In addition to some of the most iconic formations in Palo Duro Canyon SP — The Lighthouse, for example — there was one striking feature in the park when I visited it a few years ago: Woolly Paperflowers (Psilostrophe targeting). These perennials were nearly covering all the trails.
These daisy-like clumps were like ground cover in every trail we hiked. They bloom for several months, then turn brown or 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 captured these images, there was a light fragrance in the air. The Kiowa Trail is easy and short, offering constant views of Sad Monkey Peak (seen in the featured image). It parallels the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, which created the canyon that exists in the park today.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring FlowerHour, Landscapes, Palo Duro Canyon SP, Parks, Texas, and Wildflowers. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
For Terri’s Flower Hour #9.
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Steve Schwartzman
I don’t remember seeing woolly paperflower in Palo Duro Canyon, but I have seen it in west Texas, for instance at Monahans Sandhills State Park in 2014. Your pictures show that that wildflower can form expansive colonies even in a region without a lot of rain.
Egidio Leitao
The Kiowa trail was in full bloom that year. As you point out, sometimes all they need is a little rain.
margaret21
It’s more attractive than its name suggests!
Egidio Leitao
I agree with you, too.
Vicki
How lovely is that. Fragrance in the air when you’re hiking.
I can well imagine how enjoyable those hikes are.
Egidio Leitao
Vicki, thanks for your note. Yes, the trail was easy and scenic, too.
Terri Webster Schrandt
I just love all that yellow, Egidio! Sure brightened my day, and yours, I’m sure when you found them!
Egidio Leitao
Yes, it surely did. I love yellow flowers. Thanks for the feedback.