Longbract Wild Indigo

Longbract Wild Indigo (Baptisia bracteata)

For more info and photos go to The Holding Tank by clicking on link or The Holding Tank list of contents below (on side).

Fall 2009 update

Winged Sumac leaves (Rhus copallina)

Sumac Berries, December ice storm 2007

Fall Update 2009

       Central Oklahoma has had it first patchy frost near Norman, Oklahoma. It was not a killing frost but is a sure sign of approaching winter, which is already occurring in other parts of the United States. The plant landscape is looking bleak and trees are losing leaves fast. Blue Bonesets and other Bonosets species have stopped blooming and Asters with flowers are becoming harder to find. They seem to know when it’s time to quit for the season. Patches of yellow Sunflowers still brighten up areas along the roadsides.
       The fall foliage has been beautiful this year. The bright red to burnt orange color of the Sumac leaves such as the leaves of this Winged Sumac (Rhus copallina), as usual, stands out among the other yellow and grey fall colors. Clusters of red sumac berries sometime survive into the winter. (December ice storm 2007)

Halloween 2009

Halloween 2009

Canada Goldenrod

Foraging Digger Wasp (Sphecidae), Cerceris Sp. Photo by Christopher Zabawa

Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.)

       Found across the United States, and Canada, except Southeastern U.S. states, the native Canada Goldenrod (Solidago Canadensis L.) or Common Goldenrod, a member of the Aster (Asteraceae) family considered weedy or invasive, blooms from mid-summer through fall.
       Canada Goldenrod, found near wood margins or open areas grow in moist, sandy or heavy clay soils.
       The numerous 1/8 inch long flowers occur in dense flat topped clusters along branching stems that tend to droop, due to the weight of the flowers.
       Plants growing from two feet to around four or five feet tall have un-stalked, sparsely toothed leaves to 3 ¼ inches long and 1/2 inch wide. The narrow, lance shaped leaves are found alternately along the hairy stem.
       The Canada Goldenrod, as well as other species of Goldenrods, is an important source of food for foraging insect species such as the Digger Wasps (Sphecidae), Cerceris Sp. pictured above.
       Around 125 species of goldenrods occur in the United States making identification sometimes difficult.
       The genus, Goldenrods (Soldiago) is not responsible for widespread allergic symptoms (hay fever). The pollen of Goldenrods is heavy and does not blow far from the plant. Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) and other grass and weed pollen is generally responsible for the miserable allergic symptoms which occur in some individuals in late summer and fall.
       Edible: The cooked young leaves and stems with flowers are edible and a tea brewed from the leaves and flowers.
       The Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L) is an important medicinal plant. All parts of the plant including flowers, leaves, stems, roots, and seeds have various medicinal properties.
       Flowers: The flowers chewed, is used as treatment of sore throats and other cold symptoms. A tea made from the flowers is used in the treatment of diarrhea, body aches, fevers and snakebites.
       Roots: Treatment of burns
       Seeds: Used in treatment of kidney and bladder disorders, muscle or joint stiffness, and arthritis.
       Other herbal uses include treatment of wounds (antiseptic and bleeding), urinary infections; chronic mucus discharge from nose and throat (common cold), various skin ailments, flu, whooping cough, bladder and kidney disorders, and gastroenteritis (stomach and intestinal inflammation). Used as a treatment for thrush, a fungal disease of the mouth characterized by white patches

        It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since they may have bad side effects. Similar species, misidentified, may cause illness or death.

Photo taken near my pond, rural east Norman, Oklahoma September 2009

Camphor Weed

Camphor Weed (Pluchea camphorate)

       Camphor Weed (Pluchea camphorata) or Camphor Pluchea, in the Aster (Asteraceae) family grows along the shorelines of lakes ponds and marshes (fresh, salt, and brackish). Found in the central United States, north to Kansas, east to Pennsylvania and south to Florida and Texas, Camphor Weed blooms from mid summer to fall.
       The native Camphor Weed, growing to three feet tall produce dense clusters of small tubular pink to purple flowers to ¼ inch wide, each cluster surrounded by pink/purplish bracts.
       Toothed leaves found alternately along the stem grow to six inches long and two inches wide. Small glands found on both sides of leaves are slightly sticky to the touch and produce a smell of camphor, which if handled, transfers to the hands.
       Another similar species, Pluchea odorata/Pluchea purpurascens (Sweetscent or Marsh Fleabane) occurs in the southern half of the United States from the Pacific to the Atlantic.

       Photos taken in rural east Norman, Oklahoma adjacent to my pond. September 2009

The Holding Tank

Comming soon: “The Holding Tank"
A companion blog to Oklahoma Wildflowers

       This blog will feature plants not yet on the Oklahoma Wildflowers blog and will provide basic information about each species. As descriptions are finished, the species in the Holding Tank will be moved to the Oklahoma Wildflower blog. I will try to add/move new species weekly or as time permits. A link list of species postings in the Holding Tank will also be provided on the Oklahoma Wildflower blog as well as a link to the Holding Tank blog.

