Wildflower Stroll ? « The Belmont Rooster
Hey all folks! I hope this submit finds you all appropriately. I apologize for not posting for some time. It has been a bizarre summer season season for constructive with the warmth and drought. I used to be busy with the yard choosing candy corn and inexperienced beans right up till August 17. Someway I managed to get 455 ears of candy corn all through the freezer, and as a result of ‘Supplier’ inexperienced beans, 34 quarts of inexperienced beans. Really, not the complete inexperienced beans and candy corn made it to the freezer. I ate some and gave some away. A few of the candy corn went to the chickens attributable to pollination elements and, with some, solely half an ear was sufficient to go to the freezer. The ‘Tendersweet’ and ‘Contender’ inexperienced beans didn’t do appropriately in the least. It was so scorching virtually the complete flowers fell off regardless of frequent watering. I picked solely 7 quarts from 4 double rows 25′ extended from them. The ‘Supplier’ nonetheless, made up for it with 27 quarts from solely 2 double rows in regards to the equal dimension. It was planted 2 weeks later.
The above picture of the thermometer was taken on August 24 at 12:15 PM. I had the AC charged so the digicam fogged up each time I acquired able to take photos. I picked the final word inexperienced beans on August 16 and 17, 10 gallons, after we had a cool spell (and we had rain). All the next week it was 100 plus day-to-day. What hadn’t burned up prior to did that week.
Castor Beans on 9-7-23.
I purchased a six-pack of Castor Bean crops earlier this spring. I planted them alongside the storage on account of I couldn’t resolve the place else to plant them. Heck, that they’d been all through the pack for two weeks prior to I put them all through the bottom. They barely grew regardless of watering them just about day-to-day. Then they took off like there was no tomorrow. The primary two are the tallest… One has inexperienced stems and one has crimson. They’re LOADED with seed!
I hadn’t been on a wildflower stroll since June 4, so on Sunday, I made a decision to see what was occurring. Irrespective of only a bit rain not too method again, it was a pitiful sight…
View of the principle hayfield from the northwest nook on 9-10-23.
The wildflowers which is perhaps usually nonetheless in flower in abundance resembling Black-Eyed Susan, Ironweed, and Annual Fleabane didn’t flower very appropriately and are all dried up. Many of the stems are so naked you in all probability can’t inform what they as shortly as had been. I walked alongside the fence on the north aspect of the hayfield within the path of the as soon as extra. Inside the gap, I’d see the dried-up patches of Asclepias syriaca (Frequent Milkweed) that had already bloomed, which is maybe typical this time of the yr. However, there are usually numerous hundred youthful crops as appropriately. Usually, the hay would have been cut back and the milkweed and completely completely different persistent crops would begin rising as quickly as further. This yr, no hay was cut back correct proper right here on account of there was no grass throughout the principle hayfield. I’ll admit that the grass all through the hayfields has been scant the last few years anyway.
Solidago sp. (Goldenrod) on 9-10-23.
A wide range of HUGE patches of Goldenrod (Solidago sp.) look good regardless of the warmth and lack of water. Some wildflower species flourish when completely completely different species don’t and get an outstanding higher foothold. I haven’t been to the south hayfield for some time however I’m constructive there are A LOT of Goldenrod there as appropriately. They used to solely be all through the fence rows however not quite lots contained throughout the fields. There are quite a few species of Solidago in Missouri which is perhaps fairly related. I think about the species on the pasture is Solidago altissima and/or Solidago gogantea.
Asclepias hirtella (Tall Inexperienced or Prairie Milkweed) on 9-10-23.
Milkweeds are very drought-tolerant so that they obtained proper right here up, flowered, and a great deal of of their seed pods have already burst open. The seed pods on this Asclepias hirtella (Tall Inexperienced or Prarie Milkweed) are nonetheless appropriately intact. The Missouri Crops web site says the widespread title is Prairie Milkweed, whereas iNaturalist says Tall Inexperienced Milkweed. I’m not constructive why that may probably be a typical title since they don’t develop that tall…
Eupatorium serotinum (Late Boneset/Late Thoroughwort) on 9-10-23.
