Hoary Puccoon - Lithospermum canescens

Hoary Puccoon is one of the first of the brightly colored blooms of the dry prairie. This is a hemiparasitic species, meaning that it is a parasite on other plants, but also contains chlorophyll and can produce its own energy through photosynthesis.

At the start of the blooming season the landscape can be a carpet of yellow. When the long-lasting blooms begin to wane, dozens of other prairie forbs are pushing forward to take their place.

Hoary Puccoon provides an excellent early nectar source for many insects. A bad year for the puccoon could have a negative effect on much of the prairie fauna.

Photos taken May 20, 2009 in Adams County, Ohio.