Although the main purpose of the new blog is as described above, other topics may inclue:

Photographic tips and camera equipment
Species from other states
Species not yet identified
Possible contributing pics (yet to be worked out)
Environmental issues
More information on the world of Theos (see Homo sneakeaus on main blog for a little more info)

…and any other fun topics I might think of.

The Holding Tank inmate by Christopher Zabawa
Colorization by George Zabawa

Thanks to Christopher Zabawa, my son, for his imaginative drawings.

(C)2009 by Christopher and George Zabawa

Happy Fallday

Happy Fallday

       The first day of fall (Autumn) in the United States, yesterday, was marked by a cool front-bringing cool, Autumn weather along with more rain to central Oklahoma. Fall of course does not mean the end of plant growing season but merely marks the seasonal transition of species (which had already started). Many late summer and fall species are still thriving and blooming such as Sunflowers, various Bonesets including my favorite, Blue Boneset, the vibrant Blue Sage, Tall Thistles and many others to numerous to mention.
       The end may be near however, since the average first freeze, according to NOAA, in central Oklahoma occurs from October 2nd to October 11th. For more information on freeze dates for specific Oklahoma cities and towns, go to the link below.

Average First Frost in Oklahoma (NOAA)

Pale Smartweed

Pale Smartweed (Polygonum lapathifolium)

       Found across the United States, the native Pale Smartweed or Curlytop Knotweed (Polygonum lapathifolium) grow on the shores of lakes, ponds and other moist areas such as ditches, riverbanks and moist fields. A member of the Buckwheat (Polygonacea) family, the Pale Smartweed may colonize areas and become weedy or invasive in some areas.
       Blooming from summer to fall, the three foot tall Pale Smartweed produces 1/8 inch white flowers with white to pink tinged stamens. The flowers which have no petals, but modified petal-like leaves called sepals, form in cluaters along and near the apex of the stems.
       Leaves found alternately along the stem, grow to six inches long and to ½ inch wide. The lanceolate, leaves, tapering at both ends, are attached to the stem by a film-like membrane sheath (ocrea). Stems are hairless and smooth.
       The plain white flower of the Pale Smartweed and hairless stems distinguishes it from other Smartweeds such as Pennsylvania Smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum) which have bright pink flowers.
       Young leaves of the Pale Smartweed are ediable and parts of the plant used in treatment of fevers, stomach ailments and burns. Soap like lather produced from this plant may be used as soap substitute for washing.

       It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since they may have bad side effects. Similar species, misidentified, may cause illness or death.

Photos taken in rural east Norman, Oklahoma adjacent to my pond. September 2009

Slender Ladys Tresses

Slender Ladys Tresses (Spiranthes lacera)

       Found scattered throughout the eastern half of the United States and into Canada, the native Slender Lady’s Tresses Or Northern Slender Lady's Tresses (Spiranthes lacera), a member of the Orchid (Orchidaceae) family, grow in fields and open wooded areas.
       Blooming from late summer into fall, the Slender Lady’s Tresses produce irregular ¼-inch white flowers with green lip petals that are jagged, coarsely fringed or toothed. The flowers form in a distinctive spiral pattern along the stem, typical of species in this family (Spiranthes). The green colored lip petal of the Slender Lady’s Tresses distinguishes this species from other Lady’s Tresses.
       Growing to two feet high the plant appears leafless in the fall. The leaves to two inches long and ½ inch wide, found at the base of the plant, disappear at maturity.
       The Slender Lady’s Tresses are sometimes referred to by the scientific names Spiranthes beckii or Spiranthes gracilis.
       Note: The Orchid family, the largest plant family, containing over 20,000 species and found mostly in tropical areas, occur as far north as the Artic. Although the largest in species numbers, rarely are they found in large numbers. Many species of Orchids are endangered or threatened due to habitat loss or commercial exploitation.

Photos taken rural east Norman, Oklahoma (on my pond dam) Sept 2009

False Daisy

Photo above by Christopher Zabawa

Photo above by Christopher Zabawa

False Daisy (Eclipta prostrata)

