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Spring ephemerals are woodland wildflowers that develop early each spring, quickly bloom then produce seed. These plants play an important role in the ecosystem, providing early food for pollinators and improving soil health. We at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service invite you to learn more about a few of these unique plants. Watch for them in early spring before the trees fully leaf out.
Yellow trout lily
Yellow trout lily can be found across much of eastern North America. It gets its name from its gray-green leaves which resemble a brook trout's coloring. These plants don't flower until they're 4 to 7 years old.
Dutchman鈥檚 breeches
Dutchman's breeches can be found across much of eastern North America plus the northwest. It gets its name from its flower shape which look like white breeches. These plants depend on bumblebees for pollination and ants for seed dispersal.
Virginia bluebell
Virginia bluebells can be found across much of eastern North America. It gets name from its blue bell-shaped flowers. These flowers attract bumblebees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds and lots of other pollinators.
Bloodroot
Bloodroot can be found across eastern North America. It gets its name from its reddish rhizome and blood-colored sap. These plants are pollinated by small bees and flies.
Great white trillium
Great white trillium can be found across much of eastern North America. It gets its name from its large white three-petalled flowers. These plants attract bumblebees and rely on ants for seed distribution.
Eastern spring beauty
Eastern spring beauty can be found across much of eastern North America. Its scientific name (Claytonia virginica) honors Virginia botanist John Clayton. Flowers have five petals ranging from white to pale pink and reflect ultraviolet light.
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Jack-in-the-pulpit can be found across eastern North America. It gets its name from its unique flower structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.
Learn more about structure resembling a preacher, known as a jack, standing in a pulpit. These flowers are pollinated by gnats and beetles.
Yellow marsh marigold
Yellow marsh marigolds can be found across much of North America. It gets its name from the habitat it grows in and marigold can be traced back to 鈥淢ary's gold鈥� - a reference to the plant's use in churches. These flowers are pollinated by a variety of insects including ants, bees, butterflies and flies.
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