Restless Native

This time of year, I am sometimes asked "what's the first wildflower to bloom around here?" In a way it is a bit of a trick question because the answer is variable, depending on where you live and at what elevation. Here in western Oregon, if you are in the valley, in a forest, and not near the ocean, the correct answer is probably the strikingly attractive Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum). This year we spotted them blooming on March 19th in the Jenkins Estate forest. The date seems to fall in line with the past four years we have posted on this blog, in spite of weather conditions.

Western Trillium with Sword Fern

In temperate regions of North America there are about 40 species of native trillium. Because they bloom in early spring, roughly at the same time as the American Robin appears, they are also called "wake-robin." Some species are endangered and in Oregon, Michigan, and Minnesota it is illegal to pick or otherwise destroy a native trillium. This is due to the fragile nature of the plant and its inability to reproduce once it has been disturbed. And as recently as 2013, a new species of yellow trillium was discovered and classified in eastern Tennessee, now called Trillium tennesseense.

Older bloom turning pinkish.

And speaking of reproduction, trillium are rhizome-based plants that spread underground given the right conditions (damp loose soil, forest floor, plenty of shade). Also, their seeds are captured and transported by hungry ants, back to the nest. Here the seed cover is eaten by ants and larvae, with the seeds left in the ground. Some will sprout, creating a new plant. The new plant can take up to a year to emerge from the soil. It is interesting to note that several other forest floor native plants spread by the ant transport method as well, including wild ginger, pacific bleeding hearts, and the curious inside-out flower.

Trillium Cluster

After pollination, some Trillium ovatum flower petals will change from white to pinkish-purple. The change in color is probably due to the plant producing anthrocyanins when stressed from cold, drought, or age. This color change (shown below) should not be confused with the Purple Trillium (Trillium erectum) species that blooms a dark purple flower and grows in the Northeastern U.S.

Aging Trillium ovatum coloration

To get more immersed in the trillium moment, plan a visit to the 37th annual Trillium Festival at Tryon Creek State Natural Area on April 1st and 2nd. Expand your backyard habitat by purchasing native plants at the festival as well.

Earplugs Anyone?

Crocus

Is it just me, or have you also noticed how just about every store you go to now has some kind of music playing - and usually the kind you don't much care for? We stopped in for lunch at Subway the other day and had to endure a loud pop music onslaught before getting our subs. Later at the Fred Meyer grocery store, it was country music, as if we had been magically transformed to the Pendleton Roundup. I stopped by Safeway to pick up some grits and the vocals once again interrupted my thoughts. I could go on listing others, but the question begs, "Why Music?" 

Daphne

My theory is that some expensive marketing study (no doubt sponsored by music supplier companies) has revealed that shoppers, especially younger ones, spend an extra minute or two in a store with music vs. no music. A short Internet search indeed reveals many articles that support my hunch. But most of them indicate that it's tricky - mainly because if your shoppers can't stand the particular type of music, it has a negative effect. Ah, the joys of capitalism. Don't get me wrong, I am fond of many types of music and do listen most days to something - I just don't like it to intrude into every aspect of my life, such as when I'm deciding what kind of cat litter to buy.

I complained to Kroger in an email and they replied with a carefully worded "sorry, but we won't budge on this one" message. After all, shouldn't shopping be as meaningful as your other important life events?! Well for me, this unending, audio overdose has the effect of making me want to get in and get out, as quickly as possible; or totally avoid going to a business. But I digress...

Primrose

Here in western Oregon we don't get snow and ice every winter; and I am truly thankful for that. This winter was different. We had multiple snow/ice events and now in late winter/early spring, the rains are setting records. On a positive note, it appears our frozen precipitation events are over. It will be interesting to see how this wettest-ever February and March affect the wildflowers and bloom calendar. 

And, of course, in our neck of the woods, the end of winter is noted by the arrival of Pacific Tree frogs, singing at night; and the silent but prolific Boxelder Bugs (Boisea trivittata) crawling out of their nooks around the outside of our house.

Camellia japonica

The crocus, daffodils, and the other non-native plants you see in the post are blooming so we'll be getting ready for our first wildflower trip soon. That will no doubt include mud boots, the weather-proof cameras, and plenty of hot coffee.

Boxelder bugs