       Found in the eastern half of the United States, California, Nevada and worldwide, the native False Daisy, a member of the Aster (Asteraceae) family and named for its daisy-like appearance is also known as Yerba de Tajo.
       Commonly found along pond margins, stream margins and other moist/wet areas, the False Daisy blooms from mid-summer into fall. Considered a noxious weed in some areas of its range, such as Oklahoma, it is endangered in New York.
       This sprawling plant, to two feet long, produces 1/3 inch white flowers with many white ray flowers (ray florets) and off white, four lobed disk flowers (disk florets) from midsummer into fall. The visible stamens tips (anthers) are yellow to light brown. The flat green fruit, beginning as green, turns to brown/black at maturity.
       The leaves, lance shaped and coarsely toothed, found opposite along the stem, grow to five inches long and one-inch diameter. Both the reddish stems and leaves have a scattering of white hairs.
       Eclipta prostrata, is also known by the scientific names Eclipta alba, Eclipta erecta ,Verbesina alba and Verbesina prostrata L.
       The young leaves and cooked shoots of plant are edible.
        Eclipta prostrata is an important medicinal plant in China and other areas of the world. It has numerous medicinal uses including treatments for hair loss (leaves), liver ailments, fevers, skin aliments (cuts, sores, athlete's foot), scorpion stings, and an antidote for snakebites. A dye extracted from the plant is used in tattoo ink/dye. Extracts from this plant can be purchased on internet and at local, herbal stores.
       This plant contains nicotine, which acts an insecticide and other active chemicals.

        It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since they may have bad side effects. Similar species, misidentified, may cause illness or death.

Photos taken at Sutton Wilderness, near Norman Oklahoma and at my pond in rural east Norman.

Valley Redstem

Valley Redstem (Ammannia coccinea)

       Commonly known as Valley Redstem, Purple Ammannia and Scarlet Toothcup the Valley Redstem (Ammannia coccinea) a member of the Loosetrife (Lythraceae) family, found primarily in the eastern half of the United States, is also found in California, New Mexico and Arizona. This native plant, blooming summer through fall and found in moist/muddy areas including pond and stream margins, is considered threatened in Pennsylvania and weedy in other areas of it range.
       Growing to 12 inches and taller, found sprawling or upright, the Valley Redstem produce ¼-inch purple to pink, four petaled flowers found at the leaf axis. Lance shaped leaves, found opposite along the stems, are two inches and longer and ¼ inch wide becoming wider near the stem.
       Note: Unlike the non-native Purple Loosetrife (Lythrum salicaria) also in the Loosetrife (Lythraceae) family and considered a noxious weed in many states, the Valley Redstem is not on the most unwanted list.

Photos taken at Sutton Wilderness in Norman, Oklahoma

Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

       The tall, majestic sunflower, a member of the Aster (Asteracea) family, is found throughout North America. Commonly seen along roadsides, fields and other open areas it is the state flower of Kansas.
       Blooming from late summer into fall the native Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) grows to six feet tall and produces yellow flowers two to five inches in diameter. The ovate leaves grow to a foot long. The stems, leaves and all parts of the Common Sunflower (except flowers) are roughly hairy.
        Prehistorically the Sunflower, cultivated by Native Americans for food and medicine is still grown and varieties of sunflowers, such as the Russian Giant, are cultivated for their oil rich and nutritious seeds. Sunflower oil, used for deep frying etc., may be purchased in many super markets and grocery stores. .
        The seeds produced by the Common Sunflower are an important source of food for wild birds and other wildlife.
        The flowers of the sunflower, facing the sun, seemingly “track” the sun. However, it is not the flower which turns, but the stem. The stem growing faster on the shaded side turns the flower in the direction of the sun.

       Photos taken at Sutton Wilderness in Norman, Oklahoma and Little River State Park near Norman, Oklahoma.

Clammyweed 2009

Clammyweed (Polanisia dodecandra)

       The beautiful and exotic looking native Clammyweed, found across most of the United States, grows in open areas and in rocky or sandy soil and blooms in late summer.
       The leaves and stems of the Clammyweed produce hairs that extrude a sticky substance, which when handled, adheres to the hands resulting in a “clammy” feeling. The Clammyweed growing to two feet tall have leaves comprised of three leaflets ranging from ½ to an inch and longer. The white flowers, pointing upwards, have four narrow petals ¾ inch long and longer with purple tinged veins. The prominently notched petals give them a heart shaped appearance.
       Note: There are various sub-species of Clammyweed. Two common sub-species are Polanisia dodecandr spp. dodecandra commonly known as Redwhisker Clammyweed and named for the numerous red whisker-like stamens it produces and Polanisia dodecandra ssp. trachysperma known as Sandyseed Clammyweed.
       Members of the Caper family (Capparaceae or Capparidaceae) are related to the Mustard family (Brassicaceae) and have been combined in some classification schemes.

       Photos taken at Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Veterans (Wilson) Lake area near Sulphur, Oklahoma.

