Summer snowflake
EN

Summer snowflake

Leucojum aestivum

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucojum_aestivum

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Summer snowflake faces severe decline due to wetland drainage and agricultural conversion of its floodplain habitats across Europe. Water level management and flood control measures have disrupted the natural flooding cycles essential for its reproduction and seed dispersal. Urban development and infrastructure projects continue to fragment remaining populations, while climate change alters precipitation patterns that affect the seasonal flooding this species depends upon.

Threat summary

Habitat

Summer snowflake inhabits wet meadows, marshes, and floodplains that experience seasonal flooding, particularly along river valleys and in lowland areas. The species requires nutrient-rich, periodically waterlogged soils and thrives in areas with natural flood cycles that facilitate seed dispersal.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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CR

Plagiolirion horsmannii

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EN

Welsh Onion

Allium fistulosum

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EN

Crinum oliganthum

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Allium lineareEN

Allium lineare

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Summer snowflake classified as Endangered?
Summer snowflake is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Summer snowflake faces severe decline due to wetland drainage and agricultural conversion of its floodplain habitats across Europe. Water level management and flood control measures have disrupted the natural flooding cycles essential for its reproduction and seed dispersal. Urban development and infrastructure projects continue to fragment remaining populations, while climate change alters precipitation patterns that affect the seasonal flooding this species depends upon.
Where does Summer snowflake live?
Summer snowflake occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Summer snowflake?
The main threats to Summer snowflake are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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