It’s that time again. Spring. When the dogs finally lay down on our morning walk because I’m continually stopping to look closely at yet another emerging wildflower. 

This morning, my focus was the Western Marbleseed. 

I’ve admired the subtle beauty of this plant for years and even snapped a quick photo or two, but this morning I decided to give it its due.

Western Marbleseed is a perennial herb that is native to a large part of the US; endangered in some areas. It doesn’t surprise me that this plant is from the “Boraginaceae” family; I’ve long been attracted to the beautiful hairy Borage. I’ve read that it can grow up to 3 feet in some areas, but here it stays closer to the ground, as if it would rather be unnoticed.

I’m sure part of what attracts me to this plant is the textural quality in those soft white hairs that cover the entire plant. The flowers that emerge from the spiraling coils and droop in clusters evoke a demure beauty. As if they hold the secrets of the prairie.

Isn’t it gorgeous?