The Search for Spring Wildflowers

​Guest blog contributed by Janis Harris of Harris Flower Farm


​If there is one positive that has come from Covid it is that people are getting out and enjoying local hiking trails. Once spring is upon us the forest comes alive with vibrant greens and some native wildflowers. Ontario has some beautiful native wildflowers that you can look for while you are enjoying the trail.

Here is a guide to some native forest wildflowers that you may find in Elgin County. 

Bloodroot:

An early spring blooming perennial that is found in dappled sun area. A single white 8-12 pedalled flower blooms from each plant. The name for this flower describes the dark red sap that is found in the roots and stem. Bloodroot can be used to make red, pink and orange natural dyes. All parts of the plant are poisonous if consumed. The sap can be processed to become safe to use in salves. The processed bloodroot products are expensive because they are becoming extinct in some parts of the continent. 
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Dandelion:

You probably know this one and have tried to rid your lawn of the beautiful yellow flowers. In Canada and the US, dandelions are thought to be a pesky weed. But in Europe and Asia the dandelion is used for its rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. A sweet light jelly can be made with the flowers, its really nice on a warm scone. 

Dandelions are also a great companion plant. Their long tap root brings up nutrients to the top of the ground and breaks up hard compacted soil. The dandelion flowers are also a get attractor for pollinators. 

Make a wish and blow on a dandelion seed head to spread some seeds around. 
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 Trout lily/ Dog tooth violet:

The name trout lily comes from the appearance of the leaves. There are brown speckles that almost resemble the scales of a trout. The other name Dog tooth violet refers to the shape of the corm that the plant grows from. Trout lily is the more suitable name for this flower because it is not in the violet family of plants. The trout lily grow in a cluster on the forest flower. They are one of the first signs of life that you will see. The flower is white or yellow and in the warmth of the sun the bloom will turn toward the sun. In the cluster on the ground, you will see single leaves. Only the double leaved plants will produce a flower. They are a short lived bloomer. They emerge in March/April and disappear into dormancy late April. 

Fiddleheads:

This plant isn’t necessarily a flower but it’s a fun forest find. This native plant is known for its large wing like mature foliage and in their immature stage they are a delicacy with also many mineral and medicinal properties. Fiddleheads taste like asparagus or green beans when cooked. They should be steamed or boiled then sautéed for the best experience. 
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Garlic Mustard:

This plant was brought to North America from Europe in the early 1800’s for its use as an herb. It is a lush plant in the early spring and is high in vitamin A and C. It also has a strong distinctive garlic scent. 

Unfortunately it has escaped into the wild and is now one of Ontario’s most aggressive forest invaders. 

Garlic mustard seeds are easily spread by people and animals. The seeds can live in the ground for up to 30 years. If allowed to grow on its own it can displace native plants like trout lily and trillium. If you find this plant on your property then destroy them in the garbage. Do not compost them. If you find a patch while hiking notify the Invasive Species hotline. This is a wildflower we don’t necessarily want to see. 

 Jack in the pulpit:

I loved finding these guys as a child. I always pretended that ‘Jack’ was giving a great speech to the forest creatures and fairies. This shade loving forest plant has a male and female plant. The male plant will have one leaf divided into 3 leaflets and the female plant will have 2 leaves with 3 leaflets. After the flower fades the plant will produce a cluster of bright red berries. Medicinally the root was used as a treatment for sore eyes, rheumatism, bronchitis and snake bites.

Spotted touch-me-not or jewel weed:

The name of this wildflower comes from its mature seeds. A light touch will trigger the seed pod to burst open and send its seeds flying. These plants are often found in low lands, ditches and along creeks. Some say that the stem juice jewel weed can be used as an antidote to poison ivy and stinging nettle. Hummingbirds and pollinators love this flower because of its shape. 

 

Lily of the Valley:

This is probably one of the best known wildflowers on my list. Lily of the valley is known for its intoxicating scent that comes from tiny little white bells. 

This moisture loving plant spreads in a mass in shady locations. Lily of the valley is a favourite flower among royal brides. You may have noticed it in Kate Middleton’s petite bridal bouquet. All parts of the plant are poisonous, including the red berries that may be attractive to children. If even a little of the plant is ingested it can cause a number of alarming medical problems, so best to just inhale this beauty. 

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Mayapple:

This shade loving perennial has dark umbrella like leaves with a flower hidden under the leaf. The may apple grows under deciduous hard wood trees not pines. The flower appears between April and June and is white or light pink in colour. The plant will produce a yellow berry that is edible when mature but immature fruit is toxic.

 

Trillium:

The trillium is Ontario’s provincial emblem flower. This distinction was given to the trillium in 1937. Trilliums are a very early spring bloom, often when there are not leaves on the trees. They are most commonly found in rich deciduous forests. The trillium grows from a rhizome and produce a single, large, odourless flower atop of a whirl of 3 leaves. 

Trilliums are meant to be enjoyed in their place. Contrary to popular belief it is not illegal to pick a trillium flower.But even if the rhizome under the ground is undisturbed, picking the flower may cause the plant to not recover. Ants spread trillium seeds, they ants are attracted to the spent bloom and they carry the seeds away. Typically it takes 7 to 10 years for a trillium to grow before they flower and the seeds that the ants carry around take 2 years to germinate. 

The trillium definitely speaks to the determination and resiliency of the people of Ontario. 
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Be sure to keep your eyes peeled while you are on your next hike for some of Ontario’s native wildflowers. Most can be admired best in their place, for the next hiker to enjoy. Stay on the made trails so you don’t cause any damage to the fragile woodland floor. 
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Take me to the trails!

Author

Janis Harris – Owner of Harris Flower Farm & Pastured Pork.

From a young age I was always drawn to pretty flowers, I think flowers may be in my blood. After going away to post-secondary education and having a successful optical career I have returned to my roots and I am re-kindling my love for flowers. Harris Flower Farm is a 4 acre seasonal cut flower farm that provides beautiful flowers for local farmers markets, weddings and events. This is our 13th growing season. Flowers are produced from April to October, in November and December wintergreens are used in arrangements. We grow a large variety of annual, perennial, bulb and woody stem flowers.
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I spent lots of time in my parents 60 acre mixed forest just north of St.Thomas. My parents have a background in entomology so we were always learning about insects and nature.