Gardening with Native Spring Ephemerals
Fleeting plants with a lasting impression
For me, venturing into the woods in search of spring ephemeral wildflowers is like a rite of passage every spring. The allure and anticipation of seeing the first trilliums or bloodroots push their way through the recently thawed ground provides a level of excitement that can only be matched by the changing colours of leaves in the fall. The fleeting beauty of spring ephemerals helps connect me to the cycles of nature unfolding around me. To me, it doesn’t matter what the calendar proclaims or how the weather feels - spring doesn’t start until the first ephemeral pokes its head above ground.
Spring ephemerals aren't just beneficial for the soul; when integrated into our gardens, they offer versatility, beauty, and help restore vital ecological relationships. By including them, we reconnect with the natural cycles of nature and enhance the ecological balance of our garden spaces.
What are spring ephemerals?
Spring ephemerals are highly specialized perennial plants adapted to thrive in the understory of deciduous and mixed broadleaf-conifer forests. Due to the low-light conditions created by the large shade trees above them, ephemerals have developed a unique growth strategy. They emerge in early spring, quickly bloom, and produce seeds to complete their life cycle before the trees above them have leafed out and created shade by early summer. By blooming early in the season, spring ephemerals capitalize not only on the extra sunlight reaching the forest floor but also on the abundance of pollinators, ensuring successful pollination and reproduction.
In fact, many spring ephemerals produce only pollen, not nectar, because competition with other plants is so low at this time of year that they don’t need to entice pollinators with nectar, as they are one of the few options available!
Once the tree canopy fills in, spring ephemerals begin to retreat beneath the earth where their corms or rhizomes use stored energy to focus on root growth and prepare for explosive growth the following spring. Due to this growth pattern, many ephemerals have large underground storage organs such as corms or bulbs.
Their brief but intense burst of growth represents a crucial phase in the annual rhythm of the forest, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of nature. Their unique growth habits and important ecological connections make spring ephemerals ideal additions to shady woodland gardens.
Clumps and drifts: I like to combine them in drifts and clumps that mimic how the plant would spread in nature. Many ephemerals spread by corms, seeds or rhizomes to form large colonies so when planting in your garden it is often ideal to plant them in big clumps and swaths through your space. Think about how colonies of Trilliums or Wild Leeks carpet the forest floor in nature.
Companion planting: Due to their ephemeral nature, these plants are excellent choices for squeezing more wildlife value and beauty into a space. It is important to combine them with other plants that can fill in the gaps they leaves behind. Great options include later blooming plants like zigzag goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis), black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) or largeleaf aster (Eurybia macrophylla). Groundcover plants also make great companions for spring ephemerals. Try pairing them with oak sedge (Carex pensylvanica), sprengels sedge (Carex sprengelii) or ferns like marginal wood fern. When the leaves start to yellow and die back, do not cut back or remove them. Instead, let the leaves fade away naturally and decompose back into the soil.
Planting and transplanting: Optimal planting time for spring ephemerals is during late summer into fall while they are dormant. The next best time is during early spring. Bare root is the best way to go but if you have to plant potted plants then make sure to plant them early in the spring so they have as much time to grow as possible. Do not transplant spring ephemerals while actively growing or flowering as they have very short period of time to grow and it is important to avoid disturbing them during this time. Spring ephemerals continue to grow their root systems through the summer months even after their leaves have gone dormant. Therefore, if you must transplant them, it is best to do so in the fall.
Replacement for tulips: Spring ephemerals offer important resources for pollinators, like queen bumblebees and mason bees, emerging from a long winter. Spring blooms set the stage for successful breeding and thriving pollinator populations throughout the year. While early blooming non-native plants like tulips or dandelions are often touted as bee-friendly, native bees thrived long before their introduction to North America and don't rely on them. Ontario boasts numerous native plants that bloom concurrently with or before dandelions, supporting diverse pollinator populations. Prioritizing these native wildflowers over ornamentals like tulips is vital for enhancing bee abundance and ecological resilience in your garden.
Growing native spring ephemerals in the garden:
Growing conditions:
Spring ephemerals have specific growth requirements to consider. Provide them with:
Organically rich, moist but well-draining soil
A generous layer of leaf mulch
Deciduous shade. This is the shade found under trees that lose their leaves in the fall. Most spring ephemerals don’t do well under conifers because they require full sun exposure in spring, which only deciduous trees can provide.
Spring ephemerals require moist conditions while growing but can tolerate summer droughts once they go dormant. This means they will grow well under large, established trees like Norway maple, as long as the ground stays moist in spring. Many spring ephemerals will also thrive under walnut trees! With consistent moisture, some ephemerals may extend their season, keeping their leaves into mid-summer.
