Kip’s Comments - March 30, 2026

Chasing Colors (in reverse)

I have often thought it would be fun to follow fall colors from north to south some year before winter hits. Today I did the opposite - I drove north to follow early spring colors as winter transitions to spring the further north a person travels.

During today’s pursuit I found early -blooming species: snow trilliums, skunk cabbage, and hepatica, along with some ramps (leeks). There were a couple of bloodroot plants and false rue-anemones developing buds, but none were displaying blossoms. Following is a sampling of the wildflowers in bloom.

Snow Trillium - Image 1087475FS

Hepatica - Image 1080562

Skunk Cabbage - Image 1080744

Ramp (Leeks) - Image 1080712

Not only were some wildflowers visible in abundant numbers, but so too were the crimson cup fungi (aka scarlet cup fungi). I will share a few samples of these bright red fungi. I must have found them at their peak since I have never seen so many so red - ever. It was a real thrill to see the crimson cups so plentiful.

Crimson Cup Fungi - Image 1080464

Crimson Cup Fungi - Image 1080273

Crimson Cup Fungi - Image 1080279