The Prairie Crocus is the Provincial Flower of Manitoba.
This is an early spring flower, that used to grow in abundance. I remember as a child, picking arms full of these flowers. Back then, nobody considered them that special, because the pastures were full of them. Today this is a protected species.
These gentle flowers grow, even as the first tiny blades of green grass show up.
It is best to leave these plants right where they are, as those are the best growing conditions for them.
Every year, I look forward to getting a few more pictures.
The open flower is likely no more than about two inches across. The petals are a soft lavender on the outside and almost white on the inside, highlighted by the bright yellow centers.
The stem is covered in the softest tiny hairs. I can not say for certain, but I'm thinking it gives some protection from the cold.
I have been blessed in recent years to find a couple of local spots where these flowers bloom.
Provincial flower emblem or not, they are just so sweet. I marvel at the intricate details in these tiny, short-lived flowers.
As we end another month and step into a new one, the following verse is appropriate.
Do not allow yourself to wake up with yesterday’s issues troubling your mind.
Refuse to live backwards, see every day as a NEW chapter.
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