# Forbes' Glory-of-the-snow (*Scilla forbesii*)

Forbes' Glory-of-the-snow is a beautiful flower that blooms in early spring. Its bright blue petals look like little stars shining in the garden, bringing joy to everyone who sees them!

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Grasslands

![Forbes' Glory-of-the-snow](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Scilla_forbesii_in_Eskilstuna%252C_Sweden.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Hangsna, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Scilla_forbesii_in_Eskilstuna%252C_Sweden.jpg)

## Appearance

The Forbes' Glory-of-the-snow has vibrant, star-shaped flowers, typically in shades of blue or purple, with a distinctive white center. Its narrow, strap-like leaves appear at the base, creating a brilliant carpet of color that stands out against the still-waking landscape.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Liliopsida
- **Order:** Asparagales
- **Family:** Asparagaceae
- **Genus:** Scilla

## Interesting facts

- Each tiny bulb can produce multiple flower stems, creating a burst of vibrant color.
- Its scientific name, \*Scilla\*, comes from a Greek word for a squill-like plant!
- These resilient plants can form dazzling blue carpets across large garden areas.
- They are sometimes called "snow glories" because they can pop up through melting snow!

## Special abilities

- **Early Bird Bloomer:** Forbes' Glory-of-the-snow can flower in very cold weather, taking advantage of sunlight before tree leaves block it.
- **Energy Hoarder:** Forbes' Glory-of-the-snow has an underground bulb that stores energy, allowing it to sprout quickly each spring.
- **Ant Courier:** Forbes' Glory-of-the-snow has seeds with a fatty attachment that attracts ants, helping them spread far and wide.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 10-20 cm
- **Spread:** 5-10 cm
- **Flower Size:** 2-3 cm
- **Bloom Season:** Early spring
- **Edible:** No
- **Toxicity:** Mild
- **Lifecycle:** Perennial
- **Pollination Method:** Insect

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** European honey bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Attracts bees for early spring nectar
- **Pollinates:** Buff-tailed bumblebee (*Bombus terrestris*) — Provides early season pollen and nectar
- **Depends on:** [Black garden ant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-garden-ant) (*Lasius niger*) — Disperses seeds for new plant growth

## Traits

- [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
- [Ornamental](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ornamental): Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
- [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.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
- [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.

## Collections

- [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch flowers without asking an adult first.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Forbes' Glory-of-the-snow?

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 Forbes' Glory-of-the-snow?

10-20 cm

### How wide does Forbes' Glory-of-the-snow spread?

5-10 cm

### How big are the flowers on Forbes' Glory-of-the-snow?

2-3 cm

### When does Forbes' Glory-of-the-snow bloom?

Early spring

### Is Forbes' Glory-of-the-snow edible?

No

### Is Forbes' Glory-of-the-snow toxic?

Mild

### What is Forbes' Glory-of-the-snow's lifecycle?

Perennial

## 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*)

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Source: [Forbes' Glory-of-the-snow: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/forbes-glory-of-the-snow)