Welcome to the 30th Annual Wildflower Hotline, brought to you by the
Theodore Payne Foundation, a non-profit plant nursery, seed source, book store,
and education center dedicated to the preservation of wildflowers and California
native plants. This a report for April 27, 2012. New reports will be posted each
Friday through the end of May.
Here is a current trail update for the Santa Monica Mountains. The lack of rain
earlier in winter and spring has diminished the overall bloom this year. That said,
one can find flowers if you go looking for them, but expect fewer numbers, more
restricted distribution, and in some cases dwarfed or otherwise stunted growth.
Let’s start in the west at the Rancho Sierra Vista Satwiwa Loop Trail to the
Waterfall. The waterfall is cascading nicely by the way, and a good full creek at
the first crossing. Highlights along the trail include wishbone bush (Mirabilis
laevis var. crassifolia), collarless California poppy (Eschscholzia caespitosa),
Parry’s phacelia (Phacelia parryi), Mariposa lilies (Calochortus spp.), fiesta flower
(Pholistoma auritum), hummingbird sage (Salvia spathaceae), and golden yarrow
(Eriophyllum confertiflorum).
At lower Zuma Canyon, look for the California black walnut (Juglans californica)
in flower along with a burst of new spring leaves. You can see the red-purple
flowers of milkwort (Polygala californica) in early bloom at the first trail
intersection. Milkwort is the only member of it’s species that occurs in the Santa
Monica Mountains. Snowberry (Symphorocarpus alba) and hedge nettle
(Stachys bullata) are both blooming with pink flowers as you descend closer to a
moist, but dry streambed.
Canyon sunflower (Venegasia carpesioides). Photo by Michael Charters
In upper Zuma and Trancas Canyons along the Backbone Trail, black sage
(Salvia mellifera) is fragrant and blooming along with fuchsia flowered
gooseberry (Ribes speciosum), and both bush (Encelia californica ) and canyon
sunflower (Venegasia carpesioides). Immediately off the Newton Canyon
trailhead, a magnificent hummingbird sage (Salvia spathaceae) fourteen inches
tall is an absolute standout. California hedge nettle (Stachys bullata) another
member of the mint family is also showy. Other pretty finds in the woodland
include a lot of caterpillar phacelia (Phacelia cicutaria) tucked under bushes and
around boulders; fiesta flower (Pholistoma auritum) seeking out shady corners
with common eucrypta (Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia), canyon sunflower
(Venegasia carpesioides) and miner's lettuce (Claytonia sp.), cliff aster
(Malacothrix saxatilis), purple nightshade (Solanum sp.), California everlasting
(Gnaphalium sp.), and bush monkey flower (Mimulus aurantiacus). Higher up the
canyon there is slender sunflower (Helianthus gracilentus), woolly blue curls
(Trichostema lanatum), blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), and stands of
black sage (Salvia mellifera). In Upper Zuma canyon ceanothus (Ceanothus
spp.) and elderberry (Sambucus nigra) are extending their sprays of fragrant
flower clusters into the trail.
Along the Backbone Trail at Malibu Creek State Park, near Saddle Peak, several
species of ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.) are in bloom along with lupines (Lupinus
spp.), clovers (Trifolium spp.), sages (Salvia spp.), and a variety other
perennials. Annuals include wall flower (Erysimum capitatum), blue larkspur
(Delphinium sp.), gilia (Gilia spp.), Chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla), and
clarkia (Clarkia sp.).
At the easternmost end of the Santa Monica Mountains, the chaparral covered
slopes of Griffith Park are dotted with bush monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus),
California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), California pearly everlasting
(Pseudognaphalium californicum) and Mexican elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp.
caerulea). The lance-leaf dudleyas (Dudleya lanceolata) growing among the
rocks and boulders are producing flower stalks that will bloom in the next few
weeks. In the Zoo parking lot, the flannel bush (Fremontodendron californica),
farewell to spring (Clarkia amoena), Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri), Apache
plume (Fallugia paradoxa), bush sunflower (Encelia californica), California wild
rose (Rosa californica) and, California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) are all in
bloom.
Along the foothills of the Southern Sierra Nevada from Sequoia & Kings Canyon
National Parks, Western redbud (Cercis occidentalis) is spectacular with it’s
reddish-pink blossoms and the blue of lupines, the silver bush lupine (Lupinus
albifrons) and spider lupine (Lupinus benthamii). Standing out too are showy
yellow of patches of madia (Madia elegans).
At Pinnacles National Monument on the High Peaks trail, enjoy the gold and red
colors of goldfields (Lasthenia gracilis), wallflowers (Erysimum capitatum), and
paintbrush (Castilleja affinis var. affinis all under and between the white blooming
buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus var. cuneatus). The pretty little bitter root
(Lewisia rediviva) is also blooming on this trail, but keep a sharp eye out because
it is well camouflaged sitting in the decomposed granite and gravelly soil. Along
the Balconies Cliffs Trail, you can find fringed onions (Allium fimbriatum var.
fimbriatum), elegant clarkia (Clarkia unguiculata), Chinese houses (Collinsia
heterophylla), common phacelia (Phacelia sp.), and the delicate woodland star
(Lithograma affine).
