Once the weather makes the slightest turn toward warmth, plants do their best to make up for lost time. That is particularly true for wetland plants that have been encased in cold water or ice for months on end. One of the earliest and most spectacular is the skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) due to its somewhat unique ability to generate heat, thus letting it bloom when there is still ice and snow on the ground.
From its flower it is easy to confuse coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) with dandelion (Taraxacum) but if you look closely the leaves give its identify away. It has been used as a herbal remedy for coughs and sore throats.
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) is another yellow Spring flower. A wetlands plant, I think either Juana or I tracked it into our lawn years ago. Clumps pop up every year in the most conspicuous of places.
