Teardrop-shaped, elongated outer white petals surround the fragrant green, marked white cup formed by the three inner petals of this cultivar that features a pronounced white stripe on the green leaves. Snowdrops are among the earliest harbingers of spring in the cool temperate zones. On sunny late-winter days, the outer petals "flare"out, releasing the strong honey fragrance that is irresistible to pollinators (and gardeners). An amazing plant-sap chemistry allows this species to come into flower while the soils are still frozen. This sap also deters rabbits and deer.