Snowdrop

Galanthus nivalis L.

Late-Winter Bulb
Deer Resistant

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

bulbs, flowers, leaves, roots

Preparation

None. Do not eat any part. RHS advises wearing gloves and other protective equipment when handling.

Hazard type

Poisoning from phenanthridine alkaloids if eaten: nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if eaten in quantity; NC State rates the poison severity low and lists no contact dermatitis

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

RHS says the plant is harmful if eaten, to people and to pets such as dogs and cats, and advises gloves when handling. IVIS (author at Colorado State University) names phenanthridine alkaloids including lycorine in the leaves, stems and bulbs, most concentrated in the outer bulb layers; bulbs left within reach of pets pose the greatest risk. Signs it lists: vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea and breathing difficulty, and after large amounts depression, unsteadiness, seizures, slow heart rate and low blood pressure. If a pet eats any part, call your vet or an animal poison hotline.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 3a-9b (NC State). RHS H5 (hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters). Systems are not converted.
Light: part shade (also full sun in NC State)
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: 4-10 in tall and 3-6 in wide (NC State); RHS 0.1-0.5 m tall.
Family: Amaryllidaceae (amaryllis family)
Where it comes from: Europe and southwestern Asia, from Spain east to Ukraine; naturalized in North Carolina, Virginia and several other states (NC State). Not native to Great Britain or Ireland (RHS).