April Showers and Mayflowers

 One of the earlier blooming plants in the local forest is the Trailing Arbutus, also known as the Mayflower.   

             

Trailing Arbutus buds just before bloom.

    These small evergreen vines grow close to the ground, often obscured by leaf litter. They have oval shaped leaves that usually have a brownish orange "fuzz" on them all year round, but towards the end of winter the vines also develop small buds.

 In early spring, the buds open to reveal small flowers of white, or sometimes pink.

Some pretty pink Arbutus

You might not know it, because they grow so close to the ground, but Arbutus flowers are quite fragrant. Many people find their fragrance to be rather pleasing, and because of this they were once plucked with abandon. According to some sources, this nearly had disastrous results for the pretty little forest flowers. 

                                                                         The more common white Arbutus                                                                             

                                       

  Fortunately the species managed to keep their foothold, and in some areas have begun to thrive again. I am lucky enough to have Trailing Arbutus growing near my home in fairly decent amounts.

A nice sized patch of Arbutus in full bloom

                             

And as of this week, these little early bloomers have begun to open, giving rise to further hope that here in South Eastern New England, spring is truly just around the corner.

For real this time. no foolin'. Not like those other years.....