By CIndy Haynes
Horticulturist
Iowa State University Extension
Signs of spring are popping up everywhere. Woodland wildflowers are one of my favorite heralds of spring. Many are emerging in local woodlands and should be in bloom in mid April and early May. Below are a few that you might see when hiking in your local woods in the next few weeks.
Species
Hepatica (Hepatica americana) is one of the first woodland wildflowers to bloom. The flowers are produced on 6-inch tall stems and bloom before the new foliage has emerged. The flowers are pale purple with six petals and creamy yellow centers. Another common name is liverleaf, which refers to the three-lobed shape of the leaves. Old leaves persist throughout much of the fall and well into winter.
One of the easiest wildflowers to identify is Dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria). The flowers resemble a pair of pants (or breeches) hanging upside down on a flower stalk. They remind me of white pants pinned on a clothesline. The delicate, fern-like, gray-green foliage is about 6 to 8 inches tall.
Nodding trillium (Trillium cernuum) and other trillium species are some of the rarest of woodland wildflowers. The most identifiable characteristic of nodding trillium (and other trilliums) is that plant parts come in sets of three. Three white petals are surrounded at their base by three green sepals. The petals and sepals hang (or nod) from a delicate stem connected to three large, dark-green leaves. Trilliums flower in Iowa woodlands from April through June.
Another early flowering species is bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis). The many-petaled flowers are pure white in color and typically only last for a few days. As the flowers emerge, the basal leaf is wrapped around the flower stem. The lobed leaves uncurl as the flower opens. The sap from the base of the leaves and roots has a reddish-orange color, hence the name bloodroot.
Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) grow in large drifts in Iowa woodlands. The trumpet-shaped flowers are pinkish in bud and then open to brilliant shades of blue and azure. Many flowers are clustered along arching stems that reach a foot or two in height. The bright green oval leaves are the perfect compliment to the brilliant bell-shaped flowers.
In May along slopes in the woods, you will find columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) in bloom. The Cyclone-colored flowers are brilliant red with golden yellow centers. The bright red petals are spurred at the base, offering sweet nectar to pollinators like butterflies, moths and hummingbirds. The flowers dangle as much as 2 feet above the grayish-green lobed leaves.
Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) is another easy wildflower to identify. Its umbrella like leaves are glossy green and begin to unfurl in April. Flowers are whitish and appear under the leafy umbrella of older plants. A flower that has been pollinated develops into a small berry which resembles a small green apple. As the name implies, flowering and fruiting generally occur in May.
Another blue woodland wildflower is woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata). The five-petaled flowers are blue-purple and arranged in loose clusters 18 inches above the slender dark green foliage. The blossoms have a sweet fragrance and appear from April to June in Iowa woodlands.
Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) is a later blooming wildflower that can be easily overlooked. The three-lobed leaves are a medium green with streaks of yellow, gray or brown. The leaves partially hide the unusual “pulpit and preacher” flower. The pulpit is created by a tubular greenish leaf that contains a spike type flower called “Jack.” The 2-foot-tall leaves and flowers are unique to moist shady woodlands and should not be overlooked.
Undisturbed open woodlands and prairie areas house another unique woodland wildflower called shooting star (Dodecatheon meadia). The dense rosette of spatula-shaped leaves is the base for 1-foot-tall nodding flower clusters in spring. The flower petals are pinkish purple and reflex back, like tails of a comet. The flower stamens are joined together to form a point at the tip of the petals. The overall effect is a “shooting star” falling to earth.
Growing Woodland Wildflowers in the Home Garden
Woodland wildflowers make great additions to shady areas in the home garden or landscape. But there are a few things you should know prior to planting. First, most of these species prefer fertile, well-drained, moist soils. Try to plant them in areas that closely resemble their woodland habitat. Researching and knowing a bit about each plant’s soil preference will go a long way to making them successful in your garden. For example, Virginia bluebells is one of the most adaptable (and somewhat aggressive) wildflowers on the list above. Therefore, it is one of the easiest to grow, while trilliums tend to be more difficult.
Another important thing to remember is that many woodland wildflowers are ephemeral. This means they are fleeting or disappear quickly in the garden. This does not mean they are short-lived (many can last for decades). They just appear quickly in spring and die back by mid-summer, not to appear again until next spring.
Finally, be sure to purchase plants from reputable garden centers and do not (under any circumstance) dig up these plants from our woodlands. Nursery grown plants establish more quickly and successfully in home landscapes. This also ensures that you and other hikers will enjoy our native woodland wildflowers next year.
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