Pyrenean fritillary facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pyrenean fritillary
Scientific classification
Genus:	Fritillaria
Species:	pyrenaica

The Pyrenean fritillary (Fritillaria pyrenaica) is a beautiful species of flowering plant. It is part of the lily family, called Liliaceae. This plant grows naturally in the Pyrenees mountains, which are located between Spain and France. Another common name for it is the Pyrenean snake's-head.

This plant grows from a bulb, which is like an underground storage unit. It is a perennial, meaning it lives for many years and comes back each spring. It can grow up to 45 centimeters (about 1.5 feet) tall. In spring, it produces hanging, bell-shaped flowers. These flowers have petals (called tepals) that curve backward. They are usually purple with hints of brown and yellow. Just like other plants in its group, especially the snake's-head fritillary, its flowers often have a cool checkered pattern.

Growing Pyrenean Fritillary

The Pyrenean fritillary is a popular plant for gardens. In the UK, it has even won an award called the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This award means it is an excellent plant for gardeners to grow.

You can grow this plant in any open spot, like a flower bed or a meadow. It likes to be in full sun. However, like all plants in the lily family, it can be eaten by a pest called the scarlet lily beetle. Both the adult beetles and their larvae (young bugs) enjoy munching on these plants.

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  New shoots appearing

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  Flower buds getting ready to open

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  The outer side of a Pyrenean fritillary flower

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  The inner side of the flower

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  Mature seed capsules after the flower has faded

See also

In Spanish: Fritillaria pyrenaica para niños