Petalostemum purpureum PURPLE PRAIRIE CLOVER

This species, Petalostemum purpureum PURPLE PRAIRIE CLOVER, is much more widespread at the James Woodworth Prairie Preserve than its 'white cousin' Petalostemum candidum WHITE PRAIRIE CLOVER. This Purple Prairie Clover is a little unusual is that it grow well moderate to high levels of rainfall, but it grows as well, if not better, with low levels of rainfall. During the drought summers of 2004 and 2005, this was one of those plants that seemed to really show off it bloom. This particular image highlights the verticality of this species growth pattern, and the composition is just pleasing to my eye. I thought I'd share it with you.

Two days ago, on Saturday, I received the first rejection from my last batch of book proposals. The university located in Princeton, NJ, sent out a letter that briefly stated "Unfortunately, [Abundant Splendor: Wildflowers of the Tall Grass Prairie] does not fit our plans for our list." This is the 31st rejection since I began 'shopping this book around' in March of 2008.