August is subtle

While we have had more rain and less extreme temperatures, August is a month when plants and animals settle back to conserve themselves during the hottest month of the year. There is not much color, except for the hardy Wooly Ironweed (Vernonia lindheimeri) that loves the dry hot summer weather. This plant flourishes in soil that is  well drained so it grows in loamy or sandy areas as well as rocky areas that provide a way for water to run off. Butterflies and native bees also rely on the Ironweed. The Painted Lady butterfly's larvae particularly appreciated the leaves.The roots of the plant have boiled as a tea to purify the blood and reduce fevers as well as in a poultice to treat snakebites. 

July is for Snakes and Mountain Pink

While we see many wildflowers throughout the summer, few are as spectacular as Mountain Pink (Centaurium beyrichii) that has a happy home in the Edwards Plateau and westward. Vibrant in color, this bouquet-like plant prefers the rocky outcroppings of Central Texas to deeper and richer soils of the Blackland Prairie to the east. Early settlers called this plant "quinine weed" and used it to reduce fevers. Evidently hard to propagate, the seeds should be collected when the blooming period wanes at the end of summer then seeded before or just after a rain. Mountain Pink provides nectar for butterflies, moths, bees and insects. Look for these colorful bouquets on the eastern canyon wall and along the western trail that runs parallel to Bee Cave Road.

The heat of summer also brings out cold-blooded animals and on our July hike we were rewarded by a snake, which we think is a Ribbon Snake (see this article for a discussion 
about the difference between ribbon and garter snakes). Can you see this three-foot long snake in the middle of this photograph? It is well camouflaged among the plants, soil and rocks in the canyon trail. Like garter snakes, ribbon snakes are non-venomous beneficial to gardens as they eat worms, insects, and small rodents.

May is for Fluttermills

As our unusually cool spring of 2014 winds down the Madrone Canyon has been full of an incredible diverse group of wildflowers. Biodiversity contributes to an ecosystem's productivity. For example the more diversity the greater the ability to capture carbon dioxide which has been associated with global warming.  Historically American's have prized mono-cultures, particularly in lawns, when in fact, encouraging greater variety of plants contributes to a healthy ecosystem.

One plant of particular note that bloom's throughout the late spring and summer is Fluttermill or Missouri Primrose (Oenothera missouriensis).  At first glance this member of the primrose family looks like it should be growing on a beach somewhere. With a woody stem, narrow leaves and a four-petaled flower, this native plant loves the barren caliche canyon walls. 

Notice the distinctive seed pod has four large 'wings' that 'flutter' thus explaining the origin of the name.

April is for Activity!

Spring has finally arrived in full force in the Madrone Canyon! The Madrone trees bloomed in late March, the grasses are turning green and establishing themselves for the long summer, and the wildflowers are adding new color to the landscape on a daily basis. Most notable is the Mealy Sage, a lovely blue flowering plant that loves the steep incline running parallel to Bee Cave Road. Butterflies and hummingbirds are particularly fond of this sage's nectar. To see it, go into the canyon and follow the road bed to the right - when you have passed the bridge on the left, look for a marker on the right and descend along the trail. You should see several plants along this area.

June is the month of the Standing Cypress!

Yellow Standing Cypress

Standing Cypress

While many lovely wildflowers are blooming all over the preserve, the Standing Cypress (Ipomopsis rubra) is clearly standing out! Austin is the western-most edge of this striking plant common in most southeast US states. When Standing Cypress are plentiful, you'll see a proportionate number of yellow versions - just enough to add variety and make you wonder if you are seeing something rare! (Not really rare at all but it is exciting to think so!). These unique plants attract butterflies and hummingbirds... and deer who will nibble on the tips causing them to branch out increasing the number of blooms. To see more Standing Cypress in the Austin area, check out the Commons Ford Park's prairie restoration project, not far from the library. (P. McGee)