Watch for these wildflowers in coast redwood forests
Giant wake robins stand above the snow. These showy trilliums thrive in moist areas. Photo by Laura Lalemand, Save the Redwoods League
Spring doesn’t start until March 20, but that doesn’t stop the blooms in the coast redwood forests, even in the recent, unusual snow.
Look out for these beauties, blooming now and in the coming months.
Western trillium
Western trilliums have white, pink, or purple flowers. Photo by Max Forster, @maxforsterphotography
Milkmaid
Milkmaids grow in moist areas such as streambanks in coast redwood forests. Photo by Laura Camp, Flickr Creative Commons
Redwood sorrel
Redwood sorrel covers the shady, moist forest floor. It’s often mistaken for clover. Clover leaves are rounded; redwood sorrel leaves are shaped like hearts. Photo by Michael Carl
Redwood violet
Redwood violets aren’t violet, but yellow. They’re abundant in moist creek valleys. Photo by randomtruth, Flickr Creative Commons
Woodland forget-me-not
The woodland forget-me-not is lovely, but invasive. It’s native to Europe. Photo by Kev22, Wikimedia Commons
Mission bells
Mission bells, also known as chocolate lilies and checker lilies, droop on a 1-3-foot-tall stem in coast redwood forests. Photo by Andy Kraemer, Flickr Creative Commons
Calypso orchid
The sublime Calypso orchid, also known as the fairyslipper orchid, grows in the forest and near streams. Look closely at the forest floor; it can be as short as 3 inches tall. Photo by Max Forster, @maxforsterphotography
About the author
Since 1918, Save the Redwoods League has protected and restored redwood forests and connected people with their peace and beauty so these wonders of the natural world flourish.
One Response to “8 early blooms herald spring’s approach”
Tito
Thank you for helping me figure out what some of the gorgeous plants and flowers we see on our walks are called!