harbinger of spring

[rbind]

can anyone tell me please who or what is the 'harbinger of spring' Many thanks

[shaneystar2]

I can only think of plant .. a wildflower ... a type of parsley commonly called salt and pepper.

[Quizmonster]

A harbinger is a forerunner which acts as a herald for some greater person/thing yet to come. 'Erigenia bulbosa' is the name of the North American herb that flowers in March. As such, it has been referred to as the "harbinger of spring" since the mid-19th century.
I daresay this is the same plant that Shaney is referring to above.

[rbind]

thank you very much shaney and quizmonster for your help.I am enquiring for a friend of a friend who is doing a quiz and it is to do with flowers so I imagine your answers are correct.again many thanks and merry christmas

[slaney]

Lots of possible answers .. the Cuckoo in folklore,or according to Wordsworth's poem the snowdrop.

[Quizmonster]

You'd be absolutely right, Slaney, had the question read "What is a harbinger of spring?" The thing, though, is that the plant we've mentioned is specifically called "The harbinger of spring", as stated in the question.

[Quizmonster]

My apologies...only the word 'the' was meant to be emphasised in the last line above.