This introduced plant generally flowers just before Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrops) and is arguably the first true Spring flower of the year. Wherever you find it, it has probably escaped from a garden or cemetery but it is well naturalised, typically in shady or wooded areas dotted around the country.

E. hyemalis has successfully escaped into the wild throughout England and Scotland particularly in the east. There is a scattering of sites in Wales but none in Ireland.

Woods near Milnethorpe, North Lancs, 2nd February 2005

Added on 3rd February 2005, updated 2nd January 2009, updated 29th March 2010