Tag Archives: Verbesina virginica (White Crownbeard/Frostweed)

Wildflower Walk ?

Hello everyone! I hope this post finds you all well. I apologize for not posting for a while. It has been a weird summer for sure with the heat and drought. I was busy with the garden picking sweet corn and green beans right up until August 17. Somehow I managed to get 455 ears of sweet corn in the freezer, and thanks to the ‘Provider’ green beans, 34 quarts of green beans. Of course, not all the green beans and sweet corn made it to the freezer. I ate some and gave some away. Some of the sweet corn went to the chickens because of pollination issues and, with some, only half an ear was good enough to go to the freezer. The ‘Tendersweet’ and ‘Contender’ green beans didn’t do well at all. It was so hot the majority of the flowers fell off despite frequent watering. I picked only 7 quarts from 4 double rows 25′ long from them. The ‘Provider’ however, made up for it with 27 quarts from only 2 double rows about the same length. It was planted 2 weeks later.

The above photo of the thermometer was taken on August 24 at 12:15 PM. I had the AC charged so the camera fogged up every time I got ready to take photos. I picked the last green beans on August 16 and 17, 10 gallons, when we had a cool spell (and we had rain). All the next week it was 100 plus every day. What hadn’t burned up before did that week.

Castor Beans on 9-7-23.

I bought a six-pack of Castor Bean plants earlier this spring. I planted them along the garage because I couldn’t figure out where else to plant them. Heck, they were in the pack for 2 weeks before I put them in the ground. They barely grew despite watering them nearly every day. Then they took off like there was no tomorrow. The first two are the tallest… One has green stems and one has red. They are LOADED with seed!

I hadn’t been on a wildflower walk since June 4, so on Sunday, I decided to see what was going on. Despite a little rain recently, it was a pitiful sight…

View of the main hayfield from the northwest corner on 9-10-23.

The wildflowers that are normally still in flower in abundance such as Black-Eyed Susan, Ironweed, and Annual Fleabane didn’t flower very well and are all dried up. Most of the stems are so bare you can’t tell what they once were. I walked along the fence on the north side of the hayfield toward the back. In the distance, I could see the dried-up patches of Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed) that had already bloomed, which would be typical this time of the year. But, there are normally several hundred young plants as well. Normally, the hay would have been cut and the milkweed and other persistent plants would start growing again. This year, no hay was cut here because there was no grass in the main hayfield. I will admit that the grass in the hayfields has been scant the last few years anyway.

Solidago sp. (Goldenrod) on 9-10-23.

Several HUGE patches of Goldenrod (Solidago sp.) look great despite the heat and lack of water. Some wildflower species flourish when other species don’t and get an even bigger foothold. I haven’t been to the south hayfield for a while but I am sure there are A LOT of Goldenrod there as well. They used to only be around the fence rows but not so much inside the fields. There are many species of Solidago in Missouri that are quite similar. I think the species on the pasture is Solidago altissima and/or Solidago gogantea.

Asclepias hirtella (Tall Green or Prairie Milkweed) on 9-10-23.

Milkweeds are very drought-tolerant so they came up, flowered, and many of their seed pods have already burst open. The seed pods on this Asclepias hirtella (Tall Green or Prarie Milkweed) are still well intact. The Missouri Plants website says the common name is Prairie Milkweed, while iNaturalist says Tall Green Milkweed. I am not sure why that would be a common name since they don’t grow that tall…

Eupatorium serotinum (Late Boneset/Late Thoroughwort) on 9-10-23.

Walking farther toward the back ponds, there were very few Eupatorium serotinum (Late Boneset/Late Thoroughwort). They are a very tough species, especially around low areas where I found this small colony. There are quite a few growing along the ditch in the front pasture. Ummm… I am pretty sure this is Eupatorium serotinum instead of Eupatorium altissimum (Tall Thoroughwort). They sometimes confuse me.

Vernonia missuurica (Missouri Ironweed) on 9-10-23.

The Ironweeds have really struggled this summer which isn’t good. Most of the Ironweeds, both species, are pretty much all dried up. I think it was in 2021 when the Ironweed was so numerous from late September to early October when the Monarchs were here in mass. I had never seen them like that before or since. It was quite a sight. I wonder what they will do when they come to the Midwest this year and there is hardly any food.

Vernonia missurica (Missouri Ironweed) on 9-10-23

Ahhh… Here’s a clump that looks pretty good. This is Vernonia missurica (Missouri Ironweed). I didn’t see any Vernonia baldwinii (Baldwin’s or Western Ironweed) that wasn’t already dried up. Hmmm… I don’t have a page for either species…

Oh, do I see a touch of yellow?

Bidens aristosa (Bearded Beggarticks/Tickseed Sunflower) on 9-10-23

Well, no doubt the Bidens aristata (Bearded Beggarticks/Tickseed Sunflower) will brighten your day. I haven’t even gotten to the pond yet where they are usually growing in abundance.

Orchelium vulgare (Common Meadow Katydid) on 9-10-23

There weren’t very many butterflies, grasshoppers, or other insects flying around because there wasn’t much food for them. On another Missouri Ironweed with a few flowers was this Orchelium vulgare (Common Meadow Katydid). They are quite common on leaves, but this one seems interested in a dried flower… Hmmm…

Agapostemon virescens (Bicolored Striped Sweat Bee) on 9-10-23

I spotted this small green bee on the same plant as the katydid. I’ve seen these before but I could never get a good shot. It could be an Agapostemon virescens (Bicolored Striped Sweat Bee). I decided to leave it alone and head toward the pond.

Back pond #1 on 9-10-23.

