Some of the first flowers to bloom in the spring are the spring ephemerals. These beautiful perennials are found in woodlands, forests, on rocky ledges, and in wetlands where the warmth of the sun is available to these short-lived flowering plants before the tree canopy further develops, blocking the sun these plants crave. These plants grow and flower at the first sign of warm sunny weather, often where there may be snow on the ground in places. When they finish blooming, they go dormant, and the foliage dies back, leaving no trace to be seen above the ground for the remainder of the growing season. The bulbs, rhizomes and roots rest undergound to awaken the following spring. Ephemerals provide the first nourishment to bees and insects before the bloom of perennial wildflowers and garden flowers.
Trillium. This native wildlfower is affectionately known as “Wakerobin”, as it may bloom about the time the first robins appear. Look for trillium growing in rich soil, in dappled shade at the border of woodland and meadow.
Spring ephemerals are most often wildflowers, however, some such as Marsh Marigold and Blue Flag Iris have been cultivated for us to plant and enjoy in our man-made gardens. If you add these to your gardens, don’t dig them from the wild. Some are endangered, others may not transplant well. Buy them from reputable local growers and garden centers and heed the advice of their knowledgeable staff. These plants can be slow to establish but will reward you (and hungry pollinators) with welcome, early spring blossoms.
As you take a walk in the woods, along an old stone wall or mountain trail, or around a marshy area, some ephemerals to look for are Bloodroot, Red and Painted Trillium, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Virginia bluebells, Dutchman’s breeches, Trout Lily, Squirrel Corn, Marsh Marigolds, Blue Flag iris, and Calypso Orchids (Lady Slipper). Watch your step, however, as some of these plants are quite small and delicate, so keeping a sharp eye along the trail or in the forest will allow you to enjoy these short-lived beauties.
Jack-in-the-Pulpit. A shade-loving native ephemeral. The flowers, often hidden beneath large leaves, can be hard to spot.
Take note of the spring ephemerals that grow naturally naturally on your property that you might not have noticed previously, and marvel in the way they seem to thrive, albeit for too short a time, in the changeable climate of our New England spring.
Lady Slipper or Calypso Orchid. Marshy, boggy areas are the best places to see these lovely flowers. Eshqua Bog, Woodstock/Hartland, VT, is an excellent place to view these and other native ephemerals.