.. Jalbum 8.6 slides/snow_mt_ranch1.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 The Snow Mountain Ranch trail ascends a canyon and climbs to the top of Cowiche Mountain (2968') for a birds-eye view of the neighborhood. The main trail is in the heart of some prime shrub-steppe with a large variety of native wildflowers and many nice lithosol areas loved by many of the early species. This view taken from near the trail, looking toward the West in early February, before this Sagebrush land starts to come alive with bloom. The early bloom is well underway by mid-March as the wildflowers start their annual progression toward the hot Summer. In 2009 new trail markers were added and now you can visit the hot wildflower spots by hiking the various trails. The Snow Mountain Ranch trail ascends a canyon and climbs to the top of Cowiche Mountain (2968') for a birds-eye view of the neighborhood. The main trail is in the heart of some prime shrub-steppe with a large variety of native wildflowers and many nice lithosol areas loved by many of the early species. This view taken from near the trail, looking toward the West in early February, before this Sagebrush land starts to come alive with bloom. The early bloom is well underway by mid-March as the wildflowers start their annual progression toward the hot Summer. In 2009 new trail markers were added and now you can visit the hot wildflower spots by hiking the various trails. slides/snow_mt_ranch1.jpg slides/agoseris_largeflowered.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Large-flowered Agoseris (Agoseris grandiflora) Also called Bigflower or Shortbeak Agoseris. The petals don't go beyond the bud bracts and close back up before noon. So catch these in the morning. This species has very large buds with the bracts flaring out. Large-flowered Agoseris (Agoseris grandiflora) Also called Bigflower or Shortbeak Agoseris. The petals don't go beyond the bud bracts and close back up before noon. So catch these in the morning. This species has very large buds with the bracts flaring out. slides/agoseris_largeflowered.jpg slides/arnica_foothills.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Foothills Arnica (Arnica sororia) Also called Twin Arnica. It has twin leaves opposite on the stem, with reduced leaves near the top of the stem and larger leaves at the base. The yellow flower looks similiar to Oregon Sunshine and blooms about the same time. Foothills Arnica (Arnica sororia) Also called Twin Arnica. It has twin leaves opposite on the stem, with reduced leaves near the top of the stem and larger leaves at the base. The yellow flower looks similiar to Oregon Sunshine and blooms about the same time. slides/arnica_foothills.jpg slides/aster_eatons.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Eaton's Aster (Symphyotrichum eatonii) This flower is typically found along creeks, but can be found near dry creek beds in small gullies. Notice how the flower cups bracts are uneven in length on the buds and it sends out many buds below the main one as the plant branches out as it matures. Eaton's Aster (Symphyotrichum eatonii) This flower is typically found along creeks, but can be found near dry creek beds in small gullies. Notice how the flower cups bracts are uneven in length on the buds and it sends out many buds below the main one as the plant branches out as it matures. slides/aster_eatons.jpg slides/balsamroot_careys.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Carey's Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza careyana) Often confused with Arrow-leaf Balsamroot, but has multiple flowers per stem and smooth, shiney leaves. Most of the big Balsamroots in Central Washington are Carey's. One way to tell them apart is with your thumb and forefinger, pull lightly on a leaf. If it feels rough like fine sandpaper, it's a Carey's Balsamroot. If it feels soft and smooth like cat fur, it's an Arrow-leaf Balsamroot. The Balsamroots put on quite a show of yellow in Spring. Carey's Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza careyana) Often confused with Arrow-leaf Balsamroot, but has multiple flowers per stem and smooth, shiney leaves. Most of the big Balsamroots in Central Washington are Carey's. One way to tell them apart is with your thumb and forefinger, pull lightly on a leaf. If it feels rough like fine sandpaper, it's a Carey's Balsamroot. If it feels soft and smooth like cat fur, it's an Arrow-leaf Balsamroot. The Balsamroots put on quite a show of yellow in Spring. slides/balsamroot_careys.jpg slides/balsamroot_hookers.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Hooker's Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza hookeri) Hooker's Balsamroot is a small plant with deeply toothed leaves. It likes lithosol areas with shallow rocky ground. It's flowers look similair to other Balsamroots and blooms about the same time as Carey's Balsamroot. Hooker's Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza hookeri) Hooker's Balsamroot is a small plant with deeply toothed leaves. It likes lithosol areas with shallow rocky ground. It's flowers look similair to other Balsamroots and blooms about the same time as Carey's Balsamroot. slides/balsamroot_hookers.jpg slides/balsamroot_hybred.