Backyard Nature: Fleeting ephemerals and amorous amphibians

by Marlene Berlin

American toads have a distinctive sound, one I listen for beginning in March.

Their song is barely imperceptible early in the season, and it took longer to make it out this year.

I first heard them the morning of April 1, while on the Rock Creek Valley Trail north of Military Road. I thought I might also be able to see the toads as I crossed the Rolling Meadow Bridge over Rock Creek. But I could not hear them there, either.

I again heard the faint hum on my way back, passing the Broad Branch daylighted stream. The sound vanished as I approached my favorite frog pool in the Linnean Park stream, but I saw some ripples.

Yes, the toads were there, and though I heard no mating calls, mates had clearly found each other. Some were even in mating position — one on top of the other.

And as always, it was delightful to see them again.

One evening soon I will be head out to hear the annual frog chorus at Broad Branch stream. Let me know if you’d like to join me.

Keep your eyes peels for spring ephemerals

The blossoms on our trees have been grabbing our attention.

But many are beginning to fade as the leaves push through.

Flowers abound, however, if you train your eyes on the ground. Native spring ephemerals are out in full force along the Soapstone trail and in Rock Creek Park.

Look down and look closely. Ephemerals are fleeting and most die back as the trees above leaf out and block the sun. Even their leaves die back, usually after four to eight weeks.

First, however, you might spot lesser celandine, an invasive plant that is carpeting more and more of our landscape in early spring.

Invasive lesser celendine blankets parts of Rock Creek Park.

Lesser celandine is very difficult to eradicate. The root tubers have to be dug out during its spring growing season. Large infestations require herbicides, and can take several applications.

Thankfully, the parks’ spring ephemerals have not been completely smothered by the invasive plants.

The trout lily can be found in large masses, but can’t outcompete the lesser celandine without our help.

Trout lily

A large grouping of trout lilies

Mayapples are a type of ephemeral that reproduce asexually.

A few more ephemerals for your enjoyment:

Cut-leaf toothcup

Yellow harlequin

Bloodroot

And not an ephemeral but blooming now and lovely:

Violets