Text and photos by Caroline Haynes.
In this time of “physical distancing,” while on a solitary walk in a natural area or in your own native plant garden, keep an eye out for some of Virginia’s beautiful spring ephemerals. Ephemerals bloom for a fairly short time early in the spring and take advantage of the sunlight before the trees leaf out and block the light on the forest floor. Here are several of the lovely, transient flowers that you may encounter for just a while longer.
One of the showier species is Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica). With the pink and blue buds, and blue to purple flowers, they are easy to identify and are typically found along rivers and floodplains.
The bright yellow of the Golden ragwort (Packera aurea) is also out in full bloom now. Golden ragwort is a prolific spreader, thrives in moist, shady locations and is found in low woods, ravines, and along streams and rivers. Once the flowers fade, the basal leaves provide an attractive ground cover for most of the growing season and extending into mild winters.
Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) 
Golden ragwort (Packera aurea)
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), with its distinctive shaped leaves with five to nine deep lobes and showy single flowers, is in the poppy family and can be found in rich woods.
Moss phlox (Phlox subulata) is also blooming now, with shades of pink to blue to purple to white. Moss phlox is very tolerant of hot sun and dry soils and can be found on rock ledges and other open, sunny locations. It also looks pretty in the winter as leaves turn purple with the cold.
Spring beauties (Claytonia virginica) have narrow leaves and delicate pink to white flowers that are out during the day, but close up at night. They’re common in rich woods and wetlands; look for them along trails, too.
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) 
Moss phlox (Phlox subulata) 
Spring beauties (Claytonia virginica)
Early saxifrage (Micranthes virginiensis), with tiny white flowers in branched clusters can be found tucked among rocks and along shaded banks.
Dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria), so-called because they resemble a pair of pantaloons hanging upside down, are especially rewarding with these quaint flowers and delicate foliage. Look for them in moist shady areas.
Early saxifrage (Micranthes virginiensis) 
Dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)
And while these bloomers bring a lot of joy to the human eye, they have a much more important purpose. If you stop and linger on a sunny day, you may be rewarded with the variety of native insects feasting on the nectar of these early spring flowers.
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Delightful and informative! Love the photos. Feel free to send more wildflowers!
Editor’s note: Margaret Chatham, our wonderful expert, has answered the questions posed in the comment. Thank you, Farhana, and thank you Margaret!
What a beautiful and timely reminder to slow down and notice the small wonders around us. Spring ephemerals really do feel like nature’s way of rewarding those who venture out early in the season. I especially love how you highlighted their ecological role—not just their beauty, but their importance as early nectar sources for native insects.
Virginia bluebells are always such a treat to see along rivers, and the contrast of pink buds with blue flowers is magical. Golden ragwort doesn’t always get the spotlight, so I appreciate the mention of its long-lasting ground cover value after blooming. It’s a great reminder that native plants offer multi-season interest. The description of Dutchman’s breeches made me smile too—those delicate “pantaloons” never fail to delight!
Your post also gently encourages mindful observation during solitary walks, which feels especially meaningful. Taking time to notice spring beauties closing at night or moss phlox thriving in rocky, sunny spots deepens our connection to place.
Questions Inspired by the Post
Which of these spring ephemerals are most beneficial to early pollinators in Virginia?
Answer: Can’t say I truly know which is most beneficial — but I’d pick spring beauties, which have a relatively long bloom period & a specialist bee all their own.
Are any of these species particularly well-suited for small backyard native plant gardens?
Answer: Many will happily grow in a shady backyard; in particular spring beauties will spread nicely, Virginia bluebells will grow almost anywhere, bloodroot is pretty reliable. Trout lily is easy to establish but may take decades to decide to bloom. I’ve personally had less luck establishing Dutchman’s breeches & squirrel corn: somebody keeps eating them.
How long do most spring ephemerals typically bloom before going dormant?
Answer: Length of bloom period varies from species to species & year to year. Bloodroot & twinleaf are notorious for having flowers that only last until they’re pollinated, so each flower can last less than 24 hours. Spring beauties probably have the longest bloom period, can be over a month (multiple flowers blooming sequentially). Virginia bluebells a couple of weeks. Dutchman’s breeches a week or so.
What are the best practices for ethically observing or photographing these plants in natural areas?
Answer: Best practices: stay on the trail & especially watch where we put our big, fat feet!
Are there any threatened or protected spring ephemerals in Virginia that people should be especially mindful of?
Answer: Trailing arbutus is definitely disappearing around here.
What companion plants work well with ephemerals to provide visual interest later in the season?
Answer: Companion plants: think of the fall bloomers: white wood asters & bluestem goldenrods.
How can gardeners recreate the moist, rich woodland conditions that many of these plants prefer?
Answer: Leave the leaves! (and small, broken up twigs & branches).
This was such an uplifting read—thank you for celebrating these fleeting but important signs of spring!