Today I explored a Canadian river sand prairie actually in Norman, and found one of our rarer milkweed in the area, Asclepias arenaria. The stand had 3 sub-populations and had quite a lot of immature seedpods. I was able to get about 1.5 seedpods worth of seed.
This area is definitely on the list to botanize in a future spring, provided it still exists. It is owned by a development company, and they have already named it Aspen place development on the property map, which makes me believe the development process has begun rolling. Ugh, more areas being destroyed.
I love the Canadian river sandy areas in Norman as they provide more western botanizing. Many plants reach the eastern extent of their natural range here. I have infrequently seen Dalea lanata Wooly prairie clover out there, but today saw a massive one, over 10 ft wide I believe. It was on City property, so is relatively safe, but a lack of management in those areas is leading to rapid Ravenna grass, Tamarix, and Juniper encroachment. There are more secure areas, such as the loosly stabilized dunes, and quite a few dense fields of the native big four grasses.
About 10 stems in patch
Massive
Bottle used as scalebar.
Comments
Very cool! I'll be sure to check out one of these places.
Add a Comment