Possum and poverty, haw and weed
Click for greater clarity.
When I stopped on November 11th to photograph the dense colony of goldeneye, Viguiera dentata, along S. Capital of Texas Highway, I also found a slender possumhaw, Ilex decidua, that already had plenty of little fruits and that seemed on the verge of shedding its leaves. It was close to a few poverty weed bushes, Baccharis neglecta, that the wind was divesting of their seed-bearing fluff, some of which ended up temporarily caught on the possumhaw.
© 2013 Steven Schwartzman
Portraits of Wildflowers 
It’s a Texas version of “The Holly and the Ivy”. The composition is perfect. I like the way the two plants seem to be leaning into each other’s space.
“Seasonal” and “subtle” don’t usually walk hand-in-hand this time of year, but this is lovely. I’m off to the hill country for a couple of days, and anticipate finding some similar bits of beauty.
shoreacres
December 25, 2013 at 6:55 AM
Make that “The Fluffy and the Ilex.” It’s a visually interlocking sort of leaning, isn’t it? How subtle the seasonality, I leave to you, hoping not to have been too blatant, but the possumhaw was what it was and begged to be made a symbol.
Happy days in the hills to the west, where I expect you’ll see some morning frost along with any possumhaws.
Steve Schwartzman
December 25, 2013 at 7:21 AM
It is laden heavily. Very nice composition. The cross shape grabs my eye.
We have a quiet day ahead. Then, a daughter and family arrive for dinner. Son and future daughter in law will also join us for dinner. A turkey will roast all day. The smells should be good today.
Have a peaceful and rewarding day.
Jim in IA
December 25, 2013 at 7:10 AM
The way the young fruit-laden possumhaw branch had formed a red cross that stood in such contrast to the clear blue sky grabbed my attention as soon as I saw it, today’s photograph being one fruit of mine.
Happy quiet day to you.
Steve Schwartzman
December 25, 2013 at 7:28 AM
Such an ideal image to share on Christmas day! Beautiful composition!
Merry Christmas, Steve
SmallHouseBigGarden
December 25, 2013 at 8:14 AM
Even though I took the picture on a different holiday (November 11th, Veterans Day), the symbolism of the possumhaw made today seem like the right time to post the image. I’m glad you find it ideal, Karen. A happy day to you.
Steve Schwartzman
December 25, 2013 at 8:24 AM
Is it the season that makes me see a cross? Anyway, merry Christmas.
bentehaarstad
December 25, 2013 at 1:22 PM
I think today’s date predisposes you that way, but even when I first saw this slender tree on November 11th I couldn’t help seeing the way that upper branch formed a cross. The red and green add another association with Christmas. And speaking of which, God Jul to you.
Steve Schwartzman
December 25, 2013 at 2:56 PM
This is amazing, how this is shaped like a cross, and on Xmas day it’s posted. Magnificent.
Maria
December 25, 2013 at 8:22 PM
I’m glad you appreciate the picture, Maria. Posting it today wasn’t coincidental: this seemed like an appropriate day.
Steve Schwartzman
December 25, 2013 at 9:09 PM
Definitely the cross shape stood out to me as well as the red and green. Merry Christmas Steve!
Michael Glover
December 25, 2013 at 8:31 PM
Then I wasn’t alone in what I saw. Happy Christmas to you, Michael.
Steve Schwartzman
December 25, 2013 at 8:49 PM