4.02.12 Rocky outcrops with southern exposure are the locations of all of these early spring plants. The green swords of leeks are an early food crop for many animals (humans, too!). Some of these were chewed off, as if cut with dull scissors, about 1" high. Amidst some were last year's weathered seed pods, still containing a few shiny black seeds. The leaves disappear in late June, before the globe-shaped flower spike opens, making it difficult to associate the two. However, when crushed the aroma of both is strongly that of onion/garlic.
On the same outcrop, Hepatica nobilis, var.obtusa (Round-lobed hepatica) held up their blue, pink, or white clusters of blossoms on fragile hairy stems. The leaves provide the distinguishing characteristic, three rounded lobes.
Also among leeks, were some lacy-foliaged Dicentra cucullaria (Dutchman's breeches) - little white heart-shaped pendants strung on a succulent pink stem.
Another such outcrop gave rise to both clumps of Dutchman's breeches and Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot), a member of the Poppy family.