The Simple Hat Pin

In our Florida spring one of the common wildflowers that you will see at Myakka River State Park are the Hat Pins–so well named that even I can remember them.  Normally I see them in small clumps along the road.  Their small, delicate stalks raise them to a height of about 12 inches.  My books tell me they are part of the pipewort family.

The small clumps always please me but they are not a dramatic flower.  And their sheer simplicity baffles my photographic skills.  The flower heads are so small and white that it seems impossible to gain the proper focus.  Their slender stalks similarly confuse both the camera’s eye and my own.  Still, they always make me smile and yesterday I was grinning from ear to ear.

Along Fence Line Road we found a fabulous stand of Hat Pins.  Dozens and dozens of the beauties, intermingled with the grasses and pine needles.  They were quite lovely.  I hope you agree.  If you click on the photo it should enlarge and you’ll be able to better appreciate these small wonders. ❧