Spring has finally Sprung!

After this long, and arguably miserable winter, Spring has finally arrived.

I happened to come across my favorite spring blooming woodland wildflower (fairly narrow niche, I know...) Sanguinaria canadensis (bloodroot).

This native wildflower blooms now (late march/early april) with the distinctive white daisy-like flower. After the blooms fade, the seed pods develop.  When ripe, the pods pop open, expelling the seeds inside for many feet in all directions.  

The seeds are roundish, with a raised white band around the circumference.  It is believed that ants are fooled into thinking that it is a small worm, and they take the seeds down into their tunnels, in effect planting them.  

In its preferred location (well drained woodsy soil with dappled sun)  bloodroot will form dense colonies, providing nice early season interest.