Nemastylis nuttallii (Nuttall's prairie iris)

Nemastylis nuttallii  (Nuttall's prairie iris)

Photo by: Jack H. Harris
Location: South of Herman, Gasconade County, Missouri
The plant in this photo was a member of a small population growing on a sandstone glade approximately 5 miles south of Herman, Gasconade County, Missouri. This flower blooms just before sundown, whereas its close cousin Nemastylis geminiflora (celestial lily) blooms early in the morning.