Identification of Plants

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 3/12/25 - Identification of Plants

This plant appears to be Rapistrum rugosum, an invasive species from the mustard family. I encountered it while walking on the Trinity. It has small, bright yellow flowers in clusters and lobed green leaves. Common in Texas along roadsides and riverbanks, it spreads aggressively, often outcompeting native vegetation.

These are pansies (Viola × wittrockiana), popular ornamental flowers known for their vibrant colors and delicate, overlapping petals. The mix of deep purple, light blue, and white blooms makes them a favorite for cool-season landscaping. They thrive in well-drained soil and partial to full sun, often blooming in early spring and fall.

 I have always wondered what this plant that resides in my backyard is. This is henbit deadnettle (Lamium amplexicaule), a common wildflower and member of the mint family. It has small, tubular pink-purple flowers and rounded, scalloped leaves that grow along square stems. Often found in lawns and fields, it thrives in cooler seasons and is an important early nectar source for pollinators.

This image showcases a Nandina domestica, commonly known as heavenly bamboo. Despite its name, it is not a true bamboo but a shrub with leaves that shift in color from green to red throughout the seasons. It is a popular landscaping choice due to its hardiness, dense foliage, and occasional bright red berries.

This appears to be a Japanese Boxwood (Buxus microphylla japonica), a popular evergreen shrub often used in landscaping for its dense, compact growth and ability to be shaped into hedges or topiary forms. It has small, glossy green leaves and is drought-tolerant once established, making it a great choice for low-maintenance gardens. The small yellow flowers visible in the image suggest it is in bloom.











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