Lily of the valley and snowdrops are among the most famous spring bloomers. The two white-flowered flowers have some similarities in appearance. However, confusion is almost impossible due to the different flowering times. When the lilies of the valley sprout, snowdrops have long faded.
What is the difference between lily of the valley and snowdrop?
Lilies of the valley and snowdrops differ in plant family, leaf and flower shape, scent, flowering time, fruits and roots. While snowdrops bloom from January to February, lily of the valley does not begin blooming until the end of April to June. Both spring flowers are poisonous.
Similarities between lily of the valley and snowdrop
Both types of plants have green leaves and white flowers - and they bloom in spring. But those are pretty much the only similarities. There are much more differences between the two plant species.
This is how the two types of flowers differ
- Plant family
- Leaf shape
- Flower shape and number of flowers
- Fragrance
- Flowering time
- Fruits
- Root
Lily of the valley belongs to the asparagus family, while snowdrops belong 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 the leaves of wild garlic. Snowdrop leaves are much narrower and have a medium green color.
Different flowers and fruits
The snowdrop has a single flower per stem that hangs down in the shape of a teardrop. Lily of the valley has long stems on which up to 20 flowers are strung like on a line. They have a much stronger scent than snowdrop flowers.
The inconspicuous fruit of the snowdrop forms immediately after flowering in April. Lilies of the valley develop striking red berries that only ripen in late summer.
Snowdrops have small nodules as roots, also called flower bulbs. Lily of the valley sprouts 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 poisonous. The lily of the valley is one of the highly poisonous plants due to various toxins.
Different flowering times
The most important difference is the flowering time. Snowdrops sprout even under blankets of snow and bloom from January to February, occasionally into March.
The flowering period of the lily of the valley begins at the end of April and extends into June. At this time you can hardly see anything of the snowdrop anymore as the plant has shrunk again.
Tip
The snowdrop flower is always white with a slightly greenish edge. Lily of the valley comes in different varieties. These include those that have pink flowers.
