You have to know when and where to look for the spring wildflowers. Once the trees leaf out, these shy blooms are gone.The trout lily flower remains closed when the skies are cloudy and rain is impending. (How does it know, I am not sure, but after years of observation, I know this plant is an accurate predictor of weather.) The blooms appear just about the time fishing season opens each spring. Massed colonies of plants seem to like enriched soils alongside rivers and streams in Connecticut.
The speckled leaves are distinctive. The yellow flowers bloom on sunny days and are similar in appearance to violets, but are actually in the lily family.
A white flowered variety is much rarer. The above photo was taken April 20, 2009 (and the weather was gray, impending rain.)
