I'm trying to identify a plant which is currently blooming in my woodland. It has very tiny (1/8 inch)white flowers with 5 rounded petals. The plants are quite common and about a foot high, with rounded,lobed leaves similar to harbinger-of-spring or something in the hemlock family. I'm unable to find anything that matches it any of my field guides. It's taller than harbinger-of-spring, later blooming I think, and it does not have a round bulbous root, or red anthers. I do not think it's harbinger-of-spring, but thought the comparison might help id it. Any body have any ideas of what it might be?
Harbinger-of-Spring or Erigenia bulbosa is a favorite of botanical field trips in late March or early April because it is the first such plant to bloom. I have never seen one more than 2" in height. You are describing a plant similar to Cardamine with one exception, Cardamine like all crucifers has only 4 petals. Sam
I was just able to id this plant, thanks to a link in the Native Plants forum to a Missouri Flora website. The plant is Chaerophyllum procumbens (Streambank Chervil), and it's not in my Newcomb's so that's why I couldn't find it. It is a member of the Apiaceae family. I'm so excited I finally found it!
