Summer Snowflake

Spring has finally arrived with swaths of daffodils brightening up road margins and gardens. At Cabragh Wetland splashes of yellow can be seen as the first marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris) appear. This huge buttercup is a striking and unmistakable feature of damp places in early spring. Each flower is composed of five sepals which open at daybreak as sunlight hits them; the glossy dark-green heart-shaped leaves are easily recognized. Like many other members of the buttercup family, the whole plant is poisonous.

The summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum), is also in full bloom at the moment. This is a beautiful and rare flower, very localized in Ireland, which grows in relative abundance in the Wetlands. The daffodil-like leaves are dark green and grow 30-50cm high. The flower stalk unfurls to reveal three to six bell-shaped, nodding flowers; each has 6 snow white petals with a green spot at the tip. Despite its common name, the snowflake flowers from March to May, and resembles the much smaller snowdrop (10-20cm ) which has just 3 sepals.

Cabragh was recently identified by a leading environmentalist as being perhaps the best site in Ireland for this exceptional plant. Appreciate what you have on your doorstep. Come out to the Wetlands and see these beautiful flowers, along with many others that will come into bloom in the spring. Bring your wellies – the footpaths are still very wet and mud. And a gentle request: all wild flowers are protected and may not be picked.

Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories…..and photographs!