Straggler daisy

When I was busy photographing frostweed doing its trick the other morning, I noticed that close to the base of one of those ice formations a straggler daisy had managed to flower, even if it looked a bit worse for wear from the cold. Known scientifically as Calyptocarpus vialis, this ground-hugging little plant produces a flower head no more than three-eighths of an inch across. Some people look down on the straggler daisy when they call it lawnflower, an alternate name based on its frequent appearance in lawns (in lieu of which, ironically, it forms an excellent native ground cover that requires little water and care).

For more information about Calyptocarpus vialis, including a map showing the states that this little species has managed to straggle its way through, you can consult the USDA website.

© 2011 Steven Schwartzman