White Trout Lily - Early spring, near Lime Valley Entrance

The White Trout Lily grows in patches 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 trees start leafing out, because once the trees have leaves, they block out the vital sunlight and the growing season is done for the Trout Lily.

This plant grows in abundane near the Lime Valley entrance and near Waterville close to the entrance of the park (right side, heading east). It is also found on the Red Jacket Trail South of Mankato. If you'll notice the leaves have a peculiar speckle (probably reminding someone of a trout, hence the name), that makes them easy to spot in the springtime. Finding them is a special treat, and is a great reward for getting out on the trail in the early spring.

Click here for Wikipedia Article on White Trout Lilies

Click here for an article from Illinois Wildflowers websites