Is Leucojum aestivum toxic to humans?
Toxicity. All species of Leucojum are poisonous, as the leaves and bulbs contain the toxic alkaloids lycorine and galantamine. Totally Toxic Other common names for the plant are also a dead giveaway to its potent effects, including “witches’ thimbles” and “dead man’s bells”. The entire plant is poisonous, according to experts. But the leaves, in particular, contain more concentrated toxins.
Does Leucojum spread quickly?
Leucojum aestivum (Summer Snowflake). This non- native early Spring bloomer spreads easily and is commonly grown with daffodils. It can easily adapt to almost any medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum ‘Gravetye Giant’ ) is a bulbous perennial native to central Europe and the Mediterranean. It blooms in mid spring (April to May), bearing nodding, bell-shaped, white flowers atop arching, hollow stems.
Does Leucojum spread?
If a clump gets too large for the space, dig up the bulbs in early summer after the foliage has turned yellow. Divide and replant. Leucojum grows more rapidly in warm climates and may spread itself around. This is usually considered a good thing. Leave it to die back naturally and turn yellow, any dead leaves can be removed once the plant has fully died down. Leucojum create tidy clumps and are best left undisturbed to naturalised. However, if the clumps get too large, you can lift them and split them into sections in early summer once they have died back.