While some on the forum discuss ice-out, those of us in the southeast can start posting wildflower photos. We hiked a short loop (~3.5 miles) just over the border into South Carolina, and found several early wildflowers along our route. The early spring here in western NC (it was in the mid-70s this afternoon) makes up for the 1250-mile commute to Ely!

TZ

So pretty

Beautiful flower, TZ. Thank you for sharing. Enjoy the warmer weather...we're bracing for some cold ice storms. It'll be awhile before the flowers are up.

Looks like a blood root. Several months away up here.

Thanks TZ. I think I needed that. (Have had a couple difficult days here.) We are about a month from the first real wildflowers here, although if it warms up in early March I may have snowdrops. Spring is my favorite time of year.

Good to remind us that they are coming as we endure an historic 15-25 inch snowfall here in MN

Some wildflowers we enjoyed along our March 3-8, 2023, Suwannee River, Florida, trip. Crazy weather--several afternoons the temps were in the mid-80s.
TZ

It’s going to need to warm up before we will see any flowers

Meanwhile in Minnesota:

Canoearoo: "Meanwhile in Minnesota:
"

Very funny!

TrailZen: "Some wildflowers we enjoyed along our March 3-8, 2023, Suwannee River, Florida, trip. Crazy weather--several afternoons the temps were in the mid-80s.
TZ














"

That first pink flower on top is gorgeous !

Mocha: "That first pink flower on top is gorgeous !"

Thanks! The banks of the Suwannee stretch we did (river mile 171 to river mile 76) were covered with them this year. The flower is a wild azalea-- Piedmont Azalea.

TZ

Something to look forward to; thanks for this thread!

The above photos were taken in early March 2023 in Central Arizona. Mostly at Picacho Peak State Park. Others at Lost Dutchman State Park and Tonto Recreation Area.

It’s a Super Bloom Year. I was fortunate to see the flowers and hike when it was snowing in Tucson.

Zulu: "The above photos were taken in early March 2023 in Central Arizona. Mostly at Picacho Peak State Park. Others at Lost Dutchman State Park and Tonto Recreation Area.


It’s a Super Bloom Year. I was fortunate to see the flowers and hike when it was snowing in Tucson.
"

Beautiful photos, Zulu--wish we could see the super-bloom. 35 species on our last NC wildflower hike.

TZ

Does this count? The kids and I have taken to painting flowers the last few springs in an attempt to liven up a the drab month of March. Still a bit to finish but April is gloomy too so we have time!

prettypaddle: "Does this count? The kids and I have taken to painting flowers the last few springs in an attempt to liven up a the drab month of March. Still a bit to finish but April is gloomy too so we have time! "

Absolutely counts! Very creative and looks great!

prettypaddle: "Does this count? The kids and I have taken to painting flowers the last few springs in an attempt to liven up a the drab month of March. Still a bit to finish but April is gloomy too so we have time! "

That's really cool. Nice work!

prettypaddle: "Does this count? The kids and I have taken to painting flowers the last few springs in an attempt to liven up a the drab month of March. Still a bit to finish but April is gloomy too so we have time! "

Beautiful work, and of course window flowers count. Sorry March and April are rather drab in your neck of the woods. Meanwhile, on our short wildflower walk Sunday, March 26, we (mostly my wife) identified 40 blooming species in 3.5 miles.

TZ

Thanks for all the kind words! It's such a blast to do when the weather is so cold and wet. Turns out having giant paintings on your windows is also a good for striking up a conversation with more people in the neighborhood so that's a double win.

But the Virginia bluebells and ramps are starting to poke up so spring will be coming outside soon too!

Not a great photo but the blooms won't be long for these buds in southern Wisconsin...

Today's treasures.

TZ

Swamp Pinks (Which are on both the Federal and NC threatened and endangered lists)


Shortia Galacifolia (Also called Oconee Bells, found primarily along the western end of the NC-SC boundary)



The Iris and Flame Azalea are from my front yard this afternoon.

jwartman59: "



It’s going to need to warm up before we will see any flowers "

I can attest to the 50" - our cabin sit's in that band and it's ridiculous how much snow is up there right now.

YetiJedi: "Not a great photo but the blooms won't be long for these buds in southern Wisconsin...


"

Blossom!