As winter leaves central Texas, one of the first blooming signs is a small plant that can be found in yards all over town as well as throughout Madrone Canyon. It is usually about 5-10 inches tall, and has both an interesting tubular purple flower and a unique leaf arrangement. Lamium or henbit is one of those pesky plants treated as lawn weeds, but we need to remember that this is its place. It was here before your lawn, and is a survivor plant or weed.
Lamium is a member of Lamiaceae or the Mint family. This is the family of plants that also contains many plants used for cooking like basil, mint, rosemary, sage, marjoram, oregano, hyssop, thyme, and lavender. The family can be identified by square stems and most of the family has paired opposite leaves and tubular flowers. Here is a digital microscope picture of the stem in cross section where you can see how it is square and hollow.
Henbit / Lamium has leaves that wrap around the stem near the upper part of the plant and lower leaves that may have a bit of a stalk. The flowers are a ½ inch long, light purple and tubular. The leaves are edible and while they don’t have quite the same amount of flavor as other plants of this family, they are a bit peppery.
Given the fluctuation in temperatures and cloudy days, the canyon is already showing signs of spring although we are still facing what will probably be our coldest winter weather. A walk along the old Bee Cave roadbed reveals two areas of water retention. On the eastern canyon wall (west facing) water has collected from runoff providing a rich soil bed that may help with wild flower development. Erosion is an issue in this area and we hope to work on this challenge in the spring. The north facing canyon wall (below the library building) is where we believe the head waters of Cuernavaca Creek may be located - there is a rich source of plant life in this area as the underground spring is flowing to the surface.
There is another creature that appears to be a bit confused about the season. The Earthstar Fungus (Astraeus hygrometricus) is an ectomycorrhizal fungus
that responds to the moisture in the environment. Typically we see these in wet seasons, spring and fall. As the fungus matures, the
outer layer opens to reveal a small puffball shaped fungus that is framed
by pointed 'star rays.' In dry conditions the rays close to protect the spores
inside, a process that can be repeated several times. When the puffball is
exposed, falling raining then helps to release the spores. We've had plenty of moisture so sure enough, we have had plenty of spring like days so these earthstars appeared just below the bottom steps of the canyon entrance.
December in the canyon is a time of subtle beauty and unexpected activity. The Madrone trees have been putting out red berries since November and they create a festivity in contrast to the slowly dying plants that are turning shared of brown. Bluebonnet rosettes are plentiful and many other wildflowers are either releasing seeds or setting the beginning of spring plants.
In order to keep the Canyon natural and a happy habitat for native plants, we have been removing invasive species. On November 15th 30 volunteers removed over 100 King Ranch Bluestem grass and at least 12 False Willow trees! The photo to the below captures folks removing KR - hard but very gratifying work.
A new addition to the landscape are the cheerfully decorated Ashe Junipers that can be seen from Bee Cave along the canyon perimeter. As you can see, decorations are falling off, and animals may decide to use these materials for nest building or for other purposes that can harm them. We hope that those who decorate secure objects tightly and return to remove all materials after the holiday season. All decoration debris on the ground will be removed.
The bits of rain here and there have sustained a variety of blooming plants and created some water filled drainage areas appealing to animals.
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| Shrubby Boneset |
Shrubby boneset or white mist flower (Ageratina havanensis) can be seen in the upper trail nestled between Lindeheimer's Silk Tassel and an Ashe Juniper. Hummingbirds, moths and
butterflies are attracted to this lovely shrubby plant. At the end of its blooming period, Plateau Goldeneye (Viguiera dentata ) adds a smattering of sunlight among the grasses and rocky canyon walls. These plants will provide bird seed well through spring. Combined with the water available the canyon provides a comfortable home for migrating and permanent birds.
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Goldeneye
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As the cooler weather finally starts approaching we begin to see some changes in the canyon. The intermittent rains and cooler evening temperatures are evident in plants, the trail itself (with a bit of erosion), and increasing shadows as the days grow shorter.
A growth spurt of native (and non-native) grasses and wildflowers are crowding the trails with lively color and textures. Most notable is f False Foxglove or Purple Geradia (Agalinis Purpurea). Reported to prefer moist soils, some of the Canyon's False Foxglove are confused - you can find them on the upper Canyon trail in the rocky dry cliff breaks.
Another notable resident making a showing this fall is parralena (Thymophylla pentachaeta). It has three rather evocative common names, according to the Wildflower Center: Five needle pricklyleaf, Five-needle, and Fetid Marigold.This is evidently the easternmost location of this relatively common plant. Growing low to the ground it is distinct for its dill scent released when leaves are crushed. It also is very attractive to native bees.
The native grasses that are going to seed are also adding diversity. While the color variations in Little Bluestem, and Texas Grama are subtle they add dimension and depth the landscape. They also provide valuable habitat for a variety of Canyon critters. The Canyon also has a good deal of King Ranch Bluestem (a non-native invasive species) that we are trying to remove as it pushes out native plants, particularly wildflowers.
In the area? Check our hike schedule or join us for a workday on Saturday, November 15, 2014 anytime between 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM - we'll be removing KR grass and Poverty Weed shrubs. Bring a digging tool!
August was hot and dry but September brings a bit of rain and cooler temperatures. We see the beginning of a purple trend that started with Wooly Ironweed last month will increase as we enter October.
Right now you can find a distribution of Gay Feather (Liatris punctuate), a wild flower that wears a purple feathery top. Also know as Blazing Star, this single stem wildflower erectly salutes the approaching fall. It is a host plant for many butterflies.
Gay Feather and Indian Paintbrush are hemi-parasitic meaning that while they grow independently when they share water and nutrients through their root system they both benefit. A friendly and hidden relationship. They are not in bloom at the same time and this relationship is not harmful to either plant.
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.
