What's Blooming Now?
By Richard Cretcher

Heavenly blue aids in rites

October is the beginning of the end of the wildflower season here. However, the quiebraplatos (cracked plates) are in full bloom. This morning glory is often called “heavenly blue” in English and has been an important plant in Mexican spiritual rites for centuries.

Its little cousin ojo de vibora can still be seen in the middle and west part of El Charco. The chicalote or Mexican prickly poppy is ending its flowering season and setting on its spiny fruit.

Other wildflowers blooming now include jazmincillo, hierba del zorrillo, hierba del negro and salvia cimarrona.

Richard Cretcher published the wildflower pocket guide Flores Silvestres that is available at the Biblioteca tienda, El Charco, El Tecolote, Border Crossings, La Conexión and Terra..