The first pond in the back of the farm isn’t much of a pond even when it has water but there is always a lot going on around it. It always amazes me how many species of plants grow in this pond and around it. It’s like an oasis.

Echinochloa crus-galli (Barnyard Grass) on 9-10-23.

Nearly half the pond is covered with this grass that could be Echinochloa crus-galli (Barnyard Grass). It is considered to be one of the world’s worst weeds It reduces crop yields and causes forage crops to fail by removing up to 80% of the available nitrogen in the soil. Plus it acts as a host for several mosaic virus diseases. Individual plants can produce up to 40,000 seeds per year. Hopefully, it is a species of harmless grass that isn’t an introduced invasive species. I am not really good with identifying grass species except for what is more common.

Bidens aristosa (Bearded Beggarticks/Tickseed Sunflower) on 9-10-23.

On the bank on the south side of the pond was a nice-sized colony of Bidens aristosa (Bearded Beggarticks/Tickseed Sunflower).

Persicaria pensylvanica (Pinkweed) on 9-10-23

Persicaria pensylvanica (Pinkweed) is a common sight around ponds, ditches, fairly shady areas, damp places, and around the house. This species doesn’t seem to get carried away. There is usually a colony next to a gate by the barn but I didn’t notice them.

Persicaria hydropiper (Wild Water Pepper) on 9-10-23.

The other half of the pond is full of Persicaria hydropiper (Wild Water Pepper). This species of Persicaria can get carried away if it so desires. Damp areas are certainly its preference. I have no issues with any Persicaria species since I think they are near plants. They are like a faithful friend that always comes up. There are still 7 species here on the farm…

Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (Calico Aster) on 9-10-23.

I walked to the drainage ditch behind the pond to check on the Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (Calico Aster). At least they didn’t dry up, but waiting for them to flower is like waiting for Christmas on New Year’s Day.

Not sure why I took a photo of one of the two old tires in the wooded area behind pond #2. It was likely thrown back here by my grandpa so it has been here a very long time. Hmmm… There is even life growing on and in it…

Elephantopus carolinus (Leafy Elephant’s Foot) on 9-10-23.

I walked out of the area behind the pond toward the persimmon tree to check on the Elephantopus carolianus (Leafy Elephant’s Foot). They have already flowered and gone to seed. You can tell how dry it is by the way the leaves are shriveled…

Croton capitatus (Wooly Croton) on 9-10-23.

I didn’t go farther down to the southeast pasture on the 10th but maybe I can do that later. There are usually a lot of Black-Eyed Susan in the area still in flower, but not this summer. I walked north from the persimmon tree and stumbled upon several Croton capitatus (Hogwort, Wooly Croton, ETC.) that are blooming now.

Croton capitatus (Wool Croton) on 9-10-23.

I always like their felt-like leaves and small yellow flowers. There are likely several of these farther down in the south part of the pasture.

Back pond #2 on 9-10-23.

Hmmm… That’s all I can say about this pond…

Bidens aristosa (Bearded Beggarticks/Tickseed Sunflower) and Eupatorium serotinum (Late Boneset/Tall Thoroughwort) on 9-10-23.

On the bank of the back pond #2 is quite a large colony of Bidens aristosa and Eupatorium serotinum.

Bidens aristosa (Bearded Beggarticks/Tickseed Sunflower) and Eupatorium serotinum (Late Boneset/Tall Thoroughwort) on 9-10-23.

They must have deep roots to look so well…

Chauliognathus pensylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) on 9-10-23.

There were A LOT of Chauliognathus pensylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) working on the Bidens aristosa. I would normally call this critter Chauliognanthus marginatus (Margined Leatherwing Beetle), but the last time I posted an observation on iNaturalist it was suggested it was C. pensylvanicus. I went ahead and posted the observation of this bug as C. marginatus. An iN member disagreed and said it was C. pensylvanicus because it had black legs… I checked a past observation and they didn’t have black legs. So, there are two species here that look alike with different legs…

Ambrosia bidentata (Lanceleaf Ragweed) on 9-10-23.

Hmmm… I have seen  Ambrosia bidentata (Lanceleaf Ragweed) before, but I just never bothered to give them a proper ID. There were always more interesting species to identify than another Ragweed… Ummm… I was going to say something silly about the species name and President Joe Biden, but I decided I better not get into politics. After all, this is a Ragweed… OUCH! I will take more photos and get a page made for this species.

This area is normally filled with mostly Ironweed. One of the spots where the Monarch Butterflies feed. What Ironweed are here this year are pretty much all dried up…

Tridens flavus (Purpletop Tridens) on 9-10-23.

Walking up into the main hayfield, there is a purple glow from the Tridens flavus. It has several common names including Purpletop, Purple Top, Redtop, Redtop Tridens, Grease Grass, or other similar names. It is a native grass that has been here as long as I can remember and it can grow quite tall in favorable conditions. During the heat of the summer, it was completely unnoticeable, but once temps started cooling off and we received a little rain it started greening up and will soon go to seed. The seeds are somewhat greasy which is where it gets one of its common names. Dad always called it Redtop, but many websites prefer Purpletop.

Tripsacum dactyloides (Eastern Gamagrass) on 9-10-23.

The grass I am keeping an eye on is the Tripsacum dactyloides (Eastern Gamagrass).   I first identified this grass from a small colony I found on a backroad south of town last year. I did some research about it and thought it would be great to have it here. Well, on 6-8-23, I discovered three clumps in the main hayfield. They were blooming at the time and were easily identified. Each time I walked into the hayfield, no matter how hot and dry, this grass was still green and growing. The grass itself gets fairly tall, and the seed heads are taller than me. It is now blooming a second time. I didn’t get seed the first time, so I am keeping an eye on it so I can collect seed and scatter it around. Maybe I will sow some in the area north of the chicken house… This native grass was once very common in prairies throughout the Midwest, but grazing, farming, and planting other grasses took its toll. There are a few companies that specialize in native grass seed and one offers seed at $28.00 per ounce!

