Plants up to 20 cm tall (which is not taller than G. nivalis); however, bulbs larger: 2-3 x 1.5-2 cm (as opposed to 1.5-2.5 x 1-2 cm in G. nivalis). Leaves convolute, including within basal sheath; blade relatively larger and of a different shape: narrowly oblanceolate, 10-30 x 0.5-2.5(-3.5) cm.