Hat Pins, Eriocaulon compressum Lam.

I think I'd like to live in a world of these flowers. It seems so whimsical, light and carefree.

The Hat Pins (scientifically they'd be called Flattened Pipewort or Eriocaulon compressum Lam.) dominate the drying lake beds. They are mostly 10" tall or shorter. In a normal year all one would see would be the bloom of the Hat Pins, floating on yards-long-stems, along the lakes surfaces.



Today they somehow survive despite the complete lack of water. . .and the ever present dry air. . .strong winds. . .and temperatures in the 90s.

Eriocaulon compressum Lam. is a member of the Pipewort Family (Eriocaulaceae) and found througout the Southern tier of the USA.