Many people eagerly await the first signs of spring. One major clue is the emergence of new plants, including a few colorful flowers. Of course, many plants wait until the ground thaws and the temperature warms up before starting to grow. But the science of spring flower growth is complex. And some flowers have a unique adaptation that allows them to bloom even in the coldest of conditions.
Two flowers you may have seen early in the year are crocuses and snowdrops. These actually have the ability to push through frozen soil and snow to bloom in early spring! It’s all made possible by a special adaptation in their cells that allows them to expand and contract with changes in temperature.
The science of spring flower growth
This adaptation in a few flowers is due to a process called thermoperiodism. This requires a cycle of low and high temperatures in order to help trigger growth.
Here’s how it works: The cells in these flowers contract when the temperatures drop. This causes a vacuum that draws water and nutrients from the soil into the plant. The cells begin to re-expand as the temperatures climb. This expansion and contraction push the flowers through the frozen ground. Pretty cool, right?
Now, these early-blooming flowers depend on this ability to survive. By blooming early, they are able to take advantage of the increased sunlight. They also get early pollinators (like bees and butterflies) that are essential for their reproduction. And they don’t have to compete for these resources.
Crocuses and snowdrops are also popular flowers for their beauty and variety. Crocuses come in a wide range of colors, including purple, white, yellow, and pink. They can be found in both single and multiple petals. Snowdrops, on the other hand, are known for their unique bell-shaped flowers – typically white or pale green.
While crocuses and snowdrops are among the most well-known flowers that can push through frozen soil and snow, they are not the only ones. Other early-blooming flowers include winter aconite, Siberian squill, and hellebore.
— WTF fun facts
Source: Burn through snow – What flowers can do that we wish we could do too!” — The Art of Ecology