Caucasian snowdrop is a type of bulbous plant that is listed in the Red Book and is carefully protected by the state. The appearance of the first snowdrops from under the snow indicates the imminent approach of spring.
Caucasian snowdrop is a rare plant species that lives mainly in Russia. It got its name because it grows literally from under the snow in early spring.
Snowdrops are found in groups, where they grow and form clearings. He is comfortable in wooded areas in loose humus soil. Requires cold for bud formation. The snowdrop is listed in the Red Book, since the total number does not exceed more than 200 thousand individuals.
The plant especially suffers due to improper harvesting for commercial purposes.
Description of the plant
Snowdrop is a perennial plant of the bulbous family. The growing season directly depends on the latitude and climate of its habitat. The first flowers may appear in both February and April.
The snowdrop bulb is no more than 3 cm in size and consists of last year's segment and a new bulb. And a new plant will subsequently grow from it.
Wide leaves emerge from the bulb, usually two or three of them. At the same time, buds appear, which, after changing from cold to warm, release a small inflorescence. The color of the flowers of the Caucasian species of snowdrops can be either white or with bright green spots. The peduncle is cylindrical, slightly flattened at the edges. The flower's head always looks down.
Reproduction occurs by seeds and vegetative methods. Seeds that fall out of the capsule are carried by ants. Pollination occurs through the efforts of flying insects.
Measures taken to increase plant numbers:
- A complete ban on the collection and distribution of snowdrops.
- Careful monitoring of the plant's annual population.
- Promotion of snowdrop cultivation on individual specialized farms for further implementation.
- Protection of plant habitats.
If you follow the rules for growing snowdrops, you can plant an area with them local area. The main thing is not to disturb the bulb, which needs moisture during the period of active growth, and also periodically feed it with fertilizers.
Charming and tender, surprisingly defenseless and infinitely hardy - these are all snowdrops, the very first to appear every spring in barely thawed thawed patches.
The amazing aroma and no less amazing fragile appearance of this beautiful flower, unfortunately, turned against it - enterprising traders practically mow down the spring lawns covered with galanthus, threatening the very existence of this graceful beauty. Since 1981, snowdrops have been listed in the Red Book.
Delicate primrose
The botanical name of the snowdrop is galanthus, euphonious and elegant, like the representative of which one and a half dozen species are still found in the European forests of Kabardino-Balkaria, North Ossetia, Chechnya and Dagestan, as well as in eastern Georgia and northwestern Azerbaijan. Galanthus is a primrose protected by the Red Book of Russia.
Snowdrop is a perennial and the earliest flowering plant that emerges from the ground with the first warm rays as soon as the snow begins to melt. Each bulb produces only one straight peduncle. The dark green, shiny leaves appear at the same time as the flower, similar in shape to the snow-white ones with a green edge, and have three inner petals surrounded by three larger ones. This unusual structure makes them unique and elegant. The plant reaches a height of 15-18 cm, abundant flowering begins in early April.
Red Book of Russia: snowdrop
Unfortunately, collecting galanthus for bouquets or for trade is not the only reason influencing the significant decrease in the number and representatives of this plant. The Red Book considers the factors leading to unpleasant consequences that cause snowdrops to disappear:
Digging of bulbs by amateur gardeners,
Deforestation, reducing the areas where snowdrops previously grew;
Trampling or destruction of forest floor;
Environmental problems of the region.
For example, in Dagestan, all species of the snowdrop plant growing on the territory of the republic are endangered. The Red Book of Russia assigned the third category to galanthus, characterizing it as a rare species, which today is not yet in danger of extinction, but since it is already found in small quantities and in fairly limited areas, with a negative change in the habitat provoked by any natural or it may very well disappear soon.
Snowdrop: description. Red Book and plant protection
The Red Book stipulates the responsibility of the country in whose territory endangered species grow, therefore, the implementation of protective measures, such as bans on the sale of rare plants, the creation of nature reserves and nature reserves, as well as their cultivation, should bring results.