Lespedeza cuneata (Chinese Bushclover) on 9-10-23.

There are quite a few Lespedeza cuneata (Chinese Bush Clover) scattered throughout the hayfield now. They are doing great without rain…

Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 9-10-23.

It is really weird not seeing the Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) not covering the entire hayfield. They covered the hayfield earlier before the drought set in. Now there are very few with flowers that aren’t dried up…

Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan) on 9-10-23.

Another species that is usually quite prolific is Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan). Normally, they are everywhere but now they are in a terrible state. Before the drought, there were enormous colonies plus many scattered smaller colonies… I will head to the south hayfield and southeast pasture to see the fate of the Black-Eyed Susan soon.

Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed) and Tripsacum dactyloides (Eastern Gamagrass) on 9-10-23.

Well, now isn’t that a sight to behold! Tripsacum dactyloides (Eastern Gamagrass) in the middle of one of the largest colonies of Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed). I somehow missed this Eastern Gamagrass earlier… Maybe it grew more since I last visited this milkweed colony…

As I left the main hayfield, which is on a hill, I entered a low area between the hayfield and the pond behind the barn. For some odd reason, the temperature drops dramatically, even on a 100° F day. I can’t explain it, but it is cool all the way from the north boundary fence, along the drainage area behind the pond, all the way to the boundary fence along the south side of the pond.

Datura stramonium (Jimson Weed) on 9-10-23.

Along the pond bank, south side, are several Datura stramonium (Jimson Weed). They get quite tall and have this weird odor to their leaves. Of course, as you may know, this is NOT a good plant. Common names include Loco Weed, Devil’s Snare, Stinkweed, Devil’s Trumpet, Hell’s Bells… You get the picture.

Datura stramonium (Jimson Weed) on 9-10-23.

You have to admit, though, they do have beautiful flowers…

Phytolacca americana (American Pokeweed) on 9-10-23.

Well, I can’t leave the area without taking another photo of the Phytolacca americana (American Pokeweed). I like Pokeweed for some odd reason and pretty much allow them to grow wherever they want. There are a few exceptions like in the garden in the rows. Along the fence is fine…

The main pond behind the barn on 9-10-23.

Hmmm… I remember when grandpa had this pond dug when I was a kid. It was so big! Over years of the cows walking on a certain spot on the south side, they created a ditch. When we would get downpours in the spring, the spot would erode until the ditch was much lower than the overflow pipe. Now, even with plenty of rain, it only gets maybe 3-4 feet deep. Right now, I think I could walk right out in the middle.

Part of the cool zone behind the pond…

The above photo is part of the cool zone behind the pond. The pond bank is on the left with a patch of Datura stramonium on the right. At the top of the photo, in the center, you can see the hayfield. Earlier in the summer, there were a lot of weeds here which I mowed. For some odd reason the weeds didn’t grow back and the grass grew. Hmmm… It could be Tall Fescue, but there are no stems. I did see one stem that looked like that Echinochloa crus-galli (Barnyard Grass) in the pond at the back of the farm. HMMMM…. I have no idea why the grass is lying down like that. It looks like a flood came through, but of course, that is impossible… One of those unexplained mysteries for now. Well, it was so hot over the summer and I was busy with the garden.

Erechtites hieraciifolius (Fireweed/Pilewort) on 9-10-23.

From there I walked along the drainage area south of the pond. I first identified Erechtites hieraciifolius (Fireweed/Pilewort) here a few years ago from a few plants growing along the entrance to the south hayfield. Now, there are several very robust plants growing along the ditch toward the small pond in the front pasture. They are pretty neat plants that know how to take advantage of a good thing…

Erechtites hieraciifolius (Fireweed/Pilewort) on 9-10-23.

They have really odd flowers that peek out through the top of the… Ummm… I haven’t got a good word to explain the flower heads. It is kind of tube-shaped. The flowers are so small I likely can’t get a good photo. If you want to get a better idea, you can click HERE to read about this species on the Missouri Plants website.

Then I spotted a plant next to one of the Fireweeds I hadn’t seen before. The flowers were kind of “nightshady”…

Solanum sarrachoides (Hairy Nightshade) on 9-10-23.

I took a few photos and used the drag-and-drop feature on iNaturalist and the only suggestion was Solanum sarrachoides also known as Hairy Nightshade. Well, I was right in my guess. I could tell from the flowers it was a nightshade but I had not encountered this particular species before. The only other nightshade I have seen here was the Solanum americanum (Black Nightshade) back in 2018. I remember it well. When I found it in 2018 it was a huge plant already. Some of the photos weren’t that good, so I went back the next day to take more. The entire plant was completely gone without a trace! WHAT THE HECK! Another mystery. The next one I found was in a flower bed at the end of the drive-up area at the bank. Whoever maintains the beds must have not known what it was, because they left it there all summer. It was growing among the yellow Missouri Primrose. 🙂 I made a comment to a teller about the deadly Black Nightshade in their flower bed. She laughed and said she wasn’t surprised. 

Solanum sarrachoides (Hairy Nightshade) on 9-10-23.

If you see flowers like that, you may have run across a species of Nightshade… I have to take more photos so I can make a page for this species.

I walked on down to where the Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster) usually grows next to the front pond. Sadly, there is no sign of it. GEEZ!!!

