Almost-Mayflowers
Canada mayflower leaves
It's still chilly, and there's barely a hint of green in the tree canopy. But the situation is different on the forest floor. A week ago, the main source of green was provided by the mosses; now, however, there are newcomers to the color-fold. One of the most prominent players is the Canada Mayflower, an unassuming little wildflower that often emerges in late April. Right on time, the leaf litter is losing its drab, brown appearance in favor of intense green, particularly when Maianthemum canadense, a member of the Lily family, is backlit by the setting sun. By next week, the plant, also known as Wild Lily of the Valley and Two-leaved Solomonseal, will be sporting tufts of tiny white flowers. Perhaps by then it will actually feel like spring.