Spring ephemerals: wildflowers that bloom for only a few days in the spring.
Last week I took a couple jaunts out to Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, one of my favorite parks in the area. Springtime in Nerstand always shows off its wildflowers before the trees leaf out. In spring the sunshine can reach and nourish the plants. We had an especially cold, windy and dreary April, so it seemed the many varieties of wildflowers decided to all pop up at once in May. It was spectacular.
I was able to participate in a wildflower walk with the new park naturalist at Nerstrand. As our group walked along the path towards Hidden Falls, he identified many different plants.
It was a good refresher course for me…each year I like to wander through the park and try to identify the spring flowers. I forget some over the year, and like to be reminded of their names.
The rare – grown only a few places in Minnesota and nowhere else in the world – the dwarf trout lily, was in bloom. It is always special to see that tiny, kernel of rice-size flower.
It was a sunny, glorious day as we hiked the trail. Not so windy, as it has been, and is, as I write this post.
Soon the tree leaves will cover the forest floor in shade, and the beautiful spring flowers will go dormant and wait until next spring to resurrect once again.
Thanks for identifying these wildflowers. I always wonder what they are when I see them. Such a wonderful time of year to be in the woods.
Indeed it is!
Do you have wildflowers growing in the woods behind you?
So many good memories of identifying flowers together – and yes, still need refreshing!
Our hikes were so much fun!!!
I miss those times.
Love the flowers!
I have trilium at my house~
What a great plant to have in your yard.
Thanks for doing this article Valerie, you are becoming very professional with your blogs! I have a friend who lives about a 1/2 mile from the park and she is very knowledgeable about all the wildflowers, so I’ve really enjoyed my walks there
Thanks you Shirley.
I’m glad you get to visit Nerstrand a lot. It’s a wonderful place!
Valerie, you are such a nature girl! This was a lovely little flower tour for your readers! What fun!
Thanks Sheri.