Spring Ephemerals of Massachusetts
Is there anything more exciting than spotting the first spring ephemeral popping up through the thawed soil? From the forager-favorite ramps, to the beautiful but smelly trillium, spring ephemerals are a unique group of plants because of their early appearance and short lifecycle.
Mayapple
Podophyllum peltatum
Talk about an amazing plant! These herbaceous perennials emerge from the ground in early spring, forming dense thickets with their umbrella-like leaves and stem. For such a dainty
plant, its fruit, which bears resemblance to an apple, is impressive. Each mayapple produces one flower, blooming in May, which slowly ripens into a golden tropical-like fruit; its taste described as a mild cross between a grape and a pear. The fruits are great in jams and jellies, but do keep in mind the seeds are poisonous and should not be consumed.
Trout lily
Erythronium americanum
Trout lilies are one of the first woodland plants to flower. With spotted leaves, it’s easy to guess where this ephemeral got its name. Not every plant flowers, but it’s hard to miss the beautiful lily-like blooms that carpet the forest floor. While the whole plant (leaves, flower, and corms) are edible, trout lilies are an emetic, so excess consumption can result in vomiting.
Wild Ramps
Allium trococcum
Sometimes called wild leeks, wild garlic, or spring onions, Ramps are a member of the Allium (onion) family and a foraging delicacy, with their sharp, oniony leaves and bulb. All parts of the plant can be eaten raw, pickled, or sauteed. Ramps prefer to grow in rich, moist soils but can also be found on rocky, wooded slopes. Keep in mind wild ramps are often over harvested, and digging up the plant’s bulbs means it will not come back the next year.
Trillium
Trillium spp.
Also known as Stinking Benjamin, the Trillium ranges in color from maroon to white to yellow, with each flower having three petals and leaves. The flower smells of rotting flesh in order to attract its pollinators: the carrion fly and an assortment of beetles, all who find the smell very appealing.
Dutchman’s Breeches
Dicentra cucullaria
This small wildflower is for looking only. Dutchman’s Breeches contain toxic alkaloids, contributing to its other common name: “Staggerweed”, referencing its effect on cattle who have grazed it. Its feathery leaves form soft mounds that spread across humus-rich woodlands. Easily confused with fellow spring ephemeral Squirrel Corn, Dutchman breeches can be distinguished by the golden tip around the “waistband.”
Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis
Bloodroot’s generic name, from sanguinarius, means “bleeding.” This is because of the red/orange fluid produced by the roots, which was used by Native Americans for dying clothing and baskets, and as paint. It also contains alkaloids, which can be toxic if ingested or absorbed through skin. Bloodroot likes to grow in moist, nutrient rich woodlands. Its tiny seeds are eaten and dispersed by ants.
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Arisaema triphyllum
With a hooded and purple striped flower (actually called a spathe, which is a modified leaf structure), the Jack-in-the-pulpit looks like something off of Mars! The flower is followed by a cluster of bright red berries in late summer. Something very unique about this plant is that all Jack-in-the-pulpits start off male, then later switch sex to female in order to produce seed.
Foam flower
Tiarella cordifolia
A longer-lasting spring ephemeral, this woodland groundcover features wispy white spikes of flowers and heart shaped leaves that turn bronze in fall. The flowers rarely exceed a foot, and combine well with other shade loving plants.
All of these Spring ephemerals can make great native additions to your garden, providing pops of color and texture in the months when the earth is still waking up!