Spring into Action: Admiring and Protecting Our Spring Ephemerals

By Ajani Simmons

Unveiling the World of Spring Ephemerals

Spring ephemerals—ever heard of them? Don’t worry if you haven’t; I was in the same boat until recently. Picture this: you’re on a nature walk in Ft. Bennett Park, guided by Mary McCutcheon, a local nature guru, ARMN master naturalist, and park steward with a knack for spotting and identifying all things green and helping us appreciate how to help protect our local native plants. Along for the adventure is Aidan, a college student with a passion for the environment who was also doing some research for a class project. As a Virginia Master Naturalist trainee who also has a love of plants, I was clueless about spring ephemerals and wanted to know more. Yep, we were a diverse crew, united by our love for the great outdoors.  

So, what’s the big deal about spring ephemerals? Spring ephemerals are like nature’s opening act for spring. These wildflowers burst onto the scene early in the season, popping up and blooming quickly when the sunlight hits the forest floor. They make the most of the light before the trees leaf out and shade the ground. Catch them while you can, because they disappear just as fast as they appear, wrapping up their whole show in just a few short weeks!

A Closer Look: Mayapples and Virginia Bluebells

As we trekked through the park, we stumbled upon a hill blanketed in mayapples (Podophyllum peltatum) and a sea of Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica). It was a sight to behold, but it got me thinking—why are these particular ephemerals so special? Cue the encounter with a friendly local, her two Yorkies in tow, who couldn’t help but wonder what we were up to. I shared my ARMN Master Naturalist trainee status which is guided with a desire to protect our precious native flora, including these amazing spring ephemerals. This includes shielding them from invasive species. It was a lightbulb moment, realizing how our actions ripple through our community, sparking awareness and appreciation for plants occurring naturally in our local ecoregion.

Confronting Challenges: False Hawksbeard and Garlic Mustard

But here’s the plot twist—our ephemerals face some formidable foes from exotic invasive species. At Ft. Bennett Park we found a couple of these offenders: Asiatic false hawksbeard (Youngia japonica) and garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata). These plants can spread rapidly because their prolifically produced seeds can be dispersed easily and cut plants can regrow. So, both foliage and roots need to be removed to prevent seed dispersal and regrowth. (See Fairfax County Park Authority and Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia for more details.) These invasive troublemakers throw a wrench in the ecosystem gears, crowding out our native beauties and wreaking havoc with their sneaky tactics. It’s a battle, but one worth fighting for the sake of our natural heritage.

Yet, amidst the struggle lies the power of connection. Bonding with a patch of nature, no matter how small, can ignite a fire within us, spurring action and nurturing a sense of stewardship. So, as spring unfolds its splendor, I hope we can take a moment to bask in the beauty of ephemerals and ponder how we can play a part in preserving our green inheritance.

Ready to dive in? Here are a few action steps to get you started:

1. Get involved in local conservation efforts—every pair of hands makes a difference. There are a number of opportunities and locations all around our area. Check the ARMN site for details on where you can volunteer. For example, you can sign up for Mary McCutcheon’s invasive removals at Ft. Bennett Park every fourth Sunday that usually includes a walk to identify and describe native plants in the park like we were able to do on our outing.

2. Educate yourself and others about invasive species—knowledge is our best defense. Participating in invasive removal projects is a great way to learn these species. Leaders will show you which plants are local natives and which are exotic invasives and you’ll become an expert in no time.

3. Support native plant nurseries and plant sales—let’s keep our landscapes blooming with local flora. Check Plant NOVA Natives (under “Get plants/help”) for lists of local nurseries and plant sales.

4. Take time to connect with nature regularly—whether it’s a stroll in the park or a hike in the woods. It’s beneficial in so many ways and every moment counts!