Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis). A buttercup relative native to the Balkans, but may become naturalised where it escapes from plantings. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. February, 2017.

Periwinkle (Vinca sp.). One of a few periwinkle species. Trailing vines produce small blue flowers. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. February, 2017.

Spring Crocus (Crocus vernus). Commonly planted and naturalised in North America, the spring crocus often blooms before snow melt. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. February, 2017.

Hellebore (Helleborus sp.) A native of Europe and Asia often planted ornamentally for its early blooms and unique coloration. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. February, 2017.

Golden Crocus (Crocus chrysanthus). This crocus species has a tendency to produce more than one flower per corm. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. February, 2017.

Dwarf Iris (Iris reticulata). This Russian native is one of the earliest blooming Iris species, several dwarf Iris species bear the common name and can be identified by flower color and markings on the falls (lower petals). Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. February, 2017.

Sixty degree weather in February has created some unique opportunities for me this year.  While it’s not quite late enough for much of anything to be growing or flowering, there are some typical early bloomers that appear almost out of place without a blanket of snow on the ground and nippy air on the nose. Continue reading →