October 20, 2018

Location: Malabar, Malabar Scrub

This is Lachnanthes caroliana
Called Redroot more commonly.
It is a perennial plant and native here,
And it's in the Bloodwort family.

Sources: UF | IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive plants - Lachnanthes caroliniana

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 19, 2018

Location: Malabar, Malabar Scrub

This is Chamaecrista fasciculata
Commonly known as Partridge Pea.
It's large, showy flowers with red accents,
Just call out, "Come on Get Happy!"

Sources: Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center - Chamaecrista fasciculata

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 18, 2018

Location: Malabar, Malabar Scrub

This is a female Dahoon Holly.
It's branches have green leaves and red berries on the end.
The plant is dioecious which means
To get berries it needs a boyfriend.

Sources: Florida Native Plant Society - Ilex Cassine

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 17, 2018

Location: Malabar, Malabar Scrub

This is Coreopsis leavenworthii
Being visited by an insect.
It's the state wildflower in Florida
And self-seeds so can grow unchecked.

Sources: Florida Native Plant Society - Coreopsis leavenworthii

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 16, 2018

Location: Malabar, Malabar Scrub

I am a Florida Scrub Jay
This is my acorn and you can't have it.
I'm gonna bury it to eat it later
I hope I remember where I stash it!

Sources: Cornell Lab - Florida Scrub Jay

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 15, 2018

Location: Malabar, Malabar Scrub

This is a Gopher Apple
When it ripens, it is sure to be eaten.
It grows well in sand and Gopher Tortoises
Think that it's taste can't be beaten.

Sources: UF | IFAS Gardening Solutions - Gopher Apple

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 14, 2018

Location: Vero Beach, Memorial Island

I am an adult male House Finch
If I was young or female my head wouldn't be red.
My wings are short, which makes my tail look long,
And I have a big beak and a long, flat head.

Sources: Cornell Lab - House Finch

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson