Butterfly Weed

This beauty is the reason butterflies exist. Well, okay, that's pushing it. But, it is a good way to bring them to your yard.

Butterfly Weed is a member of the same family as Milkweed. The long, alternate foliage is quite similar to Milkweed. The veins run up and down the leaves, making some interesting patterns when viewed up close.

The nectar of this plant is sweet and sticks to the hands. If you want to plant it in your yard, wait until it goes to seed in mid-fall and collect them then. You can count on this plant coming up the following year.

I have seen this confused with Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea); both have similar cradles of flowers. However, Indian Paintbrush belongs to the same family as the Snapdragon, has a thinner stalk, and stand in clusters of three, compared to the larger clusters flowers on the Butterfly Weed.

Scientific name:
Asclepias tuberosa

Cicada

Disguised in folklore as the locust, the Cicada gets a bad rap.
The confusion comes from the folk-name given to the little Cicada years ago: the Seven-Year Locust.
Most of the readers know the Cicada for its lulling song which starts around dusk and ends when the night air begins to cool off. The song is featured in many movies, songs, and even in books. It represents the general outdoors, nature, freedom, and, ironically enough, silence.
This fellow was hanging out on a sprig of walnut which popped up in a field. This Cicada will probably shed its exoskeleton and fly off renewed in the morning. He's pretty well hidden from owls and bats, so I think he'll be fine. (I don't know if it's a he or a she, so I'm using the literary gender-neutral he to give personality.)

Anyway, if you can see it in the compressed picture, there is a touch of green, black, red, and gold in the shell.

To view the scientific information:
Cicadas on Wikipedia

Cyperus echinatus

Welp, I can't find a common name for this, but it is a type of bur sedge. This one is common to the southern part of the state. However, it has been seen in the northern-most edges in small clusters.
It's also native to Missouri, keeps a low profile (1-1 1/2 feet), and hangs out in roadside prairies. It's prickly, stiff, and flowers in mid summer.
Oh, and those little balls are covered with small white flowers on each spike. I think it's a neat looking plant either way.
What do you think?

Scientific name:
Cyperus echinatus

Deptford Pink

From the family of pinks, this little tot hangs out alongside rich woods and field edges.
It's considered a successful alien species, meaning it has become naturalized to the state. It is a small, quaint ray flower with spiky leaves around its base. This was one of the hardest plants to identify, because it has several close family members that linger around this time of year. Even when the rest of the plant is dry and cracking, the flowers will shine on for what seems like weeks. If you'll notice the background, some of the leaves on this plant are already turning brown.

Scientific name:
Dianthus armeria

Nodding Thistle

Today, I give you a special treat. I'm going to add three stages of the biennial Nodding Thistle, or Musk Thistle as it is known in some areas.
This is not necessarily a rare plant, but an unusual plant in some places because it takes so long to germinate.
This first picture is of the bud. It looks, to me, like a shower head. This bend is what sets it off from other types of thistle.



This second picture is the flower. It is round, protrudes from the base bulb, and lasts just around a week.



This final picture is the flower after it has fizzled out. It is going to seed and will spread through the wind and birds.

Now, in the state of Missouri, the thistle is known as an intrusive species. It will take over fields, harm cattle, and ruin hay. In large quantities, it should be destroyed. However, it has settled in the wilderness and because of that, it should be included in these posts.
Alone, this plant isn't too intrusive, but it should still be watched.
It also has prickly leaves, a sticky sap, and a terrible smell when bruised. The flowers are pungent with a sickly sweet smell.
Beyond that, it's also pretty in a strange way.

Scientific name:
Carduus nutans

Look at it on Wikipedia:
Musk Thistle

Spiderwort

Three symmetric lobed rays characterize this flower. The small terminal cluster of anthers in the center are also characteristic. Oh, and it grows all over Missouri.
So, that means you can go out and see it in your own yard. (Granted, you're in our grand state.)
Spiderwort's a native plant that grows alongside roads, good fields, and established yards. Usually, it's open in the mornings and closed by noon. If you catch it by the dawn's early light, you'll have a wonderful experience.
If you can't, just wait 'til it gets cloudy out, and it'll open up again.
Enjoy!

