Wow, I can’t believe I haven’t posted anything since December! I’m afraid I was hit with a combination of winter doldrums and “holy cats I’m so busy!” Spring has sprung and we’re already well into summer so, it’s high time to get back to business.
This little beauty is called Pineapple weed. I can remember as kids finding these funny little flowers (yes, that is in full flower) and pinching the flower heads. There is something about the flower heads that is just begging to be pinched – I’m not sure what started it. I always enjoyed finding these flowers because of the wonderful fresh pineapple smell they gave off when the heads were squeezed. Imagine my surprise as an adult when I learned they were actually called pineapple weed.
They seem to prefer scrubby areas that more popular plants shun – think roadsides, parking lots, etc. I discovered these where parking lot met grass and have since seen many more along the roadsides where I take my morning walks.
The next time you see one take a moment to give it a little pinch and smell the juices that are left on your fingers – from that day forth you will be unable to resist pinching them wherever you find them.
