Foamflower

Description:

A common forest floor wildflower native to eastern deciduous forests. They often form a blanket made up of multiple plants. They bloom in mid to late April. The flowers are small, typically white, and are clustered together on stalks above the leaves. This gives an impression of a white foam on the forest floor especially when you come across a large colony. Lovely! The leaves are heart shaped and as they mature they develop deep purple spots.

Habitat:

Mixed deciduous forest in NE United States. Prefer shaded, well drained soil that stays somewhat moist. I found this clump along a roadside in the Adirondack mountains in sandy soil.

Notes:

One of my favorite spring wild flowers (ephemerals). If you ever see them in person be sure to look closely at the flowers. They are tiny works of art. I'd love to know what pollinates them! The specimen in this photo is just beginning to bloom.