Regrettably, this upcoming week will mark Jaylen Vinney's final days working with Friends of the Blufflands. Jaylen, an AmeriCorp service member placed through WisCorp, has been part of our team since May, dedicating her time from 7 AM to noon on Mondays and Fridays. She has been a joy to have on the team, as she is not only a diligent worker but also a delightful individual to have around. We will certainly miss her and extend our best wishes for her future endeavors. What more fitting farewell than capturing a photo of her framed by blazing star!
Now let's talk about the plant of the week, rough blazing star, known by its scientific name, Liatris aspera, which is currently blooming as shown in the photo. It is a favorite for many due to its pinkish-purple hue that enhances the beauty of the prairie from August through September. Unlike most spike-type flowers such as the previously highlighted purple prairie clover, rough blazing star blooms from the top down instead of the bottom up, as evident in the photo. Another species of this genus found growing on the bluff prairies is cylindrical blazing star, known as Liatris cylindracea, which thrives on Vista prairie. Both of these plants are perennials and attract numerous native bees and butterflies. They are commonly used to convey feelings of joy and happiness in floral arrangements for weddings and Valentine's Day...but remember not to pick them on the bluff prairies!
The name "Liatris" has uncertain origins. According to a source on iNaturalist, it is possibly linked to the Greek word "iatros," which means "physician" and suggests the plant's healing properties. The term "Aspera" is associated with the plants' rough-textured leaves. These flowers, along with goldenrods and asters, will be beautifying our prairies for the upcoming weeks. [Source: https://ecuador.inaturalist.org/posts/85670-origin-of-name-liatris]
So, here's a toast to our Person of the Year, Jaylen, as she moves forward into the next chapter of her life! Thank you, Jaylen!
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