Harbinger of Spring (Erigenia bulbosa)

''Erigenia bulbosa'', also known as harbinger of spring or pepper and salt, is a perennial plant in the carrot family . ''E. bulbosa'' is the only species in the genus ''Erigenia'' and tribe Erigenieae. This plant is known as harbinger of spring because it is one of the earliest blooming native wildflowers of rich forests in the mid-latitude United States. Throughout most of its range it blooms from late February through early April.