Erigenia bulbosa
English name(s):
harbinger-of-spring; pepper-and-salt
Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
Description:
Coming upon the white flowers of this native ephemeral in early springtime is a delight with lasting impression. Barely rising above the leaf litter, the diminuative appearance belies the hearty nature of a wildflower that dares to bloom at a time when many plants still remain nestled underground.
Habitat:
observed along woodland edge
Notes:
erigenia = born in spring + bulbosa = bulbous, swollen
Additional notes:
The other common name pepper-and-salt is a good description of the contrast between the dark red to black color of the anthers and white flowers.
photograph courtesy of Lisa K. SchlaG
Plant identification
The Ohio State University Herbarium:
Ashtabula County, 15 April 1891, collector: Sara F. Goodrich voucher specimen
✿ view additional voucher specimens and related information
Newcomb's: Key Group no. 534, p.224
Historical description:
A Spring Flora for High School, Henry C. Cowles, Ph.D. and John G. Coulter, Ph.D., 1915.
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 2: 653.
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"The true harbinger of spring Bill Veeck (1914-1986), 1976
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virtual herbarium sheet 000008
created by Lisa K. SchlaG, 8.iv.2014
