Ecology of Early-Rising Plants

Hyacinths coming up through the snow.

Snowdrops, popping up for an early spring show.

You may wonder why there are some plants that bloom and grow in very early spring. Sometimes these plants will even grow right through snow that’s still on the ground. Crocuses are an example of this (hence the well-known name of Snow Drops, pictured to the right.). But why would some plants have adapted to grow in such seemingly unfavorable conditions?

The answer is that they are simply taking advantage of the sun and other resources before their competition picks up. When trees and bushes or thick meadows leaf out and start to grow, getting a glimpse of the sun underneath all that growth can be hard to come by. Not to mention the increased competition from neighboring plants for nutrients and water.

Early-rising plants seek to load up on resources before their neighbors have a chance to wake up from their winter rest and start competing for the same resources.

White hyacinths make a beautiful contrast with other spring flowers.

If you’re going to plant spring bulbs, you plant in the fall, before the first frost.  (And conversely, if you’re going to plant fall bulbs, you plant them in the spring.)  That way, they’ll overwinter in the ground and be the first to come up.

My wife’s favorites are the purplish-blue hyacinths and the white hyacinths.  Together they make a stunning contrast and a gorgeous spring display.