Joann Merritt's Essays

Ah, The Sweet Smell Of Spring
February, 2001

During the first week of February a Reakirt’s Blue butterfly and I shared the sweet smell of the first spring wildflowers of 2001 as we savored a small patch of Texas Selenia. I use the word savored as defined by Roget: 1. to undergo an emotional reaction 2. Receive pleasure from, and 3. To recognize the worth, quality, importance, etc. of something.

With sufficient fall moisture Selenia sprouts, makes rosettes and develops a root system during the winter. In very early spring a bright yellow cluster of flowers blooms in the center, scarcely reaching above the flat circular rosette of lacy leaves. It thus enchantingly forms one of Frances’ First Fairy Bouquets of Spring.

The heavy sweet aroma wafting across a playa filled with Selenia in bloom can overpower one’s senses of smell and sight. It can sometimes overpower one’s common sense as well, resulting in wild celebrations for native plant enthusiasts and butterflies. In a near bacchanalian mode, the Reakirt’s Blue not only detected the aroma but freely sampled Selenia’s nectar as it danced from bouquet to bouquet. It reminded me of grandson Clint who ventured into the kitchen posing the question “I wonder what that smell tastes like?” Both Clint and the Reakirt’s Blue butterfly proceeded to satisfy their curiosity.