As the name suggests, this tiny but beautiful wildflower is a herald to the coming Spring. Blooms can often be seen even while there is still snow on the ground. But look closely as they are tiny!

Synthyris reniformis

Snow Queen

Description:

Basal leaves, weak stems, prostrate to ascending flower stalks.
Plant lightly covered with soft to shaggy hair.
Leaves heart-shaped shallow lobes with toothed margins.
Flowers in clusters at stem ends, bell-shaped purple to blue-violet or rarely white.
Grows in open conifer forests, at forest edges, grassy places, at low to mid elevations.

Rarity: Common
Flowering Time: Early Spring
Life Cycle: Perennial
Height: 2--6 inches
Habitat: West-Side Forest
Found In: Olympic Np
Native: Yes