since returning from france, i have been forced to hide from the late summer sun and humidity by walking primarily shaded woodland trails. today, the temperatures were sufficiently cool and the skies overcast, so i got my first chance to enjoy one of my favorite prairie walks. although i have walked this particular trail hundreds of times, today for some reason, i was quietly overwhelmed at the number and variety of grasses. all of which, appeared to be flowering.

among my favorite, were the winking eyelashes of these blue grama grass seed heads. although they look like falsies, there is nothing false or suspicious about them. i am so used to finding out that common plants i find are also invasive that it was a gratifying relief to discover that this one is a native shortgrass of the american great plains. the real deal.

blue grama grass with seed heads

rice creek regional trail