Am I wrong to say that the earliest native plant to jump forth into growth is a lttle plant known as Satin Grass or Douglas' Blue-eyed Grass or Grass Widows [Olsynium douglasii (was Sisyrinchium douglasii)]? This hardy little plant is already up 3-4 cm in my garden and nursery. In past years, I worried that it would freeze like the early tips of trilliums, but this hardy cutey somehow withstands the freezing temperatures thrown at through January and February only to bloom as soon as the warm winds arrive in early March. Amazing for such a tiny plant! The following link has a great photo. http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/potd/2006/03/olsynium_douglasii_var_douglasii.php
It's very early for us, too, and we do have shoots poking out now. Never seems to be bothered by frosty weather.
