Galanthus elwesii

42.14564133, -87.78990173

42.14564514, -87.78990173

42.14612198, -87.78985596

42.14612961, -87.78987885

42.14613724, -87.78987885

42.14613724, -87.78987122

42.14614487, -87.78994751

42.14628983, -87.78739166

42.14631271, -87.78738403

42.1463356, -87.7873764

42.14635086, -87.78736877

42.14705658, -87.78884888

42.14712906, -87.78890991

42.14794159, -87.79281616

42.14796829, -87.7928009

42.14797974, -87.79281616

42.14798737, -87.79282379

42.14816284, -87.7900238

Giant Snowdrop

The giant snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii) is among the first of the very early spring-blooming plants in the Chicago region. As winter eases its grip, these diminutive porcelain-white jewels spring up in turf, flower beds, and deciduous woodlands. In sunlight, the three outer petals flare to reveal the inner fused petals with their intricate green colorations. Simultaneously, the flowers release a honey-sweet fragrance to attract pollinating insects. At maturation, the seeds are released from the ripened capsule with an attached elaiosome, a fleshy membrane filled with lipids and proteins that ants find irresistible. The ants haul seeds and membranes off to their underground homes, effectively spreading the species far from the mother plant and ensuring the seeds are snuggled down for the winter. 

The giant snowdrop is native to the high mountain meadows of the Balkans and western Turkey, where the snows fall early and last late. To survive in this harsh environment, the plant springs into growth as soon as the snow starts to melt, earning the designation “snowmelt species.”

Soil:
Moderate
Plant Shape:
Upright
Exposure:
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Bloom Time:
January - February
March - April
Bloom Color:
White
Green
Landscape Use:
Bedding or Border
Groundcover
Understory
Wildlife Interest:
Attracts Butterflies
Resistant To Deer
Plant Type:
Bulb
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 8