Galanthus or Snowdrops

Galanthus or snowdrops is a genus of about 20 species of small bulbous flowering plants in the amaryllis family.  They are the first to bloom after winter, often appearing before the snow leaves completely. It has narrow grass-like leaves, white bell-shaped flowers with six petals. 

Galanthus comes from the Greek words gala meaning milk and anthos meaning flower, and it literally means milk flower. 

They are native to southern and eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and parts of Southwest Asia. They naturally grow in decidous woodlands, mountain meadows, damp grassland, and the periphery of forests with rich soil. 

Europeans see it as symbol of hope and renewal. They sprout at the fag end of winter.