Thomas Creek is one of many small blackwater streams that rise in the countryside above the Escambia Valley and run through small valleys toward the Escambia. Because of the relatively acidic water, R. austrinum does not thrive here as it does on the Escambia itself, but R. serrulatum takes its place. Not only along the streams, but also in adjacent roadside ditches, wherever there is moisture, the plants can be found. R. serrulatum has its main flowering season in summer, so now in July was an optimal time for our visit. Afterwards we drove a bit further north to a forest area at Chumuckla Springs directly at the Escambia River to see Stewartia malacodendron.
