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Trout Lilies Return to the Heard

Trout Lilies, Erythronium albidum, are now blooming at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas. They are among the first native plants to bloom here each spring. These small plants are a favorite harbinger of the coming spring among seasoned Heard visitors, volunteers and staff.

These plants provide a delightful change from the dormant appearance of winter in North Texas. The delicate beauty of their white, down-turned flowers and lovely mottled leaves (from which they received a common name) are an interesting contrast to the surrounding colonnades of oaks and the many fallen leaves that insulated them through the winter. Their subtle charm makes the process of spotting them (pun intended) feel like a treasure hunt. As one of the first plants to bloom in spring, they also provide pollinators with food at a time when little else is available. 

While the Trout Lilies are just now beginning to bloom, we encourage you to come out to see them soon. They will only be in bloom a few weeks. Please remember to leave them where they are and enjoy them from the trail (as we always ask) so that future generations may enjoy them. They are regularly seen along part of the Hoot Owl Trail, but they can also sometimes be seen along part of the Bluestem Trail and even sometimes one spot on the Wood Duck Trail. 

These beautiful and delicate plants are just one of many things to watch for along our trails this time of year. Click here for more information about what to watch for along the trails this spring. For information about tips and guidelines for visiting the Heard, click here.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore and preserve our priceless environment. The Heard was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard at the age of 80. In a time when the rate of expansion of the Metroplex was slower than today, she foresaw the need to preserve a place where future generations could experience nature. Today, the Heard's mission of bringing nature and people together is carried out through education, particularly of young people, which emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation.  For more information, visit heardmuseum.org.

 

Trout Lilies
Trout Lilies
Trout Lilies
Tuesday, 19 February 2019