Hi there everybody! I hope this publish finds you properly. The rain within the forecast appears to have disappeared, aside from the 3-4/10 of an inch twice earlier within the final week (or the week earlier than). Tuesday night time we had somewhat rain, however the rain gauge solely mentioned 1/10″. There was extra within the forecast for Wednesday afternoon, nevertheless it didn’t occur. So, it’s nonetheless very dry. Temps have been within the higher 80’s-90 day by day which is what was within the forecast.

On Sunday, September 24, I made a decision to take a stroll to the south hayfield and the southeast pasture to see what I might of couldn’t discover… The entrance a part of the southeast hayfield will get some afternoon shade, so there may be some inexperienced regardless that it’s dry.

Ageratina altissima (White Snakeroot) on 9-24-23.

Not removed from the doorway of the south hayfield, I discovered a number of Ageratina altissima (White Snakeroot). They like not less than somewhat shade for them to do properly, and this time of the yr they actually flourish and are in full bloom. There are numerous these vegetation rising within the space north of the rooster home. They aren’t good vegetation and are poisonous to people, livestock, and deer. That is the species that causes milk illness as its toxin (tremetol) is handed via the milk from cattle and goats. Tremetol can even contaminate the meat… Regardless of its toxicity, bugs feed on the nectar with no situation. I didn’t see any butterflies or different bugs on the flowers of those vegetation… I took a number of extra images of, or referring to the White Snakeroot in a while the stroll…

Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (Tall White Aster on 9-24-23.

There have been a number of hit-and-miss Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (Tall White Aster) within the south hayfield. This isn’t an ample species right here on the farm, the truth is, I first recognized it from a single small colony in the primary hayfield final summer season. There have been so many Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) final summer season that one would by no means know except you by chance came across a lookalike…

Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (Tall White Aster) on 9-24-23.

Symphyotrichum lanceolatum has 16-50 ray florets in 1-2 sequence so this one is actually inside these parameters… Hmmm… Am I positive? That may be a secret. 🙂

Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (Tall White Aster) on 9-24-23.

One factor for positive, the involucral bracts say this plant is certainly a Symphyotrichum species. It’s the solely species within the genus on the farm that has white flowers that develop in full solar. OH WAIT A MINUTE!!! I forgot in regards to the Symphyotrichum pilosum (Bushy White Oldfield Aster). HMMM… That species has 15-35 ray florets! GEEZ! Perhaps these images are of S. pilosum! Now I’m confused AGAIN… It’s very easy to be confused with among the species on this genus.

I began strolling towards the sting of the place the blackberries develop however observed these darn sticktights had been in every single place! More often than not I name them Desmodium adopted by a reputation I can write right here. Nicely, we’re grownup people, so I’m positive you’ll lend a hand. So, I walked contained in the hayfield as an alternative of the sting of the place the blackberries are rising.

Tripsacum dactyloides (Japanese Gamagrass) on 9-24-23.

I observed some grass taller than the Purple Prime and acquired somewhat excited. I zoomed in somewhat and took a shot earlier than dashing to the spot…

Tripsacum dactyloides (Japanese Gamagrass) on 9-24-23.

Now isn’t that thrilling? Tripsacum dactyloides (Japanese Gamagrass) within the south hayfield!

Tripsacum dactyloides (Japanese Gamagrass) on 9-24-23.

WOW! To the proper was a a lot bigger bunch. I suppose this grass has been right here for some time (duh) however I simply haven’t observed it. I usually don’t run round within the hayfield that a lot earlier than it will get lower as a result of it’s arduous to stroll in. Since there was no hay to chop, this grass had an opportunity to get someplace. Kevin normally cuts the hay at 3-4″ and this species doesn’t prefer it under 6″. That’s as a result of it wants a superb quantity of carbohydrates that’s saved in its leaves to regrow. I tried to gather seeds from this grass in the primary hayfield, however I’m not sure if I used to be capable of get seeds or simply what was left after the seeds fell out. We will see…

Hmmm… No caption wanted! I used to be so excited in regards to the Gama Grass I didn’t pay any consideration to the “you already know what” within the midst of all the things. GEEZ!

Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 9-24-23.

There are only a fewErigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) even within the south hayfield the place they’re usually in every single place. Identical because the state of affairs in the primary hayfield.

Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 9-24-23.

