Spring seems like such a fleeting season here in Michigan. We strongly yearn for milder temps after what seems like an eternity of Winter but are not quite ready for the humidity and heat of Summer. We want to bask for a bit in the fresh energy around us. Though our first garden flowers erupted more than a month ago, the spring ephemeral wildflowers normally associated with early Spring just kicked into gear this past week or so. Colder temperatures in early April, along with some spring snowfall probably gave them a signal to stay underground a bit longer.
With spring already one-third of the way through, we can only hope it hangs on a little longer than normal before we are ‘gifted’ with mosquito eruptions and poison ivy taking over in the woods. Spring ephemeral wildflowers evolved to take advantage of this time of maximum sunlight before the tree canopy and forest undergrowth closes in. They quickly bloom, hang out for a while, spread their seeds, and retreat back underground.
Spring Ephemeral wildflowers
One of my favorites remains the Round-lobed Hepatica (Anemone americana), of the family Ranunculacea, with their hairy stalks and dancing stamen. They can vary in color from nearly pure white to violet to deep blue. They are one of the first woodland wildflowers around these parts, and are found in rich beech-maple forests. We have some amazingly large beech trees around here. My own observations in this area indicate they have a preference for being near beech trees on hillsides for some reason. It could be their preference for drier soils.
Other spring ephemerals kicking into gear now are blood root, spring beauty and trout lilies. I expect trillium to follow within the next couple of weeks. (Are you ready Howard?) The forest canopy starts filling in soon after, marking the end of these fleeting blooms. It is an interesting time slot in nature to think about. That moment, when the snow melts and temperatures warm, sets off a race against time. A race to capture the energy of the sun, bloom and reproduce before the light fades on the forest floor.
That race provides prospective when thinking about how ‘short’ the season of Spring seems to be. While we may want to cherish the milder temperatures and cool breezes of the season awhile longer, at least we are not in a rush for the very sunlight we need to survive.
See more spring ephemerals and other wildflower photographs in this gallery:
I was struck by the brilliant color and markings of the Crocus but I believe the shot of the delicate looking Round-lobed Hepatica to be my favorite of the two. Beautifully captured! It’s been a seesaw of cold and warmer temperatures here so far. This spring I’ve observed a number of spring plants try to make an early start of it during a warmer period only to be stunted back with the returning cold. I believe we now have reached the tipping point to warmer days, no doubt to be swiftly followed by a steaming hot summer. The seasons of our time.
Both are great flowers aren’t they? It is hard to figure out now what is “normal” with so much seasonal variation upon us now. I hope with the tipping point of warmer weather, you are able to take Maggie out there for more walks! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Earl.
It was actually a bit limited because the roads to where most of the wildflowers were located were closed because of icy conditions so we couldn’t get there for a good portion of the time ?. Got one or two shots though. Also they have the odd looking yellow ones there which we don’t have here. Thanks for the shout out by the way!
Lol, I’m ready Mark. We have had the same lousy, cold, snowy spring so far here as well. I’m hoping it warms up soon! Got to see some trillium during my trip to the Smokies but none here yet. Those wildflower shots are absolutely gorgeous!!!
I imagine trillium in the Smokies at least provided some new and interesting compositions to work with!