The Märzenbecher blooms just as beautifully as the snowdrop or the lily of the valley. But it is still not as well known as both of them. When it comes to white spring blooms, the other two are almost always preferred. We would like to inform you about the Märzenbecher and get you excited about it.
What does a Märzenbecher look like and is it poisonous?
The March cup (Leucojum vernum) belongs to the amaryllis family and blooms from February to April. The plant has white, bell-shaped flowers with yellow-green tips, narrow dark green leaves and a 4-5 cm bulb. It is poisonous and is protected.
Names, family and occurrences
- bot. Leucojum vernum
- also large snowdrop, March bell, spring knot flower
- Amaryllis family
- grows in forests with moist soils
- often close to rivers and streams
- in Central Europe predominantly in so-called floodplain forests
Location, planting and care
In addition to the wild-growing specimens, the Märzenbecher can also be planted in private areas.
- is an onion plant
- Onions are planted in autumn
- stay in the ground afterwards
- Propagation via daughter bulbs or sowing
- likes moist, shady locations
- as close as possible to water sources such as ponds
- withdraws after flowering
- withered leaves can then be collected
- new shoots in spring
- only needs new nutrients every few years
Flowers
Märzenbecher only blooms about two years after planting. After sowing, it may take even longer to produce flowers. The flower of the Märzenbecher has the following characteristics:
- is shaped like a bell
- has white color
- six petals of equal length
- each has a yellow-green dot at the top
- Flowers smell lightly of violets
- Flowering time is February to April
- One to two flowers are formed per stem
Leaves and onions
- Leaves shine dark green
- are narrow
- grow upright
- the plant grows to a height of 20 to 30 cm
- Onion is 4 to 5 cm tall
- covered with red-brown outer skin
Toxicity
- contains alkaloids
- all parts of the plant are poisonous
- for people and many pets
- may not be consumed
- cardiac arrhythmias occur
- also vomiting, cramps, diarrhea
- Contact with plant sap leads to skin allergies
Nature conservation
The Märzenbecher is threatened with extinction in the wild. That's why it is protected by us. Anyone who meets him in the forest or meadow can admire him. Picking and digging, however, is punishable.
Tip
If you want to plant March cups at home, you can buy bulbs in the fall. Seeds are also available in specialist markets.