Lions and Lambs: March Flowers in Western Oregon
In early March, the foliage of Erythronium revolutum shows its full beauty. Later on in the spring, when the seeds are beginning to ripen, the foliage will loose its turgidity ("crispness") and the slugs will attack it unmercifully. I allow the plants to go into summer dormancy naturally. This aids in both seed-set and tuber health.
At the same time, Erythronium hendersonii just begins to bloom. It will
be at its best in late March or early April.
During March, it is fun to visit boggy areas and enjoy the "Skunk
Cabbage". Lysichiton americanum is a widespread and very beautiful
native aroid.
Although the plant does have a skunk odor, a more fanciful but equally-apt
common name is Swamp Lanterns.
In March, the "cobra heads" of Darlingtonia californica become
green and quite robust. If you are traveling along the beautiful Oregon coast
anytime during the late winter or early spring, be sure to visit
Darlingtonia Wayside State Park on the east side of Highway 101 about
three miles north of Florence.
photos by Louise Parsons, 2002