Garden design with spring ephemerals:
Restoring ecology
When you grow native spring ephemerals, you not only add versatility and beauty to your garden, but you also help restore vital natural processes.
Many woodland ephemerals rely on ants for seed distribution and employ a unique mechanism to attract them. Species like bloodroot, wild ginger, and trout lily produce edible structures attached to their seeds, called elaiosomes. Elaiosomes act like small snack packs for ants: they’re full of calories and nutrients, making them an attractive food source. Ants carry these seeds, along with the elaiosomes, to their nests, where they consume the edible part and discard the seed in their compost piles. This provides an optimal environment for new plants to grow, aiding in seed dispersal.
This intricate relationship between ants and spring ephemerals highlights the interconnectedness and mutual dependencies within woodland ecosystems. By bringing native plants back into our landscapes, we help restore these essential interactions.
15 Spring Ephemerals For Ontario Gardens
Even though true Spring Ephemerals retreat underground by early summer, we are going to stretch the definition to include some borderline Spring Ephemerals here such as Bloodroot or Mayapple who’s leaves may linger into the summer months.
Wild Leek (Allium tricoccum)
Shade-pt. shade, 1ft/30cm, sandy/loamy soils with abundant organic matter, well-drained but moist.
Wild leeks are a forager’s favorite, highly valued for their culinary use. Unfortunately, this often leads to overharvesting of wild populations. Fortunately, wild leeks are easy to grow with the right conditions and a bit of patience.
Wild leeks produce some of the earliest greenery of the year. They grow from underground bulbs and spread slowly to form colonies, creating a rich green groundcover with their broad leaves. Established clumps are easily divided.
They can be grown from seed, although seeds take two years to germinate, and seedlings require 5–7 years to mature enough to flower.
As spring fades, so do their lush leaves, but by mid-summer, whimsical, allium-like flowers rise above the leafless plants, attracting pollinators such as bumblebees and small butterflies. Shiny black seeds ripen in fall, providing food for game birds like wild turkeys. The plants’ strong onion scent deters herbivores.
Jack in the Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
Shade-pt. shade, 2.4ft/75cm, most organically rich, slightly acidic soils except heavy clay. Wet to medium conditions.
Jack-in-the-pulpit is a unique addition to shade gardens, with bold leaves and a distinctive, pitcher-like flower. It’s easy to grow in rich, moist soil, though it is slow to establish (but well worth the wait!).
The tropical-like foliage lasts into mid-summer (or longer if grown in moist soil) and is rarely eaten by herbivores due to its toxicity. Attractive clusters of orange to red fruits persist on the plant even after the foliage has gone dormant.
Jack-in-the-pulpit maintains a well-behaved clumping form and will lightly self-seed if conditions are favorable. It’s easy to transplant if done while the plant is dormant, though plants take about five years to flower from seed.
The flower is pollinated by fungus gnats. While they may not be as glamorous as other pollinators, they remind us of the intrinsic worth of all living beings—not just the charismatic ones. The reddish-orange berries are enjoyed by birds and small mammals.
Two-leaf Toothwort (Cardamine diphylla)
Shade-pt.shade, 1ft/30cm, sandy/loamy/organically rich, slightly acidic soils. Moist to wet conditions. Tolerates spring flooding.
Two-leaf Toothwort is a small yet charming groundcover for moist, shady sites. Although underused in gardens, it certainly deserves a second look.
Its paired leaves are its signature feature, adding a soft, medium-green color to the garden as they spread to form a low, carpet-like groundcover in early spring. Leaves go dormant by mid-summer, or later if the soil remains moist.
In early spring, flowering stems rise above the leaves, showcasing clusters of white to light pink flowers that are favorites of small butterflies, bees, and other early spring pollinators.
Two-leaf Toothwort spreads non-aggressively by rhizomes to form colonies. The rhizomes are easily divided and can be transplanted to other areas of the garden, though they are fragile, so handle with care.
Host plant for the West Virginia White (Pieris virginiensis) butterfly.
Also see: Cut-leaf Toothwort (Cardamine concatenata)
Carolina spring beauty (Claytonia caroliniana)
Shade-pt. shade, 8inch/20cm, most organically rich soils, moist to average.
It’s easy to see how this dainty spring wildflower got its name. The five-petaled, pink and white flowers of Carolina Spring Beauty are a cheerful sight as they open up to the early spring sun.
Get up close and enjoy the small flowers—the bees certainly do! A variety of early spring pollinators, such as mason bees and bumblebee queens, visit these blooms. Andrena erigeniae is a specialist pollinator of Claytonia.
Once the flowers mature into seed capsules, typically by early summer, the plant goes dormant for the rest of the year.
