Leucojum is a small genus of bulbous plants native to Eurasia belonging to the amaryllis family, subfamily Amaryllidoideae.

[5] Leucojum is a compound of Greek λευκος, leukos "white" and ἰόν, ion "violet".

In addition to the common name snowflakes, the two Leucojum species are also known as St. Agnes' flower,[5] for patron saint of virgins and gardeners,[5][6] and snowbells.

[1] It prefers damp situations, such as wet meadows and ditches, and shady habitats, such as woods.

Both grow well in gardens in western Europe, with sufficient rainfall so that the soil does not dry out completely in summer.

L. vernum, the spring snowflake, is easy to grow in moist sunny or semi-shady places and flowers along with snowdrops.

Seeds require a period of cold in order to germinate and take 4–5 years to reach flowering size.

[citation needed] Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant'[18] and L. vernum[19] have both gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.