Miami Mist

I found myself along the banks of the Mad River in Logan County this evening. The Mad is fed by innumerable springs, and as a consequence its waters are perennially cool, even in the heat of summer. Much of the river is also buffered by extensive swaths of riparian forest, such as the locale that I visited tonight.

The stands of this delicate little wildflower, Miami mist, Phacelia purshii, were truly dazzling. There must have been acres of the stuff, all in peak bloom. Even though the fading light presented photographic challenges, I found it necessary to try and capture some of this plant's showiness with my lens.

Miami mist is a member of the waterleaf family (Hydrophyllaceae), and like the others in its tribe its flowers have an ornately beautiful delicateness that is hard to match among our wild plants. The petals of this species are copiously fringed, as are the sepals.

It was quite a treat to see blankets of Phacelia purshii misting the banks of the Mad River while a Rose-breasted Grosbeak sang from high overhead. Another week or two and this little annual will be done flowering for the year. Spring is rushed, and compressed - one must try and enjoy every minute.