May 29, 2009 - Final Report of the Season

Welcome to the 27th Annual Wildflower Hotline, brought to you by the Theodore Payne Foundation, a non-profit nursery, seed source, bookstore, and education center dedicated to the preservation of wildflowers and California native plants.

As spring turns into summer many of our wildflowers at lower elevations have already gone to seed, while a few blooms can still be found in the high country. Overall this was a fun season filled with a great diversity of wildflowers throughout southern and central California.

But if you’re still looking for color, check out the more northern areas and higher elevations, where flowers typically continue to bloom into July. So even though this is the last report of the season, wildflower chasers shouldn’t despair because if you’re willing to look for them – wildflowers can still be found!  

We begin this week in San Diego, at the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve where color is sparse but definitely still present. Throughout the reserve Isomeris arborea (bladderpod) has both flowers and fruit, and in the Extension yellow Dendromecon rigida (bush poppy) and pink Malacothamnus fasciculatus (bush mallow) can be seen. The Beach and Broken Hill Trails are still delightful with Eriogonum fasciculatum (buckwheat), Eriophyllum confertiflorum (golden yarrow), Adenostoma fasciculatum (chamise), Navarretia hamata (skunkweed), and Deinandra fasciculata (fascicled tarweed).  

Off HWY 79, the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park still has a few flowers though they are few and far between. If you’re visiting this week, look for Ceanothus palmeri (Palmer’s lilac), Rhus trilobata (basket bush), and Prunus virginiana ssp. demissa (western chokecherry). In the chaparral a few Calochortus spp. (mariposa lilies) and Mimulus aurantiacus (monkeyflowers) may still surprise you. Later in the summer Epilobium sp. (California fuchias) will start to bloom and in the winter the pale pink lanterns of Arctostaphylos spp. (manzanitas) will emerge.

Heading into Orange County, the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is a great destination for sightings of Malacothamnus fasciculatus (bush mallow), Gnaphalium californicum (California everlasting), Mimulus aurantiacus (sticky monkeyflower), Scrophularia californica (bee plant), Antirrhinum nuttallianum (Nuttall’s snapdragon), Eriastrum sapphirinum (sapphire woollystar), Monardella lanceolata (mustang mint), and more along Mary’s Trail. Or explore Little Sycamore and Stagecoach South to discover Salvia apiana (white sage), Deinandra fasciculata (slender tarweed), Salvia mellifera (black sage), Silene laciniata ssp. major (Indian pink), and Verbena lasiostachys (vervain).

In Murrieta, the vernal pools at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve are dry, but glorious patches of purple and yellow Downingia bella (spotted downingia) provide an illusion of water at the base of the pool. Along Waterline Road, near the visitor’s center, Silene laciniata ssp. major (Indian pink), Mimulus sp. (creek monkeyflower), and Osmadenia tenella (three spot) adorn the path. Towards the southern end of the Trans Preserve Trail look for Delphinium parryi ssp. parryi (blue larkspur), Calochortus sp. (mariposa lily), Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. confertiflorum (golden yarrow), and Erigeron foliosus var. foliosus (leafy daisy). Throughout the park large seed pods of Astragalus pomonensis (Pomona locoweed) can also be seen.

Along the Steep Trail and Hillside Trail of the Idyllwild Nature Center, off HWY 243, Mimulus brevipes (wide-throated yellow monkeyflower), Eriophyllum confertiflorum (golden yarrow), Mimulus sp. (purple monkeyflower), towering spires of Yucca whipplei (chaparral yucca), white Cryptantha sp.  (popcorn flower), purple Phacelia minor (Canterbury bells), red Sarcodes sanguinea (snowplant), and Penstemon centranthifolius (scarlet bugler) decorate this fun loop.

In the San Bernardino National Forest, trails approaching the San Gorgonio peak, the highest point in southern California, really begin to show color in June and July, so if you’re up for a challenge, this is a great summer adventure with some wildflower color.

North of I-210 and Upland, take Mount Baldy Road for sightings of Yucca whipplei (chaparral yucca), Leptodactylon californicum (prickly phlox), and Mimulus sp. (monkeyflower). For hiking in Mt. Baldy, try Ice House Canyon which is sprinkled with Erysimum capitatum (western wallflower), Sarcodes sanguinea (snowplant), and more Leptodactylon californicum (prickly phlox) and Mimulus sp. (monkeyflower).

