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 »
Occasional observations on the wildflowers of 91011. As we know all too well, when wildfires cross the line into neighborhoods, the results are usually terrifying — and sometimes searingly tragic, as the recent Eaton Fire demonstrated once again. But wildfire has also always been a part of the larger life cycle of California’s wild landscape. … Read more »
Occasional observations on the wildflowers of 91011. It’s a safe bet that you won’t have to leave your neighborhood, or even your own yard, to see this lovely and horrible wildflower: the highly invasive Bermuda Buttercup (Oxalis pes-caprae). Native to South Africa, it was deliberately introduced to California about a hundred years ago as an … Read more »
Occasional observations on the wildflowers of 91011. What’s in a name? In the case of Spotted Hideseed (Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia), the answer might well be “too much” and “not enough.” But before we dissect the name(s) of this plant, you need to know this all-important fact: Spotted Hideseed is simply charming! Which means it’s well worth … Read more »
Occasional observations on the wildflowers of 91011. Now here’s a flower you probably weren’t expecting, with a name that you’d also be unlikely to expect: California Bee Plant (Scrophularia californica). Bee Plant, also known as Figwort, is represented by six species in California, but only S. californica is at all common, and it’s the only … Read more »
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