Despite Kalamazoo's long, snowy winter, the 2014 Spring wildflower season is starting at a fairly typical time, perhaps a few days later than
last year. I visited the
Kalamazoo Nature Center today and the blooms were just starting. Hepatica were probably at their peak, with lots of blossoms open, only a few in bud, and almost none past flowering.
Harbinger of Spring were also near their peak, if this tiny flower can be said to have a peak. Some years, they bloom much
earlier.
The other ephemeral wildflowers are just getting started. For the most part, Dicentras were just emerging, although a handful of early Dutchman's Breeches were in flower.
Marsh Marigolds were budding but they only had a couple of flowers. A lot of the spotted leaves of Trout Lilies were up, but only a few flowers. A few Mayapple umbrellas were emerging. I saw one small Bloodroot in bloom.
Most of the Spring Beauty were still dormant but I did find a couple in flower.
If the weather stays warm, there may be many new blooms in the next few days.