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Hooker's Balsamroot likes to grow in shallow rocky lithosol areas, often mixed with Stiff Sagebrush. Carey's Balsamroot likes deeper soil on hillsides, often mixed with Tall Sagebrush. Where these two zones border, you will sometimes find hybreds as the bees cross-pollenate. They only live along these narrow border zones. These have long large leaves that have shallow serrations and small flowers that have fewer petals than normal Balsamroots. Hooker's Balsamroot likes to grow in shallow rocky lithosol areas, often mixed with Stiff Sagebrush. Carey's Balsamroot likes deeper soil on hillsides, often mixed with Tall Sagebrush. Where these two zones border, you will sometimes find hybreds as the bees cross-pollenate. They only live along these narrow border zones. These have long large leaves that have shallow serrations and small flowers that have fewer petals than normal Balsamroots. slides/balsamroot_hybred.jpg slides/bitterroot.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva var. rediviva) A small plant with large pretty flowers. Sometimes called a Rock Rose, because it likes rocky lithosol areas. Young plants have small round green leaves that look like a mass of worms and wither away by the time the plant blooms. Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva var. rediviva) A small plant with large pretty flowers. Sometimes called a Rock Rose, because it likes rocky lithosol areas. Young plants have small round green leaves that look like a mass of worms and wither away by the time the plant blooms. slides/bitterroot.jpg slides/blazingstar_whitestem.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 White-stem Blazingstar (Mentzelia albicaulis) Also called a Small-flowered Blazingstar. Many of the leaves are deeply toothed, that helps to identify it and small, bright yellow flowers. White-stem Blazingstar (Mentzelia albicaulis) Also called a Small-flowered Blazingstar. Many of the leaves are deeply toothed, that helps to identify it and small, bright yellow flowers. slides/blazingstar_whitestem.jpg slides/bluebells_small.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Small Bluebells (Mertensia longiflora) Also called Long-flowered Bluebells. As the name implies, these are only about 6" tall and like to grow among the Sagebrush in deep soil. The deep sky blue flowers all cluster at the top. They bloom early before it gets to hot in the Spring. Small Bluebells (Mertensia longiflora) Also called Long-flowered Bluebells. As the name implies, these are only about 6" tall and like to grow among the Sagebrush in deep soil. The deep sky blue flowers all cluster at the top. They bloom early before it gets to hot in the Spring. slides/bluebells_small.jpg slides/blueeyed_mary.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia parviflora) Also called a Small-flower Blue-eyed Mary. A very small flower that often grows in groups and is only 1" to 2" high. Can you see the two eyes? Look close or you will step on these pretty little flowers. Often found with Slender Phlox, which blooms about the same time. Blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia parviflora) Also called a Small-flower Blue-eyed Mary. A very small flower that often grows in groups and is only 1" to 2" high. Can you see the two eyes? Look close or you will step on these pretty little flowers. Often found with Slender Phlox, which blooms about the same time. slides/blueeyed_mary.jpg slides/broomrape_flattopped.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Flat-topped Broomrape (Orobanche corymbosa) Related to Naked Broomrape, but instead of sending up one flower, it sends up a bunch about 3" high. Like other Broomrapes, it is parasitic and feeds on other plant roots. Found this high on Cowiche mountain. Flat-topped Broomrape (Orobanche corymbosa) Related to Naked Broomrape, but instead of sending up one flower, it sends up a bunch about 3" high. Like other Broomrapes, it is parasitic and feeds on other plant roots. Found this high on Cowiche mountain. slides/broomrape_flattopped.jpg slides/broomrape_naked.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Naked Broomrape (Orobanche uniflora) Also called One-flowered Broomrape. This pretty flower with no leaves (naked) is parasitic to the Saxifrage family, such as Prairie Stars and often found in areas with them. It can be found from deep blue to lavander in color and grows to about 3" or 4" tall. Naked Broomrape (Orobanche uniflora) Also called One-flowered Broomrape. This pretty flower with no leaves (naked) is parasitic to the Saxifrage family, such as Prairie Stars and often found in areas with them. It can be found from deep blue to lavander in color and grows to about 3" or 4" tall. slides/broomrape_naked.jpg slides/buckwheat_tymeleaf.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Thyme-leaf Buckwheat (Eriogonum thymoides) The flowers vary from pure white to light yellow and are often splashed with pink. They are usually all the same color on each plant, but I have seen all three color variations growing next to each other. The small succulant looking leaves make it easy to identify. It is found in lithosol areas only. Thyme-leaf Buckwheat (Eriogonum thymoides) The flowers vary from pure white to light yellow and are often splashed with pink. They are usually all the same color on each plant, but I have seen all three color variations growing next to each other. The small succulant looking leaves make it easy to identify. It is found in lithosol areas only. slides/buckwheat_tymeleaf.jpg slides/buckwheat_douglas.