Redbud is one of the most interesting local flowering trees. The flowers appear in clusters on the bare branches before the leaves open.
Mid-to-late April is the beginning of the wildflower season in West Michigan. Spring Beauty, Claytonia virginica, like many of the other early spring flowers is small and pale. These plants grow in mature woods and bloom quickly while sunlight still reaches the forest floor. In a few weeks, the maples and beeches will leaf out, creating daylong shade.
Spring really feels like it's here now. The daffodils are in full bloom; turtles are sunning themselves after their winter hibernation; toads are hunting for insects and the days are warm.
Aconites are always one of the earliest flowers in my yard. Only the snowdrops are earlier. These are the first sign of spring colors to come.
After nearly three months of continuous snow cover, Spring is coming to Kalamazoo. Officially, it started with over a foot of new snow about a week ago. Now, there are some signs that warmer weather is actually on its way. These snowdrops just broke through this morning.
