Another Wildflower Wednesday

I often miss the Wildflower Wednesday that Gail hosts at Clay and Limestone.  As I am usually behind in my reading of blog posts, it could be Saturday or Sunday before I see that WW has come and gone.  Ah, retirement!  Lucky for me I saw another's posting, so I know it is THIS week that is WW, so I can participate.
This first little beauty I believe to be one of the Gerardia Agalinis, though I am not sure which one.  This was found in the ravine(ish) area of the backyard that leads to the lake.  Many of the wildflower finds are in this area. 

 Reading a little more, the book says the Agalinis linifolia is the only species in South Carolina that lacks yellow lines within the corolla.  I see no yellow, I believe this is the species.

In the front yard, along the lower side yard I found this sunny yellow beauty.  Again, not sure what the species is....though it looks like a Helianthus to me.  Many of these are quite tall, but mine~~~ only about 12- 18" tall.  It could be due to the drought that the growth is stilted.  Wildflowers are not my strongsuit, I am learning one flower at a time.

This fall beauty is Schizachyrium scoparium 'Little Blue Stem'.  Native grasses are doing well in many places of the yard.  The area along the driveway is very hard packed, full of construction rock and sand, little to no topsoil.... and a bear to dig in.  We decided to put a number of 'Little Blue Stem' in to help slow the water (if we get any rain!) as it rolls down the hill.  I planted 17, 14 still survive.  There are some that are really small and some, like the one pictured, that are doing quite well.  I love the seedheads that shimmer in the light.

 Hidden in the woods at the top of the property are some Hawthorn, Crataegus flava.  Love the yellow fruits in the fall but watch out for those thorns.

 While exploring the front woods, I thought I would check out the area where the Cranefly Orchid, Tipularia discolor was last year.  Imagine my delight when I found two leaves!! 

I have done a whole posting on Sourwood, Oxydendrum arboreum, each fall, when these beautiful red leaves jump out of the landscape it is hard not to mention them again.   As we drive by this tree, I tell my husband I love this tree.....and him, not necessarily in that order.  Don't you just love these flower buds??

 I seldom go into the septic drainfield area, too many bugs this time of year.  I have ventured in during the winter and spring.  The other day I was along the edge of the grasses, checking out the Cosmos I planted earlier this spring.   Look what else I found growing near the Cosmos!! A Helenium perhaps autumnale. 

Goldenrod is present this time of year...love the bold yellow color.  I thought about collecting the seeds from this one and scattering it in more places ...the wind will take care of it.
 

 Last but not least, a wildflower that Frances mentioned in her posting today.  Dog Fennel, Eupatorium capillofolium, later in the fall the stems will turn a ruddy red.  This is one I will admire from the street.

 Please stop by Gail's blog and see other Wildflowers. 


©Copyright 2011 Janet. All rights reserved. Content created by Janet for The Queen of Seaford. words and photos by Janet,The Queen of Seaford.