I would like to believe that it will be possible to preserve the galanthus population, because the Red Book of Russia is responsible for its protection. Plants, including snowdrops, that are under protection cannot be picked, sold, etc. Selection research for the cultivation of many rare species is carried out constantly, and cultural breeding of snowdrops is encouraged among flower growers. To propagate galanthus on your own summer cottage you should know about his preferences and developmental characteristics.
Agrotechnics of cultivation
The snowdrop is unpretentious. Growing under the canopy of forest trees and shrubs, it has long adapted to perfectly tolerate partial shade, but it also feels no worse in open spaces. Excellent winter hardiness and endurance to changes in spring temperatures enable gardeners to plant it in various parts of the garden. You just need to know that it will grow better on loose and well-drained soil fertilized with humus or compost. In heavy clay soils it is worth adding sand. But stagnation of groundwater will not allow the snowdrop to successfully take root.
Garden propagation is welcomed by the Red Book of Russia. Plants - snowdrop, crocus and other bulbous plants - are planted according to general rule: to a depth corresponding to two bulbs. Usually snowdrops regulate the planting depth themselves. If they are deepened too much, they form a new bulb on an upward peduncle already at the required distance from the soil surface. When placed shallowly in the soil, the bulbs become smaller, but children quickly form.
About the choice of planting material
It is better to buy bulbs in July-September and plant them in the fall. At this time, the plant is at rest. When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the condition of the planting material. The bulbs should be dense to the touch, with intact shells, without mechanical damage or putrefactive manifestations. If they have overgrown roots and stems, this will require prompt planting. Small (dried and not affected by mold) cuts on the scales of the onion are acceptable, but there should be no damage to the bottom. Planting material with the top cut off but the bottom not damaged is considered viable. You should not purchase broken or crumpled bulbs - they may have internal damage or areas of rot. It is impossible to grow a good snowdrop from such planting material. The Red Book does not give recommendations on the cultivation of species, it only determines the status and area of growth. The most favorable conditions for breeding will be exactly where the natural habitat is located.
Galanthus bulbs do not tolerate prolonged drying. There is no need to keep them outdoors for more than a month. If the time for planting has not yet arrived, then the bulbs must be sprinkled with sawdust or small shavings and placed in a cotton bag or perforated plastic bag. The shelf life will last 2-3 months.
Feeding
While the snowdrop is actively growing, it needs liquid fertilizing with inorganic potassium phosphate fertilizers without nitrogen, which can cause excessive leaf growth. Potassium is needed for the formation of healthy winter-hardy bulbs, and phosphorus is necessary for flowering. Active growth requires a lot of water. Usually watering is not needed, but if suddenly the spring is dry, then the grower will have to provide the plant with moisture. Watering small bulbous plants is not burdensome - they are very resistant to drought and will not die, but will not be tall. No maintenance is required until the end of the season.
So, easy care of the unpretentious plant will bring joy to gardeners and preserve the snowdrop. The Red Book is needed as a document that controls its protection.
Hello, dear friends! Spring! Spring is outside! Spring days! Nature wakes up from its winter sleep. The snow is slowly melting and March is already in a hurry to please us with its first beauty. The first spring flowers, snowdrops, appear right out of the snow.
Of course, we all, even small children, know that they exist. Many have seen them. But what do we know about them? I don't think so much. And therefore, I propose today to learn as much as possible about snowdrops, so that you can later tell your classmates.
Lesson plan:
What kind of flowers?
So, snowdrops appear on the edges of forests and meadows, along river banks in March-April. They look right out from under the snow. That's why they got their beautiful name.
A strong stalk of a pair of shiny green leaves and white OK with a green edging, similar to a hanging bell, are pleasing to the eye. They grow in large groups, not just one flower at a time.
You can grow these delicate flowers in your garden or vegetable garden. The main thing is to provide them suitable conditions. They love moist, nutritious soil that is warmed by sunlight.
There are about 18 species of snowdrops in nature, for example:
- snow-white;
- Caucasian;
- Alpine;
- snowdrop Voronova and others.
They are common in Central and Southern Europe, Crimea, the Caucasus and Asia Minor. There are especially many snowdrops in the Caucasus, where you can find representatives of 16 species of this plant.
The harbingers of spring bloom for 3-4 weeks, then the flower petals fall, and in their place appears a round box with three compartments in which black seeds are stored.
