Wickham Park in Winter: Slim Pickings

I made several winter-time visits to Wickham Park, but didn't find much. Photos were taken in December 2010 and January 2011.

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Weeping yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria "Pendula", Aquifoliaceae)

This tree, with its "weeping" growth habit, is a cultivar of the native yaupon holly. Specimens can be found on both sides of the park office. (December 8, 2010)

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Rosary pea (Abrus precaorius, Fabaceae)
Not native

(January 14, 2011)

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Wild pennyroyal (Piloblephis rigida, Lamiaceae)
Native

Wild pennyroyal flowers all year. Many plants can be found on the trail that runs along the east side of the Youth Camping Area. (January 14, 2011)

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Innocence (Houstonia procumbens, Rubiaceae)
Native

Innocence blooms in winter and spring. Look for it in dry, sandy soils. (January 14, 2011)

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 Black medic (Medicago lupulina, Fabaceae)
Not native

This is one of the earliest plants to come up in the spring (late winter). Forms large patches of bright green foliage with tiny, scattered, yellow flower heads. Usually found where some soil compaction has occurred, such as along curbs and sidewalks. Common in lawns and gardens around the world. According to Taylor, it blooms winter, spring, and summer. It's fruit, which I have yet to see or photograph, is a black, coiled legume. The genus name, Medicago, is derived from the Greek word medice, which is the Greek name of alfalfa, which is also in this genus. (January 21, 2011)

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