PEORIA MAGAZINE June 2022

Spring Beauties Claytonia virginica

Bluebells Mertensia virginica

Birdfoot Violet Viola pedata

False rue anemone Enemion biternatum

S PR I NG E PH E M E R A L S They’ve lived on the central Illinois river bluffs for eons — unpretentious, undemanding, connecting with the rhythms of the Earth and the transition of the seasons. Spring ephemerals are those first, fleeting wildflowers to push through frigid soil and remind us deepest winter is past and another annual cycle of life is about to unfold. Some stand just inches tall, but their power to awe can rival that of the tallest mountain peaks. They may emerge and go dormant before one human eye settles upon them. But they are generous to those who pause and contemplate. They can impart a sense of beauty, grace and citizenship in the sovereign republic of nature. Dutchman’s breeches, bluebells, spring beauties, bloodroot, trillium, hepatica, false rue anemone, trout lily, birdfoot violet, hairy yellow violet. Year after year they return. Their language is wordless, but their message is powerful. They can clarify our vision and alter our understanding of the natural world. Gifts bestowed by spring ephemerals to those who recognize them are bountiful and include a deep sense of responsibility, stewardship and bond with the natural world. For best viewing and a renewed sense of connection with the central Illinois environment, start hiking the trails at Forest Park Nature Center, Tawny Oaks and

Prairie Trillium Trillium recurvatum

Hepatica Hepatica nobilis

Hairy Yellow Violet Viola pubescens

Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis

Singing Woods Nature Preserve. Photos by David Zalaznik and Mike Miller Text by Clare Howard

Dutchman’s Breeches Dicentra cucullaria

Trout Lily Erythronium americanum

JUNE 2022 PEORIA MAGAZINE 45