I crossed the ditch to check on the Frostweed that decided to come up next to the walnut trees this spring. Well, it was still there but not in photo-worthy condition. So, I walked back toward the ditch toward the fence…

Impatiens capensis (Jewelweed) on 9-10-23.

I don’t really have to worry about the Impatiens capensis (Jewelweed). I think they would survive anything… When I first came back in 2013, they had taken over the swampy area in the southeast corner of the farm.  Well, that changed and they were removed from their throne. Then, a few years ago, they had gotten a hold along the fence in the south hayfield. Well, somehow, that changed as well, and last year there weren’t that many. So, I suppose although they can become quite invasive, they have their limits. They have been in this spot for several years now because nothing else wants to grow here.

Impatiens capensis (Jewelweed) on 9-10-23.

You must admit, they do have neat flowers the way they dangle…

Verbesina virginica (Frostweed/White Crownbeard) on 9-10-23.

I crossed the ditch to find the Verbesina virginica (Frostweed/White Crownbeard) kind of lying down on the job. They do that if there isn’t enough moisture to keep them standing up. They are one of my favorite wildflowers, as I have repeatedly said, with their winged stems.

Cauliognathus pensylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) on 9-10-23.

The Cauliognathus pensylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) has gone wild over the flowers of the Frostweed. Well, the males have a different agenda.

There wasn’t much to see along the fence like there usually is, so I walked on back toward the barn. I have two other species to check on…

Sida spinosa (Prickly Fanpetals) on 9-10-23

There are a few Sida spinosa (Prickly Fanpetals) in the pasture just south of the barn but not like last year. To be honest, there are A LOT of them in the garden this year. I’m not too familiar with this species since I first identified them last year. There are A LOT of these in the garden this year I just realized what they are. I had been watching them for a month or so to see what their flowers looked like.

Sida spinosa (Prickly Fanpetals) on 9-10-23.

Unfortunately, you have to get photos of their flowers early in the day or they close up… I did get photos of their flowers last year and if you click HERE you can see where the name “Fanpetals” comes from. They are neat for sure.

Opuntia sp. on 9-10-23.

Before I end this post, I wanted to show you my new Opuntia sp. (Prickly Pear). A friend of mine (and the minister where I go to church) went to an auction to bid on a cart used by the M-K-T railroad. I went to help him load it and spotted a very large pot with a VERY LARGE thornless Prickly Pear. I rescued a large Prickly Pear when I lived in Mississippi, but the thorns were ridiculous. I had wanted one without thorns for many years, so it was my chance to bring a few cuttings home. The lady who had the auction was moving, so I asked if I could have a cutting. She said I could have all I wanted and brought me a box and trowel… I went over to where they were and there were several that had grown into the dirt next to the pot, so I dug up a few, roots and all. Now, I have to figure out where I am going to put them…

Well, that’s all for now. I can’t believe it took me 11 days to finish this post! I was busy, then one thing led to another, or I couldn’t find anything to post about… Lately, I have been watching TV more than working on the blog… 

Until next time, be safe, stay positive, and always be thankful!

 

Hot And Dry Wildflower Walk, 6-4-23

Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) on 6-4-23, #943-60.

Hello, everyone! I hope this post finds you well. I decided to go for a wildflower walk on Sunday afternoon even though it was bright and sunny and the temperature was already almost 90° F. There was a nice breeze, so it wasn’t so bad. We haven’t had much rain and it seems many of the wildflowers I usually see are non-existent. Only the toughest can survive in the heat with no moisture.

Species highlighted in green have their own pages. Just click on the name to visit their page.

Sisymbrium officinale (Hedge Mustard) on 6-4-23, #943-78.

The first stop was the Sisymbrium officinale (Hedge Mustard) colony that decided to come up by one of the old Chinese Elms in the chicken yard. Well, it used to be the chicken yard, but the chickens are normally confined to the chicken house these days. The fence is long gone and you never know when a fox or a wandering dog will stop by. I let the chickens out when I am close by… Hedge Mustard is an interesting plant, in my opinion, because it produces a small cluster of very small yellow flowers at the tips of racemes that get longer as the season progresses.

Sisymbrium officinale (Hedge Mustard) on 6-4-23, #943-79.

Long, slender fruit, called siliques, replace the flowers that seem to hug the stems… Ummm… I am still working on the page.

From the Hedge Mustard, I walk to the wooded area north of the chicken house.

Ribes missouriense (Missouri Gooseberry) on 6-4-23, #943-73.

There are quite a few Ribes missouriense (Missouri Gooseberry) bushes on the farm growing in wooded areas. I prefer to snack on them once the berries ripen although the green berries are used in pies and jams. As a kid, I could never understand why grandma always used green berries for pies instead of the sweeter, ripe fruit… I was never a fan of gooseberry pie.

As I was walking through the jungle, I stumbled upon…

Florinda coccinea (Black-tailed Red Sheetweaver) on 6-4-23, #943-55.

This very small Florinda coccinea (Black-tailed Red Sheetweaver) was hanging around in its web waiting for a smaller visitor. What it got was a much larger human visitor with a camera. Being such a small spider with a tiny thread of string trailing from its, umm, butt, it has to weave a “sheet” to catch its victims.

Smilax tamnoides (Bristly Greenbriar) on 6-4-23, #943-80.

While I was in the area, I thought I would check on the Smilax tamnoides (Bristly Greenbriar). It may sound a little weird, but I like this species. I have tried to find its flowers for several years, but they are normally high in the trees. They produce flowers at the end of the vines…

Smilax tamnoides (Bristly Greenbriar) on 5-10-23, #938-36.