Sure, I’m sure about this one. Nicely, my fingers are crossed because it does have a look-alike. Erigeron strigosus is sort of related however isn’t so “weedy”. I take that to imply they don’t unfold as rampant as E. annuus. One has extra of a shaggy look however I forgot which is which with out doing the analysis AGAIN… I had come to the conclusion the species right here is E. annuus so I’m sticking with it…

Oenothera sp. (Primrose) on 9-24-23.

Hmmm… I walked towards the realm the place the blackberries are rising and stumbled upon, of all issues, a Primrose. Within the hayfield!!! Okay, I suppose that isn’t so uncommon aside from the very fact I’ve by no means seen them within the hayfield. There’s A LOT of Oenothera biennis (Frequent Night Primrose) rising within the cracks of what was the again porch of my grandparent’s previous home. For the previous a number of years fairly a number of have been rising within the flower mattress subsequent to the porch… The mattress I made within the early 1980’s… Till now I haven’t seen them wherever else on the farm and even on backroads. This yr I observed a small colony alongside the freeway simply previous a close-by city (Calhoun). I had been engaged on a home in Clinton so I handed the colony a number of days in a row. Then at some point the freeway crew mowed them off…

The Missouri Crops web site lists 12 species of Oenothera native to Missouri…

My web has been fairly sluggish for some time, however recently, it has been insane! I’m having a tough time importing images…

Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (Tall White Aster) on 9-24-23.

Strolling north in entrance of the blackberry jungle, I observed a pleasant cluster of Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (Tall White Aster). Maybe I shouldn’t bounce the gun on this one since I wasn’t proper subsequent to it. Yeah, I zoomed in due to what was rising round it. OUCH!!! After I took the photograph, I walked away and thought, “What if it isn’t even a Symphyotrichum species?” So, I went again, reached in, and made positive. It’s positively a Symphyotrichum, however I didn’t depend the petals. Nicely, even when I did I might be guessing. I’m undecided, however I believe the vegetation are the one ones that know their true identification whereas we people simply guess… Some species I do know properly, however others would require much more time to establish within the discipline and I must carry round notes. I’m positive I can provide you with extra causes (excuses) to only take a guess.

I got here to the east finish of the south hayfield and needed to decide. I needed to stroll alongside the fence of the hayfield on my manner again, however I additionally needed to try the again pasture… Hmmm… It was already virtually 6 PM…

Shortcut to the again pasture…

I made a decision I ought to go to the again pasture and see what it appears to be like like. There’s one specific place I prefer to cross that isn’t that dangerous. Going via on the nook could be not possible since there are A LOT of tall blackberry brambles to stroll via. The actual spot I stroll via doesn’t even have Poison Ivy! There’s a fence, however I can step proper over it.

Wanting towards the southeast nook…

As soon as out within the open, I appeared towards the tip of the again pasture, towards what I name the swamp. I name the entire space behind the south hayfield the again pasture. It will get good afternoon shade due to the timber rising within the fence row. There’s some grass rising because of the Purple Stem and the Tall Fescue.

Wanting north…

Wanting north, you possibly can see the timber on the left between the south hayfield and again pasture. To the proper are timber on the neighbor’s property that comply with a creek. The fence row has a number of Multiflora Roses, Japanese Pink Cedar, and naturally Japanese Honeysuckle.

Solidago sp. (Goldenrod) on 9-24-23.

There has all the time been a good-sized colony of Solidago on the finish of the grassy space of the again pasture. Previous them, it’s usually a combination of blackberry briars and extra blackberry briars… Which will sound bizarre, however it’s true. There’s a HUGE mulberry tree within the space and previous that may be a band of small timber…

Into the swamp…

Simply on the opposite facet of the Goldenrod is an space that’s normally grown up, however this yr I used to be capable of stroll via it. Unusual how numerous “crap” appears to be lacking right here. After we had cattle grazing the again pasture, I had an electrical fence on this space in order that they couldn’t farther down. Tree limbs and blackberry briars made it tough to take care of the electrical fence. Because the briars grew farther into the pasture, I might transfer the fence.

