- Similarities Between Lily of the Valley and Snowdrop
- This is the difference between the two types of flowers
- Different flowers and fruits
- Both spring flowers are poisonous
- Different flowering times
Lily of the valley and snowdrop are among the best-known spring flowers. In appearance, the two white-flowered flowers show some similarities. A mix-up is almost impossible due to the different flowering times. When the lilies of the valley sprout, snowdrops have long withered.
At first glance, lilies of the valley and snowdrops differ mainly in their flower shape
Similarities Between Lily of the Valley and Snowdrop
Both types of plants have green leaves and white flowers - and they bloom in the spring. But those are pretty much the only similarities. There are many more differences between the two types of plants.
This is the difference between the two types of flowers
- plant family
- leaf shape
- shape and number of flowers
- scent
- heyday
- fruit
- root
Lily of the valley belongs to the asparagus family, while snowdrop belongs to the amaryllis family.
The leaves of the lily of the valley are green, sometimes variegated. They have the shape of a lancet and look very similar to wild garlic leaves. Snowdrop leaves are much narrower and medium green in color.
Different flowers and fruits
The snowdrop has a single flower per stalk that hangs down like a drop. Lily of the valley has long stalks on which up to 20 flowers are lined up like on a line. They smell much stronger than the flowers of the snowdrop.
The inconspicuous fruit of the snowdrop forms just after flowering in April. Lily of the valley develop showy red berries that do not ripen until late summer.
Snowdrops have small nodules, also called flower bulbs, as roots. Lily of the valley sprout from rhizomes, which are also sold as bulbs, but are thickened storage organs.
Both spring flowers are poisonous
The snowdrop contains alkaloids that are slightly toxic. Due to various toxins, the lily of the valley is one of the highly poisonous plants.
Different flowering times
The main difference is the flowering time. Snowdrops sprout even under snow cover and bloom from January to February, occasionally well into March.
The flowering period of the lily of the valley does not begin until the end of April and lasts until June. At this time there is hardly anything left of the snowdrop, as the plant has withdrawn.
tips
The flower of the snowdrop is always white with a slightly greenish edge. There are different varieties of lily of the valley. Among them are those that bear pink flowers.