I did wonder if the specimens were small, developing plants that weren't yet typical of the species - especially after I worked through all of the Mustard family possibilities. But there were thousands of those small plants, all of similar height, and all with similar leaf configurations. And the other mustard species in that area were thriving. I guess that I'll wait a week or so, and then see if those plants have grown. Thanks, everybody, for the input.

coreopsis? i think those are the ones i see blooming this time of year. i don't know the species- they are fine leaves like 'limerock ruby' and those type of cultivars. we have them here on buffaloe in garner, too. they are small- like 1 or 2' at most, and the flowers are small, too- about 1". neat appearance. if the plants are taller (2-3.5') with raggy orange cosmos type foliage and more of a blowsy shape they would probably be bidens. which is considered a weed, but i love them and grow them in my garden. BUT there are so many flowers that have that single yellow daisy flower that bloom right now, it's hard to sort out without a picture. the size and foliage is key.

carnival.. is actually where i learned about cleandon streaking ... one of my absolute all time faves.. in fact.. i better go see if any is left to pot up and save .. wish me luck ... its actually a pottery term ... when one color overlays another ... in hosta.. i think.. there are only two cell layers .. and when green overlays yellow.. or vice versa.. you get the third color grey ... and i seem to recall.. just last week.. i asked on some post.. about how unique some sport was.. that had a third color ... with only two layers.. you cant have the third color.. other than grey.. which one might jump to the conclusion.. that it wont hold and regress .. the theorem that hosta are unstable... so why cut it out??? and you will never get me to spell it another way .. lol .. dirt.. your are old.. by your own admission.. i cant unconfuse you.. lol ... but i can give you my observations .. and let you work from there ... [ in the conifer world.. i learned NEVER to rely on plant tags in a nursery ...] moc.. noted .. congrats ... but leaf shape CAN vary ... until maturity ... but round aint gunna turn into pointed.. regardless of the age ... from the moment a seedling emerges.. you ought to have a flavor of what it will be .. someday ... and the longer you look at them.. and really look at them.. the more you will appreciate.. the base differences ... [i had week old seedlings.. that were wavy ... barely.. but it could be seen ... pointed.. some puckering.. etc ... its all there... subtle as it might be ... if you take the time to look ... in fact.. start a post with two yellows you think look the same.. and lets see if we can spot the differences .... like that puzzle in the highlight mag .. lol .. ] when i started dating my bookworm, draw the shade.. turn on the light.. future wife.. we were sitting in MY garden ... and i said.. how many colors of green do you see.. she said one. ... and then i pointed out a couple dozen greens around the yard... she came to start to appreciate the subtleties of color ... look close peeps ... its all so mysterious .... in fact.. look above.. can you see .. now .. why they arent the same... did anyone check the zillis book ... ken

Yes, that's it! Thank you. I'm going to make this plant into a winter ground cover. It grows so well. Flowering Season: March through August or later with sufficient rainfall. Elevation: Up to 2,000 feet or more. Habitat Preferences: Weedy in Phoenix area, usually associated with ample water, found in yards, open fields, gardens and roadsides. Recorded Range: In North America, this species is currently found in limited geographic areas in CA, AZ, NM and TX. U.S. Weed Information:Hedypnois cretica is an introduced species from the Mediterranean area and spreading across southwest Border States. At this time it is not listed in the USGS Weed Database. Invasive/Noxious Weed Information: No data available. Wetland Indicator: No data available. Threatened/Endangered Information: No data available. Genus Information: 1 species in Hedypnois introduced the United States. Comments: Little information is available on this newcomer introduced plant. Hedypnois cretica or Cretanweed is an introduced species in several southwestern states and is common the localities where it is found. In the Phoenix area it appears to be increasing its geographic range in areas associated with ample water such as yards or near standing water in the normally dry Salt River bottom.