BASKET ANEMONE

(Anemone heterophylla)

Another early bloomer. the 10-petal anemone occurs in grassy fields. This particular specimen was found along the edge of Highway 71 near my mailbox. One little clump of these flowers broke up the masses of bluebonnets and paintbrushes.

A myth is connected to this flower: Once upon a time, a beautiful nymph named Anemone lived in the court of Flora. Flora was the goddess of the flowers. Her husband, Zephyr, was god of the west wind. Well, as often happens with beautiful young things, Anemone enticed Zephyr. When Flora realized her husband was in love with Anemone, Flora banished her from the court. Sadness killed Anemone, but at Zephyr's prodding, the goddess Venus transformed her body into a flower that would be reborn every spring.