Spring ephemerals are a group of flowering plants that bloom early in the spring, often before trees fully leaf out. These plants typically have a short life cycle, emerging from the ground, flowering, and setting seeds within a few weeks. They thrive in forested areas and are adapted to take advantage of the sunlight that reaches the forest floor during this brief period. Common examples of spring ephemerals include trillium, bloodroot, and hepatica. These plants often have unique adaptations, such as storing energy in underground structures like bulbs or rhizomes, allowing them to survive the rest of the year when conditions are less favorable.