All we got today was the occasional mist. Maybe tonight the rain will come. So if you have not done so, empty your rain gauge!
Do you have non-native plants at your house? Certainly is something that most places have. And we have more than our share.
Blackdisk Medick (Medicago orbicularis) is a non-native. In fact all six of the Medicago species are non-native in North Texas. We have several species here at our house.
At least this species has an interesting seed pod. There are too many to even try to eliminate them here. Like so many other non-natives plants, they are here to stay. However, when there is a new non-native that tries to worm it way on to our property, I will quickly remove it. For example, the Musk or Bull Thistle (Cardus nutans) is one that I succeeded at keeping at bay. I see more of it each passing year along the road or in the neighbors’ fields. 🙁
Yesterday, this plant caught my eye in our field! Hmmm, a new plant for us? From a distance, I thought a Hypericum! Wouldn’t that be neat!
Closer yet. I was getting excited!
Beautiful flowers! I better check the flora. No matter how hard I tried to make it a native, it was not. It turned out to be Common St John-s-wort (Hypericum perforatum). It had been awhile since I had stopped to look at this species. On the grasslands, there are several native species. In the flora ten species are listed including this one non-native.
The black dots on the edge of the petals and some of the black tipped anthers are key marks.
Another attribute, is the when you hold the small leaf up to the light, you can see the light colored spots.
My hopes of a native Hypericum were dashed for our property.
Only one thing to do next.
No more in our prairie!
A photo of its root system. This is a perennial so hopefully I got all the roots, but you can bet, I’ll be watching for it.
Bundled and readied for the trash.
Indeed, Gracie was my good helper!
Moreover, now I hope the White Prairie Rose (Rosa foliolosa) can get back to having their prairie with the Little Bluestem. 🙂
Love the roses. And tiny critter on it. Katydid? Kiss Gracie for me
Yes, tis a a katydid!
I didn’t know there were any non-native feral Hypericums around. Good work.
Yes, they are around. First one ever saw Shirley pointed out to me on 455 on the way to Forestburg.
Great job keeping your prairie safe! Hi Gracie!
We are trying 😊