The wonderful snowdrop
One of Catherine Truscott’s stunning snowdrop photos from Druett’s Mill beautifully captures this wonderous wildflower.
The Latin name, Galanthus nivalis, translates as ‘milk flower of the snow’. Introduced as a garden plant in 16th century- first recorded in the wild in 1778 in Gloucester and Worcestershire. Local names: snow piercer, Candelmas bell, February fairmaids, Dingle-dangle
Language of flowers: symbolises chastity, consolation, death, friendship in adversity, hope and purity. Associated with the celebration of Candlemas on Feb 2nd. For the Victorians, a symbol of bad luck or even death. A snowdrop flower in the house was thought to be bad luck.
An important source of pollen from emerging bumblebees in the Spring
Note snowdrops are poisonous, but a substance within the plant, galantamine, is used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Top places to see snowdrops in Wiltshire Wiltshire is the top snowdrop county in England