Is it illegal to pick snowdrops?

Under the 1981 Act It is unlawful to intentional pick, uproot or destroy the wild plant or any seed or spore attached to the wild plant.

Is it legal to dig up snowdrops?

Follow this simple guide of how and when to plant snowdrops and get planting - it is such an easy way of establishing such a pretty carpet of flowers. Remember that it is illegal to dig up snowdrops in the wild!

Is it legal to pick snowdrops?

'All wild plants are given some sort of protection under the laws of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, making it illegal to uproot or pick a large majority. And if any rare or endangered plants are growing near your home, you could face arrest, up to six months imprisonment and a maximum £5,000 fine for picking them.

Is it OK to pick snowdrops?

Also, unless there's a public right of way, what would you be doing in the field? Digging up or picking snowdrops and other 'wild' flowers is illegal unless you have the permission of the owner. Some plants are specifically protected by law and cannot be dug up even with permission.

What flowers are you not allowed to pick?

Wild flowers According to Dominic Price of wild plant protection charity Plantlife, "it is not normally an offence to pick the 'Four Fs' – fruit, foliage, fungi or flowers – if the plants are growing wild and it is for your personal use and not for sale." Dozens of rare or endangered plants – from the lady's slipper ...

Snowdrops - discover how to identify snowdrops

Can you legally pick flowers?

However if you wish to pick the plants be careful not to trespass and never take material from a nature reserve or protected site without permission, and remember to: Take flowers and foliage only from large patches of the plant. Always pick in moderation so that plenty is left for others to enjoy.

Why is it illegal to pick bluebells?

It's against the law to intentionally pick, uproot or destroy bluebells. Bluebells have soft, succulent leaves that are particularly sensitive to being trodden on. Once the leaves are damaged, they are unable to absorb the sun and photosynthesise, so they die back.

What is the myth behind snowdrops?

History of Snowdrops

Snowdrops were also believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and were sometimes worn as amulets for protection. Snowdrop flower symbolism also dates back to a Moldovan legend in which the snowdrop flower was created in a battle between the Lady Spring and Winter Witch.

What do snowdrops symbolize?

Happily, today this delicate flower signifies hope and beauty. The pure white color represents purity, innocence, and sympathy. Because snowdrops are early-blooming bulbs that often poke through a layer of snow, they seem especially representative of renewal and rebirth.

Is snowdrop a birth flower?

The snowdrop is one of two January birth flowers. As you'd expect from a plant that emerges at such a seemingly unpromising time of year, it symbolises warmth and hope.

Why are snowdrops so expensive?

The high cost of snowdrop bulbs

The basic reason is their slow rate of increase which can generally be described as modest, at best. We are all probably familiar with the way a clump of daffodils gradually increases in size and becomes mostly leaves with few flowers. We dig it up and find a large ball of bulbs.

Why are there no snowdrops?

Squirrels digging up snowdrops planted as dry bulbs may be a problem. Sometimes seedlings are lost through damping off which is caused by fungi and results in their collapse. Grey mould can affect snowdrops, especially in mild winters.

Which snowdrops are worth money?

The most valuable is the galanthus woronowii, also known as the 'Elizabeth Harrison', or giant snowdrop.

Why do you divide snowdrops?

Dividing snowdrops while they are 'in the green' – just after flowering – is a great way to increase your yield and to create your own wonderful, dreamy drifts.

Do snowdrops like snow?

Heralds of spring, these little bulbs are among the first plants to flower in the new year. Planted in generous drifts, they are sturdier than they look, even pushing up their heads above a carpet of snow.

What happens if you plant snowdrops too deep?

When planting your snowdrop bulbs, we recommend planting them at 2-3 times their depth. If too deep, the bulb may rot or the shoots will start to emerge too late. On the other hand, if you plant the bulbs too shallow, the sprouts may emerge unevenly and have spindly growth.

Why are snowdrops protected?

' All snowdrop species are endangered and wild snowdrops are protected under law, which means that they must never be picked or lifted from their wild or existing habitat.

What is a fun fact about snowdrops?

Snowdrops contain natural antifreeze and on frosty nights snowdrops collapse with freezing stress. Their antifreeze allows them to recover as soon as the temperatures rise. During the first world war, snowdrop bulbs were used to de-ice tanks! The Latin name for Snowdrop is 'Galanthus' which means “Milk Flower”

What are snowdrops good for?

An easy to grow bulbous perennial, Snowdrops provide both a Nectar and Pollen source for bees and native pollinators in late winter and early spring when other food may still be very hard to find.

Is Snowdrop flower poisonous?

This is due to poisonous alkaloid compounds, which are particularly concentrated in their bulbs. Two key alkaloids found in snowdrops are lycorine and galantamine; both are also found in daffodils. Though not potent enough to kill, ingesting snowdrop or daffodil bulbs can lead to diarrhoea and vomiting.

Is Snowdrop flower poisonous to humans?

However, there is a caution for pets and children: the plants are poisonous if ingested. Some gardeners also report skin irritation and recommend gloves when handling. So, plant snowdrops and look forward to seeing these beauties early every year. They are such a joy to see after a long gray winter.

What country are snowdrops from?

Originating in Europe, the first recorded cultivation of snowdrops in England is in the 16th century, though many believe they were first brought over much earlier by Norman monks.

Is it unlucky to pick bluebells?

In some parts of the country it is thought unlucky to take bluebells into the house, although it is actually illegal to pick wildflowers. However, not everything associated with this beautiful wildflower is quite so forbidding; in the language of flowers, the bluebell stands for constancy.

Why is flower picking prohibited?

According to the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 it is illegal to… “Uproot any wild plant without permission from the landowner or occupier” - This means, literally, that it's illegal to “dig up” a wild plant (that doesn't belong to you).

Is it illegal to pick bluebells on private land?

Threats and conservation

The bluebell is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). This means digging up the plant or bulb in the countryside is prohibited and landowners are prohibited from removing bluebells from their land to sell.