Spring snowflake Leucojum vernum
Spring snowflake (Leucojum vernum) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Amaryllidaceae family, native to Damp woods and meadows of central and southern Europe. It grows 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall and 8–15 cm (3–6 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -32 °C (-26 °F). Space plants about 10 cm (4 in) apart.
Plan Spring snowflake in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Spring snowflake at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 8–15 cm (3–6 in) |
| Spacing | 10 cm (4 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -32 °C (-26 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 26 °C (79 °F) |
| Flowering | from about February for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Damp woods and meadows of central and southern Europe |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇫🇷 France, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Spring snowflake toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: bulbs
The bulbs contain lycorine and other alkaloids: eating them causes vomiting and diarrhoea, and they are easily mistaken for onions.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Spring snowflake
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Spring snowflake
- How far apart should I plant Spring snowflake?
- About 10 cm (4 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–15 cm (3–6 in).
- Does Spring snowflake need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Spring snowflake need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Spring snowflake?
- It tolerates about -32 °C (-26 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Spring snowflake flower?
- From about February for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Spring snowflake poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. The bulbs contain lycorine and other alkaloids: eating them causes vomiting and diarrhoea, and they are easily mistaken for onions.
- What grows well with Spring snowflake?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Spring snowflake. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A small spring bulb: plant in autumn, about three times its own depth, under deciduous trees, in grass or in pots; let the leaves die down naturally after flowering so the bulb can feed for next year.
- Like a big snowdrop, but each of the six equal white petals is tipped with a green dot; the bells hang singly or in pairs in late winter. Wants moist soil, by streams or in damp woodland.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Onion Allium cepa
- Daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus
- Garlic Allium sativum
- Leek Allium ampeloprasum (Porrum group)
- Chives Allium schoenoprasum
- Agapanthus Agapanthus praecox
- Ornamental allium Allium giganteum
- Shallot Allium cepa var. aggregatum