Elusive Ephemerals
by Lynn Michael, Oklahoma Native Plant Society, Northeast Chapter Chair
Now is the time to get out and see those most elusive wildflowers, the Spring ephemerals. Ephemerals are plants whose lifespan is very short as they take advantage of a resource, like sunlight, that is there for only a short time. Ephemerals bloom before the trees leaf out, meaning that you must be out in the woods in March and early April to see things like Trillium, Rue Anemone, Trout Lily, Green Dragon and Jack-in-the-Pulpit.
Some bushes and trees bloom very early too. Witch Hazel, Spicebush, Sassafras and Elm can only be observed by those diligent enough to get out and look before those April showers bring May flowers. A great way to see these treasures is to come on a field trip with the Oklahoma Native Plant Society. Every Saturday in April we will be visiting a different state park. To join us, get the scheduled locations at www.oknativeplants.org or send us an email for more information at ONPSinfo@gmail.com. Meet at the Tulsa Garden Center at 8:45 am to caravan to field trip sites.