greater snowdrop
ExplorePlants
greater snowdrop
Galanthus elwesii
The greater snowdrop is a beautiful white flower that blooms in early spring. It often pushes through the snow, bringing a smile to everyone who sees it!
Habitat: Woodlands
Appearance
The greater snowdrop has distinctive large, bell-shaped white flowers, often with a prominent green V-shape or two spots on its inner petals. Its broad, grey-green leaves emerge before the bloom stalks, making it stand out from other snowdrop species.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyAmaryllidaceaeGenusGalanthus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
1
Interesting facts
Ancient legends say snowdrops grew from Eve's tears!
Its scientific name means 'milk flower' – so pretty!
Snowdrop bulbs can survive underground for ages.
Some chemicals from snowdrops help make medicines!
Special abilities
Ability
Frost Fighter
Greater snowdrop can produce natural antifreeze proteins, helping it bloom beautifully even when temperatures drop below freezing.
Ability
Early Riser
It has a super bulb that stores energy, letting it burst through snow and flower before other plants get enough sunlight.
Ability
Ant Courier
Greater snowdrop has yummy elaiosomes on its seeds that ants love, tricking them into carrying and planting new seeds far away.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 15-30 cm
- Spread
- 5-10 cm
- Flower Size
- 2-3 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late winter to early spring
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Moderate
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
Pollinates
honey bee
Apis mellifera
collects nectar and pollen from flowers
Depends on
European fire ant
Myrmica rubra
disperses seeds that have nutritious elaiosomes
Eats
large red slug
Arion rufus
may feed on the tender leaves
Traits
Bell-Shaped Flower
Bell-shaped flowers possess petals fused or arranged to form a cup-like or campanulate structure resembling a bell.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
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
Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not eat any part of the snowdrop, as it can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify greater 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 greater snowdrop?
15-30 cm
How wide does greater snowdrop spread?
5-10 cm
How big are the flowers on greater snowdrop?
2-3 cm
When does greater snowdrop bloom?
Late winter to early spring
Is greater snowdrop edible?
No
Is greater snowdrop toxic?
Moderate
What is greater snowdrop's lifecycle?
Perennial
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