Synthyris reniformis

Snow Queen (Synthyris reniformis) is our first blooming native plant of the year – as early as very late January, though commonly a little bit later. Easily overlooked, Snow Queen has leaves with shallow lobes in a basal rosette most of the year.

In very early spring the tiny blue-violet flowers are borne a few inches above the leaves in a dense cluster. In the wild, look for this diminutive delight in dappled or partially shaded areas in the duff of conifer woods. In your landscape, plant Snow Queen in partial shade or shade in well drained soil with plenty of compost or humus.