Spring Ephemerals Hike

Spring ephemerals are one of the most exciting treasures to hunt for in the early spring. They are short lived woodland flowers that live their entire lives in the early spring before the trees leaf out. They sprout, bloom and set seed all between snowmelt and when the forest canopy shades them out. Their dainty appearance and short life may make them appear delicate, but these plants are tough. Spring ephemerals have all kinds of interesting adaptations and collaborations with other members of their communities to help them survive in such a harsh environment. Because soil temperatures are low this time of year, water and nutrient uptake is more challenging. Many spring ephemerals have developed relationships with mycorrhiza in order to get the water and nutrients they need. Their environment is perfect for myrmecochory, which is seed dispersal by ants. As the first blooms of spring, ephemerals are a critical source of nectar and pollen for bumblebees, mining bees, various flies and gnats. There are several specialized native bees that only forage one type of spring ephemeral, meaning a disruption in their partner plant can have dire consequences for them. 

Visit a nature center or get a field guide for your area to determine what spring ephemerals are prevalent where you live and then get outside and start hunting!! It’s always exciting to find them, especially when you come across a particularly rare one. Spring ephemerals hikes are the biggest motivator for our family to get outside and explore on those in between days when it’s not quite spring and and not quite winter. When you find some spring ephemerals, take pictures, draw them in your nature journal or just enjoy them, but never pick them, nature needs them more than we do!

To learn more about spring ephemerals and nature focused ways to celebrate the Spring Equinox check out my Spring Equinox Guide.