California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) are spectacular throughout the
Figueroa mountains along Figueroa Mountain Road, while other wildflowers are
declining. There are still a few Chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla) and
hummingbird sage (Salvia spathaceae) in bloom. A little further up the road you
will see the distinctive red of paintbrush (Castilleja sp.). Cream cups
(Platystemon californicus) are flowering as you approach the second cattle guard
and further, along the serpentine formation, look for prickly phlox (Linanthus
californicus), and golden-orange wall flowers (Erysimum sp). Mariposa lilies
(Calochortus spp.) are coming up among the tall grasses in the meadows. The
poppy bloom on the burned area about a mile up from the Ranger Station is very,
very showy. Continuing on, at a large dirt turnout about a mile beyond the Davey
Bown trailhead, some chocolate lilies (Fritilaria biflora) are still in bloom, and
beyond that are carpets of goldfields (Lasthenia sp.) with tidy tips (Layia
platyglossa), coreopsis (Coreopsis sp.) and buttercups (Ranunculus californica).
Paintbrush (Castilleja sp.) is applying flecks of red on the rock wall faces. At
Ranger Peak look for baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii), miner’s lettuce
(Claytonia sp.) and purple phacelias (Phacelia spp.). It continues to be colorful to
Cachuma Saddle, then at Susnset Valley, ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.), golden
yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum), chia (Salvia columbariae), poppies
(Eschscholzia spp.), Coulter lupine (Lupinus sp.), Chinese houses (Collinsia
heterophylla), monkeylower (Mimulus aurantiacus) and prickly phlox
(Leptosiphon californicus) are blooming nicely. Happy Canyon has a plethora of
wildflowers— all of the mentioned above and much more! Go see it!
Poppies (Eschscholzia californica) along Figueroa Mountain Road. Photo by Helen Tarbet
Recent rains are encouraging dormant poppies at the Antelope Valley California
Poppy Reserve to bloom. Still, it is not a good year for wildflowers. On the
Lighting Bolt Trail all the way to Kitanemuk Vista point there are dozens of
wishbone bush (Mirabilis laevis var. crassifolia) in bud or beginning to bloom.
Beavertail cacti (Optuntia basilaris) are just starting to get their magenta flowers.
At the Tehachapi Vista Point trail, look northwest for fields of poppies
(Eschscholzia californica). This reserve is still a treasure for California no matter
what the wildflowers are doing.
In the southern regions of Joshua Tree National Park, the Mastodon Peak Trail
continues to be nice with cacti, Mohave asters (Xylorhiza tortifolia) and rock liveforever (Dudleya saxosa) replacing the fading wildflowers. Sand blazing star
(Mentzelia involucrata) is still going strong, and Sylvia’s Wash, 2.7 miles south of
Cottonwood Visitor Center is an excellent wildflower stop. Search the canyon
walls and trails around Cottonwood for a real nice displays of yellow bladderpod
(Peritoma arborea), the red flowering chuparosa (Justicia californica), brittlebush
(Encelia farinosa) and the coral-colored wands of desert mallow (Sphaeralcea
ambigua). Ocotillo Patch is still magnificent and more flowers are appearing
along Pinto Basin Road and Park Boulevard. Use a turn out and check out the
patches of purple mat (Nama demissum) and onyx flower (Achyronychia
cooperi). There are stands of coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.) and desert dandelion
(Malacothrix glabrata) in Wilson Canyon. Several species of cacti are beginning
to bloom throughout the park. Look for the pink flowers on beavertail cactus
(Optuntia basilaris) and calico cactus (Echinocereus engelmanii) around
Cottonwood. All the cacti will be in peak bloom next month.
The areas east of Lake Henshaw still look good this week with waves of blue
ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.) in bloom west of SR 76. Near the junction of S2 and
S22 where the PCT crosses S22, both white (Ceanothus greggii) and blue
ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.) are looking spectacular on slopes along the
highways.
The report from Anza-Borrego Desert State Park this week comes from Whale
Peak around the 5000’ elevation in the Park. A few things are still flowering in
Anza Borrego DSP because of the diversity of habitat and elevation within the
Park boundaries. The white layia (Layia glandulosa) and interior goldenbush
(Ericameria linearifolia) are very nice along the trails. A few other species are
providing color here and there as well.
Interior goldenbush (Ericameria linearifolia) and white layia (Layia glandulosa). Photos by Tom Chester
Drive inland from Anza Borrego to western San Diego County. South of
Escondido is Lake Hodges. Hike along the southeast side of the lake along
Piedras Pintadas Trail and be amazed by slopes ablaze with color! A fire burned
through this area about five years ago and the hillsides are still covered in yellow
from three fire followers: golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum), chaparral
beard-tongue, (Keckiella antirrhinoides), and rush rose (Helianthemum
scoparium). These are accompanied by quite a few other species in bloom. One
of the most spectacular is the showy penstemon, (Penstemon spectabilis). There
are large patches of this penstemon in one location at the far end of the trail.
