Dwarf Trout Lily - Early spring, near Lime Valley Entrance

The Dwarf Trout Lily grows under forest trees, it is an early spring plant blooming late April to early May. Just like Bloodwort (an Ephemeral), it must grow very quickly and grow before the tree's start leafing out, because once the trees have leaves, they block out the vital sunlight and the growing season is done for the Trout Lilty.

This is a very special plant, there are many varieties of Trout Lilies, but this particular one is unique to this area, it is found in the Cannon Lake preserve area closer to Faribault, but it is also found in Sakatah State Park closer to the Waterville entrance, and also over at the Lime Valley Entrance. It is not known to exist "In the books" near Mankato, but in fact, it does. It is also found on the Red Jacket Trail South of Mankato. If you'll notice the leaves have a peculiar speckle that makes them easy to spot in the springtime. Finding them is a special treat, and if you are a botanist, then to see this plant, you'll have to come to the Sakatah in Spring, finding them is a real treasure.

Click here for Wikipedia Article on Dwarf Trout Lilies