Strolling farther within the path of the as soon as extra ponds, there have been only a few Eupatorium serotinum (Late Boneset/Late Thoroughwort). They appear to be a truly extremely efficient species, considerably spherical low areas the place I discovered this small colony. There are fairly just a few rising alongside the ditch all through the doorway pasture. Ummm… I’m fairly constructive that is Eupatorium serotinum as a substitute of Eupatorium altissimum (Tall Thoroughwort). They usually confuse me.
Vernonia missuurica (Missouri Ironweed) on 9-10-23.
The Ironweeds have actually struggled this summer season season which isn’t good. Many of the Ironweeds, each species, are practically all dried up. I think about it was in 2021 when the Ironweed was so pretty a few from late September to early October when the Monarchs had been correct proper right here in mass. I had not at all seen them like that prior to or since. It was fairly a sight. I’m questioning what they may do as quickly as they arrive to the Midwest this yr and there is also hardly any meals.
Vernonia missurica (Missouri Ironweed) on 9-10-23
Ahhh… Correct proper right here’s a clump that appears fairly good. That is Vernonia missurica (Missouri Ironweed). I didn’t see any Vernonia baldwinii (Baldwin’s or Western Ironweed) that wasn’t already dried up. Hmmm… I don’t have an web internet web page for every species…
Oh, do I see a contact of yellow?
Bidens aristosa (Bearded Beggarticks/Tickseed Sunflower) on 9-10-23
Efficiently, little doubt the Bidens aristata (Bearded Beggarticks/Tickseed Sunflower) will brighten your day. I haven’t even gotten to the pond nonetheless the place they’re often rising in abundance.
Orchelium vulgare (Frequent Meadow Katydid) on 9-10-23
There weren’t very many butterflies, grasshoppers, or completely completely different bugs flying spherical on account of there wasn’t quite lots meals for them. On one completely different Missouri Ironweed with just a few flowers was this Orchelium vulgare (Frequent Meadow Katydid). They’re fairly widespread on leaves, however this one appears all in favour of a dried flower… Hmmm…
Agapostemon virescens (Bicolored Striped Sweat Bee) on 9-10-23
I noticed this small inexperienced bee on the equal plant on account of the katydid. I’ve seen these prior to however I’d not at all get a superb shot. It would very correctly be an Agapostemon virescens (Bicolored Striped Sweat Bee). I made a decision to go away it alone and head within the path of the pond.
As soon as extra pond #1 on 9-10-23.
The primary pond behind the farm isn’t quite a lot of a pond even when it has water however there is also at all times lots occurring spherical it. It at all times amazes me what number of species of crops develop on this pond and spherical it. It’s like an oasis.
Echinochloa crus-galli (Barnyard Grass) on 9-10-23.
Practically half the pond is roofed with this grass that may very correctly be Echinochloa crus-galli (Barnyard Grass). It’s thought-about to be one amongst many world’s worst weeds It reduces crop yields and causes forage crops to fail by eradicating as lots as 80% of the accessible nitrogen all through the soil. Plus it acts as a bunch for numerous mosaic virus sicknesses. Specific explicit particular person crops can produce as lots as 40,000 seeds per yr. Hopefully, it’s a species of innocent grass that isn’t an launched invasive species. I’m not actually good with figuring out grass species apart from what’s additional widespread.
Bidens aristosa (Bearded Beggarticks/Tickseed Sunflower) on 9-10-23.
On the financial institution on the south aspect of the pond was a nice-sized colony of Bidens aristosa (Bearded Beggarticks/Tickseed Sunflower).
Persicaria pensylvanica (Pinkweed) on 9-10-23
Persicaria pensylvanica (Pinkweed) is a typical sight spherical ponds, ditches, pretty shady areas, damp locations, and spherical the home. This species doesn’t appear to get carried away. There’s often a colony subsequent to a gate by the barn however I didn’t uncover them.