Due to their small size, Carolina Spring Beauty should be planted in large clumps to create a greater visual impact. They spread slowly to form dense colonies, and their corm root structures are easy to divide and transplant. Be sure to protect them from rodents, who relish the starchy corms.
Carolina Spring Beauty can also be grown in flowering lawns if mowing is delayed until after they go dormant.
Also see: Virginia Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica)
Squirrel Corn (Dicentra canadensis)
Shade-pt. shade, <1ft/25cm, organically rich soils, moist but well-draining.
Squirrel Corn is a true delight to have in the garden. Its soft-textured, lacy foliage adds early greenery to the garden and pairs very well with bold-textured woodland plants like Canada Ginger.
The inflated, heart-shaped flowers attract early pollinators, particularly bumblebees, which are strong enough to navigate the flower’s structure to access nectar.
While very similar in appearance and growth habit to Dutchman’s Breeches, it blooms slightly later. Over time, Squirrel Corn forms small colonies, spreading by rhizomes to add a naturalistic feel to the garden without becoming aggressive.
It is very easy to divide and transplant while the plant is dormant, although it is difficult to grow from seed.
As you can tell from the name, you will likely need to protect this plant from squirrels and other rodents (chicken wire spread flat on the ground works well). Fortunately, the foliage is relatively deer and rabbit resistant.
Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)
Shade-pt. shade, <1ft/25cm, organically rich soils, moist but well-draining. Intolerant of wet soil.
Dutchman’s breeches is a low-growing plant with delicate, fern-like leaves that lend a soft look to the garden in early spring.
These leaves provide an ideal backdrop for clusters of white and yellow blooms that rise above them in early spring. The flowers are as interesting and unique as their name suggests, resembling upside-down pants. They rely on bumblebees for cross-pollination; the flower structure is perfectly suited to bumblebees, who are physically adept at separating the outer and inner petals to access and pollinate the flower.
Over time, Dutchman’s breeches forms small colonies, spreading by rhizomes and adding a naturalistic feel to the garden without becoming aggressive.
This plant is very easy to divide and transplant while dormant, though it is difficult to grow from seed.
It is recommended to protect Dutchman’s breeches from squirrels and other rodents (a layer of chicken wire spread flat on the ground works well). Fortunately, the foliage is relatively resistant to deer and rabbits.
Harbinger of Spring (Erigenia bulbosa)
Shade-pt. shade, 10inch/25cm, rich loamy soils, moist to average
Harbinger of Spring truly lives up to its name, being one of the first wildflowers to emerge and usher in the spring wildflower season with a quiet yet vibrant presence.
Its flowers begin developing underground, enabling it to reach for the early spring sunlight even before its foliage appears. As one of the few blooms available so early, it serves as a vital resource for small to medium-sized native bees and flies.
Shortly after flowering, its delicate, parsley-like foliage emerges, adding a soft, elegant texture to the garden.
This ephemeral wildflower self-seeds, forming loose colonies that make it ideal for naturalistic gardens.
Mature plants can also be transplanted by carefully digging up their bulbs while dormant. After setting seed, Harbinger of Spring naturally goes dormant, typically well before summer, marking its brief but important role in the garden.
Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum)
Shade-pt. shade, 6inch/15cm, rich loamy soils, moist but well-draining
With just two leaves and a solitary flower reaching no more than 15 cm in height, the Trout Lily may be small in size, but it more than makes up for it with its mesmerizing beauty and early bloom.
Its nodding, bell-shaped flower features yellow petals that curl back to reveal a center of prominent reddish-brown stamens, creating a soft, star-like effect that stands out against its mottled brown and green leaves. Only one flower is produced per plant, making each bloom even more special.
By late spring, the entire plant goes dormant, directing its energy toward building a stronger root system for the following year.
Trout Lily is fairly easy to grow in the right conditions and will spread slowly to form sizable colonies over time. Plants take 4–5 years to flower from seed.
Transplanting mature plants can be challenging due to their deep corms. Mature clumps of multiple plants may be divided while dormant, but be sure to dig deep enough to capture the entire plant.
Also see: White Trout Lily (Erythronium albidum)
Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla)
Photo by Michael Dahms
Shade-pt. shade, 1ft/30cm, rich loamy soils, well drained but moist
Twinleaf is an underused plant in shade gardens, but it certainly deserves a place in yours for its bold texture and welcoming spring flowers.
In early spring, it emerges from the ground with a rich purple color on its leaves and stems. This purple hue is due to a transient presence of anthocyanins, which may help the plant develop resistance to various environmental stresses, including cold.
As the leaves unfurl, they take on their normal green hue and display their unique shape, resembling a pair of angel wings. The foliage remains attractive until mid- to late summer.
