These little flowers make a big impact!

Have you heard of spring ephemerals? These native wildflowers bloom in early spring in the forest understory- before trees get their leaves and begin shading them out. They often coat the forest floor in colorful displays that may only last for a few days.

These flowers serve an important purpose. They flower when many pollinators are just waking up for the year and need fuel, but most other plants are not in bloom yet. Some species of bees and flies rely solely on ephemerals for survival. Climate change and invasive plants threaten the delicate connections in this ecosystem.

To view ephemerals, look for large wooded areas, often along streams. Try spotting ephemerals at Henry Lee Willet Park and Robbins Park, but remember to leave them undisturbed!

Trout lilies are one of the earliest bloomers.

Spring beauties are one of the longest-flowering ephemerals, often lasting several weeks.