Quaker Ladies

Honey-scented Alpine Bluets (Quaker Ladies) Houstonia caerulea (Hedyotis caerulea)

* these pictures taken this year *

• Family: Madder (Rubiaceae) • Habitat: fields • Height: 2-8 inches• Flower size: 1/2" across • Flower color: pale blue to white, yellow center • Flowering time: April to July • Origin: native

Quaker Ladies are wildflowers better known by their other common name, Bluets. Houstonia caerulea is the scientific name. The tiny plant appears in clusters and usually grows in woodlands, fields and on roadsides in the spring. The flowers are tiny, less than half an inch wide, four-petaled with a yellow center, and are pale blue. They are easily noticeable because they bloom profusely close to each other, making an attractive carpet on the ground.

These little ladies make their appearance each spring in my dads back yard. They've been doing this for as long as I can remember, back when I was a wee wittle Westwood weenie. They arrived right on time again this year, although they've spread out more that I recall with a clump here and a clump there but still lovely just the same.

Their presence signals that spring has arrived and for some reason, which I cannot explain, they remind me of my grandparents. So, whenever I see them making their spring time entrance a smile comes to my face and I'm taken back to when I was a wee wittle Westwood weenie and time spent with my grandparents.