Leavenworth's Eryngo 2009

Leavenworth's Eryngo (Eryngium leavenworthii)

       The beautiful, exotic, bristling and menacing looking Levenworth's Eryngo or Pineapple Thistle, a native plant found in south central United States and Wisconsin, is a member of the Parsley (Apiaceae) family.
       Not commonly seen on roadsides, Leavenworth's Eryngo growing in open areas, dry fields, and prairies is well adapted to hot/dry conditions. Blooming in late summer through the fall, the flowers and leaves, beginning as green, turn to a brilliant purple as they mature.
       Growing to three feet tall and taller with spiny leaves two inches long and 3/4 inches wide, the Leavenworth’s Eryngo has 1/4 small 5 petaled star shaped flowers and numerous purple stamens (when in full bloom).
       Butterflies, such as this Great Purple Hairstreak, are attracted to the brilliant, violet colored Leavenworth's Eryngo.
       This species was named after its discoverer Melines Conklin Leavenworth (1796-1862).

Photos taken at Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Veterans(Wilson) Lake near Sulphur, Oklahoma.