Leavenworth's Eryngo 2009

Leavenworth's Eryngo (Eryngium leavenworthii)

       The beautiful, exotic, bristling and menacing looking Levenworth's Eryngo or Pineapple Thistle, a native plant found in south central United States and Wisconsin, is a member of the Parsley (Apiaceae) family.
       Not commonly seen on roadsides, Leavenworth's Eryngo growing in open areas, dry fields, and prairies is well adapted to hot/dry conditions. Blooming in late summer through the fall, the flowers and leaves, beginning as green, turn to a brilliant purple as they mature.
       Growing to three feet tall and taller with spiny leaves two inches long and 3/4 inches wide, the Leavenworth’s Eryngo has 1/4 small 5 petaled star shaped flowers and numerous purple stamens (when in full bloom).
       Butterflies, such as this Great Purple Hairstreak, are attracted to the brilliant, violet colored Leavenworth's Eryngo.
       This species was named after its discoverer Melines Conklin Leavenworth (1796-1862).

Photos taken at Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Veterans(Wilson) Lake near Sulphur, Oklahoma.

Lanceleaf Blanketflower 2009

Lanceleaf Blanketflower (Gaillardia aestivalis)

       Found in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas and into the southeastern United States the Lanceleaf Blanketflower (Gaillardia aestivalis), in the same genus (Gaillardia) as Indian Blanket (G. pulchella), blooms from mid summer into fall, later than the Indian Blanket.
       Growing to two feet tall the Lanceleaf Blanketflower produces two-inch yellow flowers (three lobed ray flowers) with reddish brown disc flowers. The leaves with smooth leaf margins, alternately spaced along stems, are up to two inches long and lance shaped.
        The Lanceleaf Blanketflower, drought tolerant, grow in open areas, along roadsides and rocky ledges in sandy and dry rocky soils.
       Note: This species is very similar to Yellow Gaillardia (Gaillardia serotinum), page 112, Doyle McCoy, 1987, Oklahoma Wildflowers.

The following species are synonyms for Gaillardia aestivalis var. aestivalis
Gaillardia chrysanthal
Gaillardia fastigiata
Gaillardia lanceolata
Gaillardia rigida
Gaillardia serotina

Photo taken at Little River State Park (Lake Thunderbird Area) near Norman, Oklahoma

Scaly Blazing Star 2009

Scaly Blazing Star (Liatris squarrosa)

       The native Scaly Blazing Star, a member of the Sunflower (Asteraceas) family, found on prairies, roadsides, fields, from Oklahoma to the east coast, bloom from mid to late summer into fall. This species produces beautiful purple/rose colored flowers that grow along the stem at the leaf axis. The flowers heads .5 inch to an 1.5 inch across are comprised of 50 or less tubular ray florets (small or reduced flowers). There are no ray flowers on this species.
       The Scaly Blazing Star grows to three feet tall with narrow linear leaves to six inches long and ¼-inch wide that grow alternately along the stems. The stems are hairy or smooth on this species of Liatris.
       This species grows in open areas and in dry, seemingly barren soils. The Scaly Blazing Star is endangered in Maryland and is probably extirpated (exterminated) in Michigan. (USDA-see links)
       The Scaly Blazing Star is differentiated from other Blazing Stars (Liatris spp) by their scaly (pineapple like) bracts. Bracts are modified leaves, sometimes mistaken for flower petals, usually found below the flower.
       Easily grown in the wildflower garden for their beauty, they attract butterflies and other insects.
       Several species of Liatris grown as ornamentals are sometimes found as cut flowers in florist shops. Seeds are available online.
       The roots of this species applied as a poultice has been used as a treatment for snakebites.

It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since they may have bad side effects. Similar species, misidentified, may cause illness or death.

Photo taken at Little River State Park near Norman, Oklahoma

Partridge Pea

Partridge Pea (Chamaechrista fasciculate)

       Blooming from mid summer into fall this easily identified plant, Partridge Pea (Chamaechrista fasciculata), is a native plant found in the eastern two thirds of the United States from New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Nebraska eastward to the east coast. Considered endangered in its northeast range the species is classified as a weedy plant in its western range.
       This plant grows in open areas and thrives in dry and seemingly barren soils. As with other pea/bean plants it is a nitrogen fixing plant and enriches the soil in which it grows.
       The bright irregularly shaped yellow flowers found along the branches are around an inch in diameter. The plants are one half to two feet and taller (32 inches this specimen) sometimes sprawling. The leaves are compound with numerous leaflets that are around an inch long and one third inch across. The leaves are sensitive and slowly fold inward when touched.
       In some taxonomic systems, the Partridge Pea is placed in a family Caesalpinia (Caesalpiniaceae)

