Buttercup

Springtime in St. Martin Parish is heralded by the bloom of Oenothera speciosa. Often occurring in colonies of breathtaking size, the delicate pink wildflowers, lightly fragrant, with a honey-like sweetness, paint the parish plains with scarlet, white and pink. In other parts of the country they go by the name of showy primrose or pink evening primrose; here we call them buttercups. With their return each spring we’re reminded of Mother Nature’s tenacity, Her gift for endless rebirth. If the iris is recognized, and rightfully so, as Queen of Louisiana wildflowers, then the buttercup is at least her most charming little sister.