A Unkind Name

Day 309: Today, I bring you a plant which has been given a raw deal by those who handed out common names, however appropriate that name might be. I prefer to call it simply Eriogonum (generic shorthand for its taxonomy, Eriogonum pyrolifolium), or by the less-popular appellation of Alpine Buckwheat, either of which affords it a tiny little bit of dignity among its peers in the plant kingdom. In fact, its scientific name reflects a physical aspect which sometimes also serves as an uncommon common name: Pyrola-leaved Buckwheat. Even that would do. But no, that's not what you'll hear this little creamy flower called. Rangers, naturalists and visitors alike refer to it "Dirty Socks," reflecting its distinctive scent. "Dirty Socks," indeed! That's not nice at all.