Early spring bloomers to support pollinators! Try adding some of these plants that are native to your area.
Native spring ephemerals are a group of plants that emerge in early spring in many temperate areas. These plants are adapted to quickly complete their growth cycle during the short period between winter's end and the time when trees fully leaf out, blocking sunlight to the forest floor. They grow, bloom, and set seed rapidly to take advantage of the early spring light, moisture, and available pollinators. This strategy allows them to play a vital role in their ecosystems despite their brief appearance. For many, the short-lived beauty of these plants is a highlight of the spring season.
Note that even though the native range maps show a species is native to your state, it is not necessarily native to your region. Please use the plant finders on our Resources page to determine what is native to your area.
DUTCHMAN'S BREECHES
(Dicentra cucullaria)
This ephemeral features delicate, fern-like foliage and charming white flowers resembling tiny pantaloons.
Moisture Use: Average
Sun: Part Sun to Shade
Bloom Time: Mid to Late Spring
TROUT LILY
(Erythronium americanum)
This ephemeral showcases elegant, drooping yellow blooms and uniquely mottled foliage.
Moisture Use: Average
Sun: Partial Sun to Shade
Bloom Time: Mid-Spring
WHITE WAKE-ROBIN
(Trillium grandiflorum)
This vigorous clump-forming ephemeral displays stunning white blossoms atop a whorl of three leaves.
Moisture Use: Average
Sun: Partial Sun to Shade
Bloom Time: Mid-Spring to Early Summer
VIRGINIA BLUEBELLS
(Mertensia virginica)
This clump-forming ephemeral features clusters of enchanting bell-shaped blooms in soft hues of pink and blue.
Moisture Use: Average
Sun: Partial Sun to Shade
Bloom Time: Early to Mid-Spring
SPRING BEAUTY
(Claytonia virginica)
This ephemeral has star shaped delicate pink or white flowers adorned with subtle pink stripes.
Moisture Use: Low to Average
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Bloom Time: Spring
PACIFIC BLEEDING HEART
(Dicentra formosa)
This ephemeral presents graceful, arching stems adorned with dangling heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink or white.
Moisture Use: Average
Sun: Partial Sun
Bloom Time: Mid-Spring to Mid-Summer
WESTERN TRILLIUM
(Trillium ovatum)
This clump-forming ephemeral showcases striking white flowers above a whorl of three dark green leaves.
Moisture Use: Average
Sun: Partial Sun to Shade
Bloom Time: Late Winter to Late Spring
BLOODROOT
(Sanguinaria canadensis)
This ephemeral features delicate white flowers atop slender stems and all parts of the plant have red-orange sap.
Moisture Use: Average
Sun: Partial Sun to Shade
Bloom Time: Early to Mid-Spring
GOLD BELL
(Fritillaria pudica)
This ephemeral has nodding bell-shaped flowers in vibrant yellow hues atop slender stems and grass-like foliage.
Moisture Use: Low
Sun: Full Sun
Bloom Time: Winter to Spring
