March is such a hopeful month. So many signs of life starting to emerge and shake off the last cold dreariness of winter.
It’s also the month where a few intrepid native blooms start brightening up the dull backdrop of last year’s leftover plant stems. In my yard (my “acre of nature”) I’ve had to bring in the natives so what I’ve found blooming was all by intention. (In addition to the pictures below, there’s been plenty of red deadnettles, a few dandelions and I’m always finding daffodils who’ve escaped my best attempts to dig them up.)
I’m not seeing a lot of pollinators, I think these super early flowers manage mostly without them. (Or perhaps it’s because the chilly temps keep me from looking for long.) But in April, many of those little sprouts just starting to poke out now are going to put on a show!
American Pasque Flower (Anemone patens)
My first bloomer of the year, American Pasque Flower (Anemone patens), was a newcomer to the landscape. I just planted it last summer and it was never more than just a few tiny leaves. But to my great delight, it popped out of the ground with a huge flower!
Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)
Next up came a reliable favorite: Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum). The flowers will continue to develop and then turn into these great wispy things that are so fun. Prairie smoke is a low growing clump that spreads slowly making it a great front-of-border plant.
Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum)
Then barely making it into March was Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum). Only one plant (of many) managed a big yellow bloom this month, but all the other plants seem to be ready to show off in the next week or two.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Of course, when talking about spring blooms, we have to recognize our trees. Some, like this red maple (Acer rubrum) put on a bit of a show. But most trees don’t seek out a lot of recognition. I guess when you’re wind pollinated you don’t have to dress to impress.
So what was blooming in March near you?