Middle of Summer Bloom

Middle of the summer bloom

       The spring and early summer bloom, at least locally, has abated. The late spring and summer bloom was moderate, mainly due to a short drought and high temperatures (105 degrees Fahrenheit for several weeks). These temperatures, although still reaching a hundred degrees, have since moderated and there has been rainfall at least in central Oklahoma. I hope for a beautiful late summer and fall bloom. The burned out areas from wildfires earlier this year are profusely covered with sunflowers and other species.
       Early summer flowers have disappeared, with the exception of a few Indian Blankets, and mid to late summer species such as various species of Sunflowers, Ironweed and Blazing stars are beginning to bloom. It looks like the beginning of a good late summer/fall bloom in central Oklahoma.
       For those visiting the site regularly I apologize for the lack of new additions this summer. Next week (now this week) I hope to start adding new species and “catch up”. Since I’m several months behind I will add earlier blooming species as well as currently blooming species and will label each accordingly.
       I’ve had received several emails and comments recently and would like to thank them and all visiting the blog and site for their support.
       In honor of “Sunflower season” I’m posting a creature found on the planet Theos which has a strange resemblance to the Common Sunflower found on Earth. Also see Homo sneakeaus.

Have a great summer

George Zabawa.

Helios captares

Helios captares

       Helios captares, among the most unique creatures found on Theos, is similar to the common sunflower of Earth. Tall, rising as much as six meters off the surface of the plains they move slowly about with modified flowers that serve as feet.
       Obtaining all of its nourishment from solar energy, Helios captares captures and absorbs the energy of the sun with one large, central flower, which acts as a solar panel. This flower constantly tracks the sun, storing energy in specialized glands which surround it.
       The solar collecting flower, surrounded by smaller flowers, senses the presence of dangerous life forms such as the Raptores monarches. When in danger, the flower emits a strong beam of energy similar to a laser beam, destroying everything in its path.
       Harmless herbivores gather in the shadow of the Helios captares seeking protection from carnivores who avoid Helios captares and its deadly ray.
       Helios captares will not intentionally harm humans. View Helios captares from the ground since any flying object could be mistaken for a Raptores monarches.
Earth Reference: Common Sunflower

Artwork by Christopher Zabawa
Colorization by George Zabawa

(c) Copyright 2009 by Christopher and George Zabawa

Texas Stitchwort

Texas Stitchwort (Minuartia michauxii var. texana)

       Often found growing in rocky or gravelly limestone soil in open areas, limestone hills and bluffs the Texas Stitchwort bloom from late spring into the summer. The plant, ranging in height from 4 inches to 12 inches, produces numerous 3/8 inch white flowers with five petals and prominent stamens. The Texas Stitchwort is highly visible against the barren rocks on which they usually grow and easily identified.
       A native plant and a member of the Pink or Carnation (Caryophyllaceae) family, it is found in the central United States.
       A variety of Stitchwort, Michaux's stitchwort (Minuartia michauxii (Fenzl) Farw. var. michauxii) very similar to the Texas variety is found in the east central and the northeastern United States.

Photos taken at Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Veterans Lake Area) near Sulphur, Oklahoma 2009

Large Flowered Gaura

Large Flowered Gaura (Gaura longiflora)

        Found in the central United States west to Colorado and as far east as Pennsylvania the native Large-Flowered Gaura, a member of the Evening Primrose (Onagraceae) family found on dry prairies and other open areas bloom from mid-spring through the summer. Growing to 7 feet tall but usually shorter, the Large-Flowered Gaura produce beautiful, delicate white to pink flowers, depending upon the stage of bloom, to an inch long with prominent, sometimes red stemmed stamens,.
       The leaves, which grow to five inches long, and stems of this plant are covered with fine curly hairs.
       This plant species is known variously as Gaura biennis L. var. pitcheri, Gaura filiformis Small and Gaura pitcheri, Small.

Photo taken at Wichita Wildlife Refuge near Lawron, Oklahoma 2009

Sunbright

Sunbright (Phemeranthus parviflorus)

       A native plant and found in the central United States from Texas to North Dakota the Sunbright or Prairer flameflower, reaching a height of 8 inches, produces delicate, beautiful 1/2 inch and smaller pink flowers atop a spindly stem in the late spring through the summer.
       The leaves of the Sunbright, located at the base of the plant, up to 2 inches long are thin and cylindrical.
       The Sunbright, a member of the Purslane (Portulacaceae) family, thrives and grows in seemingly barren, dry sandy soils in open or semi-shaded areas and opens in late afternoon or on cloudy days.
       The flowers of this plant look very similar to those in the Pink or Carnation (Caryophyllaceae) family but are disinguished from them by the calyx which has only two sepals.

Water Speedwell

Water Speedwell(Veronica anagallis-aquatica)

       Blooming from late spring, through the summer the Water Speedwell (Veronica anagallis-aquatica), growing in the central United States and found in or near water has a small ¼ inch very pale lavender (almost white) flower with darker blue or purple veins. The Water Speedwell reaches heights to three feet and has leaves which are opposite, ovate and to 3 inches long. The Water Speedwell, a member of the figwort (Scrophulariaceae) family, is endangered or threatened in some of its range.
       Found in Europe and Asia as well as the United States, this plant species is considered a native plant by some authorities and a naturalized plant by others. Another similar species, American Brookline (Veronica Americana) has darker blue flowers and a wider geographical distribution.
       The leaves of the Water Speedwell are edible, high in vitamin C and used to treat scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency. The plant is also useful for the treatment of external sores and burns.
        It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since they may have bad side effects. Similar species, misidentified, may cause illness or death.