In the Angeles National Forest, roadside beauties are in abundance along the Santa Clara Divide Road. To begin this driving adventure from I-210, take Osborne Street north through Little Tujunga Canyon and Bear Divide. Continue a short distance along Sand Canyon Road and immediately turn right on Santa Clara Divide Road to enjoy a rainbow of color from Mimulus aurantiacus (sticky monkeyflower), Leptodactylon californicum (prickly phlox, pictured left – two photos), Yucca whipplei (chaparral yucca), Penstemon centranthifolius (scarlet bugler), Eriodictyon crassifolium (yerba santa), and many others. This is short, nine mile road to Magic Mountain that is narrow but paved. At the end of the pavement, cars should turn back around as this road continues as a very rough dirt road.

If you can’t make it to the Angeles National Forest until the summer, remember that the high country usually doesn’t peak until July. Summer beauties here have previously included Thermopsis macrophylla (false lupine), Mentzelia sp. (blazing star), Chrysothamnus sp. (rabbitbrush), Aquilegia sp. (columbine), Ribes sp. (gooseberry), Ceanothus spp. (California lilac), Rubus leucodermis (raspberry), and more.   

North of HWY 2 and south of HWY 138, at an elevation of 5,000 feet, the Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area is bursting with yellow Fremontodendron californicum (fremontia) and red Penstemon centranthifolius (scarlet bugler).

Back on the western side of the Angeles National Forest, in Pasadena, the Eaton Canyon Natural Area is aglow with towering spires of Yucca whipplei (chaparral yucca), Opuntia littoralis (western prickly pear), Eriogonum fasciculatum (flat-top buckwheat), and Salvia apiana (white sage) throughout the park. On the shady north-facing slopes, look for Mimulus sp. (bush monkeyflower) interspersed with Linanthus californicus (purple phlox), Clarkia unguiculata (elegant clarkia), and Clarkia spp. (farewell-to-spring). Near the pond, the stand of Romneya coulteri (Matilija poppies) is outstanding, while the dry stream bed is adorned with Eriophyllum confertiflorum (golden yarrow), Dudleya sp. (live-forever), and Chaenactis glabriuscula (yellow pincushion).

Also in Pasadena, the trail leading to the El Prieto Fire Road is adorned with Mimulus sp. (sticky monkeyflower), Adenostoma fasciculatum (chamise), Leptodactylon californicum (prickly phlox), Castilleja sp. (Indian paintbrush), Penstemon centranthifolius (scarlet bugler), Silene laciniata ssp. major (Indian pink), Eriophyllum confertiflorum (golden yarrow), and more. To access this trail take the Lincoln Ave. exit from I-210, head north on Lincoln Ave., turn left on Canyon Crest Road, left on Cloverhill Road, and right (north) on El Prieto Road and park to begin your hiking adventure.

In the City of Los Angeles, Griffith Park is adorned with Yucca whipplei (chaparral yucca), evening primrose, Clarkia sp. (farewell-to-spring), Sambucus mexicana (Mexican elderberry), Heteromeles arbutifolia (toyon), a few Penstemon sp. (penstemon), and the tail end of Eschscholzia californica (California poppy). A magnificent stand of Romneya coulteri (Matilija poppies) can also be seen near the magnet school as you approach the LA Zoo.

In the Santa Monica Mountains, the Santa Ynez Trail of Topanga Canyon State Park is a great creek-side hike with a few species in bloom, including: Venegasia carpesioides (canyon sunflower), Salvia mellifera  (black sage),  Lupinus sp. (bush lupine), Mimulus sp. (sticky monkey flower), Scrophularia californica (California bee plant), Eriogonum fasciculatum (California buckwheat), Rubus ursinus (blackberry), Gnaphalium californicum (California everlasting), Rosa californica (wild rose), Stachys sp. (hedge nettle), and many more. Climbing up into the chaparral portion of the trail that leads up to Trippet Ranch, look for Chorizanthe staticoides (Turkish rugging), Chaenactis glabriuscula (yellow pincushion), Zigadenus fremontii (star lily), Eriophyllum confertiflorum (golden yarrow), Adenostoma fasciculatum (chamise), and Keckiella cordifolia (heart-leaf penstemon).

Off HWY 14, the Canyon Trail of the Placerita Canyon is awash of color with Eriophyllum confertiflorum (golden yarrow), Mimulus sp. (sticky monkeyflower), Keckiella cordifolia (heart-leaf penstemon), and Rosa californica (wild rose). Tall stalks of Chlorogalum pomeridianum (soap root) will also reveal their white flowers in a few days. 

North of Santa Barbara, off HWY 154, take Paradise Road for 10 miles east to the Matias Potrero Connector Trailhead, for a fun hike in the Santa Ynez Mountains revealing Lupinus sp. (lupine), Calochortus sp. (mariposa lily), Penstemon sp. (penstemon), Delphinium sp. (blue larkspur), Castilleja sp. (Indian paintbrush, pictured left), Trichostema lanatum (woolly blue curls), and more.   