I was working on this species page on May 10 and decided to check the vines to see if I could find flowers. Fortunately, a few of the long vines were hanging low and I found flowers… Smilax tamnoides produce male and female flowers on separate vines. I checked on June 4 to see if there were fruit but apparently, the two vines I took flower photos of were male… No fruit.

I was going to proceed with my walk from there, but when I came to the new electric fence I put up, I didn’t remember if it was on or off… The guy who leases the farm (Kevin) was going to put cows here but hasn’t yet… Since I wasn’t sure if I left the fence on, I decided to take an alternate route.

Conium maculatum (Poison Hemlock) on 6-4-23, #943-33.

So, I went around the barn and took a photo of the majestic Conium maculatum (Poison Hemlock). They may be neat-looking plants, but this is what possibly killed Socrates. You can see them growing along highways and back roads, overgrown yards, fields, etc. Such a deadly plant growing right out in the open. Well, you know as well as I do there are A LOT of deadly plants we just ignore as common weeds. Last year was the first time it was growing here and I intended to get rid of them when I took photos of its flowers. But, the hay was baled along with it. I took the above photo on June 4, and on June 5 I mowed them off…

As I headed back to where I left off before, I had to walk through…

Galium aparine (Cleavers/Catchweed Bedstraw) on 6-4-23.

There was a big pile of dead Galium aparine (Cleavers/Catchweed Bedstraw) that I tried to avoid. One of those plants I love to hate. 🙂 Most of these plants are dried up already, in piles just waiting to hitch a ride. Right off the bat, I get them on my pants. 🙂

Elymus virginicus (Virginia Wildrye) on 6-4-23, #943-46.

There is a small area that is open in the middle and surrounded by trees. Over the years, I have found several wildflowers that have come and gone. It is always strange to me how large colonies can appear and disappear within one season. Sunday, I noticed two good-sized colonies of what I think is Elmus virginicus (Virginia Wildrye). It grows here and there on the farm in the borders of shady areas. Birds like the seeds…

Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow) on 6-4-23, #943-1.

It appears the Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow) is beginning to flower. They are a common site on the farm and throughout the countryside. They seem to take hot weather and dry conditions with no problem, although a little moisture would make them put on a better show. I have an old cultivar growing in the north bed, in front of the chicken house, and by the barn that was given to me by a friend in Mississippi (when I lived there) that I brought with me when I moved back here in 2013. I can’t forget the plant with pink flowers I found on a friend’s farm in 2019. I think his cows ate the flowers since I couldn’t find it the day after I took its photo…

Allium vineale (Field or Wild Garlic) on 6-4-23, #943-6.

In another small area in the same location, there is always a nice patch of an Allium species I was never able to identify until now. With the help of iNaturalist and the Missouri Plants website, I found out they are Allium vineale known as Wild or Field Garlic.

Allium vineale (Wild or Field Garlic) on 6-4-23, #943-5.

The Missouri Plants website lists seven species of Allium and says this species is easily recognized as the flowers are replaced by bulblets… There are a number of Allium that grow in the yard that I have let mature that don’t do this. I took several photos so now I can write a page for Allium vineale (at some point)…

Sanicula canadensis (Black Snakeroot) on 6-4-23, #943-74.

In the mix of species in this shady area were a few Sanicula canadensis (Black Snakeroot). The flowers were pretty much shot already…

Phytolacca americana (American Pokeweed) on 6-4-23, #943-66.

I walked out of the shady area and had to get a photo of the Phytolacca americana (American Pokeweed). Not that anyone doesn’t know what it is… Over the years, the bank of the pond has been the subject of many territorial disputes and this year it appears to be the Pokeweed’s turn… I would say it is much better than Ragweed! Oddly, I find American Pokeweed an interesting plant and have let it grow along the garden fence, in front of the house, along the fence around the yard… I think the HUGE plant in front of the house has become annoying and perhaps three years is enough. The one along the garden fence didn’t come up this year and the ones that came up in the garden had to go… There is a limit…

I walked around a row of trees in front of the main hayfield to see what I could find…

Dianthus armeria (Deptford Pink) on 6-4-23, #943-39.

There were quite a few Dianthus armeria (Deptford Pink) growing in this area. This species can be easily overlooked, and if it weren’t for the small pink flowers you wouldn’t even notice them at all. Walking around the farm on Sunday, I noticed they were scattered around in many areas from front to back. I think with it being so dry and the grass being so thin, it has allowed many species to flourish that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Erigeron annuus (Annual or Daisy Fleabane) on 6-4-23, #943-50.

Well, what can I say? Typically in an average year, this wouldn’t have happened until after the hay is cut but I have seen it before. Overgrazed pastures and hayfields without good grass become COVERED with Erigeron annuus (Annual or Daisy Fleabane). With the lack of grass, this species will eagerly take over…

Erigeron annuus (Annual or Daisy Fleabane) on 6-4-23, #943-62.

The flowers are kind of interesting and unmistakable as Erigeron annuus with as many as 120 (or so) white ray florets (petals). Both male and female flowers can be self-fertile. Flowers are produced until a good ZAP in October so you can see how this species can get an upper hand. Many species of insects love these plants including MANY butterflies.

Argynnis cybele (Great Spangled Fritillary) on 6-4-23, #943-14.

Among the butterflies flying around the wildflowers was this Argynnis cybele (Great Spangled Fritillary). Most of the butterflies flying around the Erigeron annuus are smaller (short-tongued) while this Great Spangled Fritillary, being larger (long-tongued) was more interested in the Red Clower. I took a few good shots then this one flew off into the brush… I suppose enough was enough. Later on, I took photos of one that wasn’t so shy… I hadn’t photographed a Great Spangled Fritillary until Sunday’s walk. 🙂

Apocynum cannabinum (Hemp Dogbane) on 6-4-23, #943-12.

