What a surprise for me when I went out to the grasslands this morning. It was 70 degrees when we took our morning walk at the house. However when I reached my chosen mesa later in the morning I was sorry I had only worn my lightweight shirt. I almost came home. But since I was there, oh well. It wasn’t that bad. And I figured it would warm up soon.
Before I reached the mesa, I jumped out the car for these Beebalms (Monarda)! The Monardas all belong in the Lamiaceae family (Mint). Two characteristics of this family are square stems and opposite leaves. See page 752 in the FNCT for further details.
Actually the stop was for the Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa var. mollis) in particular. It is a perennial. And it is doing very well this year!
Half with flowers, this photos shows the bracts clearly.
Plus I got a bonus, blackberries.
Horsemint or Lemon Beebalm (Monarda citriodora)!
Spotted Beebalm (Monarda punctata var intermedia)! Can you spot the Ambush Bug (Phymata)?
Arriving at the mesa, the Golden Daleas (Dalea aurea) were covering the hillside!
What again, the Bindweed was trying to fool me it was different plant. LOL The Bindweed was just tightly wrapped on the other plant.
Here was a magnificent Queen’s Delight (Stillingia texana)!
While searching the Black Dalea (Dalea frutescens) I found that Dodder (Cuscuta) had found a home on some of them.
The last find Ground Mantids (Litaneutria). Even while mating they were fast. This genus is never over 35mm according to BugGuide.
Then what…again! It started to rain. That was certainly too much for me. No thank you I didn’t want to be cold and wet. Actually when I reached the car, the thermometer said it was 64. No wonder I was cold. 🙂 And at home we got .02″.
Good luck TPWD!
Gorgeous photos Mary, like always but these close ups are really gorgeous.
I miss my Bergamot. My big colony died out, guessing from the drought. Did not come out in 2022 when this drought started. Luckily I had two in pots that are now planted in another area.
And speaking o f drought and our wildflowers, I just read on Texbirds that Lubbock has only had .86 inches for the year.
🤞🏽🤞🏽for the state park. Sure are pretty flowers. Especially the daleas and horsemint
Definitely a great day to be out – cool wet breezy and just a bit wet. Wish it would last.
Wildflowers wish it would too I bet.
What a gorgeous mesa! Love me some barrens!
Good luck TPWD!
Gorgeous photos Mary, like always but these close ups are really gorgeous.
I miss my Bergamot. My big colony died out, guessing from the drought. Did not come out in 2022 when this drought started. Luckily I had two in pots that are now planted in another area.
And speaking o f drought and our wildflowers, I just read on Texbirds that Lubbock has only had .86 inches for the year.
Thanks! Crazy the rain when the panhandle is drowning. Crazy! We are up to 12.22”. The rain just missed us again last nigy🤷🏻♀️
I remember that day, it got nice and cool here. Never knew about the ground mantids!!