The Seed Collector

Native plant seeds collected from my gardens.

Sorting the harvest,

Separating seed from chaff -

Like panning for gold,

Each tiny seed is a treasure.

Every type is unique,

Requiring a different technique,

But all are filled

With potential.

I organize my supply

And store it safe,

Then trade with others

From abundance.

Through gift and exchange

We all benefit,

Increasing diversity

And life.

- Lana Dion

11/22/21

Behind the poem

Various species of plants really do require different methods for extracting their seeds. Some seeds fall out into my hand easily, like with horseherb (Calyptocarpus vialis), rock rose (Pavonia lasiopetala), and zexmenia (Wedelia acapulcensis). Some take force to crack them apart and release the seeds, like purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), and some, like the seeds I was working on the day I wrote this poem—Eryngo, or "purple pineapple," as we like to call it (Eryngium leavenworthii)—are very spiky, leading to multiple pokes along the way. Blanketflower (Gaillardia pulchella) is another spiky flowerhead when dry (which it needs to be for the seeds to mature), and I have found it really helps to use rubber finger covers (like for working with paper) and tweezers! 😅