He seems delicate and fragile. The squill is familiar to many plant lovers and one or the other would probably recognize it. So that you know exactly what it is about in the future, its most important characteristics and claims are summarized here!

There are around 90 species of squill

Interesting facts in the profile

  • Plant family and genus: Asparagus family, Scilla
  • Origin: Central to southern Europe
  • Occurrence: Alluvial forests, deciduous forests, wet meadows, bushes
  • Lifespan: perennial
  • Flowering time: March to April
  • Flower color: blue
  • Location: sunny to semi-shady
  • Soil: lime-loving, nutritious, humic, moist
  • Use: bee pasture, ornamental plant in the rock garden
  • Special features: poisonous, protected
  • Propagation: (Self-)sowing, breeding onions, division

Many names for one and the same poisonous perennial

The squill, of which there are 70 to 90 species worldwide, is also known by the names szilla, squill and squill. It got its name Squill because of its distinctive blue starry blooms.

This bulbous plant is slightly poisonous to both humans and animals. It is saponins and glycosides to beware of. They are found in large quantities in the onion and in the seeds in particular. They can become noticeable not only when consumed, but also when they come into contact with the skin.

A closer look from bottom to top

Depending on the location, Szilla grows between 15 and 20 cm high. It is a perennial, herbaceous plant that survives with the help of its bulb, which can be up to 3 cm thick. Its leaves are basal, up to 15 cm long, linear and colored green.

The squill has ink-blue to lilac-blue flowers that are up to 2 cm in diameter between March and April. Several flowers cluster like grapes on a stem. Dark purple anthers protrude from the center. The nectar and pollen supply is rich. After flowering, inconspicuous capsule fruits develop.

Undemanding - perfect for lazy gardeners

This early bloomer does well on its own. Only the site conditions should be right so that it does not require much care. The soil should be rich in nutrients, humus, calcareous and permeable. This onion flower feels best in a semi-shady place.

tips

The squill is often confused with the snow pride. In contrast to the squill, the snowflake has a significantly whiter flower eye.

Category:

Herbs