The flowers are similar to those of the more famous Bloodroot, but they grow on longer stems. Although they only last a day or two, they teach us to embrace the constant change of nature. The flowers are popular with a variety of short- and long-tongued bees.
This plant maintains a strong clumping habit and will slowly spread to form loose colonies.
Mature plants are easily divided while dormant.
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
Shade - pt. shade, 2ft/60cm, most soils but prefers rich loam, moist but well-drained
Virginia bluebells burst forth in early spring with a generous flush of purplish-blue, trumpet-like flowers, heralding the return of spring.
The leaves start out purple and gradually fade to green as they unfurl. Flower color may naturally vary between blue, pink, lavender, or even white, depending on the eco-type.
The tubular flowers naturally attract long-tongued bees, such as bumblebees, along with hummingbirds and butterflies. The leaves are rarely touched by herbivores and go dormant soon after the plant finishes flowering.
Virginia bluebells are easy to grow and a must-have if you can provide the right conditions. They transplant well if done while dormant.
This plant spreads slowly by rhizomes and seed and pairs nicely with ferns and sedges.
Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)
Shade - pt. sun, 1.5ft/45cm, most organically rich soils, moist but well-draining
Mayapple is a plant that chooses quality over quantity, producing only two leaves (or just one in younger specimens) and a solitary flower. However, there are no compromises here. In early spring, mayapple emerges from the ground, unveiling expansive, umbrella-like leaves that make an impressive display.
The plant produces one relatively large flower, which is protected beneath its broad leaves. To fully appreciate it, you'll need to get close to the ground. The flower only produces pollen, not nectar, and is particularly attractive to queen bumblebees.
The flower matures into an edible, guava-like fruit—though good luck getting to it before the wildlife does. The attractive foliage persists into late summer, especially if the soil is kept moist, either by human or natural means.
Mayapple pairs well with lower-growing groundcovers such as oak sedge.
In ideal conditions, it spreads at a moderate rate by underground rhizomes, forming dense colonies. It is easy to grow and tolerates transplanting well.
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
Shade - pt. shade, <1ft/30cm, most organically rich soils, moist well draining
In early spring, Bloodroot leaves emerge from the soil with determination, cradling delicate flower buds within their folds. As the buds open, they reveal flowers of such pure white that they rival the snow that recently melted around them.
Each flower lasts only a day or two, so enjoy them while they last. During their brief bloom, pollinators quickly make use of the pollen-rich blossoms.
The scalloped edges and deep veins of the leaves add great texture and interest to the garden and can persist into late summer, especially if the soil remains evenly moist.
Bloodroot spreads slowly but steadily by rhizomes and seeds to form colonies. Rhizomes are easily divided and moved while the plant is dormant.
Wood Anemone (Anemone quinquefolia)
Shade - pt. shade, <1ft/30cm, organically rich, well draining soil
Despite its unassuming size, Wood Anemone bursts forth with enthusiasm in the spring, sporting lush mounds of airy foliage.
The foliage provides the perfect backdrop for the charming white flowers that rise above it. They sway gracefully in the slightest breeze, lending a whimsical and dynamic charm to the garden. The "petals" you see are actually sepals, and they persist for a relatively long time.
Wood Anemone spreads slowly by slender rhizomes to form colonies. Rootstocks are easily divided while the plants are dormant.
Also consider Rue Anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides).
Red Trillium (Trillium erectum)
Shade - pt. shade, 2ft/60cm, most organically rich soils, moist but well-draining
The maroon to crimson blooms of Red Trillium are so deep and vibrant that few other wildflowers can compare. Mature plants form gorgeous, mounded clumps of broad, three-leaved foliage, adding bold, desirable presence to shady spots.
The flowers produce pollen, not nectar, attracting mainly flies, beetles, and fungus gnats.
The foliage may linger into mid-summer if the soil is kept moist, either by human or natural means.
Red Trillium maintains a clumping habit and will form larger clumps year after year with occasional self-seeding.
White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)
Shade - pt. shade, 1ft/30cm, most organically rich soils, moist but well-draining
White Trillium is an iconic plant of spring woodlands. It can be found in large numbers, where it cloaks the once-brown forest floor with elegant and bold white blooms. It works well in garden settings, maturing into dramatic clumps of attractive, three-leaved foliage. The flowers provide a pure white color to the garden, gradually taking on pink hues as they begin to fade, adding to the dynamic nature of these already ephemeral plants.
The foliage may linger into mid-summer if the soil is kept moist, either by human or natural means.
Mature clumps are easily divided while the plant is dormant. It self-seeds sparingly when in the right spot.
