April Wildflowers

        A few spring wildflowers are now in bloom here in central Virginia.  These ephemerels bloom briefly while sun penetrates the forest floor before leaves emerge and the tree canopy shades the woods.

Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis

 

Named for the red sap in the root, the plant was used medicinally and as a dye by Native Americans.  It is still being used in cancer research.

Bloodroot closes at night and on cloudy days.

 

 

Cutleaf Toothwort, Dentaria laciniata

Native Americans made a poultice from the roots to treat headaches

 

 

Ginger, Hexastylis shuttleworthii

Most gingers have heart-shaped leaves.   The flowers are hidden on the ground underneath the leaves.

 

 



Trout Lily, Erythronium americana





 

Virginia Bluebells, Mertensia virginica

       To see these and other spring wildflowers, go for a walk in the park.  James River Parks, Robious Landing and Powhatan State Park are among the places to see wildflowers in April.  Look, but do not touch.  Never pick wildflowers -- some take years for the seeds to germinate.  Others depend on a fungus in the soil -- if you dig them up they most likely cannot grow in your garden.  Take photographs but do NOT take flowers.