Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to identify this tree either. As you can see by the picture, its branches start growing very close to the ground, making it seem like it has multiple trunks. What I found most interesting about this tree are the numerous, thin branches that sprout out of the larger ones. They almost seem like they aren’t part of the tree at all; like they’re vines growing on the tree rather than branches.

I found this shrub next to the Soarin Oak. I wasn’t able to identify this plant after searching Google for quite a while. What I do know about it though, is that it had yellow, bilaterally symmetrical flowers, simply divided leaves (no leaflets) that are arranged alternately along the stem, and the leaves are entire, meaning they have no teeth or lobes. I love the shape of the leaves and flowers, though. Hopefully, someone from iNaturalist will be able to identify it for me.

These are the bushes bordering the parking lot in front of Moody Hall. They’re very dense with leaves and have numerous tiny white flowers. This kind of shrub seems to grow quite large; it’s growing all along the wall and covers a decent area behind it. It looks like small branches are sprouting out from the top of it too, so we might see it grow even larger if St. Eds doesn’t give it a trim.

Also known as Pearl Bluebush. The scientific name for this cutie is maireana sedifolia. They’re native to Australia, and are very resilient in drought-heavy conditions, kind of like cacti. I believe this shrub and several other plants have recently been planted around the seal in front of Ragsdale. Be sure to pay them a visit and make them feel welcome! Plants have feelings too, I think.

This might not actually be a Tuberose. I looked around Google for white flowers with yellow centers, and Tuberose seemed to be the closest match. The scientific name for these pretty flowers is polianthes tuberosa, and they’re native to Mexico. I almost missed this one, which is right by the parking lot next to Moody. Luckily, I saw it’s beautiful bright white colors and sleek shape, so I can now share my appreciation of it with all of you.

The scientific name for this fluffy friend is sciurus niger. You’ve probably seen these little guys all around St. Edward’s campus and every other place with trees you’ve ever been to; they’re as common as Rattatas. I remember when I first got here, I was surprised at how close the squirrels would get to people. This rascal must be an exception however, a squirrel skeptical of humans. I felt like it didn’t want its picture taken. Too bad, skeptic squirrel.

The scientific name for this species is sturnus vulgaris, which I find a bit unfitting, considering how cute these little birds are. Who would call a bird vulgar? This one was running all around the place; it took me at least 5 tries to get a good shot of him. They seem to have a lot of energy. As their name suggests, they’re originally from Europe, specifically the British Isles.

The scientific name of this bird-o is zenaida asiatica. I caught this little one taking a drink from the fountain in from of Main Building, and it’s like it posed for the picture, wanting to be discovered. They’re typically found in desert areas, Texas, or southeast coastal areas, and they like to eat berries, seeds, and grains from whatever plants are generous enough to feed them.

The scientific name for this tree is juniperus ashei. This tree has quite a lot of body hair, or rather its bark is very shaggy. The Juniper Ashe is known for its branches, which start almost at ground-level, giving it the appearance that it has more than one trunk.

The scientific name for this tree is sophora secundiflora. Those pods hanging from its branches might look like peanuts, but they actually contain red, poisonous seeds. So don’t go eating them, no matter how hungry you are. When the Texas Mountain Laurel blooms in the early spring, it gets to show off its beautiful purple flowers!