Raindrop Grass
It's looking like the pasture won't get a second cutting this year, and so all winter, we'll be drenched unless we stay on the mown path through the field--or unless all the water the grasses hold is frozen. It's amazing how much moisture is held by the tangle of thick grasses that make up a hay field, and we'll be happy for our Muckboots on the cold morning walks ahead.
There is one tiny grass in particular that is remarkable for how it holds dew and rain, and especially rain. It is as if it holds a snapshot of an overnight rain for us to see the next morning, each droplet captured in space just where it fell. It is a low-growing grass with hundreds of small, mauve flowers rather than a tall spikey grass like most, and this gives it a diffused softness, a pinkish wispy aspect that even when dry is lovely. It is a plant for which I have no name, so I call it Raindrop Grass. (Larger image is here.)
Comments
I say don't mow the pasture if it provides such beautiful kodachrome opportunities. Wonderful shot!
Posted by: Susan | September 15, 2006 6:33 AM
That IS lovely. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Robin Fletcher | September 15, 2006 12:51 PM
I can't be certain, not enough detail in the photo, but is that johnson grass? It has the right structure and color, but it may not be because usually the word tiny isn't used to describe johnson grass, except for the seed heads which are actually quite beautiful. Here is a photo of johnson grass up close http://www.pecorfamily.com/Blog_202006_2D08_2D18_20Johnson_20Grass.jpg. Of course, in a field that has had a late first cutting, the johnson grass might only be 12" off the ground right now due to the dry weather. Johnson grass I left on a ridge slope next to indoor hit six feet in height and started spooking horses!
Sean
Posted by: Sean Pecor | September 15, 2006 10:05 PM
Sean, it's similar to Johnson Grass's inflorescence but there's essentially no stalk. The plant never grows taller than about 10-12 inches, regardless of the season or weather. Bet its a close relative, though.
Posted by: fred1st | September 16, 2006 6:29 AM
Living in the urban heart of Houston Texas, a photo like this takes my breath away. Incredibly beautiful to the eyes of this city girl on a cloudy Sunday morning. Thanks for sharing...
Posted by: Tish | September 17, 2006 1:39 PM
Oooh! This is so lovely.
Thanks for posting!
For some reason, it makes me thirsty, though...
Posted by: Cowtown Pattie | September 17, 2006 3:02 PM