At first glance, Lily of the Valley and Snowdrops seem like they have a lot in common. They’re both native favorites, they both pop up early in the year, and they’re both protected species in the wild. But if you look a little closer, these two garden staples are actually quite different!
A Tale of Two Looks
The differences start with their appearance. Sure, they both sport green stems and delicate white flowers, but the shape, size, and arrangement of their blooms are worlds apart. Lily of the Valley definitely lives up to its name with those iconic, tiny bell-shaped flowers. Snowdrops, on the other hand, look more like elegant little teardrops. You’ll also notice that a single Lily of the Valley stem can carry up to twenty little bells, while a Snowdrop is a “one-and-done” kind of plant, featuring just a single blossom at the end of each stalk.
Different Family Trees
It makes sense that they look so different once you realize they aren’t actually related. Even though they both show up early for the spring party, they belong to entirely different plant families. Biologically speaking, Lily of the Valley is a member of the Asparagus family, while the Snowdrop belongs to the Amaryllis family. Beyond their family trees, you’ll find plenty of other differences in:
- Fragrance
- Leaf shape
- Timing and duration of bloom
- Fruit types
- Root systems
The timing is the biggest giveaway. Snowdrops are the true early birds, often poking through the frost as early as January or February. Lily of the Valley likes to wait for things to warm up a bit, usually making its debut in late April or May.
Handle with Care
One thing they definitely share? A “look but don’t touch” policy in the wild. Both are protected species, so leave them be if you spot them in the woods. If you’re lucky enough to grow them in your own garden and want to snip a few for a vase, make sure to pop on some gardening gloves first. Both of these beauties are toxic, so safety first!
