When I came across this special specimen, I felt like I was the winner of an “awe walk award,” if that were really a thing.
Awe Walk Discovery
This is a familiar trail, but each day I am drawn to new discoveries. Today, there was a slight floral scent in the air. Sunlight filtered through the trees’ new spring leaves. Then, as if I had been crowned “awe walker of the week”, the light purple color caught my eye. Upon closer inspection, the dainty design took my breath away. How does nature design such awesomeness?
I discovered this beauty along my path as I took my daily awe walk. The first thing I likened it to was a fancy chandelier, with its many perfectly formed translucent globes. Right here in the middle of the woods, nature crafted a delicate flower, so faintly tainted pink and purple, just waiting to be shared with me. This beauty is known as, crown vetch.
A gem like this, hidden in the woods, how could I be so lucky to have such an encounter? Who else passed by? Who stopped? I felt like rolling out the red carpet and shouting…Step right up, see the crown vetch! I wanted to share that moment of awe with everyone.
My eyes seeking high
and low like a hawk,
feeling the power
of an awe walk.
All worries lifted,
stride only interrupted
by beauty, so breathtaking,
brilliant photos
in the making.
The crown vetch hangs
beside the path,
like a chandelier.
The power of an awe walk
becomes even more
evidently clear.
I’m stopped in my tracks,
small and connected,
in a universe of grandeur.
Crown Vetch
When I returned from my walk, I was so struck with awe, I sought additional details. At first, several sources labeled the crown vetch an invasive species. I kept searching. I couldn’t let this be the only answer. There must be more behind the beauty I observed. I found this:
Pennsylvania is the only state that has designated a “beautification and conservation plant” as a state symbol (made official in 1982).
First discovered in 1935 on Mr. Gift’s farm in Pennsylvania, Penngift Crownvetch (Coronilla Varia L. Penngift) is valuable as food for livestock, erosion control , and nitrogen feeding of the soil. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has planted it along roads throughout the state. It is especially valuable for holding banks along highways. The stand improves with age and gradually chokes out other weeds. It is also used for its ornamental value on steep banks and hillsides.
Penngift Crownvetch produces attractive rose, white, or pinkish-white flowers from June to September. Crownvetch is a spreading, long-lived, winter-hardy, drought-tolerant, herbaceous legume with angular stems that grow to a height of 2 to 3 feet during the blooming period. —State Symbols USA
Final Thoughts
I knew I couldn’t be the only one that valued the stunning crown vetch. I excused the species from its invasive nature for the day and celebrated it in its full blooming glory. What a great symbol, in my great state of PA (Pennsylvania).
Thanks for reading! I am glad you stopped by to share in my awe of the crown vetch.
If you haven’t been officially introduced to “awe walks” this is a great resource to learn the practice: Awe Walk (Greater Good In Action)