# common snowdrop (*Galanthus nivalis*) The common snowdrop is a lovely flower that blooms early in spring. Its white petals look like little drops of snow, making it a cheerful sight after winter! - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 5 - **Habitat:** Woodlands - **Also known as:** Snowdrop Flower ![common snowdrop](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Snowdrops_in_Lothersdale_Churchyard.jpg&width=800) Photo: Tim Green, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Snowdrops_in_Lothersdale_Churchyard.jpg) ## Appearance The common snowdrop has delicate, nodding, bell-shaped white flowers. Each flower typically features three larger outer petals and three smaller inner petals with green markings at their tips. It grows from a bulb, sporting slender, grey-green leaves. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Liliopsida - **Order:** Asparagales - **Family:** Amaryllidaceae - **Genus:** Galanthus ## Interesting facts - An important medicine, galanthamine, originally came from snowdrop bulbs and helps with memory. - Each tiny seed has a tasty treat called an elaiosome that ants love, helping them spread the seeds around! - Its scientific name, 'Galanthus nivalis,' means 'milk flower of the snow,' perfect for its appearance! - Snowdrops were first introduced to the UK by monks in the 16th century, spreading across Europe. ## Special abilities - **Winter Warrior:** The common snowdrop can produce its own heat, melting snow around it to bloom earlier than other plants. - **Frost Fighter:** Snowdrops contain natural 'antifreeze' proteins that protect their cells from damage in freezing temperatures. - **Bitter Bite:** This plant has special chemicals called alkaloids that make it taste bad to animals, keeping it safe from hungry nibblers. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 10-25 cm - **Spread:** 5-10 cm - **Flower Size:** 2-3 cm - **Bloom Season:** Late winter to early spring - **Edible:** No - **Toxicity:** Mild - **Lifecycle:** Perennial - **Pollination Method:** Insect ## Ecological connections - **Pollinates:** European honey bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Visits early flowers for nectar and pollen. - **Pollinates:** Buff-tailed bumblebee (*Bombus terrestris*) — One of the first insects active in cold weather. - **Eaten by:** Spanish slug (*Arion lusitanicus*) — May feed on leaves or flowers if available. - **Eaten by:** [Common vole](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-vole) (*Microtus arvalis*) — Can dig up and consume snowdrop bulbs. ## Traits - [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle. - [Shade Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/shade-tolerant): Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight. - [Spring Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spring-blooming): Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth. - [Cold Hardy](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/cold-hardy): Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage. - [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Do not eat any part of the snowdrop, as it can make you feel sick. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify common snowdrop? Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is common snowdrop? 10-25 cm ### How wide does common snowdrop spread? 5-10 cm ### How big are the flowers on common snowdrop? 2-3 cm ### When does common snowdrop bloom? Late winter to early spring ### Is common snowdrop edible? No ### Is common snowdrop toxic? Mild ### What is common snowdrop's lifecycle? Perennial ## Where to spot - [Duke Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/duke-gardens) — New Jersey, US · Botanical Garden - [Forest Hill Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/forest-hill-park) — Ohio, US · Park - [Bradford Downtown Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bradford-downtown-historic-district) — Pennsylvania, US · Historic District - [East Over Reservation](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/east-over-reservation) — Massachusetts, US · Nature Reserve - [Leach Botanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/leach-botanical-garden) — Oregon, US · Botanical Garden - [Eudora Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/eudora-park) — Virginia, US · Park [View all places to see common snowdrop](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/common-snowdrop) ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [Common Snowdrop: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-snowdrop)