The native woodlands of Illinois found in Allerton Park, Busey Woods and others come alive with flowers this time of year. Also the unique variety and durability of spring wildflowers can add spice to a shady garden.
Mayapples are very obvious right now.
They look like colonies of miniature green umbrellas where wood nymphs go to get out of the rain. Their white flowers are held underneath the large leaves, but only on plants with twin umbrellas. If you look close, you may still find a few Dutchman's breeches in bloom. The lacy blue- green leaves of dutchman's breeches look like their relative bleeding heart. Bloodroot leaves are visible, but the flowers have long since shown their glory.