Photos taken at Red Rock Canyon State Park located near Hinton, Oklahoma.

Downy Indian Paintbrush

Downy Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja purpurea)

       The color of the Downy Indian Paintbrush ranges from purple, reddish orange to yellow. The Yellow or Lemon Paintbrush, also a variety of Downy Indian Paintbrush and a native to the United States, is found in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas.
       Formerly called Castilleja citrina the yellow variety of C. purpurea is now included with Castilleja purpurea as a variety (var) called citrina.
       Blooming from mid to late spring the Downy Indian Paintbrush thrive and grow in open dry sandy or rocky soils on prairies, fields and along roadsides.
       As with other Paintbrushes (Castilleja), Castilleja purpurea is a parasitic plant feeding on the roods of other plants.
       The Downy Indian Paintbrush grows to 18 inches tall with flowers to 1 inch long and leaves to over two inches. Most of the color of the plant is not the flower but modified leafs call bracts. The leaves and bracts of the downy Paintbrush are very hairy.

Photo taken at Wichita Wildlife Refuge near Lawton Oklahoma

Wild four O Clocks

Wild four O Clocks (Mirabilis nyctaginea)

        A native plant found in most of the United States, the Wild Four O’Clock grows in dry open areas such as prairies and fields and blooms from mid spring through the summer.
       A member of the Four O’Clock (Nyctaginaceae) family it grows to three feet tall and produces dark pink to purple ½ inch flowers . The flowers have no petals but five petal-like sepals.
       The flowers which open late (4 O’clock?) in the afternoon for a few hours, fall off by the following morning. The remaining bracts, which look somewhat like flowers, are often mistaken for the flowers.
       Various parts of the plant have a variety of medicinal uses including the root for treatment of cuts, burns, fevers and worms and the leaves for the treatment of bladder disorders.
        It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since they may have bad side effects. Similar species, misidentified, may cause illness or death.

Asparagus Wild or Garden

Garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)

       Blooming from mid spring to early summer, the Wild Asparagus, a member of the Lily (Liliaceae) family is found across all of the United States and prefers moist areas and grows in disturbed areas, open wooded areas, pastures, fields, and along roadsides.
       This non-native plant, introduced from Europe, grows to over six feet tall and produces small greenish tubular, bell shaped flowers less than ¼ inch long and .05 inches wide.
       This plant, in the early spring produces the familiar green asparagus shoots identical to those found in grocery stores.
       The young, nutritious stems or shoots are eatable raw or cooked and the seeds used as a coffee substitute. The plant has medicinally qualities and is used to treat aliments of the intestines, kidneys, and liver.
        It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since they may have bad side effects. Similar species, misidentified, may cause illness or death.

Indian Paintbrush 2009

Indian Paintbrush (Casilleja indivisa)

       One of two hundred species of Castilleja, Castilleja indivisi or Indian Paintbrush, located in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Louisiana, is found in open fields and along highways. From a distance, they appear as patches of red in a sea of green or brown. This species has a relatively short blooming season, blooming from late spring into early summer.
       Easly spotted along highways in the spring the plant grows to 18 inches tall and has narrow leaves to ¼ inch wide. The “flowers” are a beautiful red color turning to green at the stem.
       Most of the color of the plant is not the flower but modified leafs call bracts. These bracts are red, becoming green toward the stem. The shape and color of the upper part resembles a paintbrush dipped in red paint thus the common name Indian Paintbrush.
       Another less common species, Yellow Paintbrush (Castilleja purpurea var citrina, found in Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas, has yellow flowers. (see Downy Indian Paintbrush)
       The roots of this plant are parasitic, feeding on the roots of other species.

Indigo Bush

Indigo Bush (Amorpha fruticosa)

       Found growing in moist areas along streams, rivers, lakes, moist prairies, thickets, marshy areas, and open wooded moist areas the False Indigo a member of the Fabaceae (bean) family, found throughout most of the United States, is a native plant blooming from late spring into the summer. Also known as Desert False Indigo, or Lead plant it is considered weedy in some states (Connecticut and Washington)
       A shrubby plant, growing to 15 feet tall, the False Indigo produces small ¼ purple flowers and prominent stamens that grow along racemes (short stalks) that grow to six inches long. Leaves are two inches long and about one inch wide.
       The fruit of this plant is edible and parts of the plant used as an insect repellent. A blue dye can be extracted from this plant.
       It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since they may have bad side effects. Similar species, misidentified, may cause illness or death.

