Leaves with parallel veins (characteristic of a monocot), easily damaged by trampling
Bulb - a perennating organ (containing stored food to enable survival during winter period, so bluebells will grow again, in same place each year) - also functions as a method of asexual reproduction, as new bulbs grow from buds at base of mature bulbs -but bulbs are not easily dispersed
Roots
to absorb water and minerals, and for anchorage
Common, often dominant, in drier woodlands and hedge-banks, rarely in pastures. Prefers light acid soils, up to 650 metres.
Growth period: Emergence of leaves in early spring - before growth of leaves of woodland trees which obstruct light. Mostly found under trees, so presumably adapted to tolerate reduced light - trade-off with protection from scorching and drying effects of sun.
Overwintering: Bulb contains stored food (sugars, starch, etc.), produced by photosynthesising leaves during spring and summer. Well before winter, aerial parts (leaves, etc) die down and bulb survives frost, etc. under soil.