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 ("to shine, sparkle") or the Latin "luzulae" or "luxulae", from "lux" ("light"), inspired by the way the plant's hairs sparkle when wet with dew. "Nivalis" is Latin for snowy, snow-covered or snow-like. The exact taxonomy of "Luzula nivalis" is a little confusing due to confusions over the naming of the taxon; the name "L. arctica" has frequently (though less occasionally in recent years) been applied this taxon, or it has been regarded as a separate species altogether. Elven et al. (2003) stated that "a number of authors (Hultén 1968, Böcher et al. 1968, Porsild and Cody 1980, Novikov 1990) have