Snowdrops Galanthus nivalis
Table of Contents
As the snowdrops appear it’s a sure sign that the cold, gloomy days of winter will soon be over and the warmer, brighter days of springtime are just around the corner. The graceful, nodding bell shaped flowers are a welcome sight in woodland, ditch banks, verges and hedgerows.
Plant family: Amaryllidaceae
Aliases: Common snowdrop, common bells, little sisters of the snow
Flowering period: January – March
Flower colour: White
Preferred soil type: Most types, moist
Habitat: Woodland, roadside verges, grassland, hedgerows, ditch banks
Status: Common
General information
The snowdrop is a bulbous, early spring, perennial wildflower, it’s a familiar, low-growing plant reaching a maximum height of around 25 cm. Snowdrops prefer moist soils in partially shaded locations, such as mature woodland, hedgerows and ditch banks.
The snowdrop is often associated with the late – winter, early spring period, and the scientific name is derived from the Greek words Gala which translates to milk and anthus to flower , while nivalis means ‘snow-like’. Galanthus nivalis is the arguably the most common species if snowdrop in the UK, however there are over 20 species, each with varying characteristics.
It’s a much loved wildflower and a big favourite of many gardeners as their striking white flowers add some winter cheer when there is little else happening, before other spring flowers and plants have appeared. The snowdrop is a non-native plant (although they are often considered as natives as they are well established), that flowers during February before dyeing back again in March, until the following season.
Identification
Flowers: Snowdrops produce nodding or drooping white flowers, borne on single stems. Each flower has three, larger outer segments (up to 25mm long), with three, smaller inner segments (up to 10mm long), with green distinctive green patterns. There are six yellow anthers hidden within the inner segment of the flower.
Leaves: The basal leaves emerge from the bulb, they’re narrow and grass like in appearance and are grey – green in colour.
Value for wildlife
Snowdrops do not rely on pollinators to reproduce, however they do supply pollen and nectar for early emerging bees at the time of year there is little else available. See infographic below:
Uses for snowdrop
Snowdrops contain alkaloids which makes them poisonous and unfit for human consumption, causing dizziness, sickness and diarrhea. However they do have several medicinal uses including the treatment of chilblains and frostbite. One of the alkaloids (Galanthamine) contained with in the plant is believed to ease the symptoms of Alzheimer’s for a short period.
Snowdrops images
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