Flower for the Day Spring Beauty 4-18-22

The wildflowers have begun to bloom. Here is the ubiquitous Spring Beauty (Claytonia ozarkensis) which literally covers the woodland forests by the trails. It is breathtaking up close.

It grows from March though June and is one of the earliest spring ephemerals. The plant grows from spherical underground tubers in light humus. They sprout and bloom before the tree canopy develops. Once the area is shaded, the plants whither leaving only the tuberous roots underground.

              a young wing flutters

         warmer nights laved in moon beam

         spring's new soul takes flight

          Charlie Smith