Woolly Paperflower

— In addition to some of the most iconic formations in Palo Duro Canyon SP — The Lighthouse is the most famous — there was one striking feature in the park this spring: Woolly Paperflowers (Psilostrophe targeting). These perennials were nearly covering all trails. These daisy-like clumps were like ground cover in every trail we hiked. They bloom for several months until they turn brown, sometimes whitish, and papery. Of course, this plant is very adapted to dry conditions, such as in this park. In some instances, such as in the Kiowa Trail, where I made this shot, there was a light fragrance in the air. The Kiowa Trail is easy and short and offers constant views of the Sad Monkey Peak (seen above). It parallels the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, which created the canyon that exists today.