A-Z of Services

Snowdrop

Name	Galanthus nivalis
Also known as	Candlemas Bells, Mary's Taper, Snow Piercer, February Fairmaids, Dingle-Dangle.
	Old gardens, hedgerows, woodland, churchyards, by streams.
	perennial
	The plant has strong traditional links to churches and Christianity. Snowdrops were the symbol of Candlemas, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary on February 2nd. Traditionally any woman who wanted to warn off a man would just send him an envelope containing a few snowdrop blooms. Snowdrops are also symbols of death and mourning. Some saw the flower as like a body wrapped in a shroud. Perhaps this is why it is unlucky to pick snowdrops and bring them indoors.
	10-20cm (4-8")
	January - March
	Snowdrops are the first flowers to appear each year.

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Key

	Habitat

	Plant Type

	Traditions & Culture

	Medicinal Qualities

	Size

	Flowering Season

	Distinguishing Features

	Poisonous

	Native or Foreign

	Please do not pick, collect or disturb this plant