Trending: Siberian squill (Scilla siberica) — 321 observations this week
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Phenology
Those brilliant blue carpets appearing under trees in parks and yards right now are Siberian squill, a bulb that naturalizes aggressively and can outcompete native spring wildflowers if left unchecked.
Siberian squill is a small bulb plant with vivid blue flowers that blooms very early in spring, often before most other plants wake up. It originally comes from Russia and western Asia but has spread widely through gardens across North America and Europe. Right now, hundreds of people are spotting and photographing it, which helps scientists track where it's spreading and how early spring is arriving each year.
Key Findings
321 research-grade observations were recorded in a single week, placing Siberian squill among the most-observed plant species on iNaturalist during this period.
The spike in observations aligns with the species' early-spring bloom window, making it a useful phenological indicator for seasonal timing.
High observation density in urban and suburban settings suggests continued naturalization beyond cultivated garden borders.
chevron_right Technical Summary
Siberian squill is surging in citizen-science observations this week, with 321 research-grade sightings logged on iNaturalist — signaling peak spring bloom across its range.
Abstract Preview
Siberian squill is among the most observed plant species this week with 321 research-grade observations.
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Scilla siberica, the Siberian squill or wood squill, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to southwestern Russia, the Caucasus, and Turkey. Despite its name, it is not native to Siberia.