Farther up into the field, maybe halfway, there is quite a scattered colony of Apocynum cannabinum (Hemp Dogbane) beginning to flower. This species is quite similar to milkweed in appearance, especially from photos. I first identified this species on the farm in 2020 from a single plant, and since then it has made itself quite at home… All parts of this plant are poisonous, the genus name meaning “poisonous to dogs.” Despite its poisonous properties, Wikipedia has a long list of medicinal uses.

It has been used as a fiber plant and also as a psychoactive drug. Native Americans used to grind the seeds down into a powder and they used the plant to make bows, nets, tie-down straps, fishing lines, and clothing.

Pontia protodice (Checkered White) on 6-4-23, #943-71.

Wandering south from the Apocynum, I found this Pontia protodice (Checkered White) fluttering about that had no time for a human visitor. I took two shots and thankfully one was good enough for a proper ID. Butterflies can be tricky and sometimes you have to chase them around. Well, I wasn’t in the mood to chase butterflies but I am glad we met briefly. I am sure there are MANY species of butterflies I haven’t identified here…

Cornus drummondii (Roughleaf Dogwood) on 6-4-23, #943-37.

Walking along the row of blackberries growing where an electric fence used to be, I ran across a few Cornus drummondii (Roughleaf Dogwood). They grow here and there along fence rows and are a favorite of the strange but true Chauliognathus marginatus (Margined Leatherwing Beetle). Hmmm… I think I spelled it right. Those critters like milkweed flowers, too.

Hmmm…

The blackberries have almost all dried up from lack of moisture…

Back pond #2.

I have never seen this pond this low. I am sure the pond behind it is already dry… I may have to fence this pond off before Kevin brings cattle here. The edge is like quicksand and I would have to have a cow get stuck. Kevin says he has had to pull cows out of the mud in the past and it wasn’t any fun.

I didn’t walk in the trees behind the pond because this time of the year it is a real jungle. I walked toward the Persimmon tree south of the pond to check on a friend…

Elephantopus carolinianus (Leafy Elephant’s Foot) on 6-4-23, #943-45.

I checked to see if the Elephantopus carolinianus (Leafy Elephant’s Foot) a while back to make sure they returned in 2023. This is one of my favorite species on the farm, although I haven’t mentioned that to them… There is a story behind my first observation on a friend’s mother’s farm in 2019, and again here in 2021 but I don’t want to repeat it or this post would be much longer. You can read about it by clicking on the name above. 🙂

Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) on 6-4-23, #943-60.

I first identified Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) on Kevin’s farm in 2019, and then I found several in the north end of the south hayfield in 2021. Last year I had to cross the fence to get photos so I am glad a colony has made its way to the north pasture.

Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) on 6-4-23, #943-62.

I like these because the flowers are much larger than the other white members of the family Asteraceae on the farm. I hadn’t been a big fan of daisy-type flowers until I read about how complex they are. Now, I have learned to respect them…

On farther down in the same area…

Helenium flexuosum (Southern Sneezeweed) on 6-4-23, #943-57.

Hmmm… I was walking fairly close to the fence where I had driven the tractor several days before (you can see where the tractor tires have been) and ran across a plant I couldn’t identify. Although it looked kind of familiar in some ways, I just wasn’t sure…

Helenium flexuosum (Southern Sneezeweed) on 6-4-23, #943-58.

Hmmm… When I uploaded photos on iNaturalist, its top suggestion was Helenium flexuosum (Southern Sneezeweed)… Could it really be true? I haven’t seen this species here, or anywhere else, since 2013!!! I guess it is true since another member of iNaturalist agreed and the observation became Research Grade.

Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue) on 6-4-23, #943-64.

I walked down to the lower end of the south pasture to check on the Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue). They have only been coming up here on the farm since 2020 in the lower section of the back pasture. They probably came up here before that but the cows ate them off since the colony was quite large.

Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue) on 6-4-23, #943-65.

The flowers are neat, but I really like their leaves…

There were several of these growing more out in the open, but their flowers had already started turning brown. I took the above two photos in the shade among the…

Dichanthelium clandestinum (Deertongue) on 6-4-23, #943-42.

Dichanthelium clandestinum (Deertongue)… I may be somewhat strange to some, but I kind of like this grass. We have a little history because it took several years to properly identify it. In fact, it wasn’t until I started using iNaturalist in 2019… Even then, I wasn’t sure and thought it was possibly Dichanthelium latifolium (Broad-Leaved Panic Grass). Another member asked if I was sure it wasn’t D. clandestinum?

Dichanthelium clandestinum (Deertongue) on 6-4-23, #943-43.

The latter species produces normal flowers this time of the year and “exerted” flowers later on while D. latifolium only produces exerted flowers at the end of the summer. I made it a goal to keep an eye on the colony in 2021 and positively identified it as D. clandestinum… There is a lot of green in the above photos, but I am holding a stem of flowers. 🙂 Very difficult to get good photos of such thin stems and tiny flowers. I seemed to be in a bit of a hurry, so I didn’t really notice if these were flowers or if they were already in the fruiting stage. Hmmm… There was no need to be in a hurry…

Potentilla simplex (Common Cinquefoil) on 6-4-23, #943-73.

