Ephemeral

Wild geranium in bloom

Mayapples have wilted in July’s heat, bringing to a close the season of spring ephemerals. In the Ladd Arboretum, prairie plants are now towering, and plants like these retreat until next spring.Sharp-lobed hepatica, one of the first wildflowers to bloom

Top to bottom: sharp-lobed hepatica, birdfoot violet, wild geranium, prairie smoke

— Wendy Pollock