field image of Senecio pauperculus BALSAM RAGWORT at the James Woodworth Prairie Preserve - several specimens after the flower petals have dropped; one seed pod has dispersed it mature seeds, three other seed pods have opened to begin the white filament wind borne dispersal process
field image of Senecio pauperculus BALSAM RAGWORT at the James Woodworth Prairie Preserve - a small stand growing where a controlled burn the previous spring or fall cleared away the debris; the dark 'dots' are the seed heads of various species of Carex sedges
close up image of Senecio pauperculus BALSAM RAGWORT at the James Woodworth Prairie Preserve - a single specimen showing a branched, terminal flower head after the center-most bloom has opened and the outer blooms are starting to open
close up image of Senecio pauperculus BALSAM RAGWORT at the James Woodworth Prairie Preserve - a branched, terminal cluster flowerhead, with the center-most bud open to where the disk flowers are about to begin opening
field image of Senecio pauperculus BALSAM RAGWORT at the James Woodworth Prairie Preserve - a small stand seen through debris from the previous growing season
close up image of Senecio pauperculus BALSAM RAGWORT at the James Woodworth Prairie Preserve - a single seed pod in the last stages prior to wind dispersal
close up image of Senecio pauperculus BALSAM RAGWORT at the James Woodworth Prairie Preserve - a branched, terminal flower head at full bloomThis species is featured in the book Abundant Splendor: Wildflowers of the Tall Grass Prairie, which is now available for purchase. Contact frank@black-sweater-art.com for more information.