Take a “Wild” Flower Walk

“Spring is definitely here,” I think, letting the little one run ahead of me down the path as I take in the fresh greenery and colourful wildflowers, while listening to a burst of melodious bird song. Today, we are heading out to see some of April’s finest flowers, and my two-year-old son Alden has volunteered as my spotter. We’re keeping a tally of the flowers we see, and making a few notes about the colours of the petals, shapes of the leaves, and general habitat.

The first flower we happen upon is the showy western trillium (Trillium ovatum). Trillium means “in threes” which is appropriate, since the trillium has three leaves and three petals. The broad green leaves, each with a drip-tip for our rainforest climate, are positioned about half way up the stem. The petals are white, but turn pink or purple with age. Peek into the flower’s center, and you will see the golden-yellow anthers laden with pollen. After flowering trilliums produce berry-like capsules, and each seed has an oil-rich appendage that is loved by ants. In carrying the seeds back to their nests, ants effectively disperse the seeds. Trilliums grow in moist woodlands near streams. Since the blooms often coincides with the arrival Robins, trilliums are also known as “wake robins.” Continue reading »

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