Bloodroot

with a leaf for preotection

ephemeral wildflower

My first wildflower of the season. The wildflowers seem late this spring, and during my walk deep in the woods this morning I found only the foliage of the anemone and hepatica. Usually both are blooming by the last two weeks in April. But I did discover a few bloodroot, just beginning to bloom. This tiny flower is still wrapped gently  in its leaf–like a dainty maiden with a shawl wrapped protectively around her shoulders.

The plant is native to the southern half of Wisconsin, and a few counties in the northern part as well. It usually blooms in April and May, in woods or the edges of woods. The plant was called bloodroot because it has deep red sap that was used by Native Americans as a dye.

About Bo Mackison

I'm a photographer, book-artist, traveler, naturalist, and creator of the Contemplative Creatives Journey, An Online Workshop and Community and Desert Wisdom Cards and Workshops. Though often not well known, I find the desert a welcoming place - a healing space. Its mysteries and gifts transformed me several years ago. Since that first encounter, I return again and again to fill my well in what most people think of as a desolate region. I'd love to share my desert discoveries and wisdom with you. Please subscribe to receive my five part mini email course The Gifts of the Desert. It's my gift to you.

Comments

  1. suehenryphotography says

    So fresh and delicate.

  2. Very pretty and soft looking bud!

  3. Very pretty and soft looking bud!

  4. I love the muted tones…it makes me feel as though that area was very quiet at the time you took this. Soft and lovely.

  5. Aaaah…and what a beautiful one it is!! Exquisite color and detail.

  6. Aaaah…and what a beautiful one it is!! Exquisite color and detail.

  7. edvatza says

    Beautiful flower. the whites look very good. But isn’t that a Bloodroot? I thought the Bloodroot have the leaf wrapped around the stem. Just curious.

  8. Beautiful work Bo, I never had much luck with these to my dismay, great shot !!

  9. Gandalf says

    the leaves look like the flower is applauding the final arrival of Spring.

  10. Lovely capture of your first wildflower this season! 🙂

  11. I was… what’s the word?

    ack. It’s right there. …. aaaaampr

    I was anthropomorph…. o…sizing? this before I read what you wrote (giving human characteristics to an inanimate object, although, I’m not sure flowers are really… inanimate. Maybe they’re just mellow). Very evocative photo, to make people see something more.

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