The Common Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) is the best-known representative of a small genus of about 20 species in the family Amaryllidaceae that are among the first bulbs to bloom in spring. All species of Galanthus have bulbs, linear leaves, and erect flowering stalks, destitute of leaves but bearing a solitary pendulous bell-shaped flower. Galanthus nivalis grows 15cm tall, flowering in January or February in the northern temperate zone. Photo credit: Aka |