Beauty is under threat
All types of snowdrops are protected by the Red Book of Russia. Therefore, they cannot be picked and sold. But they rip it off and sell it. And if they sell, then they buy.
And you and I can help snowdrops survive. To do this, you just need to stop buying bouquets from merchants. After all, if there is no one to sell flowers to, then there is no need to pick them.
But flowers are threatened not only by pickers and bouquet sellers. Other unfavorable factors are:
- deforestation, which reduces the area where flowers grow;
- trampling and destruction of the forest floor in which the bulbs are hidden;
- environmental problems (soil, water, air pollution).
To date, the Red Book has assigned snowdrops the third category.
This means that they do not disappear yet. But they are found in limited areas and in small numbers. And if measures are not taken, then soon we will no longer be able to admire these magnificent creatures.
Snowdrops in creativity
Snowdrops, with their extraordinary fragile beauty, have inspired many people to create.
Poems
Here are some poems.
There are also funny, comic versions)
To some, these white flowers resemble the tears of the Snow Maiden.
And for some, heroes.
Paintings
In the painting by Pavel Eskov, white snowdrops bloomed among white birch trees, very beautiful)
There is still snow all around, but in the thawed patch white flowers are already rejoicing in the spring, cheerfully nodding their bells to the sun. The author of this painting is the artist Yuri Vladimirovich Sizonenko.
Nikolskaya Ekaterina Alexandrovna saw the first spring flowers like this. Very unusual)
Riddles
Try asking your friends these interesting riddles)
Fairy tales
There are quite a lot of fairy tales about “snow droplets”. I'm sure you definitely know one of them! This tale is called "Twelve Months". I suggest you watch it right now.
Snowdrops have something to surprise you with:
That's all for today!
I wish you amazing spring discoveries!
Yours, Evgenia Klimkovich.
Snowdrop Day occupies a special place in the series of April holidays. It is celebrated in many countries. The date of celebration – April 19 – is very symbolic.
My history it originates from England, where it was established in 1984. Around the world, depending on the climate zone, snowdrops bloom from January to April. And since in Great Britain they bloom in mid-April, this holiday was timed to coincide with this period - the beginning of spring and warm sunny days, and today it has become loved and popular in other countries.
Snowdrops are the only flowers that are not afraid of the cold and break out directly from under the snow cover. By their appearance they symbolize the onset of spring. These plants are very unpretentious and are found in many parts of the world.
We are accustomed to the most common type of this plant - with white bell-shaped flowers. Botanists call this species “snow-white snowdrop.” And besides it there is also Alpine, Bortkevich's snowdrop, Byzantine, Caucasian, Cilician, Corfu and many others. The shape, color, and smell of each type of snowdrop are unique. And each subspecies has its admirers.
The variety of forms of the snowdrop has given rise to its numerous names in different countries. Each nation has its own associations with this plant. Here are some examples: snow drop (UK), snow bell (Germany), snow drill (France and Italy), snowflake (Czech Republic), bully (Bulgaria).
In Russia, as is known, the first spring flower called snowdrop. It is not difficult to guess that this name symbolizes the ability of this plant to break through to the sun's rays from under the snow cover.
However, Russia is a very large country with different climatic zones, and the arrival of spring does not coincide in different regions. From this it follows very interesting fact. Everywhere, the snowdrop is the flower that is the first to emerge with the arrival of spring. But in different areas these are completely different plants: sleep grass, anemones, liverworts, lumbago, scillas, cyclamens, hellebores. However, for most residents, when they hear the word “snowdrop,” the traditional version of this plant comes to mind.
It is possible that the snowdrop is not only the first spring flower, it is generally the first. There is one beautiful legend about the snowdrop. After Adam and Eve were expelled from Paradise, winter came. It lasted a long time, the frosts and cold, merciless snow spared absolutely no one. In the end, Eva could not stand it and burst into tears. She remembered with sadness the warm gardens of Eden. And then the Lord took pity on her - and turned her tears into the most delicate flowers of this world. This is how snowdrops appeared in the snow, signaling the arrival of spring.
