Spring appears to be having a challenge this year in establishing a foot-hold as a series of snowy weather fronts rush through. Nevertheless, the trout streams of Central Wisconsin welcome all visitors to their banks. Some come to fish the early trout season, others to enjoy the walk and some who know it is time to be watchful for the earliest of spring flowers.
It has taken me years to get the timing and location correct to see trout lilies in bloom. The name, trout lily, implied to me there should be some degree of synchrony between my love of spring trout fishing and the pleasure of seeing this early season lily. It is not that trout fishing success kept me distracted from observing stream side vegetation as much as it was learning when and where to find the lily. Field guidebooks show, mid to late April are good dates to begin searching hardwood forests in areas of partial sun to mostly shade with soils of deep, moist loam. The lily is perennial and grows in small to large colonies and at times displays a preference for areas previously exposed to ground disturbance. These conditions are common along some of our trout streams and their habit of forming colonies creates an eye catching view of beauty across a landscape of grey and brown dead vegetation from the past year. The fact that trout lilies readily grow into areas previously exposed by ground disturbances is a worthwhile benefit since such areas near trout stream are subject to erosion, a negative impact on stream quality and trout habitat.
The white trout lily (Erythronium albidium, pictured here) has petals of white that are tinged on their back in violet. The petals are formed in a nodding blossom that usually opens by 10:00 am and closes in early evening. The blossom is positioned on a graceful scape emerging from a basal cluster of robust olive green leaves. The mottled green and brown marking on the leaves, resemble the vermiculated dorsal marking of brook trout, hence the origin of this common name. Other common names are dog’s-tooth violet and serpent’s tongue. The blossoming stage is short lived and therefore can be easily missed; however, the leaves remain obvious throughout the trout season and are a nice reminder to search again the following spring.
There is a second trout lily in Wisconsin, named the yellow trout lily, that has many of the same characteristics of the white trout lily, except for petal color. Both species are widespread across Wisconsin with the white more common in the south and the yellow most common in the north of the state. Trout lilies are accompanied by a myriad of other spring ephemeral flowers, such as skunk-cabbage, hepatica, bloodroot, Dutchman’s-breeches, spring beauty and false rue-anemone – just to name a few. In combination landscapes adjacent to trout streams are innately beautiful.
Yes, our streams are for fishing; however, I am certain the giftedness of trout streams in the form of flowered petals and vermiculated patterned leaves is not left unappreciated by many fishers who stalk their banks. Perhaps it can be said, “Brook trout colors compliment April florals in rains that bring May flowers”.