Potentilla simplex (Common Cinquefoil) grows around the same area and seems to have spread out somewhat since it was first identified here in 2021. This species seems to do best in the shade, while the Potentilla recta (Sulfur Cinquefoil) prefers a sunnier location on the rest of the farm…

The back pasture/hayfield on 6-4-23…

Looking toward the north at the back hayfield looks pretty normal at this view…

Hmmm…

Looking down into the grass shows a different story. The blades of grass are very thin and dry. Once the seed dries, we are just going to top it instead of baling it. I stopped grazing this area a couple of years before dad died because it made great hay…

I circled around to go back to the main hayfield and didn’t notice anything special. I walked along the “other” blackberries on the south side to see if they were doing better…

Blackberries…

There were a few that were fair, but still many were dried up. These are a different species from those on the rest of the farm. They are earlier, much bigger, and only produce if there isn’t a frost in early April… The last time they produced a good crop I put 10 gallons in the freezer and gave a lot away… Just along 40′ or so. They are GREAT!

Walking a little further, I looked over into the hayfield and saw purple flowers with a bird on top. I zoomed in with my camera and realized it appeared to be a new species of milkweed, and it wasn’t a bird… I had to get a closer look. 🙂

Asclepias purpurascens (Purple Milkweed) and Argynnis cybele (Great Spangled Fritillary) on 6-4-23, #943-25.

Shhhhh……. What the heck?!?!?! I can’t sneak up on anything with this crunchy grass! Strangely, the butterfly didn’t fly off. This is a new milkweed to photograph and more photos of the Argynnis cybele (Great Spangled Fritillary) would be great. Which one do I choose first? Well, I already have photos of the butterfly and none of the milkweed. But, the butterfly could fly off while the milkweed will still be here. How about both at once?

Asclepias purpurascens (Purple Milkweed) and Argynnis cybele (Great Spangled Fritillary) on 6-4-23, #943-17.

This milkweed species, Asclepias purpurascens (Purple Milkweed) hasn’t been here before. There are two other plants 40′ or so away and not together. I feel like I am whispering in my mind even when I am writing this. Like the butterfly will fly out of the photo… GEEZ!

Asclepias purpurascens (Purple Milkweed) and Argynnis cybele (Great Spangled Fritillary) on 6-4-23, #943-18.

It’s like the butterfly is so busy it didn’t even notice me…

Asclepias purpurascens (Purple Milkweed) and Argynnis cybele (Great Spangled Fritillary) on 6-4-23, #943-22.

Woooo… I think it said, “Don’t push it.”

Asclepias purpurascens (Purple Milkweed) and Argynnis cybele (Great Spangled Fritillary) on 6-4-23, #943-24.

You have to admit the Great Spangled Fritillary is one magnificent creature. Just look at the size and color!

Asclepias purpurascens (Purple Milkweed) on 6-4-23, #943-27.

The Purple Milkweed is nice, too. Much brighter and darker than the other milkweeds here. Strangely, I didn’t notice any Green Milkweed when I saw them in flower along the highway. Maybe I just haven’t located them yet. I just found the Green Milkweed on the farm in 2021 and there were only a couple of plants last year. Hmmm…

I walked on down to the front pasture and in front of the walnut trees…

Verbesina virginica (White Crownbeard/Frostweed) on 6-4-23, #943-81.

“What are you doing here?” The Verbesina virginica (White Crownbeard/Frostweed) just smiled and chuckled a little. It is a good 200′ away from the colony along the fence in more sun. That’s OK since it is another favorite wildflower.

Verbesina virginica (White Crownbeard/Frostweed) on 6-4-23, #943-82.

I really like the winged stems!!!

I guess that wraps up this post. We did get about 5/10″ of rain overnight (early Thursday morning). It sure cooled off.

Until next time, be safe, stay positive, always be thankful, and GET DIRTY!

 

 

 

 

 

First Photos of 2023-Verbesina virginica (Frostweed/White Crownbeard)

Verbesina virginica (White Crownbeard/Frostweed) on 1-30-23, #928-1.

Hello everyone! I hope this post finds you well. I was in the process of writing descriptions for the Verbesina virginica (White Crownbeard/Frostweed, etc.) page Sunday evening and a thought came into my mind… I have been taking photos of this species since 2018 but had not ventured out in the cold to see if I could find any of its frost flowers. My higher self butted in to the thought and said, “You could try it tomorrow since it will be very cold.” Hmmm… The return thought was it is already January 30 and I should have tried before. My higher self returned with, “There’s that “should have” again.” ”

The White Crownbeard has been one of my favorite wildflowers with its odd winged stems and big clusters of flowers. I first published the page in 2018 and continued adding new photos and finally wrote descriptions.

I always thought the frost flowers were formed during the first hard freeze and that was it. BUT, as I was reading the page for the species on the Arkansas Native Plant Society, I found out it wasn’t a one-time thing.

It was 16° when I got up so I knew I would have to give the chickens fresh water. They don’t particularly like hard water, you know. I also needed to give the birds more seed because they hit the feeders pretty hard when it is cold. So, I got ready to go outside and somehow the camera snuck into my coat pocket. I took a bucket of chicken feed and a bucket for water to the hydrant then looked off in the distance to where the White Crownbeard/Frostweed were. All the way down to the south boundary fence of the farm… All the way and it was 16°.

I did have on an insulated flannel shirt, my heaviest coat, and the warmest gloves. I wasn’t cold yet so I started walking. On the way, the sock on my right foot started sliding down in the rubber boot (at least my boots are Dry Shods).

Once I was at the spot where the Verbesina virginica always grew, all I could see was dead stems. Not that I was expecting anything else since it is January 30.

Verbesina virginica (White Crownbeard/Frostweed) on 1-30-23, #928-2.

Lo and behold I spotted frost weed at the base of two dead stems several feet apart.

