Spring

It’s already January and I can’t wait to see the first spring woodland flowers. There’s just something special about the spring ephemerals. Even when the weather is unwelcoming–they bloom on and insist spring is coming! These pictures were taken in March and April. The flowers were found on little sunny spots in the woods. Some grow in large colonies- like the Bloodroots, Trout lilies and Dutchman’s Breeches.

 

Hiking through the woods in March on a pretty day is fabulous–the leaves aren’t out on the trees yet and the warm sun feels so good. On the other hand, it can be cold, cloudy and windy and these flowers are the only reminders that spring is on the way.

Most of these woodland flowers can be considered to be spring ephemerals. The flowers of spring ephemerals are only fleeting–they appear and bloom in the early spring and then disappear back into the earth until the next spring calls them.

I don’t have pictures of all of the Ozarkedge spring ephemerals just yet. Some, I’ve seen without my camera- others, I’m waiting to discover. I think that’s why I have so much anticipation for this spring. Every new hike through the woods could bring me close to a new spring wildflower. I can hardly wait to see them. In particular, I wonder if the yellow dogtooth violet is here– and could there be bluebells? I haven’t seen a white violet yet or a columbine. Maybe this year!

 I’ll add them as I find them.