PLANT OF THE MONTH: Snowdrop

Latin name: Galanthus nivalis

Habitat and distribution: 

Native to Europe and the Middle East, snowdrops have a firm foothold in the UK, where they thrive in damp soil in woodlands, meadows, riverbanks and gardens.

Conservation status: Listed as Near Threatened on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Description: 

The snowdrop is a delicate, nodding 6-part white flower edged in green, with grey/green linear leaves. Heralding the end of winter and the promise of spring, snowdrops typically bloom between January and March. These perennials are geophytes – meaning that they have an underground storage system (bulb, tuber or corm). They are well adapted to the cold, able to break through the snow to reveal their pristine white blossoms. 

Value to wildlife:

As they flower so early, snowdrops do not rely on pollinators to reproduce. Instead, they spread via bulb division. However, they may still be visited by bees and other insects on a particularly warm day.

Folklore:

Snowdrops are steeped in folklore across various cultures, often regarded as symbols of hope and purity. According to one legend, snowdrops first appeared when an angel transformed snowflakes into flowers to comfort Eve as she was banished from the Garden of Eden. In another tale, the flowers sprang up where the Virgin Mary's tears fell as she wept for Jesus.

Despite their beauty, sight of a single snowdrop was considered a harbinger of death and snowdrops were once considered ill omens when brought indoors. 

Regional names: 

Candlemass Bells, Mary’s Taper, Snow Piercer, February Fairmaids and Dingle-dangle

Biochemistry and uses:

The resilience of snowdrops in freezing temperatures is a marvel of nature. The flowers contain a natural antifreeze protein that prevents their cells from freezing. Additionally, snowdrops generate a small amount of heat through a process called thermogenesis, which helps them melt the surrounding snow and emerge into the light.

Traditionally, snowdrops were used to treat headaches and as a painkiller. The bulb is poisonous to humans, however. They contain galantamine, an alkaloid that inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter) and is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. 

Sources: Woodland Trust, Wildlife Trust, Plantlife websites