Snowdrop

Pluirín Sneachta
Latin name: Galanthus nivalis

The snowdrop is one of the first to grow in the springtime. Its white head droops downwards, nodding in the breeze.

There are also some species of snowdrop flower in late autumn and winter.

Snowdrops

Irish name: Pluirín sneachta Latin name: Galanthus nivalis

©Jenny Seawright

Snowdrops
©Jenny Seawright

Snowdrops

Irish name: Pluirín sneachta Latin name: Galanthus nivalis

©Jenny Seawright

Enlarge image

The snowdrop has six white petals. There are three on the outside and three smaller ones on the inside. These have green tips.

Look at the photo. Why do you think it’s called a snowdrop?

The white petals look like flakes of snow dropping off the flower.

The snowdrop closes its petals at night and opens them again in the morning. Small insects are love the sweet scent of the flower.

The snowdrop prefers to grow in shady woodland areas. It likes growing near streams or other damp areas.

The snowdrop is said to mark the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

The snowdrop is native central and eastern Europe. It is very common in Ireland today.