Monday, September 14, 2020

Even Newer Natural History

Helianthus ferreus

A splendid example of the American Toolflower (Helianthus ferreus). The Toolflower requires a temperate climate, plenty of sun and iron-rich soil. It is often found in abandoned farmlands and gardens. The Toolflower is highly susceptible to fungal infections such as Stem Rust, Black Rust, and, in fact, pretty much any kind of rust.

6 comments:

Calypso Facto said...
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Calypso Facto said...

Habitat: Found at the confluence of Mumpsimus' and Sixty Grit's interests ...

The Dude said...

I guess I could branch out into metal working, pitch in, help out, take that fork in the road, but that wooden be prudent, not at this time...

MamaM said...

Of the Bladentine family? or the Pichenshovs?

Implements of coercion welded to a pike to serve as a perennial warning to gardeners and plants regarding the perils of encroachment?

Or a year-round show honoring husbandry and the tools and sweat required to subdue the earth and coax it into yielding more beauty and fruit?

Mumpsimus said...

Or a kind of scarecrow, meant to frighten away weeds.

MamaM said...

There's a slightly menacing quality to it that brings to mind the sharp pointy blades of the wind turbines situated atop poles on the recently sprouted wind farms which I find visually repelling.

The live sprays of spikey grass below the Toolflower are a fun juxtaposition and fine testimony to the exuberance of growth such tools help curb and guide!