Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 2860425

Summer Snowflake

Leucojum aestivum

Also known as Giant Snowflake, Loddon Lily, Snowbell, Dewdrop

Summer snowflakes feature delicate, nodding, bell-shaped white flowers tipped with bright green dots, rising on tall stems above glossy, strap-like leaves. Despite their common name, these hardy perennials usually bloom in late spring, preferring moist meadows, riverbanks, and marshy garden edges. Toxic alkaloids throughout the tissue protect the foliage and bulbs from deer, rabbits, and burrowing rodents.

Bulbous PerennialSpring BloomToxic
Summer Snowflake reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
ThreatsHabitat loss through land drainage, invasive species competition
HabitatsDamp meadows, riverbanks, floodplains, wet woodlands
Life spanPerennial (indefinite via bulb offset)
Classification
  1. OrderAsparagales
  2. FamilyAmaryllidaceae
  3. GenusLeucojum
  4. SpeciesLeucojum aestivum
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
All parts contain toxic alkaloids; do not ingest and keep away from pets.
Why it is dangerous
Contains toxic alkaloids including lycorine, causing severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiac symptoms if ingested.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for clusters of nodding, bell-shaped white flowers with green dots at the tips of all six tepals.
What to do
Avoid ingesting any plant parts and wash hands after handling bulbs or broken stems.
Responsible observation
  • Garden Placement: Plant in moist, rich soil near water features or low-lying garden beds.
  • Safe Viewing: Enjoy the green-tipped flowers visually without picking foliage.
  • Pet Safety: Ensure dogs and cats do not dig up or chew on toxic bulbs.
Related species
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