Persicaria hydropiper (Wild Water Pepper) on 9-10-23.
The opposite half of the pond is stuffed with Persicaria hydropiper (Wild Water Pepper). This species of Persicaria can get carried away if it so wants. Damp areas are positively its want. I’ve no elements with any Persicaria species since I think about they’re close to crops. They’re like a dependable pal that at all times comes up. There are nonetheless 7 species correct proper right here on the farm…
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (Calico Aster) on 9-10-23.
I walked to the drainage ditch behind the pond to verify on the Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (Calico Aster). At least they didn’t dry up, however ready for them to flower is like ready for Christmas on New 12 months’s Day.
Unsure why I took {{a photograph}} of one amongst many two outdated tires all through the wooded home behind pond #2. It was perhaps thrown as soon as extra correct proper right here by my grandpa so it has been correct proper right here a extraordinarily very very very long time. Hmmm… There’s even life rising on and in it…
Elephantopus carolinus (Leafy Elephant’s Foot) on 9-10-23.
I walked out of the world behind the pond within the path of the persimmon tree to verify on the Elephantopus carolianus (Leafy Elephant’s Foot). They’ve already flowered and gone to seed. You in all probability can inform how dry it’s by one of many easiest methods the leaves are shriveled…
Croton capitatus (Wooly Croton) on 9-10-23.
I didn’t go farther all one of the simplest ways proper all the way down to the southeast pasture on the tenth however in all probability I can try this later. There are often fairly just a few Black-Eyed Susan all through the home nonetheless in flower, however not this summer season season. I walked north from the persimmon tree and stumbled upon numerous Croton capitatus (Hogwort, Wooly Croton, ETC.) which is perhaps blooming now.
Croton capitatus (Wool Croton) on 9-10-23.
I at all times like their felt-like leaves and small yellow flowers. There are perhaps numerous of those farther down all through the south a part of the pasture.
As soon as extra pond #2 on 9-10-23.
Hmmm… That’s all I can say about this pond…
Bidens aristosa (Bearded Beggarticks/Tickseed Sunflower) and Eupatorium serotinum (Late Boneset/Tall Thoroughwort) on 9-10-23.
On the financial institution of the as soon as extra pond #2 is kind of an infinite colony of Bidens aristosa and Eupatorium serotinum.
Bidens aristosa (Bearded Beggarticks/Tickseed Sunflower) and Eupatorium serotinum (Late Boneset/Tall Thoroughwort) on 9-10-23.
They should have deep roots to look so appropriately…
Chauliognathus pensylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) on 9-10-23.
There have been A LOT of Chauliognathus pensylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) engaged on the Bidens aristosa. I’d usually determine this critter Chauliognanthus marginatus (Margined Leatherwing Beetle), however the final word time I posted an assertion on iNaturalist it was urged it was C. pensylvanicus. I went forward and posted the assertion of this bug as C. marginatus. An iN member disagreed and talked about it was C. pensylvanicus on account of it had black legs… I checked a earlier assertion they usually didn’t have black legs. So, there are two species correct proper right here that look alike with totally completely completely different legs…
Ambrosia bidentata (Lanceleaf Ragweed) on 9-10-23.
Hmmm… I’ve seen Ambrosia bidentata (Lanceleaf Ragweed) prior to, however I merely not at all bothered to supply them an correct ID. There have been at all times additional attention-grabbing species to establish than one completely different Ragweed… Ummm… I used to be going to say one issue foolish relating to the species title and President Joe Biden, however I made a decision I elevated not get into politics. In any case, it is a Ragweed… OUCH! I’ll take additional photos and get an web internet web page made for this species.
This home is generally stuffed with largely Ironweed. One among many spots the place the Monarch Butterflies feed. What Ironweed are correct proper right here this yr are practically all dried up…
Tridens flavus (Purpletop Tridens) on 9-10-23.
