A First Sign of Spring (You Might Be Missing It)

Can you guess what this flower is?

Last week, I found this tiny flower in my yard—so small I almost missed it.

It was tucked low to the ground, growing between patches of grass, barely noticeable unless you were looking for it. I almost drove my wheelchair right past it.

A tiny periwinkle, with white strokes.

I had to get close to even see it clearly.

This little flower is called speedwell.

And in places like the Midwest, it’s one of the very first signs that spring is coming back.

The name “speedwell” comes from an old phrase meaning “go well on your journey.”

A small kind of blessing.

The kind you might miss if you weren’t looking down.

🌸 1. The name “Speedwell”

• The name “speedwell” comes from old English usage meaning “may you fare well” or “go well on your journey.”
• It was often seen as a small blessing along the path—especially for travelers.

🌼 2. A flower people almost always overlook

• It’s commonly considered a weed, not a cultivated flower
• Yet it blooms earlier than most garden flowers

🌱 3. One of the earliest pollinator helpers

• These tiny flowers are actually important early food for bees and insects
• At a time when very little else is blooming

🌸 4. Symbolism

Speedwell has been associated with:

• Hope
• Gentle protection
• Enduring presence
• Quiet resilience

🌿 5. It follows the ground

• It grows low and close to the earth, not tall or showy
• Almost like it’s meant to be discovered, not announced

I think there’s something really beautiful about how something so important can be so hidden.

Sometimes it looks like something small and easy to overlook.

Just small signs that something is returning and making something beautiful.