OK, this one was on my grandmother's ranch this weekend, and my wife wants it identified. At least I think this is the one she was asking about. Anyone?
Flower in the hill country
That is called a Antelope horns. It is a Texas native wildflower.
http://www.lone-star.net/wildflowers/flower93.html
Charlene
This message was edited May 17, 2009 9:58 PM
That is an unusual flower to find for me. Enjoy it!
Charlene
This message was edited May 17, 2009 9:59 PM
Thanks, Charlene. I can't seem to find it in the wildflower.org database, though. Any other name it might go by?
Nevermind, my reply was to the "staghorn" post. Found it at http://wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASAS and I'm pretty sure that's it. There were several sprinkled around the place between Blanco and Johnson City.
This message was edited May 17, 2009 10:10 PM
If you get some seed from one, I'd sure pay the postage for some. Or, I could trade some other seed for some of them.
Thank you,
Charlene
Well, too late now. I'm back in Denton, and it takes me and my family six hours to get there with the baby and all. I'm not sure I'd recognize it without the flowers next time I'm out there.
I think it's in the milkweed family and is good for butterflies (Monarchs maybe??).
It's very prolific here in my little neighborhood between Austin and Wimberley. Here's a link to the plant write-up on it from my POA's website: http://www.gww.zpgraphic.com/GWWHTML/GWW_flora_A.html#
Just click on "Antelope Horns" after arriving at the link.
Charlenesplants - you have D-Mail
It looks like this plant does not appreciate having its roots disturbed, so seed is probably best. If anyone wants any seeds, let me know. The stand of Antelope Horns on my property is loaded with unripe seed pods and they should be ready to harvest starting around mid-July.
Mocat, you are my hero! Thanks a bunch!
Charlene
I've got you covered, Charlene - I'll send the seeds when they're ready. Feel free to check with me on how they're coming along (in case I forget! - I have a serious case of CRS).
I've seen both Monarch and Queen cats on Antelope Horns, mostly in spring for Monarchs or early summer for Queens. It has more concentrations of the milkweed-type toxins, so it can be hard on small cats...some little cats cannot tolerate it and die early on. Also, after spring the leaves can get a bit tough, so the butterflies may choose more tender milkweeds...unless tender new growth occurs on it.
Charlene - you have D-mail. Your seeds are ready.
I can hardly wait to get these! I feel like a kid at Christmas. Thank you so much!
Charlene