Trending: Siberian squill (Scilla siberica) — 191 observations this week
iNaturalist Community
Invasive Species
iNaturalistThose pretty blue ground-cover flowers carpeting lawns and woodland edges right now may be Siberian squill — a garden escapee that spreads aggressively and can crowd out native spring wildflowers before you notice.
Siberian squill is a small bulb plant originally from Russia and Turkey that produces striking deep-blue flowers in early spring. It was widely planted in gardens but has since spread into lawns, parks, and natural areas on its own. Right now it's blooming, and hundreds of people across North America and Europe are spotting and photographing it.
Key Findings
191 research-grade observations were recorded on iNaturalist in a single week, making it one of the most observed plant species during that period.
The spike in sightings aligns with its early-spring bloom window, reflecting strong phenological (seasonal timing) signal in citizen science data.
High observation volume suggests widespread naturalization beyond garden settings, pointing to ongoing range expansion into wild and semi-wild habitats.
chevron_right Technical Summary
Siberian squill, a small bulb with vivid blue flowers, is blooming across the Northern Hemisphere and catching the attention of nature observers, with 191 research-grade sightings logged on iNaturalist in just one week.
Abstract Preview
Siberian squill is among the most observed plant species this week with 191 research-grade observations.
open_in_new Read full abstract on iNaturalistAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
Species Mentioned
Was this useful?
Urban Tree Canopy Reduces Heat-Related Mortality by 39% in European Cities
Trees in your local park or street aren't just pretty — they are literally keeping people alive during heatwaves, and planting even a modest number of the ri...
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.