Beaked Cornsalad

Beaked Cornsalad (Valerianella radiate)

       The native Beaked Cornsalad, endangered in some areas of the United states, is found from Oklahoma to the east coast and from Florida to Pennsylvania.
       Found in dry and damp areas, including open wooded areas, fields, pastures, roadsides and railroad tracks the Beaked Cornsalad blooms in mid to late spring.
       Growing to 20 inches tall, it produces small white, 5 segmented ¼-inch and smaller flowers. The leaves are opposite and up to 6 inches cm long. Its square shaped clusters of flowers and branching stem make this plant easily identifiable.
       This plant has both male and female organs, is self pollinating and fertile by itself. This plant is a member of the Valerianaceae or Valerian family.
       Leaves and roots of the Beaked Cornsalad are edible.
       It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since they may have bad side effects. Similar species, misidentified, may cause illness or death.

Shaggy Dwarf Morning-glory

Shaggy Dwarf Morning-glory (Evolvulus nuttallianus)

       Found in the Central United States, east from Illinois and west to Utah, the Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory or Silky Evolvulus produces one half inch blue to purple flowers. The plants appear in mid spring and bloom through July.
       This native plant found growing in open areas in rocky, dry soil on low sprawling vines to one and a half inches long reaches heights from four to ten inches.
       The common name shaggy Dwarf Morning glory comes from the shaggy look of the very hairy one quarter to three quarter inch long narrow leaves
       The plants do not grow in large colonies and are often overlooked.
       This plant has no known food or medicinal value for humans.

Virginia Strawberry

Virginia Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)

       The native Virginia, Wild, or Common Strawberry, found throughout North America and considered weedy in some areas, blooms in mid spring. Found in open areas, fields, open wooded areas, and woodland edges the wild strawberry prefers moist souls.
       The white flowers, typical of those in the Rose family (Rosaceae), are an inch across with five white petals, five sepals, and five leaf-like bracts. Leaves, toothed and rounded, grow to nine inches long.
       The modern hybrid strawberry found in supermarkets, developed from the wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) and a South American species, is larger and less tasty than its smaller, wild relative.
       The fruit of the wild strawberry is editable raw or cooked and is used in jellies and jams. The leaves, used medicinally in treatment of a wide variety of aliments, are high in vitamin C also makes a pleasant tasting tea when dried. The fruit may be used as toothpaste substitute to clean the teeth.
       The Rosaceae is an important family and contain many species important to humans
        It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since they may have bad side effects. Similar species, misidentified, may cause illness or death.

Bastard Toadflax

Moth: Mournfull Thirlis (Thyris sepulchralis) with Bastard Toadflax
Photos by Christopher Zabawa

Bastard Toadflax (Comandra umbellate)

       Found in dry open areas, field and prairies throughout most of the United States and Canada, except Florida and Louisiana, the native plant, False Toadflax or Bastard Toadflax blooms in mid spring to early summer. The Bastard Toadflax a member of the Sandalwood family (Santalaceae ) produces groups of ¼ inch white flowers formed from five flower-like sepals. The smooth hairless leaves, to 1 ½ long, are found alternately along the stem.
        This plant is parasitic feeding on the roots of other trees and plants.
        Native Americans ate the fruit, which reportedly have a sweet flavor. The flowers have nectar which can be sucked out similar to a honey suckle flower.
        Medicinally the leaves were used to treat chest congestion and the liquid from the plant for the treatments of cuts.
        It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since they may have bad side effects. Similar species, misidentified, may cause illness or death.

Earth Day 2009

Earth Ship

Celebrate Earth Day by keeping it clean all year.

Artwork: Christopher Zabawa
Colorization: George Zabawa
Thanks Christopher

(C) Christopher Zabawa 2009

Corn Speedwell

Below: Corn Speedwell and Thymeleaf Sandwort with pin.

Corn Speedwell (Veronica arvensis)

       Blooming from early through mid-spring (depending upon your area) Corn Speedwell, a member of the Scrophulariaceae (Figwort) family, is an introduced plant from Europe. Not easily spotted, due to its small size, the Corn Speedwell, found in many types of habitats including open wooded areas, lawns, fields, and roadsides, disturbed and other waste areas occurs throughout the United States. Considered a weedy plant it is difficult to imagine this being a nuisance species.
       Growing from one inch to a foot tall it produces minuscule blue flowers to 1/8 inch (around the size of a pinhead) in diameter. Due to the flowers small size it is not noticeable and easily missed unless at ground level.
       The hairy leaves, positioned along the lower stem, are opposite while the leaves of the inflorescence (upper part of the stem on which flowers are located) are alternate.
       Used medicinally for the treatment of scurvy (a vitamin C deficiency), burns, and other skin aliments, the Corn Speedwell is not editable.

