Another of the rather varied selection of flowers coming into bloom this month at the Homestead Park in York is this Snake's Head Fritillary, with its rather attractive checkerboard pattern on its petals.
In the United Kingdom there is some disagreement amongst botanists as to whether fritillaria meleagris is a native species or a long-established garden escapee that has become naturalised over time. The plant was first described in the 16th century by herbalist John Gerard who had only known of it as a garden plant and it was not recorded in the wild until 1736, which has led some to argue that it must be an escapee. However, the fact that its habitat is usually confined to ancient hay meadows and it does not easily spread to adjoining land, leads others to the conclusion that it is a native species which became isolated from the European population when Britain was cut off from mainland Europe after the last glacial period.
The plant was once abundant in the UK, particularly in the Thames Valley and parts of Wiltshire, and was collected in vast quantities to be sold as a cut flower in the markets of London, Oxford and Birmingham. During World War II most of the ancient meadows were ploughed up and turned over to the production of food crops, destroying much of the plant's habitat. A popular garden plant, it is now rare in the wild, although there are some notable sites where it is still found. I have seen it growing wild along a field edge beside a footpath north of Kirkbymoorside on the southern edge of the North York Moors.
A lovely shot of this pretty flower. I have some in a pot in my garden but I can’t say I’ve ever seen them growing wild anywhere. I hope they make a come back as they are so nice.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
This flower is one of those found in ancient meadows. Sadly many such areas in the UK were ploughed up in the Second World War to enable extra food production, and further loss has happened since then, leading to the decline of these lovely flowers.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
This flower is one of those found in ancient meadows. Sadly many such areas in the UK were ploughed up in the Second World War to enable extra food production, and further loss has happened since then, leading to the decline of these lovely flowers.
Ian
Thank you - it is a lovely pattern.
Ian