Galanthus (convolute). He merged "Nivalis" and "Plicati" into series "Galanthus", and divided "Latifolii" into two subseries, "Glaucaefolii" and "Viridifolii" . Early molecular phylogenetic studies confirmed the genus was monophyletic and suggested four clades, which were labelled as series, and showed that Davis' subseries were not monophyletic. An expanded study in 2013 demonstrated seven major clades corresponding to biogeographical distribution. This study used nuclear encoded nrITS (Nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer), and plastid encoded "matK" (Maturase K), "trnL-F", "ndhF", and "psbK–psbI", and examined all species recognised at the time, and also two naturally occurring putative hybrids. The morphological characteristic of vernation that
Luzula nivalis ellipsoidal, smooth, brown and 1.0–1.2 × 0.6–0.7 mm in size. Basel appendages are fibrillate and up to 0.2 mm long. The fruit of "L. nivalis" is sessile and dry with a persistent and glabrous calyx. The rosette-like whorl of short leaves in "Luzula nivalis" allows it to easily be distinguished from "Luzula confusa". "Luzula nivalis" has been described as having an 'arctic-alpine circumpolar' distribution, as "L. nivalis" is an alpine plant which grows in the arctic regions of the northern hemisphere. Places which "L. nivalis" grows in include Norway, Sweden, Finland and Svalbard. "Luzula nivalis" has been found in a