The swamp…

In 2020, a fence was constructed alongside the boundary of the south hayfield all the best way all the way down to the east boundary fence. We determined to maneuver the fence possibly 60′ or so in entrance of the previous fence. The previous fence runs alongside the boundary and is generally standing in water. There’s now a cattle panel for a gate simply in case the cows get out. Hmmm… Every time and if the tenant places cattle right here. For those who don’t keep in mind from previous posts, the Rock Island Railroad ran alongside the south facet of the farm, which is now a part of the Katy (MKT) Path. On the opposite facet is town park with a good-sized lake. The lake was as soon as used to fill steam locomotives with water. There’s a giant culvert the place the lake drains. There’s additionally a spillway on the south facet of the lake.

This space has modified rather a lot since I returned in 2023. The swampy space was as soon as full of Impatiens capensis (Jewelweed) then it was taken over by a species of reed grass. Since this summer season has been so dry, even it has refused to develop…

Hmmm… I’m wondering what number of extra I can get on my pants?

Asclepias syriaca (Frequent Milkweed) seeds…

Strolling again into the pasture, there may be numerous Asclepias syriaca (Frequent Milkweed) going to seed now. The vegetation within the again pasture are all the time somewhat behind these in the primary hayfield. Probably as a result of the realm will get shade within the afternoon.

Halfway within the again pasture trying north on 9-24-23.

There have been hundreds of Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan) on this space earlier in the summertime. Now there are none. There’s not even a hint of previous stems and seeds…

Vanessa cardui (Painted Girl) on 9-24-23.

Hmmm… I used to be strolling alongside the treeline the place there have been fairly a number of White Snakeroots are in flower. I observed this Vanessa cardui (Painted Girl) so I zoomed in to get a shot. I observed one thing bizarre… It appeared very pleasant… It was DEAD! It was hanging by its tongue… White Snakeroot, as you already know, is extremely poisonous however butterflies and different bugs can feed on the nectar with out hurt. Do you assume, since there aren’t many flowers to feed on, that an excessive amount of of a superb factor could possibly be deadly?

I knew it was a Painted Girl due to previous identifications, however I’ve no observations posted on iNaturalist nor any images in my folders. Hmmm… One thing is bizarre… Maybe I took images however they had been too blurry to avoid wasting however OK for an ID. In response to data on-line, the Painted Girl (Vanessa cardui) is probably the most widespread of all butterfly species…

Cirsium altissimum (Tall Thistle) on 9-24-23.

There have been nonetheless a number of Cirsium altissimum (Tall Thistle) blooming however most have already gone to seed. These are “user-friendly” thistles with out all of the prickles on their leaves and stems.

I left the again pasture and went again into the south hayfield. I walked alongside the fence the place it had been mowed some time again.

Bidens bipinnata (Spanish Needles) on 9-24-23.

WHOA! I virtually walked proper right into a lure of Bidens bipinnata (Spanish Needles)! In numerous vegetation, they’re arduous to see. I didn’t need to add the opposite sticktights on my pants!

Bidens bipinnata (Spanish Needles) on 9-24-23.

I all the time prefer to keep away from these and usually do a reasonably good job.

Vanessa cardui (Painted Girl) on 9-24-23.

Farther down I observed one other lifeless Vanessa cardui (Painted Girl) on White Snakeroot flowers… Once more hanging by its tongue…

Argynnis cybele (Nice Spangled Fritillary) on 9-24-23.

Inside a number of ft was an Argynnis cybele (Nice Spangled Fritillary) feeding on A Cirsium altissimum (Tall Thistle) flower. These are one in all my favourite butterflies to photograph as a result of they don’t fly away so quick. This one isn’t so brightly coloured and his wings are torn considerably. I advised it to steer clear of the White Snakeroot…

I appeared forward of me and observed I used to be in somewhat little bit of a predicament… The vegetation had grown extra on this space because it was mowed. I must stroll via it… Perhaps I can get extra beggarticks on my pants!

The above photograph is what I simply walked via (towards the east). You’ll be able to see the place it has been mowed farther up…

Arnoglossum atriplicifolium (Pale Indian Plantain) on 9-24-23.

I ran throughout a colony of first-year Arnoglossum atriplicifolium (Pale Indian Plantain). I actually like their tropical-like leaves.

Arnoglossum atriplicifolium (Pale Indian Plantain) on 9-24-23.

In case you are uncertain of the species, simply flip over the leaves and search for the whiteish underside.

Abutilon theophrasti (Velvet Leaf) on 9-24-23.

