Outdoor
Grazing North Texas
By Tony Dean
Annual broomweed can be a real nuisance to North Texas ranchers when we have a “broomweed year.” Broomweed, along with Western ragweed, are two of the most troublesome weeds that plague our grazing lands. Both of these forbes, however, can benefit wildlife.
Annual broomweed, sometimes called common broomweed or prairie broomweed, is a robust annual forb found in almost every part of Texas. It normally grows from a single stem, but if damaged when young, the plant can form multiple stems.
As Annual broomweed matures the stem becomes very rigid and erect and the plants develop a rounded tree-shaped top. Under good growing conditions mature plants can reach three feet in height and two to three feet in diameter of the top. When found in heavy stands, it can form almost a complete canopy over the land. Broomweed seems to prefer clay soils, while ragweed is more dominant on sandy soils.
To read more pick up a copy of the January 2022 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
By Norman Winter | Horticulturist, Author, Speaker
The Year of the Spirea has been so designated by The National Garden Bureau and The Garden Guy could not be happier. There is a spirea that is a landscape asset from spring through dormancy but a lot of you simply do not know about it. First let’s delve into a little horticulture humor. Yes, the common name is spirea. The botanical name is Spiraea.
So no family wars here, simply use the name you wish, or grew up with. You will have to learn how to pronounce the one you are using. Just kidding, they are the same.
The spirea is in the rose family and has the common name meadowsweet. Today, however, I am telling you about an incredible Spirea japonica or Japanese Meadowsweet called Double Play Candy Corn. This beauty will reach about 24 inches tall and 30 inches wide.
To read more, pick up a copy of the March issue of NTFR Magazine. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
By Tony Dean | tonydean.tx1@gmail.com
The Texas bluebonnet is the undisputed star of the wildflower show that is on display every spring all across Texas (when moisture is adequate). Another beautiful native flower, the Indian paintbrush, has earned a costarring role. In fact, the two are often seen growing together.
Indian paintbrush is also known by other names like Texas paintbrush, Scarlet paintbrush, Grandmother’s hair, Common red paintbrush, Butterfly weed, Prairie fire, Painted cup, and Painted lady. Most folks prefer to call it by its most popular name — Indian paintbrush.
Indian paintbrush flowers are named for the clusters of spiky blooms that resemble paintbrushes dipped in bright red and orange paint.
An Indian needed some special paintbrushes because he wanted to paint a sunset and he was frustrated that he could not produce any of the colors that matched the beauty of a sunset. He asked the Great Spirit for help and the Great Spirit provided him with paintbrushes to create his painting. After completing his work, the artist then discarded his used paintbrushes around the landscape. These paint bushes later blossomed into plants.
To read more, pick up a copy of the March issue of NTFR Magazine. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
By Jelly Cocanougher
Deep in the woods we rode from a lonely town. All I need is a little exuberant mystery within the trees. Caressing my inner monologue from all the sights seen and unseen, my eyes and ears are interlocking with every movement and sound hopeful to see something interesting along the riverbank and beyond.
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