Strolling up into the principle hayfield, there’s a purple glow from the Tridens flavus. It has numerous widespread names together with Purpletop, Purple Prime, Redtop, Redtop Tridens, Grease Grass, or completely completely different related names. It’s a native grass that has been correct proper right here so long as I can keep in mind and it might develop fairly tall in favorable circumstances. Within the midst of the warmth of the summer season season, it was completely unnoticeable, however as shortly as temps began cooling off and we obtained only a bit rain it began greening up and may shortly go to seed. The seeds are considerably greasy which is the place it’ll get truly one amongst its widespread names. Dad at all times usually referred to as it Redtop, however many web sites choose Purpletop.
Tripsacum dactyloides (Jap Gamagrass) on 9-10-23.
The grass I’m sustaining a tally of is the Tripsacum dactyloides (Jap Gamagrass). I first acknowledged this grass from a small colony I discovered on a backroad south of metropolis final yr. I did some analysis about it and thought will in all probability be good to have it correct proper right here. Efficiently, on 6-8-23, I found three clumps throughout the principle hayfield. That they’d been blooming on the time and had been merely acknowledged. Every time I walked into the hayfield, regardless of how scorching and dry, this grass was nonetheless inexperienced and rising. The grass itself will get pretty tall, and the seed heads are taller than me. It’s now blooming a second time. I didn’t get seed the primary time, so I’m sustaining a tally of it so I can accumulate seed and scatter it spherical. Perhaps I’ll sow some all through the home north of the hen home… This native grass was as shortly as pretty widespread in prairies all by the Midwest, however grazing, farming, and planting completely completely different grasses took its toll. There are only some corporations specializing in native grass seed and one provides seed at $28.00 per ounce!
Lespedeza cuneata (Chinese language language language Bushclover) on 9-10-23.
There are fairly just a few Lespedeza cuneata (Chinese language language language Bush Clover) scattered all by the hayfield now. They’re doing good with out rain…
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 9-10-23.
It’s actually bizarre not seeing the Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) not defending the complete hayfield. They lined the hayfield earlier prior to the drought set in. Now there are only a few with flowers that aren’t dried up…
Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan) on 9-10-23.
One completely different species that’s often fairly prolific is Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan). Usually, they’re in every single place however now they’re in a horrible state. Earlier than the drought, there have been large colonies plus many scattered smaller colonies… I’ll head to the south hayfield and southeast pasture to see the way forward for the Black-Eyed Susan shortly.
Asclepias syriaca (Frequent Milkweed) and Tripsacum dactyloides (Jap Gamagrass) on 9-10-23.
Efficiently, now isn’t {{{that a}}} sight to behold! Tripsacum dactyloides (Jap Gamagrass) in the midst of one amongst many largest colonies of Asclepias syriaca (Frequent Milkweed). I someway missed this Jap Gamagrass earlier… Perhaps it grew additional since I final visited this milkweed colony…
As I left the principle hayfield, which is on a hill, I entered a low home between the hayfield and the pond behind the barn. For some odd purpose, the temperature drops dramatically, even on a 100° F day. I can’t clarify it, however it’s cool all one of many easiest methods from the north boundary fence, alongside the drainage home behind the pond, all one of many easiest methods to the boundary fence alongside the south aspect of the pond.
Datura stramonium (Jimson Weed) on 9-10-23.
Alongside the pond financial institution, south aspect, are numerous Datura stramonium (Jimson Weed). They get fairly tall and have this bizarre odor to their leaves. Really, as chances are you’ll know, that is NOT a superb plant. Frequent names embrace Loco Weed, Satan’s Snare, Stinkweed, Satan’s Trumpet, Hell’s Bells… You get the image.
Datura stramonium (Jimson Weed) on 9-10-23.
It’s a ought to to admit, although, they do have attractive flowers…
Phytolacca americana (American Pokeweed) on 9-10-23.
