Madrone Canyon Hike on October 7, 2017

Jean points out a Texas madrone among the Ashe junipers

Yesterday Jean and I lead four hikers down into the Madrone Canyon. It was a pleasant sunny morning, and the damp earth put a spring in our step. Wherever we saw Seep muhly (Muhlenbergia reverchonii), small clumps of curly grass resembling ball moss, we would see a flowing seep. This is referred to as an "indicator species."

At this time of year, along the roadsides, you may have noticed a willowy shrub covered with silvery-white flowers. Commonly called Poverty weed or Roosevelt weed (Baccharis neglecta) due to its hardiness to survive the Dust Bowl era. I think this deer resistant plant may be under utilized in our landscapes. The Wildflower Center's Native Plant Database offers this info:

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Calcareous, Saline tolerant
Conditions Comments: The species name  neglecta refers to the prevalence of this 

plant in neglected or disturbed areas. Although common, consider planting this  shrub 

for its showy profusion of silky silver/white flowers. Roosevelt  Weed is also a good  

nectar plant for many pollinators including some butterflies.  Simple to care for: Full 

sun and low water. 

I like it! and suggest a species name change do-over from neglecta to elegante!

Poverty weed (center) among Ashe juniper, Flame-leaf sumac and Plateau golden-eye.