Spring Ephemerals

All are Ephemerals

Just a few examples of spring ephemerals found in Indiana

Bleedingheart
Bloodroot
Blue Cohosh
Celandine Poppy
Columbine
Crested Dwarf Iris
Fire Pink
Hairy Soloman's Seal
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Lady Slipper Orchids
Phlox
Squirrel Corn
Star Chickweed
Trilliums
Trout Lily
Twinleafs
Violets
Waterleafs
White baneberry
Wild Ginger
Bloodroot

With all this cold weather and forecasts of snow, it's no wonder we are already thinking spring. Spring ephemerals, that is. Spring ephemerals are short-lived plant species that can be found blooming in the late, late winter and early spring months. These wildflowers are some of our showiest, more fragrant flowers, but don't stick around for very long, so catch them while you can!

What are Spring Ephemerals?

Ephemeral means short-lived, and spring ephemerals refer to the species that begin to grow and bloom in late February through April then lie dormant in May or June. There is a small window of opportunity to catch these particular flowers outdoors, but do to so makes for some spectacular sights. Some of our most beautiful and more colorful wildflowers are spring ephemerals.

Spring ephemerals are pretty special not only for their appearance, but the timeline in which they exist. These flowering plants must grow, bloom, be pollinated and produce seeds in a relatively short period of time - between 6 to 8 weeks. Their challenge is to do all this before the plants die back into their underground parts or the roots, rhizomes and bulbs. This can be accomplish as long as these plants can take advantage of the excess sunlight that can reach the forest floor before the taller woody plants leaf out. Many species of spring ephemerals can be found in the understory of deciduous forests, lower slopes and creeksides where there is nutrient-rich, mesic soil.

Partners in Propagation: Ants and Spring Ephemerals

Several species of Indiana spring ephemerals rely on more than just timing and sunlight. Some of them rely on ants. That's right, ants. Myrmecochory is a method of seed dispersal by ants, a biological relationship that benefits both ant and plant.

Certain spring ephemerals - such as bloodroots, trilliums and violets - produce eliasomes, fleshy oil bodies rich in lipids and proteins that are attached to the seeds. Ants will take eliasomes into their colonies to feed their larvae, and then abandon the seed somewhere in their nest. The seeds are not only protected from other insects or birds that would feed on them, but are left in areas that promote germination. The ants have an excellent food source for their young, and the plant's seeds are transported and germinated to bloom another year.

Other Ways Nature, Wildlife & Wildflowers Work Together

For plants that don't require the aid of ants, there are other ways plants will spread their seeds. According to Botany Online, there are several different methods:

Anemochory - dispersal by wind; common method among plants. Seeds are usually very small and light, and are easily carried away. Heavier seeds are usually equipped with special features that help them in flight or floating.
Hydrochory - dispersal by water; a less common method. Seeds often have a layer that can not be moistened or they are hairy enough to trap air bubbles.
Zoochory - the dispersal of fruits/seeds with the help of animals. If seeds are eaten then secreted, it is called endozoochoric dispersal. When fruits or seeds stick to the animal or fur, it is called epizoochoric dispersal. Myrmecochory is a form of zoochory.
Autochory - self-dispersal; certain species of plants have the ability to spread seeds through devices that the plant itself produces. Modes of dispersal include flinging and spurting of seeds. This method is quite rare.

Then there is good, ol' gravity. Some plants don't utilize a specific method to rid their seeds. Sometimes they are simply dropped where they will germinate and grow.

Bluebells, Squirrel corn & Violets

Indiana's Best Places to Find Spring Ephemerals

Lucky for us, there are several nature preserves in Indiana you could visit to see an amazing show of spring ephemerals.

Shrader-Weaver Nature Preserve in Fayette County is considered one of the best places - if not the best - to see spring ephemerals. One of the most interesting flowers is the blue-eyed Mary, a rare annual (spring ephemerals are usually perennials) found covering the forest floor. These blue and white petaled flowers make a great background to the other spring wildflowers you can find there. Another annual spring ephemeral that can be found at Shrader-Weaver is the false mermaid, but it's such a tiny plant you may not even notice it is there. Visit in mid-April for the best showing.

On the southern end of the Big Walnut Preserve in Putnam County is Hall Woods, where slopes can be found covered with early spring wildflowers. In mid-April look for a beautiful display of Virginia bluebells, just below the sycamore forest. Head over to the Tall Timber Trail for more sights.

At the Shooting Star Cliffs in Perry and Crawford Counties is a small preserve called Hemlock Cliffs. Here you can find a variety of spring ephemerals blooming between the months of April and May.

In early April, head down south to visit Cedar Bluffs in Monroe County where an array of colorful early spring wildflowers surrounding the creekside. The view from the top of the preserve is certainly a sight to see.

In mid - late April, head on down to Green's Bluffs in Owen County to catch the spring ephemerals do their stuff. Don't be fooled by the periwinkle! Though these bluish violet flowers look like pretty little wildflowers, they are actually an invasive specie that can cover an entire forest floor before you know it.

For More Information

The Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society - or INPAWS - is the perfect organization to join if you are interested in learning more about native plants and wildflowers. INPAWS works to protect and preserve all native plants to Indiana. Hikes, field trips and gardening tips are also available.

Kay Yatskievych's Field Guide to Indiana Wildflowers is a great book of all our herbaceous species that have been recorded in our state. The noted botanist also has a website of her work featuring Wildflowers of Marion County.