One of the waterfalls along the gorge of Upper Buttermilk Falls.

I always think of spring as fleeting. There’s a little voice in the back of my head telling me that if I’m not out there every day checking out the changes, they will happen without me. Which is true – life happens whether you witness it or not. Every spring you will find me out there checking out what flowers are blooming – it is so exciting.

Yesterday, I took a walk along Upper Buttermilk Falls. Even though, I was there 2 days prior, so many new wonderful blossoms had opened up since my last visit.

The Red Trillium (Trillium erectum) has a few names. It is called “Birthroot” because tea brewed from the roots will induce labor. It’s hard to believe that this lovely flower is also called “Stinking Benjamin” which refers to the flower’s unpleasant odor, but pollinators love them. Even though they grow abundantly in some areas, Red trillium is listed on New York State’s Protected Native Plant List.

It is always a treat to come across Trailing Arbutus (Epigaea repens). It is not a very a showing flower and tends to creep and hide along rocks and mosses. It is also known as the Plymouth Mayflower as it was supposedly the first flower to brighten the hearts of the Pilgrims after their first long cold New England winter.

Plain and simple I love ginger. So, when I come across Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum) I am thrilled. Notice how the maroon flower blooms under the leaves, close to the ground. It is such an understated plant that packs a lot of flavor and healing qualities. Although I am a forager, I have not harvested any Wild Ginger for our meals – yet.

Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) has a lovely little pale pink flower. On this trail, they appeared to like hanging out with the Trilliums.