Definition

Noun: 1. A perennial bulbous plant: "Summer snowflake" refers to a specific herbaceous plant (Leucojum aestivum) native to Europe and naturalized in other regions, including the eastern United States. It is characterized by its grass-like leaves and bell-shaped, white, nodding flowers that typically bloom in spring.

Usage

• The summer snowflake is often found in damp meadows and woodlands.
• Unlike the true snowdrop, each petal of the summer snowflake has a distinctive green spot at its tip.
• Gardeners appreciate the summer snowflake for its delicate appearance and early spring blooms.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical contexts: The term is used precisely to refer to , distinguishing it from the similar but earlier-blooming spring snowflake () and the common snowdrop ().
  • The genus Leucojum, which includes the summer snowflake, is part of the Amaryllidaceae family.

Variants and Related Words

• Loddon lily: A common name for the same plant, .
• Leucojum aestivum: The scientific binomial name for the summer snowflake.
• Snowflake: A more general common name for plants in the genus.
• Spring snowflake (): A related species that flowers earlier in the season.

Synonyms

• Loddon lily
• Leucojum aestivum (scientific name)

Notes on Meaning

The name "summer snowflake" can be slightly misleading, as the plant typically flowers in mid to late spring, not in summer. The "snowflake" part of the name refers to the appearance of its white, drooping flowers.

Noun

1. common Old World herb having grasslike leaves and clusters of star-shaped white flowers with green stripes; naturalized in the eastern United States