Identifying "Arhustus" or "May Flowers": A South Jersey Mystery

A gardener's 97-year-old great-aunt recalled hunting for a native flower called "arhustus" (or "may flowers") in South Jersey woods each May. The botanical name arhustus doesn't correspond to any known species. "May flowers" commonly refers to several spring-blooming wildflowers, such as Hepatica (liverleaf), Viola species (violets), or Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower)—tiny white flowers in wet woods. Another candidate is Podophyllum peltatum (mayapple), though its flower is hidden under large leaves.

Without more description (color, leaf shape, habitat), precise identification is impossible. Consulting regional wildflower guides for southern New Jersey or contacting the Native Plant Society of New Jersey may help solve this family mystery.