A Guide to Spring Ephemerals

As the last patches of snow melt and the forest awakens from winter, the first signs of life emerge in delicate blooms—spring ephemerals. 

What are Spring Ephemerals?

Spring ephemerals are wildflowers that bloom during a brief window before deciduous trees fully leaf out, when sunlight can still reach the forest floor. Once the leaves begin to grow back and the forest canopy closes in, their moment in the sun—sometimes just a few days or weeks—comes to an end.

Their fleeting presence makes them all the more special, a reminder to slow down and take in the beauty of the season while it lasts. Each species needs the perfect conditions to bloom—rich soil, the right temperature, and just the right amount of sunlight. Most are found in woodlands, but keep an eye out in wetlands as well.

Common Spring Ephemerals to Look For

Bloodroot

Bloodroot produces brilliant white petals around a sunny yellow center. The petals will start out cupped around the flower, later flattening out. The name comes from its reddish-orange sap, which was historically used as a dye and medicine.

Striped Squill

These dainty little flowers have pale blue petals with darker blue stripes down the middle. They're early bloomers and often show up in clusters. They’re very pretty, but they’re not native to Wisconsin and they can spread quickly.

Spring Beauty

These are tiny and easy to miss, but once you spot them, you’ll see them everywhere in early spring. To conserve energy, their petals close up when it’s cloudy or cold. Their name really says everything you need to know. :)

Round-lobed Hepatica

Isn’t this flower just so beautiful? You’ll spot its soft, fuzzy stems and sweet little flowers in pale pink, purple, or white. Its leaves stick around all year, even under the snow, so they’re tough little plants!

Violets

These little purple blooms are everywhere in spring—and they’re Wisconsin’s state flower! You’ll find them in woods, yards, and even sidewalk cracks. The flowers are edible (but make sure they haven’t been sprayed)!

Trout Lily

Their leaves look like cute little trout, all speckled and spotted. The flowers hang down like tiny yellow or white bells. It can take years for a trout lily to bloom, so it’s a treat when you see one!

Marsh Marigold

Bright yellow and super cheerful—these guys love soggy spots like marshes and stream edges. They look a bit like buttercups and show up early when everything else is still waking up.

Dutchman's breeches

These little guys look like tiny puffy white pants hanging upside down on a clothesline—hence the name! You’ll usually find them in shady, rich woodlands in early spring.

Trillium (Photo Credit: Authentic Wisconsin)

Three petals, three leaves—everything about trilliums comes in threes. They’re super slow to grow, so if you see a bloom, you’re looking at a plant that’s been there a long time. White is the most common color here in Wisconsin, but you might see red or purple, too.

Go for a Wander

There’s something really special about noticing the small things—especially the ones that don’t stick around for long.

Spring ephemerals are a sweet little reminder to get outside, take your time, and look closely. You don’t need to go far—just find a quiet patch of woods or a trail and see what’s blooming. Bring a friend, bring a snack, and maybe even a journal.

P.S. We also put together this Spring Ephemerals Scavenger Hunt! Take a screenshot or print it out and take it along on your next nature walk—we hope it helps you remember what to look for!

<3 Ella & Rosie