Hypoxis sessilis - Glossyseed Yellow Stargrass

Glossyseed yellow stargrass (Hypoxis sessilis) is a perennial herbaceous wildflower vouchered throughout much of Florida from the Panhandle to Miami-Dade County.  It also is reported from east Texas and Oklahoma within the Southeastern Coastal Plain to North Carolina.  Throughout its range, it occurs in wet savannas and open pinelands.  

Yellow stargrasses can be a bit difficult to distinguish from each other, but this one is noticeable by its realtively wide and upright basal leaves and the fact that the solitary flowers are produced near it base.  The leaves, unlike many in this genus, are evenly pubescent.  

Like other members of this genus, the flowers are bright yellow and comprised of 6 tepals - 3 petals and 3 sepals that look alike.  These are produced near the base of the plant on a short stalk.  Several flowers may occur on each.  Flowering occurs in early spring to summer and seems to be stimulated by fire.  They tend to be pollinated mostly by bees.

Yellow stargrasses are not routinely propagated by native nurseries affiliated with FANN - the Florida Association of Native Nurseries, or by others.  Their diminutive size seems to preclude a demand and their need for moist to wet soil conditions limits where they could be effectively added.

These photos were taken by my friend, Alex de la Paz and used by permission.  

Stenanthium texanum - Black/Texas Death-Camas

 

Black death-camas (Stenanthium texanum) is a much rarer species in Florida (and elsewhere) than its more widely distributed relative crow poison (S. densum).  It has only been reported in four counties in the western Panhandle and is sporadically distributed elsewhere in the Southeastern Coastal Plain from east Texas to southern Georgia.  This is a plant that occurs in open pine savannas and flatwoods, but as it has only recently been discovered and described it is still relatively poorly understood.

Black death-camas appears to be a short-lived perennial. Its long and linear basal leaves persist and are up to one-half an inch wide (up to twice as wide as the more common crow poison) and the extended flower stalk arises from this annually.  The stalk can be as tall as 6 feet at maturity and it is branched, unlike crow poison. Like others in this genus, many bright white flowers occur on the top of the stem.  Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer. Thes blooms attract a wide variety of pollinators.

Black death-camas is a very striking wildflower, but it is not one likely to be grown commercially at this time or in the future.  It is yet another plant that should be admired if encountered and not collected for a personal landscape or without a permit.

The above photos were taken by my friend, Floyd Griffith, and used by permission.