Spring Snowflake
Leucojum vernum
- Native to:
- Austria, Belgium, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Switzerland, Ukraine
Ermell
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Amaryllidaceae
- Genus:
- Leucojum
- Species:
- Leucojum vernum
- USDA Symbol:
- LEVE3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- feb,mar,apr
- Bloom Colors:
- white, green
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage preferred
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to damp woodlands and meadows
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–180 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification and germinate erratically. Fresh seed germinates best; dried seed may take a full year.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. Sow @ 20°C for 3 months, then place @ 4°C for 3 months. * Leucojum vernum should be sown immediately when ripe. During summer a micro bulb will form and that will start growing above ground next spring. Older seed may be difficult. ( advice from S. Svanholm Mid-Sweden)