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Botanist's Lens: A Glimpse at the 'Fair Maid of February' and 'Sacred Lily'


Flowers of Galanthus sps. 'Snowdrops', 'Fair Maid of February'

Flowers of Galanthus sps. 'Snowdrops', 'Fair Maid of February'

As early as February, there are subtle signs of spring in a much dormant woodland. A glimpse at the base of a woodland ground or the tips of branches can give out ample clues. Either the branches are prepped with the swollen leaf /flower buds or tender buds are trying to push out of the leaf litter, or in some cases, it is a full grown mature flower all surrounded by leaves, like the Galanthus sps.

Galanthus sps. 'Snowdrops', 'Fair Maid of February', in full bloom.

Galanthus sps. 'Snowdrops', 'Fair Maid of February', in full bloom

Galanthus has many common names; the most common is Snowdrops. The genus origin traces back to Europe and some common names include: the English name 'Fair maids of February'; 'Candlemas bells' or 'perce-niege' ('snow piercer' in French); and 'schneeglocken' ('snowbells' in German). There is a speculation that snowdrops might have been brought to England by the pilgrims from Rome. (https://blog.metmuseum.org/cloistersgardens/2009/02/20/fair-maids-of-february/)

Tender buds of 'Galanthus sps. 'Snowdrops', 'Fair Maid of February'

Tender buds of 'Galanthus sps. 'Snowdrops', 'Fair Maid of February'