Fritillaria pyrenaica is a species of flowering plant in the lily family Liliaceae, native to the Pyrenees in Spain and France.[1] Common names include Pyrenean fritillary[2] and Pyrenean snake's-head. It is a bulbous perennial growing to 45cm (18inches). The pendent, bell-shaped flowers are borne in spring. They have recurved tepals[3] which are purple tinged with brown and yellow.[1] Like other species in this genus, notably F. meleagris, they are strongly chequered.[3]
Two subspecies are currently recognized:[4]
Fritillaria pyrenaica subsp. boissieri (Costa) Vigo & Valdés[5]
Fritillaria pyrenaica subsp. pyrenaica
In cultivation in the UK Fritillaria pyrenaica has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[2] [6] It grows in any open place, such as a flower border or meadow, in full sun. Like all the Liliaceae, it is subject to predation by the scarlet lily beetle and its larvae.[2]