One of the problems
with having a favorite wildflower is that one’s favorite changes with the
advance of the season. It’s true: here and now I admit that my love for and of
the trout lily is not a constant passion and will give way shamelessly to other
blooms in the weeks ahead. But for now she is my queen, beginning with the
early appearance of the trout-spotted leaves and first flowers with their heads
shyly bowed.
Trout lily, also
known as dogtooth violet, Erythronium americanum, often hides among wild leeks, a.k.a. ramps (see above two images), where the
yellow flowers rise from a bed of green leaves not their own. The leek leaves are bright green, and their flowers come later in the season; trout lily's leaves are speckled like trout.
Spring beauties
have been known to pull the same trick, hiding among the leeks, in my neighborhood woods, although my portraits of them below do not show them in camouflage but pretty clearly on their own. Spring
beauties – what a perfect name and what perfect little flowers to play court to
my queen!
Even during my
queen’s reign, she has competitors. In creeks and ditches this time of year,
bright yellow marsh marigolds – our darling cowslips! – are also having their
day.
My also-beloved
cowslips, though, I can spot from the road, driving by. The ones you see above are just south of Fischer's Happy Hour Tavern on M-22. Trout lily, on the other hand, must be
patiently sought after, on foot. A first survey of the woods floor from the
edge of the trees reveals few flowers in bloom, and it would be easy to turn
away and go no farther.
Her kingdom is
hidden away. The days of her reign are few. Her favors must be won. Yes, she is
definitely my queen of the woods this week in northern Michigan.
Lovely, just lovely. The trout lily is new to me. I'm wondering if there are trillium yet. Heading out to see whether I find some to use for my blog.
ReplyDeleteTrillium earlier on woods along Eagle Hwy. than near me, but yesterday it was popping open everywhere!
DeleteI saw trout lilies last week on a walk at work. Did not know what they were. Too some pictures to ask, but never got around to it. Now I know! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteDawn, in a little while (I forget how long the interval) another lovely yellow woodland wildflower will come along, the bellwort. I'll try to catch that one on camera for you, too.
DeleteIsn't it satisfying to learn a plant's name?