Fritillaria ruthenica

Description

Fritillaria ruthenica is a species of the lily family (Liliaceae). The species was first validly published by Johan Emanuel Wikström in 1827. Fritillaria ruthenica grows to a height of between 20 and 50 (sometimes 60) centimeters. The leaves of the species are spreading on the top of the stem, but are almost in a whorl at the bottom. The leaves are lanceolate and have a length of 10 to 20 centimeters and a width of 3 to 15 millimeters. The flowers are bell-shaped and drooping. The petal has a diameter of 3 to 3.5 cm. These are dark purple on the outside and yellowish on the inside. Usually they are in loose trusses of 2 to 5 pieces. Can tolerate temperatures down to -34°C. Blooms in April and May. Fritillaria ruthenica occurs in eastern and northeastern Ukraine, large parts of European Russia, southern western Siberia and northern Kazakhstan. Usually grows in fringe areas, grasslands and rocky slopes. Preferably in transition areas between forests and forest steppe vegetation.