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September 20, 1998

Here's a list of plants I've recently seen or heard about from Bob O'Kennon (BRIT). This week, with the identification from Bob, Pinkscale Gayfeather (Liatris elegans) was found at the Ft. Worth Nature Center (only 3 plants!). I have seen these plants for the last 3-4 years, but it wasn't until last year that a possible id was known. I showed a picture to Barney Lipscomb, George Diggs, and Bob O'Kennon at BRIT. George identified it as Liatris elegans. I wanted someone to see it in the wild before I was going to take a voucher specimen. This species is a pink to white flowered variety, growing in woodland edges. It is usually not known to grow in the open sun. It is more common in the Pineywoods, Gulf Prairies, and the Post Oak Savannah.

Also, thanks to Bob, I also know of one location (thank heavens!) for Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) in Tarrant County! This is in NW Ft. Worth at the intersection of Jacksboro Highway @ Circle Ridge Dr. on the SW corner.

About 1-2 miles farther east on Jacksboro Highway @ Belle St., there is a lone small Huisache/Sweet Acacia (Acacia minuata ssp. minuata...also known as A. smallii and A. farnesiana (misapplied according to Vascular Plants of Texas-1997).

At Tandy Hills Park off of I-30 & Oakland I found a native white petunia that I assume to be Ruellia metzae. According to Bob, this is known as far north as Waco. It is more common in Austin, Lampasas, San Saba, Etc. It is associated with limestone slopes. If this turns out to be this species, it will be the first record for Tarrant County. I have seen this near the Colorado Bend State Park on The Colorado River in Lampasas and San Saba counties. I'm in heaven when I go to this park! It's something to see. Springs, water falls, caves, spring fed pools, and Bald Eagles are just a few things to get your blood going!

More later!
Jeff Quayle