Flora of East-Central Indiana

Harbinger of Spring 
Scientific Name Erigenia bulbosa  (Michx.) Nutt
Family Name Apiaceae (Parsley/Carrot Family)

Characteristics

 

Habitat: rich woods
Plant Height: to 25 cm, erect stem
Flower Color: white
Flower: complete; perfect; 5 white petals make 5 red/brown or blackish anthers stand out
Inflorescence: small umbels subtended by  leafy bracts
Fruit: schizocarp; flat disk; cordate (heart-shaped) at base; notched at tip; ribbed
Leaves: 1-2 cauline leaves are alternate; divided into narrowly lobed segments; entire
Bloom Time: March-April
Origins: native
Other: one of the earliest native bloomers in East-Central Indiana; only native flower of this genus to area; also called Pepper and Salt
erigenia_bulbosa_platform.jpg (30418 bytes)

Erigenia_bulbosa_umbel.JPG (45591 bytes)

 Erigenia_bulbosa_scopeclose.jpg (24802 bytes)
general form habit close up of leaf/flower close up of flower

Native Wildflowers ● Trees, Shrubs&Vines ● Ferns ● Grasses&Allies ● Non-Native Species ●  ECI Flora Home

information provided by

FSEEC
Field Station and
Environmental Education Center
Ball State University, Muncie, IN



comments to:
hbrown@bsu.edu