Spotlighting Spring Ephemerals

Monarch butterfly

We’ve all heard the phrase: “April showers bring May flowers.” However, April’s beauty should not be overlooked. As we transition from early spring to summer, April brings us much-needed warmth after a cold, snowy winter. The days lengthen, leaving more time to enjoy New Jersey’s beautiful green spaces. Even the rainy days are welcome, washing away the last bits of snow and providing much-needed water to the Earth before the first plants of spring begin to grow.

April is an ideal time of the year to view spring ephemerals. These wildflowers are the first to bloom in the spring. They must undergo multiple processes quickly before the summer heat, and the tree canopy leaves out. They grow and bloom, adding patches of bright color to woodland floors. After flowering, they rely on early pollinators to help them reproduce. Spring ephemerals will then set seed before disappearing as summer begins.

These plants serve two key ecological functions in New Jersey. First, spring ephemerals provide the first nectar source for New Jersey’s beloved pollinators. Many native bee species prefer this nectar to other flowers. Flies and butterflies also pollinate these plants in a mutually beneficial relationship. Secondly, spring ephemerals also improve soil health. The cold grasp of winter limits plant growth and slows nutrient cycling. Their roots penetrate deep into the soil, stabilizing it. As a result, stormwater runoff capture improves, reducing erosion and building a fertile foundation for the spring’s late bloomers. At the end of their bloom, spring ephemerals begin to decompose, and the nutrients they used return to the soil, ready to be recycled and reused.

Luckily for New Jersey residents, the Garden State is home to many beautiful native spring ephemerals. Bloodroot’s familiar white flowers can be seen commonly in the state’s northern woods. These flowers may bloom for more than a month before they disappear. Trout Lilies often colonize moist soil, and, unlike bloodroot, will only bloom for a couple of weeks. They get their name from their blooming time, which aligns with spring trout fishing. Virginia bluebells have a deep blue and purple hue that is breathtaking when seen in large groups. Walking along the forest edge or near a running creek is your best chance at witnessing this display. Other native ephemerals, like the Mayapple, are not full of bright-colored flowers, but rather plants with fewer flowers that serve as vital food for New Jersey’s wildlife.

While spring ephemerals are a welcome sight, they are not common in backyard gardens. Their short bloom can leave space or a colorless spot. However, the versatility and variety of these flowers mean these potential issues can be resolved. Many of these plants can be planted closely with later bloomers. As they return to dormancy, nearby plants will begin to bloom, creating a color change instead of a gap. Another benefit is their perennial behavior. Most native ephemeral wildflowers will return year after year under the right conditions, meaning gardeners do not have to replant every spring. Their early bloom can also elongate the time during which a garden is in bloom. Beyond helping people, planting spring ephemerals will allow your garden to serve as an additional habitat for spring wildlife, including endangered pollinator species.

It can be tempting to wish away spring rain and cold evenings to await long summer days. However, going for a walk or taking a hike will reveal a world that only awakens this time of year. Spring ephemerals are the first burst of color nature gives us. Watching bees fly from flower to flower and witnessing chipmunks scurry beneath the leaves, it is clear that spring is the perfect time to get outside and appreciate nature.