Leucojum vernum

spring snowflake

Central and southern Europe (Belgium/France east through Austria, Hungary, Balkans; damp woodlands, streamsides, mountain meadows)

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunPart Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 3–8

Overview

Leucojum vernum is a small, bulbous, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial reaching 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) tall with a spread of 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) per bulb, forming expanding clumps. This is the true spring snowflake—blooming in February–March, weeks earlier than L. aestivum. Each sturdy stem bears 1–2 (rarely 3) pendant, bell-shaped, white flowers 0.5–0.75 inches (1.3–2 cm) long with a green or yellow-green spot at the tip of each of the six equal tepals. The strap-shaped, glossy, bright green leaves are 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) long, emerging with or just before the flowers. The bulbs multiply by offsets, forming dense colonies. All parts are toxic. Dormant in summer. Growth rate is slow. Hardy to zone 3.

Native Range

Leucojum vernum is native to central and southern Europe—from Belgium and France east through Austria, Hungary, and the Balkans—in damp woodlands, streamsides, and mountain meadows.

Suggested Uses

Planted in woodland gardens, under deciduous trees, alongside streams, and in rock gardens at 3–4 inch (8–10 cm) spacing in groups of 15–25 bulbs. The February–March bloom fills the earliest spring gap—among the first bulbs to flower. Naturalizes slowly in damp, shaded conditions. The summer dormancy means empty space May–January—interplant with summer-active companions. All parts are toxic. Slow to establish. Not suitable for dry soils, full sun in hot climates, or positions where quick establishment is needed.

How to Identify

Distinguished from L. aestivum 'Gravetye Giant' by the shorter stems (6–10 inches versus 24–30 inches), the fewer flowers per stem (1–2 versus 3–7), and the earlier bloom (February–March versus April–May). Distinguished from Galanthus spp. (snowdrops) by the six equal-length tepals (versus three longer outer + three shorter inner in snowdrops) and the green spots on all tepals. The short spring snowflake with 1–2 pendant white green-tipped bells blooming in late winter is diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 10"

Width/Spread4" - 6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Winter Spring

Pendant, bell-shaped, white flowers 0.5–0.75 inches (1.3–2 cm) long with green or yellow-green spots at tepal tips, 1–2 per stem, from February through March. Among the earliest spring bulbs. Bloom duration is 3–4 weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White pendant bells 0.5-0.75 inches with green or yellow-green spots at tepal tips; 1-2 per stem

Foliage Description

Glossy bright green, strap-shaped, 6-10 inches; emerges with or before flowers; dies back in summer

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade

Requires 3-5 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant bulbs 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) deep in autumn in partial shade in moist, humus-rich soil. Hardy to zone 3. Tolerates damp conditions—native to streamsides. Allow foliage to die back naturally after bloom. Summer-dormant. Slow to establish—may take 2–3 years before forming visible colonies.

Pruning

Allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally. Remove only fully dead foliage. No other maintenance needed.

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 1 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans

Bulbs