My favorite spring ephemeral NE native

Dutchman’s Breeches

Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria )

I usually find some Dutchman’s Breeches once a year in the spring, growing in a little protected spot. They are native and wild in New England, especially near woodlands. So, I give them the benefit of assuming they chose their spot. They seem to know what they’re doing (maybe better than us humans).

These flowers, resembling upside-down pantaloons hanging on a clothes line, bloom in the early spring from March to April. Leaves appear a bit fern-like in shape, although, I definitely generalized their appearance in my illustration. Flowers hanging down in a raceme atop a stem that hover above the leaves. There are pale yellow lobes at the base of the flower that open up like wings.

Anyway, don’t pick these flowers, they immediately look sad. Just enjoy the fact that you found them. Take a picture? I get happy when I stumble upon some.

Fun fact: They share their family with poppies. Bumblebees (Bombus spp.) help them out as pollinators. Apparently, few pollinators can fit as well. However, according to IndefenseofPlants.com, it’s ants that help Dutchman’s Breeches spread their seed. It’s kinda nice when different critters all get along and help each other out as they are able. Isn’t that special?