Leucojum aestivum
Snowflake, Snowflake
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Family: Amaryllidaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Leucojum aestivum (Snowflake) is a non-native California herb in the Amaryllidaceae family, recognized by European garden escape; persists vegetatively at old habitation sites.
Snowflake is a naturalized perennial herb found in the Great Valley, southern California coastal areas, and occasionally in other regions, persisting in garden escapes and old homestead areas at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering from December to June, this plant produces white flowers with distinctive green spots at the base of each perianth part, emerging in clusters of 2 to 5 blooms. Growing with stout, hollow stems 30 to 60 centimeters tall, it emerges from a bulb 25 to 45 millimeters in size. Its flowers feature white perianth parts with green spots below each thickened tip, creating a delicate and elegant appearance. The plant typically spreads through persistent populations in urban and garden settings, demonstrating its adaptability as a non-native species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: European garden escape; persists vegetatively at old habitation sites
Habitat and range
Habitat: Garden escape in urban areas, persisting at old homesteads
Elevation: < 500 m
California counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Sonoma, Butte, Santa Cruz, Humboldt, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, Santa Clara
Outside California: eastern North America, other temperate areas, native to Europe
Bloom period
Leucojum aestivum blooms Dec-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Galanthus: Leucojum has all six petals the same length; Galanthus has three long outer petals and three short inner ones.; vs Narcissus: Leucojum has no central trumpet or crown, just simple white bells; Narcissus always has a central crown structure.; vs Allium: Leucojum flowers are drooping white bells with green-tipped petals; Allium flowers are upright in clusters and smell like onion.; vs Styrax: Leucojum is a bulb plant from bare ground with no woody parts; Styrax is a woody shrub with branching stems.; vs Amaryllis: Leucojum blooms while leaves are present and green; Amaryllis flowers appear after all leaves have died back.
Frequently asked questions
Is Leucojum aestivum native to California?
No. Leucojum aestivum is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Leucojum aestivum bloom?
Leucojum aestivum blooms Dec-Jun.
Where in California does Leucojum aestivum grow?
Leucojum aestivum occurs in Los Angeles, Orange, Sonoma, Butte, Santa Cruz, Humboldt, San Luis Obispo, San Diego and other counties, at elevations of < 500 m.
What plant family does Leucojum aestivum belong to?
Leucojum aestivum is in the Amaryllidaceae family, genus Leucojum.
What habitat does Leucojum aestivum grow in?
Leucojum aestivum grows in Garden escape in urban areas, persisting at old homesteads.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.