Scientific name:
Trandescantia virginiana

Chicory

Chicory, chickory, or chickery... whichever.
This substantial alien lives alongside roads, wastelands, and in some of the fiercest soils around. You can cultivate this plant and keep it in your own gardens. Although it competes with the native plants, it's not intrusive. It will survive where others won't, but it also won't live where many native plants do. It's a good compromise. And, it adds to places where gardens are tough to get going.
This one was captured right after a light rain. If you get close, you'll smell the faint odor of bitter powder. Bees, butterflies, and birds love this plant.
It is a stalkless ray flower with a each set of flowers growing right off of the stem. It's around two feet tall on average, can be either blue or white, and is characterized by the long rays with roughly squared and frayed edges.

Scientific name:
Chichorium intybus

Blazing Stars

If you've ever driven across the state of Missouri and found yourself in the middle of dry fields, you've probably seen these striking plants gracing your view.
Notice the tall head covered in small, purple flowers. The sheer amount of flowers helps this plant migrate over vast areas. The plant reaches up to five feet, which helps it to stand out over weedy brush.
The smell is faint, but when there are several hundred in a field, you can smell them as the wind whips across.
It goes by other names such as the Gay-Flower and Button snakeroot, which I had never heard before until I double-checked the entry in my book.

Scientific name:
Liatris spp.

Bumblebee

This little guy isn't so little. He's as buff as they come.
The Bumblebee is a wonderful addition to any garden. Don't worry about swarms; there aren't enough in a small yard colony to cause much trouble. However, if you let them live in your yard, keep small children away. Any bee will defend itself from a close attack. In their defense, yes they are friendly.
During the summer, the numbers are usually up for breeding and honey production. Honey doesn't come in heavy supply from bumblebees, mainly because the nests are small and generally formed from mud holes in the ground. (Notice the terretris.)

Scientific name:
Bombus terrestris

Ox-Eye Daisy

Due to the fact that this blooming delight is near the end of its season around Southwest Missouri, I chose this picture.
It's the Ox-Eye Daisy and takes root in roadsides, dry fields, and "waste lands." You can see this pretty baby anywhere in the state. It grows up to 3ft tall, but it will probably be knocked down due to its light stalk. The bright yellow disk flowers in the center and the white ray flowers on the outer edge make this stand out for its size. The leaves are around 2 inches long and are alternate. The smell is powdery.

Scientific name:
Chrysanthemum leucanthemum

Bee Fly

They might be mistaken for bees. They might be mistaken for horse flies. They might be mistaken for blood-suckers of some sort, but they are harmless.
They are Bee Flies.
What are Bee Flies, you ask?
They are large, hairy flies with long proboscises (feeding organs that look like trunks). They suck pollen and sweets from flowers. You'll notice they don't fly around people like horse flies do. It makes them stand out among the big, scary-looking fly category.
This one here is enjoying the Black-eyed Susan I discussed in an earlier post. There are several different variants of this species, so I'll leave you with the family and order.

Family:
Bombyliidae
Order:
Diptera

St. John's Wort

Though you might have heard all of the rumors about its unique healing properties, you might not have ever seen St. John's Wort.
This is an alien species to Missouri, but it has come to grow wild in the roadsides, wastelands, and dry fields of the Show-Me State. Though it grows wonderfully in bush-like masses, sometimes you'll find it alone, just like this plant here. The plants are notable for their long stamens and five distinct ray flowers. The petals are not opposites, and the great thin stem is speckled with short ray leaves. A central nerve runs up and down the stem and to each leaf. There's a sweet, honey-like smell that turns to something like ragweed after a heavy rain. It's difficult to describe, so I suggest finding it and smelling it for yourself. This is one example of a useful alien plant, unlike some which have been known to grow over telephone poles and bring down trees.

