This is a fabulous spring ephemeral (or short-lived flower).  It grows from underground tubers called corms, and prefers rich, humusy soil in part shade.  If conditions are right, it can form a carpet-like mat of flowers.  It is also called the grass flower or fairy spud.  Spring beauties bloom in March and April and each flower lasts only 3 days.  The flowers are star-like, with five petals, and range from white to pink with pink veins. 

This plant is edible from the tuber-like corm, which tastes like chestnut and is rich in vitamins A and C, to the leaves and flowers.  Traditionally, the Iroquis used it to treat convulsions and for contraception.  Squirrels also enjoy munching on these beauties.  Look around your neighborhood for this early spring plant friend!

Sources:

Claytonia virginica (Virginia springbeauty) | Native Plants of North America (wildflower.org)

Claytonia virginica - Plant Finder (missouribotanicalgarden.org)

The spicebush attracts butterflies and other pollinators, but it is deer resistant. Its flowers start to appear before the leaves, and it fruits in the fall. The leaves, twigs, early flowers, and bark are made to make tea. In the past, spicebush tea has been used as medicine. Sometimes hikers chew on a spicebush twig when they’re feeling thirsty.  Some birds feed on spicebush fruit and rabbits and deer like to eat the leaves. Spicebush prefers partial shade and moist soil.  It can grow 8-15 feet tall and 6-15 feet wide. 

At one time, the roots and inner bark were used to treat fevers, congestion, and vomiting.  Some people refer to them as "spice tree.”  Their twigs and flowers can be used to make tea. You can even eat the flowers!  The wood is used to make bowls, knife handles, and veneer.

Redbuds bloom pink flowers and they start blooming at a young age.  A mature adult Redbud can grow up to 40 feet tall and 35 feet wide.  Its natural habitat is open woodland, woodland borders, dolomite glades, and along rocky streams and bluffs. The flowers are an excellent source of nectar for bees in the springtime.  Its seeds are eaten by birds.  According to the ASPCA, it is not poisonous to dogs.