Occasional observations on the wildflowers of 91011. There are many vines that thrive in chaparral, though we don’t always notice that they are, in fact, vines and not shrubs. A prime example of a plant with just such an identity crisis is our local native honeysuckle — Lonicera subspicata, Southern Honeysuckle. California actually hosts seven species … Read more »
Occasional observations on the wildflowers of 91011. One of the loveliest collections of flowers that you’ll find in California is gathered in the genus Linanthus (which translates loosely as “flax flower”) — a collection of small but bright gems, usually in shades of white or pink. All these species are beautiful, but most have (in … Read more »
Occasional observations on the wildflowers of 91011. It’s actually not that much fun to be the wet blanket — in this case, to criticize a pretty flower just because it doesn’t belong in our wild areas. But y’know, even if it’s a dirty job, someone’s gotta do it. So here’s my kvetch about vetch. Hairy … Read more »
Occasional observations on the wildflowers of 91011. The flower known as “sweet pea” is a bit of a conundrum. Grown in countless gardens and picked for countless bouquets, without a doubt it smells sweet — just as you’d expect from a flower also known as Lathyrus “odoratus.” But please don’t eat the peas! — because … Read more »
Occasional observations on the wildflowers of 91011. It’s always a thrill to come across a beautiful flower that is so distinctive, so unique, that you simply cannot mistake its identity. That’s what we have here: Cardinal Catchfly (Silene lacinata), a shockingly red explosion of fringe, like fireworks caught at the first burst of fiery color. … Read more »
Occasional observations on the wildflowers of 91011. Nope, this isn’t an inventory for a construction crew. It’s also not the solution to some New York Times word game (though it could be!). Surprisingly, all these substances pop up in the common names of California wildflowers, such as Turpentine Broom, Creosote Bush, Wax Currant, and the … Read more »
Occasional observations on the wildflowers of 91011. Although “I don’t get no respect!” was the tagline of the late comedian Rodney Dangerfield, it might well have been spoken also by an exceedingly common native wildflower — California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum). Buckwheat is a shrub that blooms for at least six months of every year (though … Read more »
Occasional observations on the wildflowers of 91011. Pink Rockrose (Cistus incanus or C. creticus) is a shrub that you can find in many yards here in La Cañada, perhaps along with its white-flowering counterpart, Crimson-spot Rockrose (C. ladanifer). Both are impressively attractive. Both are also sadly out of place in the wild landscape of California. … Read more »
Occasional observations on the wildflowers of 91011. Once upon a time, certain books commonly had gilt edging — shiny micro-thin gold leaf on the outside edge of every page. These were fancy books, for sure: like bibles, hymnals, or prayer books, or sometimes really ritzy address books or diaries. Why? Partly because the gold leaf … Read more »
Occasional observations on the wildflowers of 91011. Some wildflowers are masters of balance. They float above the ground on improbably thin stalks, seemingly indifferent to their fragile support, concerned to do only one thing well: shine. Common Woodland Star (Lithophragma affine) is one of these floral acrobats. “Common” Woodland Star? Oh, if only it really … Read more »
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