From Edgeland Nursery in Eagle Creek, Oregon, these plants will come wrapped in burlap and should be potted or planted immediately. Pre-order for pickup on the next second Saturday of the month.  

Queen-of-snow is a small evergreen to semi-evergreen woodland perennial that forms a low rosette only about 4–6 inches tall, with flower stems rising slightly above the foliage. It prefers part shade to shade in Portland gardens, though it can take more sun where soil remains cool, and grows best in moist but well-drained woodland soil rich in organic matter. Rounded, kidney- to heart-shaped leaves remain close to the ground, while short clusters of pale blue to lavender bell-shaped flowers appear exceptionally early, often in late winter or early spring.

Physical Characteristics

• Leaves: Basal, rounded to kidney- or heart-shaped leaves with shallow lobes and toothed margins; surfaces are sparsely hairy.

• Flowers: Pale blue, lavender, or occasionally nearly white, broadly bell-shaped flowers held in short racemes above the leaves.

• Stems: Short, curved, leafless flower stalks, generally under 6 inches tall.

• Growth Habit: Compact perennial arising from a short rhizome or woody crown; foliage may persist through winter in mild conditions.

Habitat and Distribution

• Native Range: Pacific Coast region from Washington through Oregon to California.

• Environment: Forest understory and shaded woodland slopes at low to moderate elevations.

• Ecology: One of the earliest native woodland wildflowers to bloom, providing early-season flowers in shaded gardens before many larger perennials leaf out.