Acis autumnalis
Acis autumnalis, Autumn Snowflake, had been known as Leucojum autumnale ever since it was first described by Carl Linneaus in 1753 although the separate genus, Acis was suggested for it as long ago as 1807 by the maverick botanist, Richard Anthony Salisbury who was well-known for his rejection of Linnean classification. It wasn't until 2004 and the phylogenetic work by Dolores Lledo, Aaron Davis, Manuel Crespo, Mark Chase and Michael Fay that an alternative taxonomic classification was suggested and the genus was reinstated.
Autumn Snowflake is a delicate Amaryllid from the western Mediterranean with small conical-shaped nodding flowers held aloft on tall slender maroon-tinged scapes. The foliage is thin and linear.
It likes a sandy, gritty, well-drained substrate and an aspect in full sun that is protected from the wind.
A welcome sight in the garden in that sobering thought-provoking transition from late summer to early autumn.
Additional Information
| Order | Asparagales |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Sub-Family | Amaryllidoideae |
| Synonyms | Acis autumnalis var. oporantha, Acis autumnalis var. pulchella, Acis oporantha, Acis pulchella, Leucojum auctumnale, Leucojum autumnale, Leucojum autumnale var. oporanthum, Leucojum autumnale var. pulchellum, Ruminia hyemalis |
| Geographical Origin | Western Mediterranean: Portugal, Spain, Italy (Sardinia and Sicily), Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia |
| Cultivation | Full sun. Sheltered aspect away from gusty winds. Well-drained sandy gritty soil. Protect from snails and slugs |
| Eventual Height | 15-18cm |
| Eventual Spread | 6-15cm and more, forming clumps |
| Hardiness | Hardy. Appreciates a mulch |
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