LOOK DOWN: “”Dutchman’s breeches, Chicken and
Corn, Round-leaved Orchids, Ladyslippers, Red Trillium,
Jack-in-the-Pulpit are interesting names that describe wonderful
flowers that may brighten forests for a short springtime
window.””

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That’s the word today from Jim Finley, Bureau of
Forestry, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources.

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Many of these flowers are visible for only a short time in the
spring. They erupt from the forest floor, flower and disappear in
only a few weeks. If you take a walk in the woods right now, you
should be able to see them.[neWLine]

“”Ephemeral forest flowers evolved to take advantage of light
and moisture conditions in the springwoods,”” Jim
notes.[neWLine]

“”Growth begins early while the forest canopy is devoid of
leaves. Below the leafless canopy, the forest floor warms rapidly,
stirring wildflowers to initiate growth. As they begin to flower,
early emerging pollinating insects seek them out and take advantage
of these sources of nectar and pollen. The ideal light conditions
last only a short time. Soon, the leaves in the forest canopy begin
to unfold and capture the light. As this happens, the spring flower
season soon ends.””[neWLine]

Jim went on to say that, in many of our forests, the spring
wildflower display is not as diverse and rich as it could
be.[neWLine]

“”Many of the spring flowers are favorite food sources for
white-tailed deer. Some of the more showy flowers, such as Trillium
and Ladyslippers, are rare in forests where they were once abundant
as deer selectively browse them in the understory.[neWLine]

“”Also missing in many forests are some less conspicuous
species, such as Canada Mayflower and Indian Cucumber root. In many
cases, you can find individual plants preferred by deer, but often
these individuals are smaller and much less robust than they should
be. Oftentimes, you can find some of these browse-impacted plants
finding refuge in soil patches on top of large rocks or along
ledges.

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“”Wherever you find spring wildflowers, take the opportunity to
enjoy them where you find them.[neWLine]

“”Picking takes away the opportunity for them to reproduce and
to spread through the forest. Some of the flowers are rare, and we
should always try to encourage their presence in the forest. So,
take pictures and gather memories – to blossom.””