Early Bloomers |
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Our "early bloomer friends" can always be depended on to arrive and greet us in the spring... |
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Blood Root Dutchman's Breeches Trillum Wild Ginger |
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These early bloomers have overwintered as seeds or roots. They have to make the best use of the very limited early season time when it is above freezing and there is still plenty of light reaching the floor of the forest.
The flowers choose for themselves where they would be happy to grow. They grow quickly, flower, set seed, and die back again after the trees leaf out and light becomes limiting. Sometimes they can be difficult to find. Add that to the fact that they must wait until spring decides to arrive! Suddenly you have a treasure hunt in the making. What a delight when the treasure is found! But it may not last long. Many spring wildflowers are ephemeral only lasting a few days. The particular species in flower change daily, some withering while others come into bloom. | ||
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More information:
Wildflowers in North Carolina Wildflowers in Ohio Wildflowers in Indiana Wildflowers in West Virginia |
Many thanks to Karen Shelton who allowed me to use her pictures. You can find more of her pictures at:
Alternative Nature Online Herbal |
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© 2002 Helen
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