Snowdrop has become the hero of various works of art. Remember Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale "Snowdrop" (1862), which tells the story of a brave little flower and the fickle love of a girl, or Samuel Marshak's fairy tale "The Twelve Months" (1942), where an evil stepmother sends her stepdaughter to collect snowdrops in the middle of winter.
Some signs are associated with snowdrops:
— In many cultures, the white color of the snow bell is a symbol of protection from evil spirits. And therefore it is customary to plant it at the entrance to the house, and in city apartments to grow it on windowsills as a talisman.
— Among British officers, it was considered a good omen to wear a drop of snow in the buttonhole of their uniform as a talisman that imparts strength and protects against wounds.
- If you see a snowdrop in the forest, then this foreshadows the speedy fulfillment of your brightest hopes and hidden desires. For young girls, such a find foreshadows a meeting with their betrothed and an early wedding, and for young men - the emergence of good prospects in their personal lives and at work.
— Cut snowdrops brought into the house foreshadow the death of someone in the family. These flowers should not be brought to a place where someone is seriously ill. The appearance of a single flower in a home is considered a particularly bad omen.
To find this flower, you don’t need to go into the forest - most species are listed in the Red Book, and these flowers cannot be collected. But if you love these flowers and want them to delight you in the spring, plant them in flower beds or in your own gardens, or even on a windowsill, in a flower pot.
Snowdrop flowers are unpretentious harbingers of spring. In early spring, when the snow, tired of the winter, has not yet had time to disappear, in the mountains and foothills, on forest lawns, from under the snow, in barely thawed thawed patches, a snow-white, blue or purple miracle appears - early snowdrop flowers.
They usually grow in vast clearings, illuminated by the gentle rays of the cool, but gentle first spring sun. They amaze with their amazing fragile defenselessness and, at the same time, endless unpretentious endurance, emitting an attractive aroma, not very strong, but extremely pleasant.
A harbinger of spring and a symbol of hope for the long-awaited arrival of warmth - snowdrop flower. Description plants should begin with clarification: this miracle is usually born in March or April.
Soon after such a phenomenon to the world, its bud rushes towards the sun, over time forced to bend, appearing as if suspended on a bizarrely curved peduncle.
In the photo there are snowdrop flowers
Form snowdrop flowers reminds The unopened bud of the most common species, the snowdrop, also looks like a drop of snow, because that’s what the British call the plant.
About spring flowers, which have become the personification of the awakening of nature, there are many wonderful legends. According to one of them, Eve, expelled from paradise to the cold snowy earth, became very cold out of habit. And to please her at least a little, several fancy snowflakes turned into first snowdrop flowers, embodying the anticipation of future earthly joys.
Snow-white snowdrop is a plant with two linear dark green leaves that appear with flower stalks almost simultaneously, reaching a length of only about 10 cm.
The bract, consisting of two halves, protects the breaking bud. There is usually one flower with six separate petals on the arrow.
The three inner ones, with a green top, are cone-shaped and surrounded by three elliptical, larger petals, which gives a unique grace.
The growing season of the plant is not too long, and flowering lasts from several days to two weeks. Flowers disappear, ceasing to please the eye, along with the disappearance of the last snow, when the winter cover finally leaves the ground to give way to the green and bright multi-colored summer outfit of nature.
Being medicinal plant, snowdrops used for medical purposes. However, this is done with great care, since the beautiful flowers can become extremely dangerous.
Planting and propagation of snowdrops
Typically in nature snowdrops– forest flowers. However, they can be found anywhere, but they simply adore moist, nutritious soil.
After the end of their flowering, the time comes for the formation of seeds. They ripen in a greenish-yellow, rounded, fleshy capsule with three compartments, are spherical in shape and black in color.
The “box” in which snowdrop seeds are formed
By this time spring nature is already finally awakening, and many small insects are developing vigorous activity. Among them are ants, eager to feast on the juicy appendage possessed by the grains of the snow-white snowdrop.
Thus, the little workers contribute to the spread of seeds, taking them away along the numerous underground passages they have dug.
Soon after this, the upper part of the plant dies completely. All that remains is the bulb, which, having survived a long, harsh winter underground, next spring is able to give life to one new one, again capable of pleasing the eyes of others.
