Almost everyone knows it. Even children can assign a name to its flowers. But it seems ordinary and unspectacular. A quick look is enough. The snowdrop is anything but boring
What are the special features of snowdrops?
Snowdrops are special early bloomers that are protected and poisonous. They can generate heat to melt snow and are used in medicine to treat heart disease, dementia and menstrual problems.
The snowdrop is under nature protection
Snowdrops have become extremely rare in their wild form. For this reason they are protected in Germany. They fall under nature conservation. Collecting and intentionally destroying these plants is prohibited.
For you this means: Never dig up snowdrops in nature! Instead, ask a garden neighbor if he separates his snowdrops and gives them a few specimens. Alternatively, you can buy the seeds or plants online or at garden centers.
The snowdrop is poisonous
Snowdrops are poisonous to humans and animals. The onion in particular is known for its high Amaryllidaceae content. Leaves, stems and flowers contain a smaller dose of poison. They contain tazettin, galanthamine and lycorine.
The lethal dose is not yet known. However, you should avoid eating these plants. Poisoning manifests itself in the following symptoms, among others:
- increased salivation
- constricted pupils
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomachache
- 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, among other things, to relieve heart disease, dementia and menstrual problems.
The snowdrop is one of the first early bloomers
The snowdrop is faster than winter aconites, daffodils, crocuses etc. It blooms even when there is a thick blanket of snow over its bulb. As soon as the frost eases briefly, it will sprout. This is usually the case 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 melts the snow above and around it
- melted snow is used to water the bulbs
- hence the nickname: Piercer (pierces the snow)
Tips & Tricks
Since snowdrop seeds are often spread by ants, you don't need to propagate the plant with your own hands. The busy insects do this
