Clematis

species: Clematis terniflora

common name: virginsbower

family: Ranunculaceae

where & when encountered: Old Westbury, NY - 2018

Native to northern Asia, but introduced to the US in the 19th century as an ornamental vine. It is by now thoroughly established in most eastern states. It blooms in the fall when most other flowers are done for the year. While going for walks, I was struck by these fluffy white masses randomly strewn across other foliage.

peacock flower

species: Caesalpinia pulcherrima

common name: peacock flower

family: Fabaceae

where & when encountered: Monterey County - 2014

I was struck by this flowering shrub for years before I identified it in 2014 at a garden center in Salinas. Possibly of Caribbean origin, this is the national flower of Barbados. Generally considered toxic, the roots have been used by indigenous Latin America to induce abortions. Nowadays it is a popular ornamental.