On Tuesday, I led a group from my local chapter of NPSOT, Trinity Forks chapter, on an outing at the LBJ NG. It was a fairly chilly morning in the low 50’s. And cloudy too! Everyone were thinking maybe they should have worn warmer clothes. However, as we got going, I think all forgot about the chill in the air.
Some of the folks had never been to LBJ NG. Furthermore, several had lived in the area for more than thirty plus years. Sometimes, we tend to overlook what we have. Of course, like I told them, I like that people are not crowding the grasslands. Then again, I am a bit selfish, eh.
Foxtail or Spinystar Cactus (Escobaria vivipara var radiosa)! This was one of the first plants we looked over. It is a nipple cactus that can have one to three center spines per areole. Note the pink to brownish color of the spines as well.
Surprisingly to me this Plains Nipple Cactus (Escobaria missouriensis) had flowers that would be opening soon. Its flower will be a yellowish green bloom. Its fruit will be red. We also saw the Pineapple Cactus which has fewer and thicker spines with some spines that are curved. Sorry, I did not take a photo of it.
Next, a Firewheel (Gaillardia pulchella). There were not big bunches where we were. However, along the county roads, they are bursting! Certainly would be a nice time to take a drive!
Sensitive Briar really looked like a wet cat after the rain LOL! So it is a prickly stemmed plant. And is a host plant for some hairstreaks. So it takes all kinds, right?
Barbara’s Buttons were doing good!
Jerry was making INaturalist observations! And thanks Jerry for coordinating the outing!
Finally heading back to the vehicles, a Variegated Fritillary was still in the cool morning air.
Despite the cool weather, it was a great morning! Truly always a pleasure sharing the grasslands with fellow nature lovers!
Looks like a nice group for the outing. Love the cacti. Would love to see them bloom. The blooms are beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Non functional grass ban is great!!
Looks like a fun day.