This week on “The Wild Way”: spring ephemeral species!
The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions are well known for their spring ephemeral species. While other plants compete for resources (light, water, nutrients) by growing quickly, the ephemeral species have adopted a strategy of time. They develop their leaves while the trees are still mostly dormant allowing them to take advantage of the early-season light on the forest floor.
By the time the trees have fully leafed out, most ephemeral species have already completed flowering and are starting to produce seed. Many species go dormant soon after seed production and start the whole process again the following season.
Pictured here are a few of our favorite spring ephemerals including trout lily (Erythronium americanum), rue anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides), and sharp lobed hepatica (Anemone acutiloba).
: Dan Wilder, Director of Applied Ecology
