Alpine squill (Scilla bifolia, Sp. Pl.: 309 (1753))

Family: Asparagaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 309 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Scilla

Vegetable: False

Observations: N. & W. Europe to W Balkan Pen.

Description

Alpine Squill: A Comprehensive Overview

The Alpine Squill, scientifically recognized as Scilla bifolia, graces the landscapes of Northern and Western Europe extending to the Western Balkan Peninsula. Described in Linnaeus’ seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this resilient and exquisite member of the Asparagaceae family is celebrated for its vibrant blue flowers and early blooming period.

Botanical Characteristics

Scilla bifolia typically thrives in moist, well-drained, and partially shaded environments. It is most often found in deciduous forests, meadows, and alpine regions where it benefits from the cool, temperate climates. The plant emerges from a small bulb, with slender, grass-like leaves that form a basal rosette. With one or two flowering stalks per bulb, each stalk can boast up to ten or more delicate, star-shaped blue flowers.

Flowering and Growth Patterns

One of the first to herald spring, the Alpine Squill’s flowers bloom from late winter to early spring. The striking blue flowers can occasionally be found in shades of white or pink, each exhibiting a distinct central dark stripe. Famed for its swift growth cycle, Scilla bifolia rapidly completes its blooming phase as it capitalizes on the moisture and light available before the canopy leaves of surrounding trees fully develop.

Ecological and Horticultural Importance

The Alpine Squill is not only a visual delight but also plays a critical role in the ecosystem. It provides an early source of nectar for pollinators like bees, essential for sustaining the biodiversity of its natural habitats. Additionally, its hardy nature makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to create a naturalized effect in rock gardens, woodland areas, or even lawns. The plant’s ability to spread and naturalize through offsets and self-seeding ensures its persistence and aesthetic presence year after year.

Conservation and Care

While Scilla bifolia is generally self-sufficient when situated in suitable habitats, its conservation requires attention to forest management and habitat preservation. Gardeners should plant Alpine Squill bulbs in autumn, at a depth of two to three times the bulb’s height, ensuring adequate space for natural expansion. Minimal care is required once established, making it an ideal choice for those seeking low-maintenance yet striking early-season color.

In summary, the Alpine Squill (Scilla bifolia) is a charming and robust bulbous plant that has been admired for centuries. Whether gracing the wild forests of Europe or adding a touch of early spring magic to cultivated gardens, it continues to captivate with its ephemeral beauty and ecological contributions.

Common Names

Eng: alpine squill
Nor: færøisk hyacinth
Dan: tobladet skilla
Nld: vroege sterhyacint
Deu: zweiblättriger blaustern
Pol: cebulica dwulistna
Fra: scille à deux feuilles
Swe: tidig blåstjärna
Nno: tyrkarsnøstjerne, tyrkarblåstjerne
Nob: tyrkersnøstjerne, tyrkerblåstjerne
Cym: seren y mynydd
En: Alpine squill, Two-lead squill, Early-squill, Star-hyacinth
Ar: إشقيل ثنائي الأوراق
Bg: Обикновен синчец
Ca: Escil·la bifòlia
Cs: Ladoňka dvoulistá
Da: Tobladet skilla
Nl: Vroege sterhyacint
Et: Kahelehine siniliilia
Fi: Pikkusinililja, Pikkukevättähti
Fr: Scille a feuilles, Scille à feuilles, Scille à deux feuilles, Étoile bleue
De: Blausternchen, Zweiblättrige Meerzwiebel, Zweiblättriger Blaustern, Sternblümle, Zweiblättrige Sternhyazinthe
It: Scilla silvestre, Scilla di bosco
Mk: Алпски синчец
No: Færøisk hyacinth
Nb: Tyrkersnøstjerne, Tyrkerblåstjerne
Nn: Tyrkarsnøstjerne, Tyrkarblåstjerne
Pl: Cebulica dwulistna
Ru: Пролеска двулистная
Sk: Scila dvojlistá
Sv: Tidig blåstjärna
Uk: Scilla nivalis, Проліска дволиста
Cy: Seren y mynydd

Synonyms

• Scilla concinna (Salisb.)
• Scilla laxa (Schur)
• Ornithogalum bifolium ((L.) Neck.)
• Scilla cernua (Janka)
• Scilla praecox (Willd.)
• Scilla rosea (Lehm.)
• Scilla uluensis (Speta)
• Rinopodium bifolia ((L.) Salisb.)
• Scilla lusitanica (L.)
• Scilla nivalis var. praecox ((Willd.) Nyman)
• Scilla bifolia var. cernua (Nyman)
• Scilla carnea (Sweet)
• Scilla decidua (Speta)
• Scilla bulgarica (Speta)
• Scilla dubia (K.Koch)
• Scilla bifolia var. drunensis ((Speta) Trávn.)
• Scilla minor (K.Koch)
• Scilla pruinosa (Speta)
• Scilla bifolia var. laxa ((Schur) Nyman)
• Scilla bifolia f. multiflora (Gajic & Kulibali)
• Scilla nivalis subsp. subnivalis (Nyman)
• Stellaris bifolia ((L.) Moench)
• Scilla bifolia var. hohenackeri (Nyman)
• Scilla resslii (Speta)
• Scilla bifolia var. magnomoravica (Trávn.)
• Scilla bifolia subsp. spetana ((Kereszty) Trávn.)
• Anthericum bifolium ((L.) Scop.)
• Scilla bifolia var. major (Lej.)
• Adenoscilla bifolia ((L.) Gren. & Godr.)
• Adenoscilla unifolia (Texidor)
• Scilla secunda (Janka)
• Scilla drunensis ((Speta) Speta)
• Scilla bifolia var. secunda ((Janka) Nyman)
• Scilla chladnii (Schur)
• Scilla bifolia subsp. praecox ((Willd.) K.Richt.)
• Scilla bifolia var. rosea ((Lehm.) Nyman)
• Scilla spetana (Kereszty)
• Scilla drunensis subsp. laxa ((Schur) Valdés)
• Scilla trifolia (Schur)
• Scilla bifolia subsp. drunensis (Speta)
• Scilla dedea (Speta)
• Scilla bifolia subsp. laxa ((Schur) Soó)
• Scilla bifolia subsp. danubialis (Speta)
• Genlisa bifolia ((L.) Raf.)
• Scilla bifolia var. bohemica (Trávn.)
• Scilla xanthandra (K.Koch)
• Scilla bifolia subsp. rara (Trávn.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Poland (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Feb 20, 2021 by Didier Desmazure (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2017 by niky (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 8, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2021 by G. Tisserand (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2017 by Noé Positivo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2022 by Syl Fred (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 1, 2020 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2022 by Partanen Asta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2021 by Lou Delayance (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2020 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 26, 2020 by trilly elena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 23, 2020 by Ahmed Ghedjatti (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2021 by Yvan Fischer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2022 by CAL – (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2020 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 12, 2022 by antonio conte (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2021 by Yvan Fischer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2022 by vero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2021 by Petr Šimák (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 21, 2022 by Nicolas PETIET (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 8, 2022 by Álvaro Del Risco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 29, 2016 by Christina Dischner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 24, 2020 by Lucas Fournier (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2767506)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:540689-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Scilla bifolia L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 4

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘mar’, ‘apr’, ‘may’]

Soil nutriments: 6