We met along the shore of the Rivanna River in the Key West area of Charlottesville. So many things were to be discovered. It was this very day, in April 2010, and it was part of my training to become a master naturalist. That trip allowed the first time ever, for me to see the tiny plant, Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum).

Every spring now, from its very first day as winter is left behind, I am on the lookout for the first signs of the Trout Lily coming up. Here you see that sign. A single leaf emerging from the soil. When the plant matures and blooms, there is a second leaf. From year to year plants will send up a single leaf but not necessarily a bloom or a second leaf. I found this leaf yesterday, the first Trout Lily leaf so far. This particular one, just a teeny 3/4 inch tall.

It was such a surprise to me, that first sight of a Trout Lily all those years ago. Such a very small bloom, growing on a flowering stalk 6 inches tall. Easy to miss if you aren’t looking for the little things. That’s me. Always looking for the little things. The things that others miss.