A Primer on Spring Ephemerals

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May 14, 2017

A few years back, a group of our Southwestern chapter of the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society (SWINPAWS), gathered for a plant rescue at the campus of the University of Southern Indiana (USI).

USI was planning on building a conference center at the edge of a lake. Frequent walkers knew spring ephemerals and native woodland plants grew on that site, which crews would clear in a few short weeks. Having received permission from the University and training on how to rescue native plants, we set off with shovels, trowels and gathering bags in hand.

It was a great morning to be outside, cool enough so a sweatshirt felt comfortable and hot coffee was welcome. As we traipsed into the woods, we were on the lookout for trilliums, jack-in-the-pulpits, ferns, and snakes. Fortunately, we didn’t see any snakes, but we found everything else.

Most of the plants we found were transplanted to a safe site on campus with similar growing conditions. We did allow ourselves the pleasure of taking a few plants home with us. I have to admit, I worried about those “woodlanders” like a momma cat with one kitten. This would be the first time I had tried to grow spring ephemerals. I thought I had a good spot in which to plant them, but I was uncertain.

I took one red trillium (Trillium erectum). People also know it as “wake robin”. I guess because it’s an early sign of spring, just like the bird. Another less flattering name is “Stinking Benjamin” because its flowers do smell like something dead – this scent, while unpleasant to us humans, attracts flies which pollinate it.

Being a spring ephemeral, red trillium emerges from the ground in early spring, well before the tree leaves appear. They get the sunlight they need, make their seeds and go dormant in warm weather when the dense tree canopy shades the forest floor. You would easily overlook them until they bloom.

A few years have passed and my one red trillium has several children growing nearby. They aren’t the showiest (or nicest smelling) of flowers, but they mean a lot to me: a good morning with friends and my first spring ephemeral.

Stay Green, good friends!

For more information about the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society, go to www.inpaws.org.

Meet Dona Bergman

Dona Bergman is a founding member, Southwest Indiana Chapter of the Indiana Native Plant & Wildlife Society, and an Advanced Master Gardener.

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