I had needed a number of extra images of Abutilon theophrasti (Velvet Leaf) and right here I discovered one other plant. I believe it was final yr I discovered a single seed pod in the primary hayfield.

Abutilon theophrasti (Velvet Leaf) on 9-24-23.

This one has a number of seed pods and even a number of inexperienced leaves! The seed pods could be nice in dried preparations.

Ipomoea hederacea (Ivy-Leaved or Blue Morning Glory) on 9-24-23

It even had a Ipomoea hederacea (Ivy-Leaved or Blue Morning Glory) on its stem. I believe the south hayfield is the one place I’ve seen this species of Morning Glory. It is a widespread species however I first recognized it from vegetation sprawling alongside the bottom in 2021. There’s a good older house in Clinton with Morning Glories planted alongside its wrought iron fence. Seems to be actually good!

Vernonia missurica (Missouri Ironweed) on 9-24-23.

Lastly a pleasant colony of Vernonia missurica (Missouri Ironweed).

Senna marilandica (Maryland or Southern Senna) on 9-24-23.

Then I stumbled upon this plant alongside the fence… I recognized it as Senna marilandica (Maryland or Southern Senna) nevertheless it could possibly be one other species of Senna… One other new species recognized right here. As you possibly can see, it will probably simply be recognized by its leaves and lengthy bean-like seed pods. It’s a member of the plant household Fabaceae…

Verbesina virginica (White Crownbeard.Frostweed) on 9-24-23.

There’s all the time a big colony of Verbesina virginica (White Crownbeard/Frostweed) alongside the fence within the south hayfield. We’re getting near the tip… This colony is brief since they had been mowed off beforehand.

Ageratina altissima (White Snakeroot) on 9-24-23.

Proper subsequent to the Verbesina virginica is a good-sized colony of Ageratina altissima (White Snakeroot). As with all of this species on the farm, this colony appears to be like nice…

I walked out of the south hayfield preparing to return to the home. I made a decision to stroll towards the small pond to chop throughout the ditch there… Guess what I noticed?!?!

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster) on 9-24-23.

Lo and behold it was the clump of Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster). For those who keep in mind from the final publish, I assumed they’d fully vanished due to the drought. I should have been somewhat off within the location (a number of ft)… What I noticed earlier than was simply stems and dried leaves so I assumed it was one thing else. Because it rained somewhat since then, it grew new leaves and flowered. That may be a attribute of a number of species of Symphyotrichum together with S. praealtum (Willowleaf Aster) which hasn’t flowered but. I can’t discover it till it blooms…

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster) on 9-24-23.

The flowers aren’t almost as huge as common and never close to as many. The vegetation are normally taller than I’m, however this yr they’re MUCH shorter (which is another excuse I couldn’t discover them). A minimum of the stems are standing upright the place they’re normally just about on the bottom. One factor I admire about this species is that they keep put. The clump has gotten larger, however they don’t pop up in every single place. I’m relieved they’re nonetheless alive!

Torilis japonica (Japanese Hedge Parsley) on 9-24-23.

One other plant I keep away from just like the plague is Torilis japonica (Japanese Hedge Parsley). I’m not going to repeat my sock story from after I was a child. An analogous species, Torilis arvensis (Frequent Hedge Parsley), is similar in virtually each attribute. A number of years in the past I grew to become curious in regards to the Hedge Parsley right here. T. japonica has hooked barbs whereas T. arvensis has curved barbs. I took the magnifying glass and all I checked out had hooked barbs. Some time again, a member of iNaturalist disagreed and recommended T. arvensis. I defined the distinction and he thought it was the opposite manner round… He tagged one other member and he mentioned one of the simplest ways to inform was T. japonica has a whorl of bracts under the umbellets… Hmmm… I went to verify and all of the vegetation I checked had been too far alongside to have leaves not to mention bracts. Now I’ve to attend till subsequent yr to verify… When the seed will get older, the hooks on the bristles additionally fall off.

I assumed I might take a shot of the primary pond behind the barn… It’s dry and the ragweed is flourishing…

Darn! I misplaced a number of…

Nicely, I higher shut for now. Since it’s October now, sooner or later the potted vegetation must come inside. GEEZ!

Till subsequent time, be secure, keep optimistic, and all the time be grateful.