Florida Spring: Yellows

The anole (Anolis carolinensis) lizards are starting to emerge again. Here one hides along the inside of some dead bird of paradise leaves (above).

The rapid transformation to spring began 2 weeks ago. It will be short lived as we'll likely move directly into summer in another couple weeks. The first phase is always fields of yellow. . . then a transformation to the purple wildflowers that should begin any day.



The Hawk's Beard (above) are in full bloom. This wildflower is also known as Yongia japonica. It seems to prefer shady areas. There are parts of the yards that are seas of this soft wildflower.



Above: One of my favorite spring wildflowers is the Cut-leaved Evening Primrose (Orenothera laciniata Hill). This species is always found around the queen palms. I have no idea why. . . perhaps it likes the fertilizer I put on the palms. There are big bunches of these lovely flowers today where two weeks ago the ground was brown.



Above: Common Chickweed (Stellaria media Cyrillo) is one of our most common spring wildflowers. It is soft and inviting and inhabits any shady spot.



Above and Below: Yellow Wood Sorrel (Oxalis stricta) is very tough, growing in full sun locations where other yellow spring flowers cannot survive. It is quite beautiful in close up.



Below: This Yellow Lamiaceae (mint family) is not found in any of my guide or text books. It is obviously a mint.

This is a new species for me. . . never before seen on our landscape. It is also quite widespread. It resembles honeysuckle but smells of and has the leaves and stems of mint. If I discover the real name of this plant, I'll share.



Below: Perhaps our most abundant flower this second week into the spring transformation is Tansy Mustard (Descurainia pinnata). We have a thick field of this in the back that I hate to mow down. . .but I must to continue on with my Spring planting. I'm quite allergic to this hot mustard. I have collected some specimens to dry and share if anyone is interested. It is not as hot as dijon mustard but not far from it.

I wear my think and heavy 506 jeans when trudging through this plant. . . then the jeans go directly into the washer at the end of my work session. Still, it is so inviting I'm tempted to lay down in it one day. . . just to see how it looks from ground level. . . before I cut it down.