We're reaching into the archives for today's #BenInNature update!

January 3, 2021

We're reaching into the archives for today's #BenInNature update! The following post was originally published on May 6, 2020.

Hieracium venosum, also known as rattlesnake hawkweed or Robin's plantain, is a fairly easy wildflower to spot. It has pale green leaves with striking purple veins; the leaves are crowded around the base of the plant. When it flowers, it sends up a long, spindly stem with yellow flowers that sort of resemble dandelions. That's no coincidence, as this plant belongs to the dandelion tribe within the sunflower family.
Rattlesnake hawkweed blooms from May through September, and it can be found in shady areas with dry, sandy soil. According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center website, the flower is fairly widespread, but it gets its name because it is most common in areas where rattlesnakes can be found. I've got a whole bunch of these plants around my house, so that's a fun thing for me to have in the back of my head from here on out!

ABOUT #BenInNature
Social distancing can be difficult, but it presents a great opportunity to become reacquainted with nature. In this series of posts, Administrator of Science Ben Williams ventures outdoors to record a snapshot of the unique sights that can be found in the natural world. New updates are posted Monday - Friday, with previous posts highlighted on the weekends.

NATURE PHOTO IDENTIFICATIONS
If you discover something in nature that you would like help identifying, be sure to message us right here on Facebook with a picture (please include location and date of picture) and we'll have our experts help you identify it!