Showy penstemon (Penstemon spectabilis). Photo by Tom Chester
Further west to the coast, stop for a lovely hike at Torrey Pines State Natural
Preserve. Bask in the sun and salt air as you hike trails with stunning ocean
views. You will pass the ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.) nearing the end of bloom
but still lovely. The sunny golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum) is growing
among the ceanothus and taking over the spotlight along with San Diego Sea
Dahlia (Coreopsis maritima), golden ray pentachaeta (Pentachaeta aurea),
bladderpod (Peritoma arborea) and live-forevers (Dudleya spp.)
The Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach is ablaze with shades of
yellow, gold and red. California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) are bright and
cheery everywhere in the garden. The Indian mallow (Abutilon palmeri), Nevin’s
barberry (Berberis nevinii), Conejo buckwheat (Eriogonum crocatum),
bladderpod (Peritoma arborea), brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) and beard tongue
(Keckiella antirrhinoides) fill in the spectrum of yellows, while fairyduster
(Calliandra eriophylla), Island snapdragon (Galvesia speciosa) and coral bells
(Heuchra spp.) run up their red flags.
The bush lupine (Lupinus excubitus) at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological
Reserve, is at its best bloom along the Reserve’s Shivela Trail. Look for slopes
covered with bush monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus) and the golden ear
drops (Dicentra chrysantha) along the main roadway to SRP, Clinton Keith Road.
Hike the North Granite Loop to see Chinese houses (Colinsia heterophylla),
goldfields (Lasthenia gracilis) and California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
looking colorful together. Western buttercup (Ranunculus occidentalis) is
standing out bright yellow amongst the lush green along the South Trans
Preserve Trail.
A very nice hike in the Cleveland National Forest along the San Juan Loop Trail,
will yield you glimpses of at least 138 species of plants! The showiest include
ropevine (Clematis pauciflora) scrambling up into shrubs and trees, chinese
houses (Collinsia heterophylla), Parry's blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia parryi) ) and
woodland star (Lithophragma affine), occupying little shady patches. Larkspurs
(Delphinium parryi and D. patens) stand tall among the grasses. Many-flowered
linanthus (Leptosiphon floribundus), small-flowered meconella (Meconella
denticulate), wide throated yellow monkeyflower (Mimulus brevipes), wild
Canterbury bells (Phacelia minor), chia (Salvia columbariae) valley clover
(Trifolium willdenovii) and five different Lupine species (Lupinus spp.) are
scattered along the trail.
Collarless poppy (Eschscholzia caespitosa) and winter cress (Barbarea orthocerus).
Photos by Ron Vanderhoff
Still in the Santa Ana Mountains, a walk in the remote Pine Canyon, a tributary of
Silverado Canyon reveals nice displays of climbing snapdragon (Antirrhinum
kelloggii), paintbrush (Castilleja affinis), chaparral yucca (Hesperoyucca
whipplei), and long-leaved lupine (Lupinus longifolius) Lastly, but best, is an
unusually large patch of at least 50 rein orchids (Piperia sp.).
Harford Springs Preserve in Western Riverside County has monkeyflower
(Mimulus aurantiacus) and (Mirabilis californica) tucked in among the many large
boulders scattered in the landscape. Patches of the many-stemmed woolly
sunflower (Eriophyllum multicaule) and golden yarrow (Eriophyllum
confertiflorum).
That’s it for this week. Look for our next report on Friday, May 4 and check back
each week for the most up to date information on southern and central California
wildflowers.
NATIVE PLANT & WILDFLOWER EVENTS:
CNPS-Los Angeles Santa Monica Mountains Chapter
Saturday, April 28. 10am
Topanga State Park, Trippet Ranch. Ambling
through the Park we’ll see early blooming shrubs, wildflowers on easy-paced
walk on Musch Trail. Directions: From PCH or Ventura Fwy on Topanga Cyn
Blvd turn onto Entrada Road; make 2 left turns to stay on Entrada to park
entrance. Meet at parking lot near the pond. Info: 310-579-7667.
CNPS-Orange County Chapter
Sunday, April 29, meet at 8:00 am. Upper Hot Springs Canyon, Santa Ana
Mountains. www.occnps.org/explore/field-trips/164-2012-field-trips.html
CNPS-San Diego Chapter
April 28 & 29, San Diego Chapter will hold its Inaugural Native Garden Tour
Go to www.cnpssd.org/tour for more information.
CNPS-San Gabriel Mountains Chapter
Eaton Canyon Plant Walks: Second Sunday of each month except July and
August. Meet in front of Eaton Canyon Nature Center at 9:00 a.m. Then go on a
leisurely walk, about 2 hours, through the native plant garden that surrounds the
Center and into the nearby wild areas. The walk is different each time — what's
leafing out, flowering, in seed, etc., determines what your leader will talk about —
and different leaders bring different points of view.
Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve
Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center opens on, March 18th from 10am - 4pm
weekdays and 9am – 5pm weekends for the duration of the wildflower season.
The Arlington Garden in Pasadena is a three acre California native, wildflower
and Mediterranean climate plant public garden open every day from dawn to
dusk. And it's free. The garden is just seven years old but in full bloom. It
shouldn't be missed.