Green Leaves in the Winter Woods

Have you noticed some green leaves poking under the leaf litter in the woods?

Cranefly Orchid

Maybe you have seen the leaves of the cranefly orchid. The bottom of the leaf is purple! Remember where you see these leaves! By the time the orchid blooms in the summer, the leaves are gone. The flowers are small and dull in color, which makes them hard to see in the height of the growing season. I have not managed to capture a picture of the flowers. Let me know if you see one!

Little Brown Jug

Another common green leaf in the woods this time of year is that of the little brown jug. The arrow shaped leaves really stand out against the leaf litter. Wait for the brown jugs to appear below the leaves in March.