Almost everyone knows it. Even children can name its flowers. But it looks ordinary and unspectacular. A quick look is enough. The snowdrop is anything but boring…

The snowdrop is under protection

Snowdrops have become extremely rare in their wild form. For this reason they are protected in Germany. They fall under nature protection. Collecting and willfully destroying these plants is prohibited.

For you this means: never dig up snowdrops in nature! It is better to ask a garden neighbor to separate his snowdrops and give them a few specimens. Alternatively, you can buy the seeds or plants online or in garden centers.

The snowdrop is poisonous

Snowdrops are poisonous to humans and animals. The onion in particular is known for its high content of Amaryllidaceae. Leaves, stems, and flowers contain a smaller dose of poison. They contain tazettin, galanthamine and lycorine.

The lethal dose is not yet known. Nevertheless, one should refrain from consuming these plants. Poisoning manifests itself in the following symptoms, among others:

  • increased salivation
  • constrict pupils
  • diarrhea
  • Vomit
  • stomach pain
  • paralysis

The snowdrop is used in medicine

Although the snowdrop is considered poisonous, it can be used for medicinal purposes. In medicine, galanthamine is extracted from snowdrops. This active ingredient is used to relieve heart conditions, dementia and menstrual cramps, among others.

The snowdrop is one of the first early bloomers

The snowdrop is faster than winterlings, daffodils, crocuses, etc. It will flower even if there is a thick blanket of snow over its bulb. As soon as the frost subsides, it will sprout. This is usually between January and February. The delicate bud is protected from the cold by an extra leaf.

The snowdrop generates heat as it grows

  • Sugar in the onion is burned
  • heat is generated
  • Temperature between 8 and 10 °C causes snow above and around to melt
  • melted snow is used to water the bulbs
  • hence the nickname: pierce (pierces the snow)

tips and tricks

Since ants like to spread snowdrop seeds, you don't need to propagate the plant with your own hands. The hard-working insects take care of that…

Category:

Herbs