Love Grass

Yes that is really a type of grass, but I can't say I'm 100% sure that is what this is. But you know, had to come up with a catchy name! When taken I had this id'd as love grass but feel free to correct me if I'm mistaken.

Obviously I like taking shots of grasses. Being so close to the largest remaining expanse of unbroken tall grass prairie in the U.S. gives one many opportunities to to experience what is by far the most important plant on earth.

I still have the Orton effect stuck in my head so I took this shot which I felt was heading for the trash bin and worked it up with the effect just to see how it turned out. My judgment is still undecided. Thought I would share it just cause, well I can.

Brad, I think you are right about the name. There are at least 18 species of love grass in the region, some native and some from Europe and the taxonomic keys start out with characteristics of the root and leaves so it would be tough to get this one down to species by using this photo.

The common name refers to any of several annual or perennial grasses of the genus Eragrostis, some of which are cultivated for their delicate, spraylike flower-spikes.

I'd say the name originated in Europe by some suitor picking a handful to present to some potential prey or I mean spouse.

Three inches of rain here today and counting. This is helping to make up for the 7 inches below normal deficit in this area.

Best,
Don

I'm with you on the grasses, Brad. There's just something about their shape, color, and patterns that I find quite appealing.

This turned out really nice - love the color palette and out of focus parts in the frame. Thanks for sharing.

I think it turned out to be a fine and interesting image!

Brad,
Colors are subdued and enchanting. The combo of red, greens and that one blurred orange is a photographic abstract.

Is this what I call "tickle grass"? that comes up one's trouser leg and just keeps on creeping up?

the fisch

Larry, tickle grass is in a different genus Agrostis. It's full name is Agrostis hyemalis. It is a native grass that is commonly found in prairies as well as a variety of other habitats. Last June, I was trying to photograph pale purple coneflowers on a windy day, which is often the case on prairies. Tickle grass often breaks off at the base and can become a tumbleweed. The wind kept pushing tickle grass through the prairie and some would hang up on the coneflowers I was trying to photograph. I would then have to dislodge the little tumbleweeds and send them on their way. By the time I would get back to my camera and tripod, more tickle grass would hang up on the flowers . It took several tries before I got the shots I wanted.

Yes, tickle grass can migrate up a persons pants leg. I mean way up to the point of having to remove them as they reach their final destination. It can be an uncomfortable situation in public.

The roughened stems seem to adhere to clothing and as you walk it migrates up your pant leg. I know of no other plant that is that mischievous .

Best,
Don