Off HWY 198 and east of Kings Canyon National Park, Forest Road 14S11 has recently been opened, and at 7,600 feet while snowdrifts are still present, the Big Meadows, about 5 miles in, will soon be filled with wildflower color.

Between an elevation of 3,000 ft. and 6,000 ft., the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are decorated with Sarcodes sanguinea (snowplant), Viola Macloskeyi (small white violet), Viola purpurea (mountain violet), Viola lobata (yellow violet), and Fremontodendron californicum (flannel bush). In the Giant Forest and moist areas around Grant Grove, Cornus nuttallii (dogwoods) are in full bloom, and within the next few days Rhododendron occidentale (western azalea) should begin bloom as well.

East of Kings Canyon, off HWY 395 near Lone Pine, take Mt. Whitney Portal Road west about 1 mile to explore the Alabama Hills which may have a few wildflowers still in bloom. For more information on what is blooming at these montane elevations in June and July visit the BLM-Bishop website.

At the Pinnacles National Monument color is still quite vibrant along many of the trails. During this hiking adventure look for Sambucus mexicana (blue elderberry), Triteleia lugens (pretty faces), Stylomecon heterophylla  (wind poppy), Mimulus aurantiacus (sticky monkeyflower), Clarkia unguiculata (elegant clarkia), Clarkia purpurea (four spot), Trichostema lanatum (woolly blue curls), and along the streams behold Aesculus californica (California buckeye).

This is our last report of the season. The Wildflower Hotline will return in March 2010 with information on wildflower viewing locations throughout southern and central California.

This Hotline is a free service but the Theodore Payne Foundation depends on the financial support of wildflower enthusiasts like you to continue providing this and other programs. Your support also enables us to continue the Foundation’s ongoing mission to protect California’s natural habitats and educate the public about gardening with native plants. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made through our website, by mail, or by visiting our headquarters in Sun Valley.

**Until next year - drive safely and enjoy the beautiful plants of California.**

NATIVE PLANT & WILDFLOWER EVENTS

Bureau of Land Management-Bishop Field Office (http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bishop/wildflower_outings.html)

• Friday, June 19^th at 10:00am. Hike Bodie Hills. Meet at 10:00am at the Toyaibe National Forest Office parking lot just south of Bridgeport on U.S. Hwy. 395. High-clearance vehicles recommended. This trip will explore a transect across the Bodie Hills, a Great Basin landscape containing diverse plant communities and rare plant species unique to this region. We will be starting the trip by going up the Aurora Canyon Road and descending over Geiger Grade which ends at Bodie State Park (an approximately 14 mile one-way trip at elevations ranging between 5,000-9,500 ft.).

Descanso Gardens (http://www.descansogardens.org/site/)

• Saturday, June 20^th: California Natives with Lili Singer from 10am – 1pm. Popular local expert, Lili Singer discusses the many ways to successfully blend design approaches. Illustrating with local examples, she shares slides of landscaped homes and neighborhoods where citrus, floral, and herb complement each other and their environs for stunning combinations of drought-tolerant functionality. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, Lili will help you transition to a landscape design that’s visually arresting yet surprisingly sustainable. Lili will also have plants for sale exclusively for class participants. Cost: $24 general public, $18 Descanso members. Reservations requested. No Walk-ins. To register, call 818-949-7980.

Placerita Canyon Nature Center (http://www.placerita.org/)

• Saturday, June 20^th from 10am to 3pm. Annual Open House including displays by nature/native plant agencies.

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens (http://www.rsabg.org/)

• Saturday, May 30^th at 10:00am. Garden Walks - Focus On Cacti. Cacti comprise one of the showiest groups of succulents in the desert communities of Southern California. These Garden walks will showcase many species and some cultivated varieties of cacti in the Garden's collection. Participants will come to appreciate these spiny plants for their beauty and diversity. Cost: $14 ($16 nonmember). Code: 092HRT105. For more information call (909) 625-8767 x224 or email registrar@rsabg.org.
• Sunday, May 31^st: Natural History of the San Gabriel Mountains - Trip to the San Dimas Experimental Forest. Chaparral ecologist, Ronald D. Quinn has acquired special access to visit the San Dimas Experimental Forest for a day trip to this unique preserve in the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains. We will be touring the area at peak bloom and will learn about the current research in chaparral ecology, wildland fires, watershed hydrology, and bird habitat use. Transportation will be provided by RSABG and is included in the fee. Cost: $95 ($115 nonmember). Trip begins at 8:00am (field trip duration: 9 hours). Limit: 9 participants. Code: 092NAT102. For more information call (909) 625-8767 x224 or email registrar@rsabg.org.

