Prairie Crocus

One of the sure signs of spring on the prairies is the appearance of the crocuses or pasque flowers. (actually an anemone not a crocus) They often appear even before the last of the snow is gone and their leaves don't appear to well after the flowers. They are generally limited to unbroken prairie where they grow in partnership with fungi in the soil. (which is destroyed by ploughing) I love their furry buds, purple flowers, and bright yellow stamens - a welcome splash of color among the drab brown of last years dead grasses.











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