fritillary

Any of several bulbous perennial plants, of the genus Fritillaria, having flowers with a spotted or chequered pattern.

Fritillaries are as fundamental a part of the British water meadow landscape as Ratty and Mole slowly punting along under a willow tree. They speak of opalescent spring mornings, with their distinctive chequered bells bowed earthward and beaded with dew, a dark counterpoint to the acid-fresh grass.

Any of several butterflies, of the family Nymphalidae, having wings with black or silvery spots.