Scilla verna - Spring Squill - (Liliaceae)

Spring Squill populations are in decline and it can now only be found on the coasts of western Britian and eastern Ireland.

The squills are members of the lily family, and hence relatives of the bluebell and the wild garlic, or ramsons. They bloom from March to August but are usually at their best in April and May.

Spring squill, photographed in early May

Beside the coastal paths of West Wales you will find these pretty spring flowers on dry grassy slopes. When not in bloom they are hard to locate because their curled leaves are very grass-like in appearance,

These are perennial flowers and, like most cliff-top plants, are low growing and very tolerant of salt spray. Occasionally spring squill can be found in grassy areas away from the coast.

Side view of spring squill in bloom

The spring squill in this picture were found on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path near Ceibwr Bay, just south of the Teifi Estuary in West Wales.