In the small open space by the waterway flowing alongside the rice paddies, Hanatoranoo (Tiger Lily) is blooming. I remember seeing it bloom around early summer last year. Hanatoranoo is a common flower seen all over the country from summer to autumn. The sight of the gentle pink flowers blooming in clusters brings a momentary sense of coolness even in the lingering summer heat. Although it’s a familiar flower, upon closer inspection, each individual flower has a unique shape. The flower spikes are slender, elongated pyramids, and the flowers bloom in a regular pattern in all directions. Due to its flower’s shape, it is also called Kakutoranoo. Originally native to the eastern parts of North America, it was introduced to Japan during the Taisho period and rapidly spread due to its resilience and vigorous growth. Despite the continued heat, you can indeed feel a faint touch of autumn in the mornings and evenings. It’s probably the Hanatoranoo that had been blooming throughout the summer, but its dignified appearance, standing firm against the heat, truly strikes a chord in the heart.

田んぼの脇を流れる水路の僅かな空き地にハナトラノオ(花虎の尾)が咲いています。去年は初夏の頃に咲いていたのを見かけた様に思います。ハナトラノオは夏から秋にかけて、全国いたるところでよく見かける花です。優しいピンクの花が群れ咲く様子は、残暑の中でも、つかの間の涼しさを感じさせてくれます。ありふれた花ですが、よく見ると一つ一つの花の形もユニークで、花穂は細長い四角錐で、花は四方に向かって規則正しく並んで咲きます。その花の形からカクトラノオ(角虎の尾)とも呼ばれます。北アメリカ東部原産で、日本へは大正時代に入り、丈夫でよくふえるため急速に広まりました。相変わらずの暑さですが、さすがに朝晩は僅かに秋の気配を感じます。多分夏中咲いていたハントラノオですが、暑さを凌いだ凛とした姿に心打たれます。