Galanthus nivalis Snowdrop, Common Snowdrop PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

Taxonomic Note: This genus was formerly classified in the family Alliaceae. Modern classifications include it within the Amaryllidaceae. Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late winter, Mid winter. Form: Upright or erect.

Physical Characteristics

Galanthus nivalis is a BULB growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from January to June, in flower from February to March, and the seeds ripen from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Meadow;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Emmenagogue

The plant is emmenagogue[4].

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Alpine garden, Border, Container, Foundation, Massing, Rock garden, Woodland garden. Prefers a moist heavy loam[108], growing well in grass or amongst shrubs[1]. Prefers a shady position[28, 31]. The dormant bulbs are fairly hardy and will withstand soil temperatures down to at least -5°c[214]. A very ornamental plant[1], it grows well on the woodland edge[24]. The bulbs should be planted about 5 - 7cm deep as early in the spring as possible[1]. A good bee plant, providing an early source of pollen and nectar[108]. Special Features:Not North American native, Naturalizing, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Fragrant flowers.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[1]. Sow the seed thinly so that there is no need to thin them. The seed usually germinates in the spring[1]. Grow them on in the same pot in a cold frame for the first two years, giving an occasional liquid feed to ensure the plants do not become nutrient deficient. Pot up the small bulbs whilst they are still in leaf in early summer of their second year's growth, putting about 3 bulbs in each pot. Grow them on in the cold frame for a further year before planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring whilst they are still in growth. The plants take about 4 years to flower from seed[200]. Division of offsets[1, 200]. This is best done immediately after the plants have finished flowering (and still have green leaves) though it can also be done in late summer and early autumn when the plants are dormant[200]. Scooping.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation-Ciscaucasia (Ciscaucasia) EUROPE: Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Moldova, Ukraine, Former Yugoslavia, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece (n. & Kastellorizo Island), Italy (incl. Sicily), Romania, Turkey (Istanbul), Spain (northeast), France

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Hylocereus megalanthus	Yellow Pitaya	Shrub	2.0	10-12	F	LMH	N	DM	4	3	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

Botanical References

17200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment


harold jitschak bueno de mesquita	Mon Feb 5 2007

Galantamine -a component of this herb-is now used for Alzheimer as an official drug. Any traditional use of this plant known,where safety is "promised"??


Ken Fern, Plants for a Future	Tue Feb 6 2007

This is a new use for the plant which we had not picked up on before so we are very grateful to Harold for pointing it out. It will be added to the database in the near future. As regards traditional use of this plant, it has very little mention in any herbals probably because it is slightly toxic and no traditional herbalist (as far as I know) had ever picked up on its use in treating depression and improving cognitive function. As far as I am aware, this plant is not suitable for use as a herb (ie the whole herb being used instead of an extract) due to its mildly toxic nature. It does seem to have a lot of potential, though, as an extract.


Tim Argles	Tue Feb 10 2009

P-pod Image Library Over 400 images of snowdrop cultivars

Galanthus nivalis - L.