What is a Spring Ephemeral?
According to Wikipedia, “The first, Spring emphemeral, refers to perenneial plants that emerge quickly in the spring and then die backto their underground parts after a short growth ad reproduction phase.”
What we found
Now that Spring is finally here, the land is the most beautiful shade of green! It’s amazing what a transformation happens with just a little warm weather and some rain! Since we moved in November, we really had no idea what would lie beneath all the snow. Along the house, we found tulips, daffodils and lots of hostas. Once we walked into the woods, we found amazing spring ephemerals and sign of other native plants emerging.
Identifying Midwest Native Plants
Some of the plants were easier to identify than others. Here are some of my favorites sites to check:
University of Illinois Extension
* Openlands has a great program called, Conservation@Home. You can get a free consultation of your property and get ideas on how to remove invasive species and how to add native ones. You do not have to have a large property for their service. We had a consultation and were so pleased! It’s a great organization and also one that does Native plant sales.
My favorite books
Two of my favorite books are by the same authors, Charlotte Adelman & Bernard L. Schwartz. The photos and descriptions are great for identifying plants as well as decided what to add to your home.
The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants
Midwestern Native Shrubs and Trees: Gardening Alternatives to Nonnative Species
NOTE: I joined Openlands.org after our consultation, but I do not have any affiliations with these organizations and do not receive any compensation. I found them helpful and hope you do too.
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