summer snowflake
(Leucojum aestivum)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Appearance
Leucojum aestivum is a perennial herb that can grow from 1-1.5 ft. (0.3-0.5 m) tall.
Foliage
Leaves are dark green, 12 in. (30.5 cm) long and 1 in. (2.5 cm) wide, and form an upright often vase shaped clump of foliage.
Flowers
Flowers are white with green tips, nodding, bell shaped, and are found in groups of 2 to 5 at the top of hollow flower scapes that are 12-15 in. (30.5-38.1 cm) tall. Flowering occurs in spring.
Fruit
This plant can be grown from seed or bulbs. Seeds are round, dark brown to black in color.
Ecological Threat
Leucojum aestivum can be found in marshes, wet meadows, wetlands, and willow thickets. It is native to Europe.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
- Jil Swearingen, personal communication, 2009-2017
- National Park Service, Mid-Atlantic Exotic Plant Management Team Invasive Plant List
- National Park Service, National Capital Region Exotic Plant Management Team Invasive Plant List
- New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team 2017 Invasive Species List
- Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Lilianae |
| Order: Liliales |
| Family: Liliaceae |
| Genus: Leucojum |
| Leucojum aestivum |
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.