Finding Culver’s Root was a challenge. This wasn’t because the plant was hidden away somewhere or growing in some special place.
The plant was growing right there along the road. It was even in the same general location where I had seen it several years ago.
Memory versus Reality
I remembered Culver’s Root as being tall and robust. The flower column was several inches tall lined with white flowers. It caught the eye.
The guide book “Missouri Wildflowers” reports the plant can be six feet tall. Maybe my memory wasn’t really at fault.
This year the Culver’s Root plants are much smaller and thinner. Perhaps the recent dry weather and late spring frosts affected them.
Waiting
Finding Culver’s Root was only the first step. The whorled leaves and flower stalk marked these few plants as the ones I sought.
However, the flowers were still buds. That means checking the plants every couple of days until the flowers open.
Photographer’s Problem
The Culver’s Root plants were beside the road. They were also near the top of a hill and over the edge. This is a steep hill dropping down into the creek bed.
Although I know the drop is only 30 feet or so, it looks much farther to me. I don’t want to slip on the gravel and go over. Heights bother me.
The Solution
The flowers started opening. As is true of many such flower stalks, the lower flowers open first. As these fade, the ones above them open until the top flowers open.
I sat down on the edge of the road. The plants were just within reach. I pulled a couple over, steadied them and took some pictures.
Now that finding Culver’s Root is off my list, I think I’ll tackle the native cactus. A friend spotted a plant so the waiting for it to bloom begins.
