Wonderful Spring Flowers
One of the wonderful things about being in the woods in early spring is the abundance of wildflowers at Monongahela National Forest. The pageantry begins with spring ephemerals, woodland wildflowers which appear in early spring, flower, set seed, and then die back to their underground parts before the trees unfurl their leaves.
Bloodroot is an example of a spring ephemeral with a fleeting display. Showy white flowers appear in early spring and last only a day or two. The common name bloodroot denotes the blood-red sap found throughout the plant, particularly in the roots. Bloodroot is a myrmecochorous plant meaning its seed dispersal relies primarily on ants carrying away their seed. Flowering normally occurs in March to April.
Another first wildflower of spring does not look like a flower at all, and it is smelly! Skunk cabbage gets its name from its large cabbage-like leaves and of course the odor that is produced when the leaves or flowers are crushed. Skunk cabbage also produces some of the first greens of the season which attracts black bears coming out of hibernation. This unusual plant can even melt snow! For its first 12-14 days it can produce temperatures 15 to 35 degrees warmer than the surrounding air temperature.
When you see the Spring Beauty blooming in March/April – you know that Spring has now begun, and warmer temperatures are on their way. Spring Beauties are small, petite plants with white/pink flowers and stripes on the petals. It is short, being only a few inches tall (7 cm). Another name for the Spring Beauty is "fairy spud” for its tiny underground tubers that are like little potatoes.
A favorite on many a spring wildflower walk; the trillium is known worldwide, with a startling thirty-eight types in North America. Their blooms can be either showy or obscure, a dazzling display of color on a hillside, or a chance surprise hidden under a leaf.
Despite the visual simplicity of trilliums (they all have three petals and three sepals) they are a complex group of plants that can be confusing. The different species of trillium exhibit only a few and obscure structural differences, making separating the species difficult. One might think that the striking colors of the flowers might be useful for identification, yet many types have a variety of color forms, and it is common to find the different species growing together! Additionally, many species hybridize, making identifications more difficult.
As you wander, remember to tread lightly, and leave these natural wonders undisturbed. Resist the urge to pluck the flowers, for they are not just decorations to be collected, but vital components of the forest ecosystem. By leaving them in place, you ensure that others can experience their beauty and that the delicate balance of nature remains intact.
Learn more about wildflowers while enjoying a relaxing activity with these wildflower coloring pages.
Skunk Cabbage - USDA Forest Service photo by Rosanna Springston.
Spring Beauty - USDA Forest Service photo by Kaylynne Goins.
Wake Robin Trillium - USDA Forest Service photo by Kelly Bridges.