Spring Beauty!

Spring beauty, indeed! I'm not just talking about the general phenomena - I'm talking about Claytonia virginica, aka Spring Beauty. This sweet little native wildflower is popping up everywhere now, and is especially noticeable in lawns. Have a look at these pictures taken over the last few days (April 20/21) along the back roads of Chester County:




This flower is diminutive in stature, but tough as nails once established. It is often found in moist woods in shade, but check out these beautiful stands growing in full sun right in a lawn (which was mowed a day after I took these pictures!):




Just imagine taking your morning walk along this road!

Spring beauty is easy to establish, and re-seeds itself readily. We have them now at Sugarbush, and they are blooming their little heads off in their pots!

I have to admit, I love these spring ephemeral wildflowers. Somehow the fact that they are with us for such a short period only adds to their charm. Requiring little attention from anyone, they complete their entire life cycle before the canopy leafs out. In fact, I think I have other posts coming for trout lily, Dutchman's breeches, bloodroot and Virginia bluebells!