Do Spring Ephemerals Grow in Your Garden?
April 19, 2025
By Kathleen Kennedy
Unless you are an avid gardener, most people are not sure what a spring ephemeral is. From the Latin, the word “ephemeral” generally translates to “lasting for a day,” so spring ephemeral refers to a plant that grows and blooms only during brief periods when conditions are favorable. In fact, these plants often bloom for more than a few days and are greeted with excitement as harbingers of the new season of growth and renewal. They emerge in late winter and very early spring – from February until the end of April, depending on weather conditions – and are a critical source of nectar for emerging bees, wasps and other pollinators.
On a recent brisk April morning, a group of hardy gardeners enjoyed learning about and viewing spring ephemerals on a garden walk at the home of Master Gardener Nancy Gilbert and historian Richard Wines. Their property, protected by a conservation easement and several façade easements on their historic home and outbuildings, features a variety of habitats including woodland, meadow, orchard, and cultivated gardens surrounding the home. Seen among the blossoms was a large female queen bee, a survivor from the cold winter, busily enjoying nectar before nestling into the ground to begin a new brood nest. Take some time to learn about these important food sources for our pollinators and tuck some into your garden for early spring color next year. Their colorful blooms will surely brighten your day!
Kathleen Kennedy
Senior Manager of Outreach
kkennedy@peconiclandtrust.org