# Hyacinth (*Hyacinthaceae*) Hyacinths are fragrant flowers that bloom in beautiful clusters! They are known for their bright colors and sweet smell. - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 6 - **Habitat:** Gardens and parks - **Also known as:** Common Hyacinth, Water Hyacinth ![Hyacinth](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424268/objects/4908.jpg) ## Appearance The Hyacinth has a sturdy upright stalk topped with a dense cluster of bell-shaped florets. These small, waxy flowers typically bloom in vibrant shades of blue, purple, pink, or white, creating a striking and fragrant display. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Streptophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Asparagales - **Family:** Hyacinthaceae ## Interesting facts - Hyacinth bulbs look like small onions, but eating even a tiny piece can make you very sick! - Hyacinths are named after Hyacinthus, a handsome hero from ancient Greek myths! - In the 17th century, rare hyacinth bulbs were sometimes worth more than gold! - Their powerful perfume is so prized it's used to make luxurious soaps and fancy perfumes. ## Special abilities - **Scent Beacon:** Hyacinth has a very strong, sweet fragrance that helps it attract pollinators like bees and butterflies from far away. - **Bulb Power:** Hyacinth can store all its energy in its underground bulb, allowing it to survive winter and bloom brightly in spring. - **Waxy Shield:** Hyacinth has thick, waxy leaves that help it retain water, especially useful for thriving in sunny spring conditions. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 15-30 cm - **Spread:** 10-15 cm - **Flower Size:** 2-3 cm - **Bloom Season:** Spring - **Edible:** No - **Toxicity:** Moderate - **Lifecycle:** Perennial - **Pollination Method:** Insect ## Ecological connections - **Pollinates:** Honeybee (*Apis mellifera*) — Attracted by nectar and scent - **Pollinates:** Common Eastern Bumblebee (*Bombus impatiens*) — Visits flowers for pollen - **Depends on:** [Human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Cultivates for ornamental beauty ## Traits - [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. - [Cluster Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/cluster-flower): Cluster flowers are inflorescences where individual flowers are arranged closely together on a common stem. - [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. - [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Flowers](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/flowers) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Hyacinth? Count the petals where you can, then compare the flower's center, its symmetry, how the blooms are grouped and the leaves below. Color varies between garden varieties and shifts with the light. Flower Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is Hyacinth? 15-30 cm ### How wide does Hyacinth spread? 10-15 cm ### How big are the flowers on Hyacinth? 2-3 cm ### When does Hyacinth bloom? Spring ### Is Hyacinth edible? No ### Is Hyacinth toxic? Moderate ### What is Hyacinth's lifecycle? Perennial ## Where to spot - [Chambers County Courthouse Square Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chambers-county-courthouse-square-historic-district) — Alabama, US · Historic District - [Coker Arboretum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/coker-arboretum) — North Carolina, US · Zoo - [Downtown Quincy Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/downtown-quincy-historic-district) — Illinois, US · Historic District - [Lock and Dam No. 21](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lock-and-dam-no-21) — Illinois, US · Historic Site - [Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/nathan-and-olive-boone-homestead-state-historic-site) — Missouri, US · Nature Reserve - [Spring Grove Cemetery](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/spring-grove-cemetery) — Ohio, US · Botanical Garden [View all places to see Hyacinth](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/hyacinth) ## 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: [Hyacinth: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/hyacinth)