pbs Digest, Vol 18, Issue 28
ConroeJoe@aol.com (Mon, 19 Jul 2004 15:19:38 PDT)

In a message dated 7/19/2004 11:10:52 AM Central Daylight Time, Nan Sterman
Talkingpoints@PlantSoup.Com writes:

Hi,

I cannot say why your M. virginica failed. I do know that plants in this
area grow 2-3 feet above sometimes wet areas in sandy soils that have a fair bit
of humus. Two or three years ago we got 70 inches of rain, and different
parts of this county (Montgomery County, TX) got 12-20 inches of rain this past
June. The local M. virginica loved it and produced lots of seed.

From plants I've seen grown from different locations (Oklahoma, East Texas,
unknown, etc.), I can say there is a lot of variation in the species. They all
have the same flower (more or less), but do vary in time of flowering and
succulence of leaves, as well as minute dentations (present or not) on leaf
edges. Perhaps some are more sensitive to water.

The plants in this general area thrive on lots of water as long as they have
very good drainage. They do go dormant (floppy and dead-looking) when
deprived of water for extended periods.

Cordially,

Conroe Joe