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Fritillaria
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Fritillaria

Fritillaria

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameFritillaria
DescriptionElegant spring bulb featuring distinctive nodding, bell-shaped flowers, many with intricate checkered or tessellated patterns resembling snake skin or guinea fowl feathers. Flowers range from subtle checkered purples and whites (F. meleagris) to bold orange crowns (F. imperialis). Unique among bulbs for downward-facing blooms and exotic appearance. Prized by collectors but can be challenging to grow, requiring specific conditions. Some species endangered in wild due to over-collection.
FamilyLiliaceae
GenusFritillaria
TribeLilieae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr ⊕ ⚥ P3+3 A3+3 G(3)

Ebracteate (no bracts), radially symmetrical (actinomorphic), bisexual, 6 tepals in 2 whorls of 3 (perianth, no distinction between sepals and petals), 6 stamens in 2 whorls of 3, 3 fused carpels with superior ovary. Nectaries at base of tepals

Features
  • Name 'Fritillaria' from Latin 'fritillus' (dice box or checkerboard) for checkered pattern on F. meleagris. 'Meleagris' means guinea fowl (spotted like feathers). 'Imperialis' means imperial for Crown Imperial's regal appearance. 'Snake's Head' describes F. meleagris pattern. About 130-140 species worldwide
  • Flowers 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long, bell-shaped, nodding (hanging downward). F. meleagris has checkered purple-white pattern; F. imperialis has cluster of orange-red bells topped by leafy crown. Colors include purple, white, yellow, orange, red, green, and brown. Six tepals with nectaries at base. Blooms spring (March-May)
  • Bulbous perennial that blooms in spring, goes dormant in summer. Bulbs have distinctive musky, skunky odor (deters rodents). Takes 3-5 years from seed to flowering. Some species difficult to cultivate, declining in gardens. Crown Imperial (F. imperialis) easier; Snake's Head (F. meleagris) more delicate
  • Grows 6 inches to 4 feet (15-120 cm) tall depending on species. F. meleagris 8-12 inches; F. imperialis 3-4 feet. Lifespan of bulbs 3-5+ years if conditions right. Propagated from bulb offsets (slow), bulbils, or seed (5-7 years to bloom). Bulbs fragile—handle carefully
  • Native to temperate Northern Hemisphere. F. meleagris from Europe (England to Russia); F. imperialis from Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan to Kashmir. Various species from Mediterranean, Asia, western North America. Found in meadows, woodlands, alpine areas. Many species endangered in wild
  • Requires well-drained soil (bulbs rot in wet conditions). Prefers full sun to dappled shade. Plant bulbs in fall, 4-6 inches deep. Needs cool winter (vernalization). Don't disturb bulbs; leave foliage until yellowed. Challenging to grow—bulbs often decline after few years. Zones 3-8 depending on species
  • Prized by collectors for exotic appearance and rarity. F. imperialis (Crown Imperial) easier for gardens; musky scent deters deer, rodents, moles. F. meleagris endangered in wild (habitat loss). Some species used in traditional Chinese medicine. Bulbs mildly toxic. Excellent for rock gardens, woodland gardens, and naturalizing in appropriate climates

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificFritillaria
English (Alternate)Snake's Head fritillary, Guinea Hen flower, Crown Imperial, Checkered Lily
Hindiक्षीरकाकोली (Ksheerakakoli), ककौली (Kakoli), जंगली लहसुन (Jungli Lahsun)
Tamilகாக்கிலா (Kaakila), காகோலி (Kaakoli), க்ஷீரா (Kshira)
TeluguKakoli (కాకోలి)
Malayalamകാക്കോലി (Kakoli)
Kannadaಕಾಕೋಲಿ (Kakoli)
Sanskritमयूरशिखा (Mayūrashikhā), काकोली (kakoli)
Bengaliকাটা মুকুট(Kata Mukut)
Frenchfritillaire
Russianрябчик (ryabchik), рябчик императорский (ryabchik imperatorskiy)
Spanishflor de fritillaria
GermanSchachbrettblume

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.