Above It All
by Connie Handscomb
Title
Above It All
Artist
Connie Handscomb
Medium
Photograph - Photography - Fine Art
Description
I'm going to take the high road, because the low road is so crowded.
~ Mia Farrow
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Red Valerian (kiss-me-quick; fox's brush ; Devil's Beard; Jupiter's Beard ; Bouncing Bess; Bloody Butcher)
Centranthus ruber
Family - Valerianaceae
This native of the Mediterranean can now be found growing wild in other countries of the world, such as France, Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, the United States and Canada.
This drought tolerant plant can be found in late spring and throughout the summer on railway embankments -- which is where I captured this one, alongside the tracks -- on old stone walls, or coastal pathways.
Although this wildflower is called Red Valerian, it can also be found in pink or even creamy white, although it is the red/pink blooms that are the largest clusters. Its flowers are fragrant, and attractive to butterflies.
The root and leaves can be eaten either boiled, or in salads, although I have never tried this myself.
Sources:
Complete Guide to Plants & Flowers [Simon & Schuster;Ed.F. Perry]
Wildflowers Of The World
and thank you, Google!
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As mentioned above, this wildflower was captured on an embankment next to the railway tracks. This young bloom on its slim stem, not yet fully open, appears floating .... above it all.
Captured in natural light; unedited .... nature in all its splendour.
Uploaded
July 1st, 2017
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Viewed 392 Times - Last Visitor from Beverly Hills, CA on 04/15/2024 at 12:27 PM
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Comments (5)
Rene Crystal
Connie, Connie, this is so beautiful - this little one rising above it all. And the quote, well, ain't that the truth. Hope you looked both ways on that embankment! Getting this photo was well worth it 'cause now we all get to enjoy nature's artistry through your capture. Faving this one!