Common Snowdrops; a Promise of Spring
Distribution
Snowdrops are perennial flowering plants found in broadleaved woodland, grassland and riverbank environments across the UK and in the European continent. The plant is native to Europe and the Middle-East, but not to the British isles, and was likely brought over in the 16th century.
Description and interactions
Snowdrops grow up to 25 cm tall and have three outer tepals (structures made of the flower’s fused petals and sepals) and three inner tepals. The downward-facing flower grows at the end of a green stalk and the plant has narrow dusty green coloured leaves.
Snowdrops come into bloom between January and March. As they produce flowers so early in the year, Snowdrops are less frequently pollinated than later-blooming plants and primarily reproduce by bulb division. Sometimes, they are pollinated by early-flying bees.
If they are pollinated, seed pods develop and the flower stem droops, lowering them to the ground. The seeds may be brought underground by ants that eat a nutrient-rich structure of the seeds.
Folklore, etymology and uses
Snowdrops are among the first plants to flower in a year, and so have become symbolic of hope and of the winter coming to an end.
Snowdrop bulbs are poisonous and the plant was historically used to treat pain and especially headaches. Nowadays, Snowdrops provide a compound that is used in dementia treatments.
