Saturday, April 11, 2015

Prairie Crocus Flowers Near Regina, Saskatchewan

Prairie Crocus. Copyright © Shelley Banks, all rights reserved
Early spring Prairie wildflower - Prairie Crocus © SB

My first photos of the year of Prairie Crocus flowers — and the season for these wildflowers is so very short, perhaps these will be my last.

Such delicate blooms, on such hardy little plants.

Delicate, but capable of surviving our winters and pushing their way up through straw and snow to spiders and sunshine.

Delicate, but the plants themselves are easily killed if the native prairie where they grow is disturbed.

Delicate, yes, but be careful around Prairie Crocuses... These early spring flowers attract early spring insects...


Prairie Crocus. Copyright © Shelley Banks, all rights reserved
This lovely Prairie Crocus provides a meal to a little bug. ©SB
Wood tick on Prairie Crocus. Copyright © Shelley Banks, all rights reserved
No, I don't know what this tiny bug is, nor am I going to guess... ©SB 

Prairie Wildflower: Prairie Crocus
Location:  Wascana Trails, Near Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Photo Date: April 10, 2015. 

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Friday, April 10, 2015

Prairie Crocus in Flower at Wascana Trails

Prairie Crocus. Copyright © Shelley Banks, all rights reservedPrairie Crocus buds are thrusting through dried grass and mud along south-facing slopes of the Qu'Appelle Valley.

Today, I found a few at Wascana Trails, near Regina, SK.

My first trip earlier in the week yielded no purple flower sightings, but my guess is that lots more will appear over the next few days.

When I started walking down the trail, I saw only brown grasses. But then I noticed one mauve flower... And all around me, I started to see clusters of furry buds.

Walk carefully, if you're out looking for Prairie Crocuses.

The delicate stalks are easy to snap off with your feet!

Prairie Crocus. Copyright © Shelley Banks, all rights reserved
New Prairie Crocus bud, almost ready to flower  © SB
Prairie Crocus. Copyright © Shelley Banks, all rights reserved
Prairie Crocus shoots - tough to see at your feet!  ©SB
Prairie Crocus. Copyright © Shelley Banks, all rights reserved
Prairie Crocus - starting to open  ©SB


Prairie Wildflower: Prairie Crocus
Location:  Wascana Trails, Near Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Photo Date: April 10, 2015. 


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