By Gemini Bhalsod
Spring ephemeral flowers are nature’s gems after Winter. These short-lived beauties are wildflowers that grow in woodlands in the early Spring before leaves on deciduous trees are open. They are called Spring ephemerals because they have a relatively-short blooming time.
University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Gemini Bhalsod said these seasonal plants grow, flower, and set seed relatively quickly.
“They are usually dormant by mid-summer when the leaves die back again,” Bhalsod says. “In your garden one moment and gone another.”
Spring ephemerals complete most of their life cycle in the early Spring before the trees and understory shrubs take form and take over most of the available light. These plants start growing roots in the Fall and Winter, to fully emerge above ground in the Spring. This time of year is a tough time to be a growing plant, soil temperatures are low, the weather is unpredictable, and there are just a few pollinators foraging.
As temperatures increase and sunlight becomes less available in the late Spring and Summer, growth slows down, nutrients are stored underground, and the plants begin to die back.
“There is some conflicting information and opinions out there as to whether Spring ephemerals are just a special type of Spring flower or if they are a Spring bulb,” Bhalsod said.
One major difference, with a few exceptions, is that ephemeral foliage dies back in the early Summer while the foliage of Spring bulbs lasts longer.
With the right location, gardeners can grow Spring ephemerals in their yards. Because a lot of Spring ephemerals can be slow to grow and spread, plant them in groups to have a sense of fullness.
Plant in high organic matter areas that mimic a woodland; no fertilizer is needed. Water only during establishment or in times of drought. Leaf- die back is normal.
Many nurseries sell spring ephemerals these days due to their increased popularity. Planting seeds can be a less expensive, but slower approach and you’ll have to break the dormancy of the seed before it grows. Nurseries sell potted plants in the spring and fall. If it’s a little later in the spring, the above ground portion of the plant might look yellow, but the root mass is still alive.
“Never collect plants in the wild as it is illegal, and can really disrupt natural habitat,” Bhalsod said.
Plants purchased online that are mailed, likely will be dormant with bare roots. There will be no top growth and they are usually packed in moist packing material. Plant them right away.
Skunk Cabbage, Symplocarpus foetidus, is one of the earliest Spring ephemerals that emerges in February. There are tiny yellow flowers held on a spadix inside of a purple flower. The plant attracts carrion flies as pollinators. After it flowers, large smooth cabbage-like leaves develop.
Dutchman’s Breeches, Dicentra cucullaria, is a distinct plant that flowers in April. It gets its common name because the individual blossoms resemble pants, or breeches. Leaflets are feathery and fern-like and it is pollinated by bees.
Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Arisaema triphyllum, has very distinctive flower and seeds. The outside of the flower could be green, or purple striped. After flowering in June, the flower turns into a cluster of green berries which are persistent until they ripen into a bright red in early Fall for birds to eat.
Gemini Bhalsod is an horticulture educator at the University of Illinois Extension.
— University of Illinois Extension