Why is it called a basket-flower?

Click for greater clarity.

Now you see why Centaurea americana is called a basket-flower.

In contrast to the flower head in yesterday’s post, which was mature and showing the first signs of fading, the one you see here was especially fresh and vibrant, and the bracts of its “basket” even seemed to glow as if fashioned of gold leaf (oh, would that they had been, for my sake).

The date and location are the same as last time: May 18 on a piece of the Blackland Prairie in southeastern Round Rock. To see the many other places in the United States where basket-flowers grow, you can consult the state-clickable map at the USDA website.

© 2012 Steven Schwartzman