Suns
From the onset of the growing season right through to the hard frost of autumn, flowers from the sunflower family (Asteraceae) sustain life in meadows and fields, roadsides and ditches. From the first dandelions that turn every not-yet-mowed lawn into a golden carpet, through the daisies of June, the chicories, hawkweeds and sunflowers of July and August, to the last purple heads of aster in the fall, this group of flowers offer beauty for the eye and nourishment for many insects all season long.
As with many families, some of the individual members share a resemblance more than others. New England Aster and Ox-eye Daisy, share that bright center cluster of tiny flowers, while Chicory maintains its violet color throughout.
Dandelions are all center flowers, with none of the outer petals at all.
Although the species within this family may differ in many ways, they all have in common those tightly-packed tiny flowers. It is there that insects come to feed all summer long.
From the time the sun rises on the growing season until it finally sets with the first frost, these little suns, like their namesake, nourish others. And in turn, many of the diners at their table of plenty carry pollen from plant to plant, ensuring the future for the flowers. And so goes the season of the sun. Plants supporting insects, insects supporting plants, all supported and nourished by the generosity of the sun. May it ever be so.
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So much enjoy the photos!