Spring may also be in your backyard, so don’t forget to look closely at what is popping up through the ground or showing up on the tips of trees & bushes. I say, ‘popping’ because these early spring native plants seem to just show up so quickly. They are in a rush to get themselves established and growing.
They have lots of work to do and one job is: making a flower!
Lots of energy is needed for this and their goal is to supply nectar & pollen to any of the early pollinators, usually the small native bees, flies and maybe a beetle. Their mission is to be pollinated and make seeds so there will be another generation of their species ready for the future.
You’ll notice the woods are greening BUT the leaves seem slow to come. This gives a chance for these early flowers to get the full sun to begin their work before the trees leaf out.
Walk slowly and PLEASE stay on the trail, even if it is wet & muddy. We don’t want to damage the forest edge as there may be some MORE flowers sprouting! You might even see frogs or salamanders and don’t forget to listen for different birds. Maybe a change of shoes or boots in the car would be handy.
You can bring a wildflower field guide or use an app.
BUT it can be more challenging & exciting to stop and look closely at a flower: is that one red? where is that white flower coming from? pink with stripes? those look like dark purple leaves? thick green blades all around & does it smell like onions? looks like little white pantaloons hanging on a green clothes line?
You can make notes of what you see & even draw a sketch.
I could see a little story forming about the spring woods-maybe fairies involved?
Here is a partial list of some plants that are waiting for you:
Trillium
Spring Beauty
Dutchman’s Britches
Wild Leeks
Blue Cohosh
Bloodroot
Purple Flowering Raspberry
Enjoy your walk and share your findings with your friends!
Happy Trails – Linda
