Evax verna, a strange little flower

When we spend time looking at trees or wildflowers there is often a tunnel vision for the brightly colored flowers or shiny leaves, or large trees. This tunnel vision can sometimes prevent us from seeing what is right by our feet.

A plant in Austin and extremely prolific in the Madrone Canyon and throughout the Westlake area is called Evax verna. It is often right at your feet and is so small that you pass right over it. The flowers however if you lean down and look closely are the most amazing flowers.

Evax Verna is in the Asteraceae family-- it's a relative of plants like sunflowers and gaillardia. The entire plant is usually less than 3 inches high, and the flower head looks wooly or cotton coated.

Look for it in the area as the first plant you see right next to where you park. I often see it in the edges of parking lots and rocky areas just next to mowed areas.

Evax verna

Evax verna closeup

We will not have a Canyon hike in July, but will hike on August 1. Bring your cameras, binoculars and guidebooks for an interesting morning in the canyon of exploration and inquiry...