Spring Beauties

These are Spring Beauties.

If you see this little wild flower, than you know that spring has definitely arrived.  They like the dappled sunlight and the rich soil to be found in undisturbed woodlands.

Believe it or not, these tiny little flowers have edible tubers that can be cooked just like potatoes.  They are sometimes called "fairy spuds".  They are quite small.

I love their beautiful starry shape, and gorgeous, delicate stripes.

Euell Gibbons, author of Stalking the Wild Asparagus, wrote, "The tubers are good food for the body, but after a long winter, the pale-rose flowers in early spring are food for the soul."  Indeed.