Even in the fall, the bulb gives new roots and accumulates nutrients inside itself. And already during this period, new flowers and leaves are formed, which, hatching, practically reach the surface of the earth, spending the winter in such a state that with the first rays of the sun, having overcome this barrier, they appear to the eye at a moment when the snow has not yet melted.
Snowdrop bulbs from which you can grow snowdrops
Snowdrop For several centuries now it has been considered an early spring ornamental plant. Also known and widespread indoor flower . But it will begin to delight with its flowering only six or seven years after sowing.
When growing flowers, gardeners should take into account that this representative of the flora is accustomed to growing under the canopy of trees, loving partial shade, but does not take root well in open spaces.
But in general, the plant is completely unpretentious, resistant to temperature changes and frost. However, it prefers loose soil rich in fertilizers. If it is planted in clay soil, it is better to add a little sand there.
Bulbs are usually planted at a depth corresponding to their double size. But even if this rule is not followed, unpretentious plant helps itself.
When planted deep, it forms another bulb, which grows on top of the previous one to better allow the sprouts to reach the soil surface. At a shallow planting depth, the bulb is crushed, forming babies.
It is better to purchase bulbs in late summer with the intention of planting them in the fall. They should be dense to the touch without rot or damage. When storing bulbs, you should not keep them in the open air, but sprinkle them with sawdust and put them in cotton bags.
When planting, the plant must be fed with nitrogen-free fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium in order to avoid excessive leaf growth. During dry spring, snowdrops require watering, but after flowering it is no longer needed.
Types of snowdrops
What colors are snowdrops? it just doesn’t exist in the world. In total, there are about eighteen species of the plant, which bears the elegant, sonorous botanical name “galanthus” and belongs to the amaryllis family.
For example, the already mentioned snow-white snowdrop, rightfully considered the most famous of all varieties of these flowers, mainly grows in the territory Central Europe.
Bortkevich's snowdrop
In the Caucasus, in meadows, limestone cliffs and beech forests, in early spring it is possible to observe the flowering of alpine and Caucasian varieties, as well as a species of snowdrops named after the forest scientist Bortkevich. The plants mentioned are usually low, reaching a length of no more than 7 cm.
The Byzantine snowdrop, common on the Bosphorus coast, where it grows in abundance among shrubs, differs from previous species in that it can delight with its flowering in winter and autumn.
Snowdrop Elwes
The Cilician variety and the Elwes snowdrop are found in the mountains of Asia Minor and southern Europe. The latter is distinguished by its tall growth (the length of its flower stalks can reach 23 cm), has large spherical flowers, delighting with its aroma and early flowering.
In late autumn, on the island of Corfu and in Sicily, the Corfu variety pleases the eye. Foster's snowdrop is common in Lebanon and is very similar to the broad-leaved Caucasian snowdrop. The Greek variety adorns the landscapes not only of this country, but also of Romania and Bulgaria.
There are flowers that look like snowdrops, so many people often confuse them. As a rule, these plants belong to the same family. One of these representatives of the flora is the white flower, which blooms not only in early spring, but also much later. This is also a bulbous plant, but its flower stalks reach a length of about 25 cm.
Number of snowdrops and protection from extermination
Appearing first in nature after a long winter, they cannot but be attractive and popular. It is for this reason that snowdrops become victims of merciless extermination.
Intemperate nature lovers thoughtlessly pick them, making many bouquets of flowers. Moreover, spring lawns are practically mowed down by enterprising traders who are trying to make such a miracle of nature a source of profit, taking advantage of the natural desire of many who want buy flowers snowdrops.
But not only for these reasons, this plant is found less and less often in its natural environment. Other factors include the merciless digging of bulbs by enthusiastic gardeners.
The number of flowers is also affected by a decrease in forest area, damage to the forest floor containing seeds and plant bulbs, as well as other environmental problems.
Currently Red Book characterizes snowdrops, as a rare species with the assignment of the third category to the plant. This means that wonderful flowers are not yet in danger of disappearing completely, but under unfavorable conditions this threat still exists.
To protect rare species, reserves and sanctuaries are created. There are strict restrictions on the picking and sale of snowdrop flowers.