Efficiently, I can’t depart the world with out taking one completely different picture of the Phytolacca americana (American Pokeweed). I like Pokeweed for some odd purpose and practically enable them to develop wherever they need. There are only some exceptions like all through the yard all through the rows. Alongside the fence is okay…
The primary pond behind the barn on 9-10-23.
Hmmm… I keep in mind when grandpa had this pond dug after I was a toddler. It was so enormous! Over years of the cows strolling on a sure spot on the south aspect, they created a ditch. After we would get downpours all through the spring, the spot would erode till the ditch was quite lots decrease than the overflow pipe. Now, even with an excessive amount of rain, it solely will get in all probability 3-4 ft deep. Appropriate now, I think about I’d stroll right out all through the guts.
A part of the cool zone behind the pond…
The above picture is a part of the cool zone behind the pond. The pond financial institution is on the left with a patch of Datura stramonium on the turning into. On the prime of the picture, all through the middle, you in all probability can see the hayfield. Earlier throughout the summertime, there have been fairly just a few weeds correct proper right here which I mowed. For some odd purpose the weeds didn’t develop as soon as extra and the grass grew. Hmmm… It would very correctly be Tall Fescue, however there aren’t any stems. I did see one stem that regarded like that Echinochloa crus-galli (Barnyard Grass) all through the pond in the back of the farm. HMMMM…. I don’t know why the grass is mendacity down like that. It looks like a flood obtained proper right here by way of, however in any case, that isn’t potential… A type of unexplained mysteries for now. Efficiently, it was so scorching over the summer season season and I used to be busy with the yard.
Erechtites hieraciifolius (Fireweed/Pilewort) on 9-10-23.
From there I walked alongside the drainage home south of the pond. I first acknowledged Erechtites hieraciifolius (Fireweed/Pilewort) correct proper right here just a few years beforehand from just a few crops rising alongside the doorway to the south hayfield. Now, there are a choice of very sturdy crops rising alongside the ditch within the path of the small pond all through the doorway pasture. They’re fairly neat crops that know methods to study from a superb problem…
Erechtites hieraciifolius (Fireweed/Pilewort) on 9-10-23.
They’ve actually odd flowers that peek out by way of the perfect of the… Ummm… I haven’t acquired a superb phrase to elucidate the flower heads. It’s kind of tube-shaped. The flowers are so small I perhaps can’t get a superb picture. Once you wish to get a greater thought, you in all probability can click on on on HERE to take a look at this species on the Missouri Crops web site.
Then I noticed a plant subsequent to one amongst many Fireweeds I hadn’t seen prior to. The flowers had been kind of “nightshady”…
Solanum sarrachoides (Bushy Nightshade) on 9-10-23.
I took just a few photos and used the drag-and-drop attribute on iNaturalist and the one suggestion was Solanum sarrachoides moreover generally known as Bushy Nightshade. Efficiently, I used to be right in my guess. I’d inform from the flowers it was a nightshade however I had not encountered this explicit species prior to. The one completely completely different nightshade I’ve seen correct proper right here was the Solanum americanum (Black Nightshade) as soon as extra in 2018. I keep in mind it appropriately. After I discovered it in 2018 it was an infinite plant already. A few of the photographs weren’t that good, so I went as soon as extra the next day to take additional. The entire plant was completely gone with no hint! WHAT THE HECK! One completely different thriller. The following one I discovered was in a flower mattress on the top of the drive-up home on the financial institution. Whoever maintains the beds must have not acknowledged what it was, on account of they left it there all summer season season. It was rising among the many many many yellow Missouri Primrose. I made a remark to a teller relating to the lethal Black Nightshade of their flower mattress. She laughed and talked about she wasn’t shocked.
Solanum sarrachoides (Bushy Nightshade) on 9-10-23.
In case you see flowers like that, you should have run all by way of a species of Nightshade… I’ve to take additional photos so I would make an web internet web page for this species.
