Giant Snowflakes © 2012 Patty Hankins

Nope – not the ones that fall from the sky in the winter – but the beautiful ones that bloom early in the spring.  One of the first spring flowers to bloom each year are the snowflakes. Over the years, I’ve photographed both the Spring Snowflakes  and the Giant Snowflakes.

Giant Snowflakes © 2012 Patty Hankins

Both of these wonderful spring flowers are members of the Amaryllis family. Originally native to Central and Southern Europe, they have easily naturalized in other parts of the world including much of the United States.

Giant Snowflakes © 2012 Patty Hankins

They bloom in the early spring – and are easily identified by their narrow dark green leaves and white bell-shaped flower. Each tepal of the flower has a green dot.

Spring Snowflakes © 2012 Patty Hankins

The Spring Snowflakes (leucojum vernum) usually grow to about 8 inches tall and bloom in February and March. The Giant Snowflakes (leucojum aestivum), also known as Summer Snowflakes, can grow to as tall as two feet in height and bloom a few weeks later than the Spring Snowflakes do.

Giant Snowflakes © 2012 Patty Hankins

I love seeing the snowflakes in the spring – not only are they a beautiful flower – but when I see them – I know that the crocuses, daffodils and tulips will be blooming soon.