Snake's head fritillary

Fritillaria meleagris L.

Family: LiliaceaeOrigin: Europe to western Siberia

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

bulb (handling)

Preparation

Ornamental plant only. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.

Hazard type

Unknown (RHS does not name a toxic principle): RHS flags it only as an ornamental bulb not to be eaten, with a handling caution

Hazard route

skin contact when handling; ingestion presumably hazardous but not described by the source used

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

RHS says: "Ornamental bulbs, not to be eaten." That is a caution, not a toxicity finding, and ASPCA has no entry, so no pet verdict is given. That is not a statement that the plant is safe. Keep dogs, cats and horses from eating it.

Patent / trademark

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PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: RHS hardiness rating H5 (hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters). This is an RHS rating, not a USDA zone number, and has not been converted to one.
Light: Full sun or partial shade.
Water needs: Moist but well-drained, or well-drained.
Mature size: Maximum height 0.1-0.5 metres; maximum spread 0-0.1 metre. Time to maturity 2-5 years.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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