It’s a snowy February morning as I write and I’m tired of it. So when I saw some of the following photos today, I thought I would share them. I’m already hoping for Hepaticas — and Trilliums and Bloodroot and Spring Beauties — even though it will be another few snowstorms yet.
Photo, with thanks, by GL Crooks
Hepaticas Spring Up Beneath the Trees
I grew up in eastern Ontario much of which is land too thinly-soiled and rocky to be good for farming. So there are many forests though they probably have all be logged at some time. In less disturbed areas in spring, under the trees, beautiful clusters of flowers burst out.
Determinedly, Hepaticas will push right through leaves, around sticks and raspberry canes.
They are shockingly colourful against the drab dull dead leaves.
Hepaticas, both sharp-lobed and round-lobed, are so vivid as to almost astonish the eye.
Their lobed leaves are often hidden making the flowers even more surprising.
Like several other forest flowers, they bloom before the deciduous trees leaf out. Then they mute back into the background until next spring.
I wonder if I’ll get a chance to wander through the woods admiring them this spring? Sure hope so !
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Is there a spring flower that calls to you through the snow drifts? Please share your favourite with a comment.