Spring Ephemerals
Trout Lily
They often create dense colonies on forest floors that can be more than a hundred years old, but the flowers only last about two weeks.
The days are getting marked off the calendar and we are moving closer and closer to spring. One sure sign of warmer weather is the emergence of spring ephemerals. In Wisconsin, these plants emerge typically between March and May only to quickly die away. In their short life span, they are an important part of the ecosystem, providing early pollen and fruit for bees and small mammals.
The word ephemeral comes from the Greek term “ephemeros,” meaning “to last a day.” These plants are generally found on the forest floor, in bogs, and on stream banks where rich soil provides the necessary nutrients for their short life. They bloom before the tree canopy fills out and takes away the light that they need. They have a very short window to bloom, be pollinated, and set seed before they disappear for another year. Some can be cultivated in home landscapes with the proper conditions. However, there are laws forbidding the removal of these plants from their native environment. Instead, purchase them from reputable nurseries.
Two trout lily species are native to Wisconsin and form dense colonies on forest floors. Erythronium americanum, yellow trout lily, is more common in northern Wisconsin while Erythronium albidumis, white trout lily, is the southern favorite. The mottled leaves of the plant resemble the colors of a brook trout. They often create dense colonies on forest floors that can be more than a hundred years old, but the flowers only last about two weeks. They play an important role in preventing runoff, even when dormant. However, the native plants are very difficult to grow in a landscaped environment. The good news is that there is a hybrid, the Pagoda trout lily, that has been bred to be hardy enough to grow in moist woodland or shady rock home gardens.
Dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) is another spring ephemeral that is important to early pollinators. It gets its name due to its flower, which looks like a pair of white breeches (pants) hanging upside down on a clothes line. They typically begin blooming in April and are gone by early June. Dutchman’s breeches can be grown in the home garden in a shady spot that is moist, but well drained. The corms are best planted in the fall, close to the surface.
Lastly, Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) is a longer-lasting spring ephemeral, lasting from spring to early summer. This is also a taller plant, 12 to 18 inches, which creates an almost like fairy-like forest within the garden. It can be grown in shady, moist and well-drained conditions. When the flowers are done, it produces a golden yellow fruit that is a favorite to small animals, particularly to the Eastern box turtle. One downside to this plant is that all parts except the fruit contain podophyllotoxin, which is poisonous. Therefore, plant it away from pets or small children where it might be inadvertently eaten. On the upside, it is juglone tolerant and can be planted around walnut trees.
Keep in mind when planting spring ephemerals that they will go dormant after a few weeks and leave a hole in the landscape. It will be necessary to plant something else in the space or surrounding area to fill in the gap. Ferns and late summer flowering plants are good options.
Carol Shirk
Certified Master Gardener