the leafcups

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The leafcups are two of the dominate late-summer wildflowers blooming at the nature center. They can be found along many of the trails, sometimes even growing side by side.

They look similar and are related, both in the genus Polymnia named in honor of Polyhymnia, a daughter of Zeus and one of the nine Muses, the Greek goddesses of music, song and dance. Polyhymnia was the muse of religious hymns. In this guise, she is often portrayed as being meditative. Her name was derived from the Greek words "poly" meaning many, and "hymnos," meaning praise or hymn.

The plants really do not look Greek to me; but what do I know? The closest I have ever been to that Mediterranean country is the Greekfest held here once a year.

Their common name "leafcup" comes from their rather large leaves that Native Americans were able to fold into disposable drinking cups.



Small-flowered leafcup


Large-flowered leafcup

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