Fritillary

Fritillaria meleagris. This delightful Spring flower has many common names. These include Snake’s-head, Snake’s-head lily, Crowcups, Sulky ladies and several more.

It has been a matter of much debate among botanists for a very long time. But it seems to be now accepted that the first record of it was in 1736.

Its natural stronghold is in and around Oxford. It can be seen in large numbers in Magdalen College Meadow and in a very good year up to 12,000 have been counted in Iffley Meadows.

There is also a variety where the flower is white.

This one is cultivated in my garden and like many things it is early.