The tiny white flowers of long-leaved bluets have been sprinkled over the emerging prairie early this summer.

This is a fairly "conservative" prairie plant, meaning it is only found in higher quality prairies.

Conservatives are among the last plants to mature and flower when

a prairie is restored, and they are often those most susceptible to disturbance. Conservatives often disappear first when a prairie is overgrazed, or left unmanaged.

Look for this prairie flower along the wildflower trail in early summer.