During a walk along Brush Creek in Snowmass a few days ago, it was great to see corn lilies (Veratrum californicum) punching up through the winter debris of packed leaves. I love every season in the mountains, but spring is special as plants surging upward brighten the landscape! Corn lilies spread through their roots and do not depend on seeds to reproduce, often forming masses in moist open meadows. Although formerly in the Lily (Liliaceae) Family, they are now considered to be in the False Hellebore (Melanthiaceae) Family due to genetic studies. You can check out more info on this fascinating plant at Al Schneider’s terrific website, Southwest Colorado Wildflowers, Southwest Colorado Wildflowers, or in Wild at Heart on page 133.
Wild at Heart 