Leucojum aestivum L.

Plants to 30–60 cm; bulb 2–4 × 2–3(–4) cm. Leaves: sheaths 3–6 mm, membranous; blade deep green, linear to ligulate, 30–50(–70) × 0.5–2 cm, apex obtuse, glossy, well developed at anthesis. Scape stout, hollow, 2-winged, compressed, (20–)30–60 cm. Spathe bract solitary, fused, green, lanceolate, 3–5 cm. Flowers: tepals white with yellowish green spot near apex, broadly ovate, (10–)13–22 × 10–12 mm; filaments white, slender, 2–5 mm; anthers 5–6 mm; ovary oblong-ovate, 6–10 × 5–8 mm; style clavate, 5–10 mm, exceeding stamens; stigma truncate, inconspicuous; pedicel 2.5–7 cm, longest equaling or exceeding spathe. Seeds black, 5–7 mm; coat loose, with air pockets at each end. 2n = 22, 24.

It is a temperate plant. It is frost hardy. It can grow in full sun or light shade. The soil needs to be moist but well drained. Soils should be rich in organic matter. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.

The bulbs are cooked and eaten. They are also used to extract starch/flour.

Plants are grown from bulbs spaced 15 cm apart. Plants can be divided or the small bulblets used.