is always an inspiration, your poetry is poignant and insightful. I’m glad I found your blog.
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And I’m so glad I found yours!
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I love these flowers… how wonderful you found them.
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There is an amazing ancient water meadow in Cricklade which has fritillarys as far as the eye can see – the water meadow wasn’t ploughed in the war so is a true ancient remnant. Well worth a visit at this time of year – here’s the fritillary watch website http://www.crickladeinbloom.co.uk/fritillary_watch.html
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