a new wildflower

On those days when I wake up at our new place, I try to get in an hour of working on the pool’s landscaping before the extreme heat and humidity chase me inside for other jobs. The lantana has become completely overgrown, crowding out other plantings and hiding bits we didn’t even know were there. I’m trimming it back a bit severe to get rid of some powdery mildew and give all the plants some breathing room.

Among today’s trimmings, I found this volunteer wildflower that I hadn’t seen before — I think it is a Dakota Vervain. (see update below) I’m sorry to have pulled it out before noticing how pretty it is. It had become “buried” under some over-long lantana stems. Before it could wilt, I did a quick continuous-line sketch of it — gave me an excuse to come inside and cool down with some iced peach tea!

UPDATE: after help from others on Facebook, this flower has been identified as Plumbago auriculata.