Day 194: Spring isn't complete without Snow Queens, and now I have several locations for them on my mental map which don't involve a six-mile hike. In fact, these were less than half a mile from the road, keeping company with the Fawn Lilies. This early spring bloomer is a relatively small plant, standing no more than four inches high from ground level to the top of the inflorescence. The reniform (kidney-shaped) leaves are frequently concealed by moss or other vegetation and easy to overlook. One of the most striking features of the blossoms is their purple anthers, appearing in pairs like two eyes peeping out from the center of the flower. In mature specimens, this colour may not be observable due to pollen development. The taxonomy of this plant is in flux. It was formerly known as Synthyris reniformis. The Burke Herbarium lists it as Veronica regina-nivalis, the term I will apply here.
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