Thymeleaf Sandwort

Thymeleaf Sandwort (Arenaria serpyllifolia)

        Thymeleaf Sandwort, introduced from Europe, is found widespread across the United States. A member of the Carnation family Caryophyllaceae, Thymeleaf Sandwort grows almost anywhere but prefers open waste, rocky, barren, dry habitats. Found growing in a wide variety of soils, including moist to dry sand, clay or rocky soils it also grows in urban areas in cracks and along edges of sidewalks.
        Blooming from spring through early summer the Thymeleaf Sandwort, often over looked, produces small, one quarter inch and smaller white, five petaled flowers on sprawling or upright stems to ten inches long.
        The leaves are a quarter inch long and hairy along leaf margins. The green sepals, longer than the petals, are clearly visible under and between the petals.
        Young leaves are edible and the plant has medicinal uses.
        It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since they may have bad side effects. Similar species, misidentified, may cause illness or death.

Hairyfruit Chervil

Hairyfruit Chervil (Chaerophyllum tainturieri)

       Hairyfruit Chervil (Chaerophyllum tainturieri), a member of the carrot family (Apiaceae) family and native to the United States, blooms from early to late spring. Commonly found from the eastern to the central United States it grows in moist open wooded area, wetland areas, woodland borders, fields, roadsides, and other waste areas. Although not considered weedy it thrives and spreads rapidly under the right conditions
       This plant grows from six to eighteen inches tall and produces small 1/8 inch five petaled flowers with no sepals. The leaves, found alternately along the stem, are one-half inch long.
       Note: This plant is almost identical in appearance to Chaerophyllum procumbens (Spreading Chervil). The Hairyfruit Chervil can be distinguished from the Spreading Chervil by it pedicels (stalks) which become wider near the apex and flower of the plant.

Spring Flowers 2009

Sprung Flowers 2009

        The drought in central Oklalahoma continues in spite of a respite last year. Water levels in ponds and reservoirs are dropping and soil moisture levels are low.
       Noticeable absent from the plant landscape or reduced in numbers this year, is the Least Bluet (Hedyotis crassifolia), False Garlic (Nothoscordum bivalve) and Shepards Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris). Other common spring blooming plants, notable the Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica), the weedy Red Henbit (Lamium purpureum), Common Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), and some Chickweeds appear to be blooming at normal levels.

Gray Field Speedwell 2009

Gray Field Speedwell (Veronica polita)

       The Gray Field Speedwell, an introduced plant from Asia/Europe, is now found scattered across the eastern half of the United States growing in lawns, and open fields in early spring, sometimes in mass. These low, sprawling plants produce beautiful small one eighth to one half inch blue flowers with darker veins that grow at leaf bases. The stems and toothed leaves are roughly hairy.
       The two species, Veronic polita and Veronica persica are very similar and easily misidentified. The visible difference between them is minor with V. persica having flower stalks longer than their leaves while V. polita have flower stalks shorter than their leaves.
       Leaves and stems of this plant can be eaten raw or cooked.
       It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since they may have bad side effects. Similar species, misidentified, may cause illness or death.

Common Dandelion

Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

        The yellow flower of the dandelion inspires fear in the hearts of many homeowners. Millions of dollars and man-hours are spent each year to eradicate this small flowered menace, with little success.
        The Common Dandelion, a native to Europe, has become well established across the United States and can bloom all year where there is adequate moisture. The seeds, ready for flight, form in globe like clusters at the end of long stalks and are easily dispersed by the wind. Young children aid in their dispersal by blowing on the ripe seedpods and delight at the sight of the seeds floating gently on the wind and into their neighbor’s yard.
        Various parts of the Common Dandelion are eatable. The young greens are edible and the blossoms made into wine.
        The common name Dandelion come from the French word, dent de lion, and mean tooth of the lion.
       It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since they may have bad side effects. Similar species, misidentified, may cause illness or death.

Red Bud

Red Bud (Cercis canadensis)

       The state tree of Oklahoma and found in the eastern half of the United States the Eastern Red Bud blooms from mid to late spring.        This tree, usually short and shrubby, in the proper environment, can reach a height of 50 feet.
       The one half inch red flowers cover the leafless tree with flowers typical of those in the pea/bean family. Where there are large stands of Red Buds they form a beautiful curtain of red against the early spring green and left over winter gray.
       The leaves, heart shaped and up to six inches long, cover the tree after blooming.
       The flowers are editable and can be eaten raw or incorporated into dishes such as pancakes. The Red Bud has a pleasant tasting flower and is high in vitamin C.
       Parts of this tree has been used medicinally. The inner bark for treating fever and aliments such as diarrhea and chest congestion.
       In addition to its food and medicinal value the Red Bud has been used for making baskets.

It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since they may have bad side effects. Similar species, misidentified, may cause illness or death.