The Wood Anemones were just poking up and I had seen the leaves of the Trout Lilies on the forest floor. I decided to make a quick detour again on my way to work. Of course it was out of my way, but I was glad I did it.
The Trout Lilys were everywhere!
You have to get close to the ground to see these little flowers and they won't be seen if you are not looking for them.
They hide well, but once you find them, it is very obvious.
Here is what they look like if you are standing up and looking down. I placed my 58mm Nikon lens cap next to two plants.
You want to find these in bloom. Once they are done, the plant disappears and won't show itself until next year.
As I expected, the Wood Anemones were covering much of the forest floor.
Its hard to pick out the other white flowers that come up at the same time. I find myself standing in the sea of Anemones and peering around me. Only then can I spot other flowers and plants.
This is one of the most exciting times of the year for me. I love finding these exotic little plants that most people won't even notice.
The Dutchman's Breeches are the wild version I think of the bleeding hearts. They too are white and hard to spot.
However, one you get used to seeing the leaf pattern you can find them fairly quickly.
The Blood Roots are just about done now. And the only part of them a discerning eye will see for the rest of the year is its distinctive leaf.
And last but not least, one flower that stuns me every spring. It, like the trout lily, disappears after flowering.
The Virginia Bluebell. I am not sure why it has 'Virginia' in it as it is a native species...but there you go...
I was happy to see that there were still quite a few plants even after the huge flash flood this valley had last year.
One last thing about Tainter Hollow.
If you are there Trout fishing, pick up after yourself.
If you are hiking, don't leave trash.
Respect our public lands.
And expect the unexpected.
Love nature lessons!
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