Scientific Name:
Hypericum perforatum

My Posts...

I thought I could keep this updated regularly, but things are going slow. Keeping pictures in batch quantities on my computer isn't bad, but trying to go through them to find one pic that I think should go on the web is a headache.
Therefore, I'm going to be doing a lot of sorting come my next free day. Then, I'll have pictures ready for your approval everyday.

Until then, I will leave you with one new pic:



Japanese Beetles, June Bugs, May Bugs, or whatever you call them, they are non-native pests that eat fruits, leaves, and flowers that our native species need to survive. They are natives of Japan, where the birds and small animals keep them under control. Here, they can populate quickly with no natural enemies. Although they only come for a couple of weeks every summer, they do cause problems with tomatoes, corn, and other crops.
There are many ways you can control these bugs through traps and sprays. For more information, go to your local lawn and garden shop. Later, I'll get up some links to some more relevant sites. If you like them, they are pretty, taking on a usually copper color with green undertones.
This one is hanging out on some Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), which is also known as Queen Anne's Lace, nibbling up the sweet, potent pollen.

Scientific Name:
Popillia japonica

Honey Bee

Honey bees are a delightful friend to have in the woods. This bee is hanging out on Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum biflorum). They pollinate flowers, keep other bugs in check, and spread joy. Okay, so that's a stretch.
Anyway, this bee probably comes from a hive about a 1/4 of a mile away. I know, because I've seen it. Small or large, flowers will definitely bring bees to your area. And, if you have trees with pockets in them, bees could set up a home.

Scientific Name:
Apis mellifera

Passion Flower

The Passion Flower is native to over 500 regions around the world. The most common variety to Missouri is known as Passiflora incarnata, which is a large, light-blue and purple variety. The leaves are around six inches wide and have three, sharply pointed lobes.
The one above has been chewed by milk bugs, but it will survive as the insects pollinate the flowers.
The stems are thin, and, in the fall, they give way to the Passion Fruit. The fruit is edible, but I don't recommend it unless you consult a book on exactly how to fix it.
A strong tea can also be made from the fruit and seeds. It's sold in stores as a sleep aid.
This is a beautiful, light plant that makes a wonderful addition to any Missouri fence row. It attracts butterflies. Go out and find it now!

Scientific Name:
Passiflora Incarnata

Black-eyed Susan

The Black-eyed Susan is one of the most identifiable plants in the state of Missouri. However, people often don't think of planting it in their own yards. It can draw in useful bees, butterflies, and even small animals that feed on the stems.
The Black-eyed Susan can be used in many herbal brews and potpourris. Next time you're driving along, take a break and smell the flowers. This flower has a slight, but sweet, smell resembling fresh powder. They can grow up to 2 1/2 feet tall and are seen from mid-May to mid-October.

They are related to daisies.

Scientific Name:
Rudbeckia hirta

Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy is a hazard that spreads its way across Missouri, especially in well-lit scrub brush areas near woods and open flat lands. It does well in wetter areas, but will flourish everywhere it can take root. The waxy look comes from the topical toxin which causes skin irritation. AKA, this is what bugs you the most.
While most varieties are smooth-grained, some have rough edges. It stands out due to its vibrant light- green color and three-leaf foliage.

Scientific name:
Toxicodendron radicans or formerly Rhus toxicodendron or Rhus radicans
(Thank you, Wikipedia.)
I also use several field books, but I don't have them on hand at the moment.

Welcome one and all!

Welcome to my new blog dedicated to Missouri wildlife, nature, and the general outdoors.
I'll keep it updated as much as I can; hopefully, that will be daily.
And, I'll keep you informed on all the important facts of my posts. (You'll see what I mean.) Oh, and if you have anything to add or correct, feel free to do so. It's a learning process!
Thanks,
Nate