Southern Sundrops

   I have a strong interest in night-blooming plants.  Perhaps this is because I prefer nighttime over the daylight hours or maybe it is because I find it curious that there are so many lovely flowers that very few people ever see.  Not many folks go traipsing about marshes, swamps and woods by the light of the moon.  In the gardens, there are the usual night-bloomers that are cultivated to become showpieces but, out in the wild, there are those that are equally as lovely.  It just so happens that, since I leave the place sort of "wild and woolly", wildflowers often make their way into the gardens.  I noticed a rather weedy looking plant growing next to the gatepost a couple of weeks back and was curious as to what it was.  It had sprouted up right next to a couple of wild Goldenrod that were allowed to stay so why not let this plant have a chance to prove itself, as well?  

  Since my days begin long before daylight, the first blooms on the "invader" were noticed as I headed to the pier.  A mental note was made to photograph the blooms on my way back to the Little Bayou House after fishing.  That did not happen as the blooms were withered by the sunlight.  I would have to try again.  Then, along came (wannabe) Hurricane Sally and the plant was forgotten for a few days.  This morning as I went to check on how the boat was fairing with the storm, the blooms were gorgeous!  Even with the occasional gusty winds, the plant stood strong and proud!  Yellow blooms were waving in the breezes and dripping with raindrops but I got my photos!  

  The Evening Primrose is a native plant that pops up anywhere that birds drop the seeds.  The bright yellow blooms open quickly at dusk and will wither equally as fast just after dawn.  The nectar is a food source for many moths and the seed capsules are sought by birds.  For humans the greatest use is as Evening Primrose Oil which is being studied as a possible healing aid for some conditions such as arthritis...(that would be nice!).  

  For now, the plant is welcome to stay where it is.  Eventually, it will be moved to a more convenient place as it sort of blocks the gateway.  Having useful and beautiful plants is what gardening is all about and to have another night-bloomer is an added plus.