Syn.: Erinosma vernum Herb., Galanthus vernus (L.) All., Nivaria verna (L.) Moench
Family: Amaryllidaceae Jaume St.-Hil.
Distribution: Southern and Central Europe.
Ecology: Grows in shady and humid deciduous woods, glades and damp meadows from lowlands to mountains. Flowers from February to March.
Description: Perennial herb with a globose bulb, 10–30 cm tall. Leaves linear, 10–25 cm × 5–25 mm, dark green. Scape 12–35 cm, usually exceeding the leaves, flowers usually solitary, rarely 2, spathe 25–40 mm, perianth-segments 15–25 mm, white with a green or yellow spot just below the thickened apex. The fruit is a capsule.
Threat and protection: This species is protected by law in Czechia, Slovakia, Germany and Ukraine.
Use: The Spring Snowflake has been cultivated in gardens since the beginning of the 15th century.
These images were taken in Czechia, Bohemia, Šebín, wood near river Ohře (March 9, 2007).
