1. Leucojum aestivum L. (snowflake, summer
snowflake)
Pl.
106 e; Map 417
Plants perennial, with bulbs, lacking the odor of onion or garlic. Aerial stems
20–40 cm long, unbranched below the inflorescence, erect, hollow, somewhat
flattened, glabrous. Leaves several, basal, 30–40 cm long, linear, flat, the
bases sheathing the aerial stems, glabrous. Inflorescences at the tips of the
aerial stems, umbels of 2–7 flowers, subtended by a green, herbaceous,
spathelike bract 3–5 cm long. Flowers with stalks 15–65 mm long, nodding to
pendant, not replaced by bulblets. Perianth 10–20 mm long, bell-shaped, the
sepals and petals attached to the top of the ovary, elliptic to obovate, white
with a green spot at the thickened tip. Stamens 6, attached to the top of the
ovary, free from the perianth. Style 1, longer than the stamens, abruptly
narrowed below the minute stigma. Ovary inferior, with 3 locules, each with
numerous ovules. Fruits 12–20 mm long, obovoid capsules. 2n=22, 24.
April–May.
Introduced, uncommonly escaped in eastern Missouri (native of Europe,
uncommonly escaped from cultivation in the eastern U.S.). Old homesites,
disturbed areas.
Plants of Leucojum contain a variety of alkaloids and are poisonous.
This species is commonly cultivated as an ornamental but rarely produces mature
fruits in our area or becomes naturalized. Several cultivars have been
described.