The heat is starting to settle in over North Texas. However despite the heat Jeanne and I needed to do a day trip to Caddo NG. We had a few places that had lit up our radar from the spring survey. And of course a follow-up was necessary. LOL.
Jim and I started the day with our walk before Jeanne arrived.
At our chosen Caddo NG spot, we stepped out of the car. As you can see we were going into the forest! Shade!
Getting our gear on was the first order of business. I was smiling. I was not going to be the one to donate blood that day. LOL. However I must say it was not as bad as it was in May.
The American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) were next to the car!
Also in the parking area were the Stiff-hair Sunflower or Hairy Sunflower (Helianthus hirsutus). Yes, all this was where we had parked. 🙂
Spanish Needles (Bidens bipinnata) can be found on sandy soils. And we were certainly in sandy soils!
Now you may be wondering why its common name is Spanish Needles. Well, like all the Bidens the seeds are known to stick into your clothing. The genus in the Flora of North Central Texas referred to them as Beggar-tick, Bur-marigold, and Tickseed Sunflower. I guess the plant could be annoying. However I have only seen a few plants in one place in my encounters. So they are easily avoided.
It didn’t take Jeanne long to spot the mature hornworts in our path. Last time they were only little snubs. 🙂
Then right next to the hornwort, Jeanne had her loupe examining the mosses! She didn’t recognize it so into the collection bag.
Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta var pulcherrima)!
Love those dinosaur horns. And i wonder what my fish hear when i call them to come eat😄
That would be interesting to know. 🦻
The Spanish needles are definitely pokey. Kinda painful. In my yard I tried to keep them away from the paths because of it.
Do you know what uses them?
Y’all have such fun adventures!
Wow! A new dinosaur, and what a stunner! Your links to articles are often as interesting as your photos and commentary
I’m glad you are finding the articles interesting too. 🙂