Common Snowdrop is a
non-native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodland and shady areas, to a mature height of up to 15cm.
Snowdrops mostly spread by bulbs dividing and being transported, through flooding or animal activity, rather than through seed. However, their protein-rich seed is taken by ants to feed their larvae, and in so doing, they help distribute and plant the seed underground .
Botanic classification and naming: Common Snowdrop is a member of the Onion (Alliaceae) family. The genus name
'Galanthus' identifies the plant as a Snowdrop and its species name 'nivalis' means 'snow plant'.
Benefits: Snowdrop flowers provide an early source of food for emerging bees, flies and other insects. After flowering, their seeds provide food for developing ant colonies.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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