Spring ephemerals are wildflowers that are appear in
deciduous forests in early spring. Most
grow close to the ground, a habit which makes them more adaptable to varying
weather conditions. They must rise out of the ground, bloom, get pollinated and set seed
promptly, before leaves emerge on the trees and block their sunlight.
Some ephemerals emerge before many pollinators appear. That’s why a few flowers rely on
the queen bumble bee for pollination. In
the late fall, the entire bumble bee colony dies out – with the exception of a
single fertile female who overwinters.
Come spring, she has the daunting task of finding a site, building a
nest and creating a whole new colony.
Such tasks require plenty of energy in the form of nectar. At the same time, some early spring
ephemerals are desperate to exchange nectar for pollination since pollinator
competition is limited. So, once again
nature provides the perfect plant/pollinator relationship.
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| Virginia Bluebells, Mertensia virginica |
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| Showy Orchid, Galearis spectabilis |
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