Does the winter have you feeling kind of drab? Are you ready for for that pop of color in Spring? We aren’t the only ones either. Critters and pollinators are anxiously awaiting for that burst of Spring life. The winter is long in the Hudson Valley and we are thinking of ways to jump into the next season.
We automatically think to plant Crocus, Daylillies, Tulips, Daffodils or that famous Easter Hyacinth, but those are European natives. There are more plants that bloom all around us that help contribute to our very own ecosystem supporting our bees, butterflies, animals and even other plants and trees! The first blooms is what kicks offs our year of health for our local system, so why not lookout for what feeds it best?
- Spring Beauty or Claytonia virginica – Almost so small, you could miss this little one. With a growth of 4-12 inches tall and wide emerging from underneath the damp forest brush and shade, it’s tiny pinkish white flowers will be the things to catch your gaze.
2. Bloodroot or Sanguinaria canadensis – This member of the poppy family gets its fun name from its root, when cut, it bleeds a reddish orange sap. Bloodroot will only grow 2-6 inches tall in clusters with one single white petaled flower. You can find and grow these plants in partial shade with moist soil. A border to the forest is a great place to plant these natural beauties
3. Dutchman’s Breeches or Dicentra cucullaria – Resembling its cousin, The Bleeding Heart, this flower blooms white only reaching 12 inches tall. The Dutchman is prized among bumblebees as they can easily access the pollen on the end of the flower.
You can expect to find these flowers emerging mid – late March and can enjoy them until May. You can go on an adventure in your local area of the Hudson Valley to try to spot them yourself or can add them to your own property for pollinators to enjoy! These Native Species are subtle but make a big impact on our ecosystem when everything else is still sleeping.
