Galanthus nivalis

Although it may not be native to England, it has long been naturalised in moist woods, road verges, parks and churchyards. Its frequent occurrence on religious sites may be connected with the coincidence of its flowering period with Candlemas, on 2 February. The flowers are pollinated by the first bees to emerge on warm days. The word Galanthus is of Greek origin, and roughly signifies 'milkflower', referring to the white coloration of the flowers. Nivalis means 'relating to or resembling snow'.