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Green Snowdrop

Galanthus woronowii

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Asparagales
Family:
Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Fields, gardens, riversides, roadsides, rocky places, waterside, woodland.

Flower:
֍
White, 6 petals
 
Nodding white flowers with green markings on the inner petals.
Fruit:
A 3-parted capsule.
Leaves:
A compact bulbous perennial with leaves broader and more shiny than most other Snowdrop species. The leaves narrow towards their bases and have round tips. The distinguishing feature of this Snowdrop is it's bright green leaves. The leaves are usually no longer than 25cm (10 inches).
Other Names:
Giant Caucasian Snowdrop, Woronow's Snowdrop.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Other Information

Summary

Galanthus woronowii, commonly known as the Giant Caucasian snowdrop, is a species of perennial flowering plant in the Amaryllidaceae family. It is native to the Caucasus and Northeastern Turkey. It typically grows to a height of 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) with a spread of 3-5 inches (8-13 cm). The plant has narrow, linear leaves and large, white, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring. The flowers are larger and more substantial than those of G.nivalis, they have a green “V” shaped mark on the outer three tepals and a longer stem. This species is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and it prefers well-drained soils, it's also tolerant to cold and shade, it's often used as a ground cover, in mixed borders, naturalized areas and rock gardens. This species is considered as one of the largest and most beautiful snowdrop, and it's much sought after by collectors.

Blog

Green Snowdrops (Galanthus woronowii) are a unique and beautiful species of snowdrop that are native to the Caucasus mountain range in Eastern Europe. They are a part of the Amaryllidaceae family, and are known for their distinctive green leaves and delicate white flowers.

One of the most striking features of Green Snowdrops is their green leaves. Unlike other snowdrop varieties, which have leaves that are typically a pale or bluish-green, the leaves of Green Snowdrops are a vibrant green color. This makes them stand out in a garden and adds a unique touch of color to the landscape.

Another distinctive feature of Green Snowdrops is the shape of their flowers. The flowers are small and delicate, with three white petals and a greenish-yellow center. They bloom in early spring, usually in February or March, and provide a welcome burst of color to gardens that are still dormant from the winter.

Green Snowdrops are easy to grow and are perfect for gardens of all sizes. They prefer well-drained, moist soil and partial shade, but can also tolerate full sun. They are also hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures, making them a great choice for gardens in colder climates.

Green Snowdrops are also great for naturalizing in woodlands and meadows, as they are able to naturalize and spread on their own. This means that once they are established in a garden, they will continue to come back year after year without the need for replanting.

In addition to their beauty and ease of cultivation, Green Snowdrops also have a rich cultural and historical significance. In many cultures, snowdrops are associated with hope, renewal and the coming of spring. They are often used to mark the end of winter and the beginning of a new season.

Green Snowdrops have also been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The bulbs of the plant contain a compound called galantamine, which has been found to be effective in treating Alzheimer's disease. It is a natural, mild, and safe alternative to some of the synthetic drugs used to treat the condition.

However, it is important to note that consuming any part of the plant should be avoided, as it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts.

In recent years, Green Snowdrops have become increasingly popular among gardeners and plant enthusiasts. They are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch a high price at plant auctions. Their rarity and unique characteristics make them a valuable addition to any garden or collection.

Lastly, it is worth noting that, like all snowdrop species, Green Snowdrops are also under threat from over-collection in the wild. Over-collection can cause a decline in population, leading to the extinction of certain populations in the wild. It is essential that gardeners and plant enthusiasts obtain Green Snowdrops from sustainable sources, such as reputable nurseries, rather than collecting them from the wild.

Furthermore, Green Snowdrops are not widely available, and it might be hard to find them in regular nurseries, you may have to look into specialty nurseries or online retailers that specialize in rare and unique plants.

In conclusion, Green Snowdrops (Galanthus woronowii) are a unique and beautiful species of snowdrop that are perfect for gardens of all sizes. With their vibrant green leaves and delicate white flowers, they add a touch of color to the landscape and are easy to grow and care for. They are also great for naturalizing in woodlands and meadows. They are a great way to bring an early spring color to your garden and a unique addition to any snowdrop collection, but be sure to obtain them from sustainable sources and not from the wild.


Video

Green Snowdrop filmed in Chorley, Lancashire on the 28th January 2023.

 

Music credits
Prelude No. 13 by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/preludes/
Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/

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