Snake's head fritillaries are most unusual looking wildflowers and the UK's only native fritillary species. Various shades of purple flower begin to appear in spring, and close inspection reveals a checked pattern like silvery scales. This can even be seen on the luminous white form. They are found in the damp, lowland meadows and pastures of Europe, including south-east England. They thrive on land that has never been subjected to intensive agriculture, and are now quite rare. They were once known as leper lilies and lazarus bells as the bell-shaped flowers resembled the bells worn by lepers in the Middle Ages to announce their presence.

See a summer's wildflower spectacular.

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