Verbesina virginica (White Crownbeard/Frostweed) on 1-30-23, #928-3.

I have seen photos online that looked like frozen waterfalls coming from the stems. Likely, I would have seen that “if” I had looked earlier when we had a first freeze.

Verbesina virginica (White Crownbeard/Frostweed) on 1-30-23, #928-4.

It looks like a blob of ice, but it is actually more like a ribbon. Very thin and brittle…

Verbesina virginica (White Crownbeard/Frostweed) on 1-30-23, #928-5.

I was glad I went out in the cold and took the camera. If anything, it is an inspiration to go out next winter when we have a first freeze.

By the time I got back, my hands were freezing but the coat I had on was making me almost sweat. I got the chickens fed and gave them fresh water and the birds have more seed.

I went to get the mail, and apparently, the mail carrier got a little to close. I noticed before I went outside (looking through the window) the mailbox was leaning a little. There are two mailboxes, one for me and one for across the street. The carrier got them both! How could that happen after so many years? At least the posts are still intact and the mailboxes are OK.

Until next time, be safe and stay positive. Keep warm and always be thankful!

 

Six on Saturday-Short Walk on the Wild Side

Asclepias hirtella (Tall Green Milkweed)

Hello everyone! I hope you are all doing well. We had a nice week with temperatures not too unbearable at all. I took a walk through the hayfield a couple of days ago to check on the progress of the Elephantopus carolinianus in the back of the farm. It always amazes me how some wildflowers start growing like mad after the hay is cut.

#1-Asclepias hirtella (Tall Green Milkweed)

Asclepias hirtella (Tall Green Milkweed)

There were several Asclepias hirtella, the Tall Green Milkweed, blooming again. Normally, they don’t flower the second time but they are this year. I can’t quite figure out why they call this species Tall Green Milkweed when there are other species that grow much taller…

 

#2)-Elephantopus carolinianus (Leafy Elephant’s Foot)

Elephantopus carolinianus (Leafy Elephant’s Foot) under the persimmon tree.

I have walked to the back of the farm several times over the summer to check on the progress of the Elephantopus carolinianus (Leafy Elephant’s Foot). These are really neat wildflowers that I only noticed growing on the farm last fall after they had already dried up. I found the dried up flowers and leaves in an area that grows up in poison ivy and other brush but I marked the spot…

Elephantopus carolinianus (Leafy Elephant’s Foot)

I was very happy when I found a colony under the persimmon tree so I won’t have to walk to the spot I found them earlier. Well, I usually go there anyway… The plants have mostly buds with a few flowers beginning to open up. Until the flowers are fully open, I can’t show you why I think they are so neat.

I walked through the brush behind the ponds to check on the Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (Calico Aster) and S. ontarionis (Ontario Aster) but so far no flowers. At this point, they still look the same. I wouldn’t be surprised if they are both the same species but only time will tell…

#3)-Vernonia missurica (Missouri Ironweed)

Vernonia missurica (Missouri Ironweed)

This area in front of the two back ponds is LOADED with Vernonia missurica (Missouri Ironweed). The wind was blowing so there wasn’t as much activity on the flowers as usual.

Vernonia missurica (Missouri Ironweed)

The above photo isn’t that great because, as I mentioned, the wind was blowing… Many species of butterflies and other insects love ironweeds. Later on, they will be swarming with Monarch Butterflies and the always interesting hummingbird moths.

Vernonia missurica (Missouri Ironweed)

The Vernonia baldwinii (Baldwin’s or Western Ironweed) grow in another area. Baldwin’s Ironweed have recurved involucral bracts where Missouri Ironweed’s bracts are appressed. To be honest, some of the flowers in this colony have recurved bracts and some don’t… The two species do hybridize which can drive a person batty…

#4-Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster)

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster)

I walked to the pond in the front pasture to check on the Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster) which is also a late bloomer. They are also kind of late to come up in the spring which had me wondering if they survived the winter. The New England Aster grows to over 6′ tall. I put a water bottle at the base of the plant for size comparison…

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster)

I only found this species last fall because we had a late “F” and the flowers are pink. Their clusters of flowers caught my attention from quite a distance. I am hoping the same will be true this fall. They are working on it.

#5-Verbesina virginica (White Crownbeard/Frostweed)

Verbesina virginica (White Crownbeard/Frostweed)

One of my favorite wildflowers on the farm is the Verbesina virginica also known as White Crownbeard and Frostweed. These are also very tall plants that grow much taller than me… They are always in the same location every year.

Verbesina virginica (White Crownbeard/Frostweed)

They aren’t exactly early bloomers either, but they are getting there.

Verbesina virginica (White Crownbeard/Frostweed)

They do have neat white flowers in time, but the neatest thing is their winged stems and very long leaves.

#6-Strophostyles helvola (Amberique Bean)

Strophostyles helvola (Amberique Bean/Trailing Fuzzy Bean)

Even though seeing the Elephantopus carolinianus beginning to flower was exciting, I believe the find of the day was the Strophostyles helvola (Amberique Bean/Trailing Fuzzy Bean). The first time I found this species there were only a few flowers and the leaves had all dried up. Since then, I have kept an eye on them. This year I found a few growing closer to the gate and was able to get some good photos.

Strophostyles helvola (Amberique Bean/Trailing Fuzzy Bean)

From a distance, they resemble an off-color sweet pea. I kind of like this color much better than pink. 🙂

That completes my Six on Saturday kindly hosted by The Propagator. Be sure to check out the other Six on Saturday posts.

Well, I better get going for now. Until next time, be safe, stay positive, and always be thankful. Be sure to get dirty if you can!