Spring squill is a small, star-shaped purple-blue flower found on coastal grasslands.
Scientific name
Scilla verna
When to see
Mainly April to May
Top facts
Stats
Height: up to 15 cm
Least Concern on the GB Red List
About
Spring squill is well-adapted to tolerate the salt spray of the coast. Look for its purple-blue flowers alongside thrift on coastal clifftops. It often grows prolifically in the short, grassy areas right next to coast paths. Rarely, it can also be found on heathland inland. Spring squill blooms during April and May, though it may flower later in northern areas.
What to look for
The short stalk bears up to 10 flowers, each of which contains six blue petals and opens up like a star. At the base of each flower is a dark purple bract. The leaves are long, thin and often curled.
Where to find
This species has a strong westerly distribution, with strongholds in places like Isles of Scilly, Cornwall, Pembrokeshire, Anglesey, Isle of Man, north and east coasts of Northern Ireland, and the west coast of Scotland. It is also found in the far north, with strong populations on Shetland and Orkney.
Did you know?
Spring squill is closely related to the bluebell and, like the bluebell, was once placed in the lily family. Following DNA analysis, it is now considered to be part of the asparagus family.
