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Arkansas Delta in Purple

February 22, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner 16 Comments

Henbit in crystal

Right now in the Arkansas Delta, the color purple is putting on a show. Fields are dressed and ready for an early spring, the color explosion proof that the soil is warming to the point of supporting blooms. This particular bloom, common henbit, looks anything but common when it blankets an entire field. It has a fancy name, Lamium Amplexicaul. Yes, henbit is a weed, but I’ve always been fond of it. And I’ve never really understood why we don’t consider it vase-worthy.

From the roadside, fields of henbit resemble Oregon lavender fields. Or a Monet painting hanging somewhere far from the Delta.

No doubt Monet’s Champ d’avoine is a stunning work of art, but Arkansas Delta in Purple is pretty breathtaking too.

Athelstan, Mississippi Co, Arkansas

Henbit d’Athelstan

Don’t you agree?

Keiser, Ar

Purple Keiser Majesty

 

Luxora, Ar

Lovely in Luxora

 

Near Carson Lake

Lavender de la Carson Lake

Maybe someday I’ll see Monet’s Meadow in Giverny and wander the banks of the River Seine on a perfect spring day.

Monet Wiese in Giverney

Monet Wiese in Giverny (Public Domain)

But for now, I’ll continue to admire the area surrounding the River Mississippi, so fetching in purple—the star of the show without being aware.

Without having a care.

Henbit
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

[tweetthis]Right now in the #Delta, the fields are alive with the color purple. #henbit #NEArk #farmgirl [/tweetthis]

“I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple
in a field somewhere and don’t notice it.” ~Alice Walker, The Color Purple

Musical Pairing:
Star of the Show, Thomas Rhett

 

Filed Under: Farm, Nature & Seasons Tagged With: Delta, henbit, Mississippi County, Northeast Arkansas, spring, weeds

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Comments

  1. Renee says

    February 22, 2017 at 7:15 am

    It’s breath taking, I’ve been up to Dads a couple of times recently and have really enjoyed the beauty of the purple fields

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 22, 2017 at 6:05 pm

      It really is. Thanks, Renee!

      Reply
  2. Barbara Tat says

    February 22, 2017 at 8:16 am

    I believe that little crystal vase with the henbit is setting on the propane tank? Right? Loved all your beautiful pictures of the color purple. Delta really dresses up!

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 22, 2017 at 6:07 pm

      Yes, that propane tank is my favorite photo prop. Found the wonderful crystal vase rummaging through the Bat Cave.

      Reply
  3. Colene says

    February 22, 2017 at 8:57 am

    Very pretty!

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 22, 2017 at 6:07 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  4. Cindy "Lu" says

    February 22, 2017 at 8:58 am

    I love simple. I love amazing. This blog is both, dear cousin. 🙂

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 22, 2017 at 6:07 pm

      Aww, thank you Cindy Lu.

      Reply
  5. Martha Orlando says

    February 22, 2017 at 9:18 am

    What a gorgeous flower, Talya! How dare anyone call something so beautiful a weed? 🙂
    Blessings!

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 22, 2017 at 6:08 pm

      I agree Martha. “A weed is but an unloved flower.” Someone said that but I forget who:)

      Reply
  6. Terri Gerrell says

    February 22, 2017 at 9:31 am

    Definitely Vase Worthy

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 22, 2017 at 6:09 pm

      Thanks, Terri! I think so too.

      Reply
  7. Katharine says

    February 23, 2017 at 1:06 am

    Oh, it is lovely, Talya, and I always love looking at it.
    In someone else’s yard.
    In mine, I spent two Springs on my hands and knees, filling a wheelbarrow with them. They are easy to pull roots and all, and I did not want to use herbicides because I had many other plants in the grass that I did like.
    The reason I removed the henbit and deadnettle, though, is that they kill other plants. The roots give off a plant toxin that helps them compete for soil nutrients by eliminating the competition.
    I know of no creature that like to eat them, either, so…

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 24, 2017 at 6:16 am

      I get it, Katharine. I know it’s a problem for farmers too.

      Reply
  8. Dorothy Johnson says

    February 23, 2017 at 10:26 am

    That little bouquet reminds me of some we gave our mother. We had that “flower” in our yard at home and I still see it in this one in my flowerbeds occasionally. I love the effect of it in the fields.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 24, 2017 at 6:17 am

      We always had it in our yard at home too, along with clover and dandelion and all sorts of fun, LOL.

      Reply

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Talya Tate Boerner


Hi! I'm Talya. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (Now Available!)

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