Entries to Win Afghan

Sign up to receive the Books Leaving Footprints Newsletter. Comes out occasionally. No spam. No list swapping. Just email me! jhyshark@gmail.com Previous gifts include a short story, a poem, and coupons. Add your name, and don't miss out!

Friday, June 1, 2018

Swamp Leatherflower

 
Another new plant from Alabama. And this isn't even the last of them.

This is a southern wetland plant. It's actually a wild clematis, Clematis crispa. It has a ton of common names: marsh clematis, swamp leatherflower, blue jasmine, blue curls. That flower is almost 2 inches across. Nice and showy!

photo label

This is actually a native plant, so I can say I'm happy to see it. Pretty common in the SE, from southern Illinois on down to the Gulf.

The bud is as pretty as the blossom.

photo label

It's actually poisonous. I'm not sure to what extent. It can even cause a rash in some people from touching it. Apparently, I can get away with handling this one, since I did with no ill effects.

As usual, common names can get one in trouble. I've linked to posts about completely unrelated leatherleaf and leatherwood.

In other news: Did laundry, worked on the Long Distance Hiker files, transferred the rest of the notes about Dead Mule Swamp Mistletoe that I had made in the car to my writing files. The weather was delightful, and I am not sad about that!

See Leatherleaf
See Leatherwood
if you like this blog, click the +1   or

Like This!


2 comments:

Ann said...

It's pretty. An impressive size too

Sharkbytes said...

Ann- yup! Not every day I see a new plant that is so showy.