California Native Plant Society- Chapters

CNPS-San Diego Chapter (http://www.cnpssd.org/)

• Field trips and events include:
  • Sat., June 7: Nature Walk through Tecolote Canyon (9:00 – 11:00am) (http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/teclte.shtml)

CNPS-Orange County Chapter (http://www.occnps.org/)  

• Field trips and events include:
  • Sun., May 31: Monrovia Canyon Wilderness Park. Leaders: Liana Argento, Elizabeth Pomeroy, and Bob Muns. Participants will join the Natural Science Section for a slow paced 3-4 hour plant walk to identify wildflowers and learn about plants. Directions: Take the 57 or 605 freeway north and the 210 west to Monrovia and exit Myrtle Ave north to Foothill Blvd. Turn right on Foothill and left on Canyon Blvd into Monrovia Park. Meet at 9:30am at first parking area inside park. Bring lunch, money for parking, water, hand lens, and binoculars. Optional $1 for plant list and $1 for hand lens.

CNPS-South Coast Chapter (http://www.sccnps.org/)

• Field trips include:
  • Sat., June 6: George F. Canyon Hike at starting at 1:00pm. Allow 2 hours for this walk. The George F. Canyon is located at the southwest corner of Palos Verdes Drive East and Palos Verdes Drive North (27305 Palos Verdes Drive East, Rolling Hills Estates). Cost: $3 per person. For more information call 310-547-0862.

CNPS-Los Angeles/Santa Monica Chapter (http://www.lasmmcnps.org/)

• Field trips include:  
  • Sun., May 31: Bluffs Ramble to the Sea at Malibu Bluffs Park starting at 10:00am. Explore along the trail to discover the fire-following recovery of native wildflowers and grasses (and the invasion of weeds); enjoy great views of mountains and sea; dip your toes into the bay as we walk along the beach; look for dolphins, whales, and sea birds (duration 2hrs). For more information call 818-782-9346.
• Thurs., June 18: Chaparral Chatter Hike at Caballero Canyon starting at 8:30am. Meet at the lower trailhead and bring water & a snack. For more information and to RSVP call 818-354-6749. (Duration 3 hrs)

CNPS-San Gabriel Mountains Chapter (http://www.cnps-sgm.org/index.html)

• Field trips include:

• Sat., June 6: Mountain Plant Walks: Angeles High Country – Lightning Ridge. We will walk the interpretive nature trail to see the great variety of lovely late-spring wildflowers here (elevation: 7,360 feet). Meet at 10:00am at the Inspiration Point Parking Lot on Hwy 2 (Angeles Crest Highway), mile marker 78.10. Please have a full tank of gasoline (you will be far from the nearest gas station), and bring food and water and warm clothing. For this walk, you do not need a USDA Forest Service Adventure Pass as June 6 is National Trails Day. For more information contact Jane Strong, zelicaon@yahoo.com.
• Sun., June 14: Eaton Canyon Plant Walk (duration 2 hours). Meet in front of the Eaton Canyon Nature Center at 9:00am. Walk led by Clem Padick.

CNPS-Channel Islands Chapter (http://www.cnpsci.org/)

• Field trips include:
  • Sat., May 30: Hike Pratt and Foothill Trails in Ojai Valley (Ventura County) from 9:00am – 1:00pm. Botanist, David Magney will lead an easy hike to see a population of the newly described species, Navarretia ojaiensis, which was only formally described in 2007. N. ojaiensis is basically restricted to Ventura County, an endemic species, with only about eleven populations remaining in the world. Of course, you will see many other common and beautiful wildflowers along the way. David will also identify any plants and wildlife observed, and discuss the ecology of the plant communities occurring on the preserve. Bring lunch, a hat, sturdy walking shoes, plenty of water, and your camera. Directions: Meet at the Pratt Trailhead (parking area at the Stewart Canyon Debris Basin near the top (north end) of Signal Street, Ojai, CA 93023). From the south, take U.S. 101 to State Route 33 (Ojai Freeway), then take SR 33 to the "Y" intersection (SR33 and 150) and head into Ojai on SR 150. Turn left onto Signal Street (at the Post Office) and go north on Signal Street almost all the way to Shelf Road. A sign on the left near the top of the grade will point you to the Pratt Trail parking area. Contact David Magney at 805-646-6045 for more information.

CNPS-Bristlecone Chapter (http://www.bristleconecnps.org/)

• Field trips and events include:
  • Fri., July 17 – Sun., July 19: Sierra Summer Sojourn. A weekend of field trips, programs, and conversation, at the White Mountain Research Station - Crooked Creek facility. A choice of four field trips on Saturday and on Sunday focusing on native blooms, bristlecones, butterflies, and alpine ecology will be offered, along with two evening programs on alpine ecology and the bristlecones. More information about the weekend and a registration form can be found on the Bristlecone Chapter website: www.bristleconecnps.org. Early registration is advised.