Chasing Spring

It's been a cold and late Spring.  That's what everyone is saying - from Smithfield, VA, to Cincinnati, OH, to Chicago, IL to Madison, WI, and now to Janesville, MN.  But today it is warm (for Minnesota, that is) and I am so grateful to see the sun. 

I've seen just the very beginnings of Spring.  And it must be late, because the Skunk Cabbage is usually out in DC in January or February - which should make it March or so in Chicago and Madison.  Here are some glimpses of the beginnings of Spring.  All are spring ephemerals which are native to where they are growing.  It is a treat for me to see them because between the deer and the invasive plants in Rock Creek, I rarely get to see these.

Bloodroot in Chicago's Morton Arboretum

Toothwort in Chicago's Morton Arboretum

Sharp-lobed hepatica in Parfrey's Glen (Devil's Lake State Park, WI)

Marsh Marigold in Parfrey's Glen (Devil's Lake State Park, WI)

Skunk Cabbage (flower) in Madison's Arboretum