Tosohatchee: Asters, November 20, 2013

Driving SR 528 (Beachline) generally once a week, we notice the rotation of wildflower species along the roadside throughout the year. This week asters were in peak bloom along the margin of ditches on the north side of SR 528. We decided to visit Toso to see if we could find asters there and get close-up photos of them. We found lots of asters along the ditch on the north side of Beehead Rd.

It was an overcast day, so not good lighting for sharp photos. Finally, the rain came down and we left.

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Aster (Symphotrichum spp., Asteraceae)

Native

There are 10 species of aster found in Orange County (where Tosohatchee is located). This is possibly Simmonds' aster (S. simmondsii).

There's a hidden animal in one of the above photos. Can you find it?

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Smallfruit beggarticks (Bidens mitis, Asteraceae)

Native

This species was abundant; generally found near water.

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Blackeyed susan (Rudbekia hirta, Asteraceae)

Native

Only a few blackeyed susan on this visit.

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Glade lobelia (Lobelia glandulosa, Campanulaceae)

Native

Widespread in wet areas along Beehead and St. Nicholas Roads.

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Hairy chaffhead (Carphephorus paniculatus, Asteraceae)

Native

Widespread throughout the flatwoods. Most past their peak blooming and now appearing dark purple.

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Purple thistle (Cirsium horridulum, Asteraceae)

Native

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Camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxillaris, Asteraceae)

Native

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Yelloweyed grass (Xyris spp., Xyridaceae)

Native

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Rain

Time to leave

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Eastern phoebe

This little bird stayed put and posed nicely

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