I walked on all one of the simplest ways proper all the way down to the place the Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster) often grows subsequent to the doorway pond. Sadly, there is no such issue as an indication of it. GEEZ!!!
I crossed the ditch to verify on the Frostweed that determined to return up subsequent to the walnut timber this spring. Efficiently, it was nonetheless there however not in photo-worthy state of affairs. So, I walked as soon as extra within the path of the ditch within the path of the fence…
Impatiens capensis (Jewelweed) on 9-10-23.
I don’t even have to fret relating to the Impatiens capensis (Jewelweed). I think about they could survive one factor… After I first obtained proper right here as soon as extra in 2013, that that they’d taken over the swampy home all through the southeast nook of the farm. Efficiently, that modified they usually had been removed from their throne. Then, just a few years beforehand, that that they’d gotten a protect alongside the fence all through the south hayfield. Efficiently, someway, that modified as appropriately, and final yr there weren’t that many. So, I suppose though they may grow to be fairly invasive, they’ve their limits. They’ve been on this spot for numerous years now on account of nothing else should develop correct proper right here.
Impatiens capensis (Jewelweed) on 9-10-23.
You could admit, they do have neat flowers one of many easiest methods they dangle…
Verbesina virginica (Frostweed/White Crownbeard) on 9-10-23.
I crossed the ditch to look out the Verbesina virginica (Frostweed/White Crownbeard) kind of mendacity down on the job. They try this if there isn’t sufficient moisture to maintain them standing up. They’re truly one amongst my favourite wildflowers, as I’ve repeatedly talked about, with their winged stems.
Cauliognathus pensylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) on 9-10-23.
The Cauliognathus pensylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) has gone wild over the flowers of the Frostweed. Efficiently, the males have a singular agenda.
There wasn’t quite lots to see alongside the fence like there often is, so I walked on as soon as extra within the path of the barn. I’ve two completely completely different species to verify on…
Sida spinosa (Prickly Fanpetals) on 9-10-23
There are only some Sida spinosa (Prickly Fanpetals) all through the pasture merely south of the barn however not like final yr. To be sincere, there are A LOT of them all through the yard this yr. I’m not too accustomed to this species since I first acknowledged them final yr. There are A LOT of those all through the yard this yr I merely realized what they’re. I had been watching them for a month or so to see what their flowers regarded like.
Sida spinosa (Prickly Fanpetals) on 9-10-23.
Sadly, it’s essential to get photos of their flowers early all through the day or they shut up… I did get photos of their flowers final yr and do you have to happen to click on on on HERE you in all probability can see the place the title “Fanpetals” comes from. They’re neat for constructive.
Opuntia sp. on 9-10-23.
Earlier than I finish this submit, I wished to level you my new Opuntia sp. (Prickly Pear). A pal of mine (and the minister the place I am going to church) went to an public sale to bid on a cart utilized by the M-Okay-T railroad. I went to assist him load it and noticed a extraordinarily enormous pot with a VERY LARGE thornless Prickly Pear. I rescued an infinite Prickly Pear after I lived in Mississippi, however the thorns had been ridiculous. I had wished one with out thorns for a few years, so it was my probability to carry just a few cuttings residence. The woman who had most people sale was transferring, so I requested if I would want a chopping. She talked about I would want all I wished and launched me a topic and trowel… I went over to the place that they’d been and there have been numerous that had grown into the filth subsequent to the pot, so I dug up just a few, roots and all. Now, I’ve to seek out out the place I am going to place them…
Efficiently, that’s all for now. I can’t give it some thought took me 11 days to complete this submit! I used to be busy, then one problem led to a definite, or I couldn’t uncover one factor to submit about… Not too way back, I’ve been watching TV higher than engaged on the weblog…
Till subsequent time, be protected, keep constructive, and at all times be grateful!
Hey all folks! I hope this submit finds you all appropriately. I apologize for not posting for some time. It has been a bizarre summer season season for constructive with the warmth and drought. I used to be busy with the yard choosing candy corn and inexperienced beans right up…