Prairie Dock Sunset

In late August yellow prairie dock flowers rise above the many other prairie species of this Illinois Nature Preserve. Seeming to bid the setting sun adieu, their characteristic spade-shaped leaves can orient themselves in a north-south direction to minimize water loss during the heat of the day. Lead plant, goldenrod, prairie drop seed, wild bergamot, and the flowers of a few obedient plants are also discernable in the painting.