Jesse writes, "Here are some photos from a weekend hike at Indian Head Canyon. You need to get up to the top areas that get a lot of sun - that is where many species are in full bloom right now."
Captions by Jesse:
Sun cups (Cammisonia species) - these are so cute and cheery. They are low to the ground and the flowers are only open when the sun is out. You'll see them along the edges of the trails.
Suncups (yellow) mixed in with a little Crypantha species (white).
Everlasting (Gnaphalium bicolor) - One of my favorites. The flowers are kind of papery, and the leaves have a fabulous, citrusy smell.
Nightshade (Solanum parishii I think) – What a gorgeous purple flower. Related to potatoes, tomatoes, peppers; but don’t eat it – some nightshades are poisonous.
Blue dicks (Dichelostemma capitatum). This is in the lily family, grows from a bulb and dies back after it makes seed.
Lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia) flowering. This is a big bush with thick, green leaves. It is related to poison oak, but no worries, it won't give you a rash. Great garden plant - uses little water and can be shaped into just about anything.
Just look how SMALL these white Cryptantha flowers are.
You might have to get down on your hands and knees to really get a good look at them and see how perfect they are.See Also: Botanical Gems of Leucadia: Part I
I am glad they are not trees or the City would cut them down.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great photos and information. I've taken a few myself at the Village Park Offleash Trail because I want to encourage folks to appreciate the indigenous plants more.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kevin!! A lot of these flowers are also thriving at the San Elijo Lagoon and I wondered what they all were.
ReplyDeleteNice info & photos!
ReplyDelete