(I started writing this "Earth Day" post last night and fell asleep with my hands on the keyboard. Fortunately for me, Earth Day comes around with each sunrise.)
Epigaea repens
Trailing Arbutus
Mayflower
When I was little, I learned that this Spring-flowering gem is the official flower of Massachusetts, and that "picking it is Against The Law!" But only when I was about to post this picture did I realize I don't know exactly what that means. Is it Rare? Protected? Endangered?
So I fell down the google rabbit-hole, and wasted a lot of time on found a lot of contradictory "facts" and "history." The way you do.
Then I smartened up a little bit and visited the Massachusetts Legislature website to find the number of the existing law. Then on to the State Archives, to find the history of the law. The original law written in 1918 simply designated the mayflower "the flower or floral emblem of the commonwealth." This law was amended alarmingly soon; in 1925 the following language was added "as an emergency law, to prevent the extinction of the mayflower":
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I wonder what was behind the law being written in that way, don't you? Very belated Boston Tea Party backlash?
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There was a further amendment in 1953, which spelled out who has the authority/responsibility to enforce the law. Making me wonder if the law had ever been - or will ever be - enforced. Anyone looking for a Term Paper project in botany/history/law? There you go. Please share a copy; I'd love to read it.
Meanwhile, I'll be over here, enjoying this lovely little patch of Epigaea repens I happened upon yesterday. I don't see it often, so finding it blooming was a special treat.
p.s. Trailing Arbutus is very unlikely to survive being transplanted, as it relies on the presence of a specific soil fungus. Even if I was tempted to be a villainous arbutus-thief, I wouldn't risk it. Not even without a disguise.
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I just heard last night that the mayflowers were out, and I had no idea what they were. What timing! They are a pretty little flower. I can see why people would want to pick them. Too bad they don't transplant.
ReplyDeletePretty and aromatic! I did read that plants are propagated for sale at nurseries, so maybe the soil is inoculated with the necessary fungus. Or maybe a cultivar has been developed that doesn't require it. Might be worth a look.
DeleteMethinks locating in day time to grab the flowers at shows ill intent. Picking them in the day time while out for a bit of fresh air unaware of what they are is more innocent like.
ReplyDeleteAs kids in MA it was the lady slipper we were warned about the most. They were plentiful around Concord. In front of the Alcott house to the right under the pine trees there was a bunch of them. It was a magical place.
Oh yes, ladyslippers too! I see many here every year, but it never occurs to me to pick them. Early indoctrination is powerful stuff. Only in recent years have I begun to pick a few flowers - even daffodils and daisies - from my own gardens!
DeleteI've heard of Mayflowers but I think this might be the first time I've seen pictures of any. Beautiful flower. Here, there are restrictions on trilliums - but, like you found, the law is cloaked in multiple layers of heresay vs. the actual thing. Apparently picking the flowers will kill the actual plant - or at least that's what we're told.
ReplyDeleteWe have endangered species around here, but they're pretty hard to find anyway, smart plants. But I have a hard time picking flowers anyway. If I have a broken daffodil I'll bring it in the house, but just picking, no.
ReplyDeleteSo, you can transplant them on your own property, but just not on public lands...or your neighbor's yard - and make sure you take off your disguise when you're doing it! CO has a similar law, but it pertains to ALL wildflowers. Happy Saturday, Quinn - beautiful little flower!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tanya! When I look at the list of native plants formally documented in MA which are no longer found here, I think CO has a pretty good idea!
DeleteJust don't steal in disguise!! That add-on was too funny!!!! Made me laugh. I love that it's springtime there!
ReplyDeleteJust barely...still going down to 30 some nights, but definitely Spring in the daytime :)
DeleteThat is hilarious. Why would anyone disguise themselves and secretly go out to dig up mayflowers? Such tiny little flowers -- wouldn't see a need in picking them. There are old laws on the books that need to seriously be done away with.
ReplyDeleteThere was apparently a huge market for mayflowers, both for their beauty and their aroma.
DeleteI agree the "disguise" part of the law is outdated, although mysteriously and comically intriguing! But personally I'd like to see the fine increased to reflect inflation; from what I could find, the 1925 fine would translate to more than a thousand dollars in 2016.
Such a fun read. Didn't even know there was a Mayflower, but of course there is! Happy Earth Day, Quinn!!
ReplyDeleteI was baffled as a kid by how the Puritans could have named the ship for a flower they hadn't seen yet! I'm hoping a reader from England will comment to tell us what plant "mayflower" is in England.
DeletePS Just signed up to follow Mennonite Girls Can Cook per your list of blogs you like. We have a large community of Mennonites in our town where our lake house is located.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting read. If you ever feel the need to pick (I hope not!), don't do it in disguise ;-)
ReplyDeleteWow Quinn the leaves do look different! Wonder if there are 2 slightly different species or if maybe the area it grows determines the texture of the leaves? Fascinating for sure : )
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