A few miles can make a big difference in the variety of wildflowers found. This trailing plant with clusters of sweet-smelling pink or white blooms which are only about a half inch can be found growing under tall conifers and deciduous trees in acidic soil. Trailing arbutus, also called mayflower or mayflower trailing arbutus, is an ancient plant that has existed since the last glacier period. According to folklore, this flower was the first spring-blooming plant the pilgrims saw after their first winter in the new country.

The seeds of the plant are dispersed by ants, but the plant rarely produces fruit and trailing arbutus wildflowers are nearly impossible to transplant and is protected by law in many states. It has become rare in areas so it is a treat to stumble across some.

Trailing Arbutus