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Douglas' Buckwheat (Eriogonum douglasii) These look a lot like Thyme-leaf Buckwheat, but the flowers are larger and the leaves also bigger and almost the color of Sagebrush. Notice the brilliant red flower buds, a common trait of this variety. It likes to grow in lithosol areas and blooms about the same time as Thyme-leaf Buckwheat, often mixed with them. Douglas' Buckwheat (Eriogonum douglasii) These look a lot like Thyme-leaf Buckwheat, but the flowers are larger and the leaves also bigger and almost the color of Sagebrush. Notice the brilliant red flower buds, a common trait of this variety. It likes to grow in lithosol areas and blooms about the same time as Thyme-leaf Buckwheat, often mixed with them. slides/buckwheat_douglas.jpg slides/buckwheat_northern.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Northern Buckwheat (Eriogonum compositum var. leianthum) Also called Arrow-leaf Buckwheat. Like Thyme-leaf Buckwheat, this comes in both white and yellow flowers. One of the prettiest buckwheats when in bloom. Northern Buckwheat (Eriogonum compositum var. leianthum) Also called Arrow-leaf Buckwheat. Like Thyme-leaf Buckwheat, this comes in both white and yellow flowers. One of the prettiest buckwheats when in bloom. slides/buckwheat_northern.jpg slides/buckwheat_parsnip.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Parsnip-flowered Buckwheat (Eriogonum heracleoides var. heracleoides) Also called Wyeth Buckwheat. This very pretty variety likes to grow in the Sagebrush in deeper soil and puts on quite a show when in full bloom. Gets a couple feet tall. Parsnip-flowered Buckwheat (Eriogonum heracleoides var. heracleoides) Also called Wyeth Buckwheat. This very pretty variety likes to grow in the Sagebrush in deeper soil and puts on quite a show when in full bloom. Gets a couple feet tall. slides/buckwheat_parsnip.jpg slides/buckwheat_slender.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Slender Buckwheat (Eriogonum microthecum var. laxiflorum) This Buckwheat is the last one to bloom and it looks like a small shrub with woody stems. Has very small flowers and dark green leaves that look like Green Rabbit-brush. Often the buds are pink before they open. Grows in areas with Tall Sagebrush. Full bloom is usually early August. Slender Buckwheat (Eriogonum microthecum var. laxiflorum) This Buckwheat is the last one to bloom and it looks like a small shrub with woody stems. Has very small flowers and dark green leaves that look like Green Rabbit-brush. Often the buds are pink before they open. Grows in areas with Tall Sagebrush. Full bloom is usually early August. slides/buckwheat_slender.jpg slides/buckwheat_strict_gla.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Strict Buckwheat (Eriogonum strictum var. glabrum) Possibly the prettiest of the Strict Buckwheats. The olive green leaves and pure white flowers give it the distinct appearance of a patch of snow from a distance. We have three varieties in the Yakima area (see Cowiche Canyon). Strict Buckwheat (Eriogonum strictum var. glabrum) Possibly the prettiest of the Strict Buckwheats. The olive green leaves and pure white flowers give it the distinct appearance of a patch of snow from a distance. We have three varieties in the Yakima area (see Cowiche Canyon). slides/buckwheat_strict_gla.jpg slides/buckwheat_tall.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Tall Buckwheat (Eriogonum elatum) Also called Rush Buckwheat. As the name implies, this buckwheat gets 3' or more tall and has leaves that look a lot like Carey's Balsamroot (they have a soft feel though), so it can be confusing to identify before it blooms. Tall Buckwheat (Eriogonum elatum) Also called Rush Buckwheat. As the name implies, this buckwheat gets 3' or more tall and has leaves that look a lot like Carey's Balsamroot (they have a soft feel though), so it can be confusing to identify before it blooms. slides/buckwheat_tall.jpg slides/buttercup_sagebrush.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Sagebrush Buttercup (Ranunculus glaberrimus var. glaberrimus) One of the early Spring wildflowers, this can often be found among the Sagebrush and often in large groups. Its deep green succulant leaves and brilliant yellow flowers make it very attractive, especially in large groups. Sagebrush Buttercup (Ranunculus glaberrimus var. glaberrimus) One of the early Spring wildflowers, this can often be found among the Sagebrush and often in large groups. Its deep green succulant leaves and brilliant yellow flowers make it very attractive, especially in large groups. slides/buttercup_sagebrush.jpg slides/camas_death.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Panicled Death-camas (Zigadenus paniculatus) Sometimes called Foothills Death-camas. It is often found in the shrub-steppe along rocky hillsides and makes an attractive plant, but as the name implies, is not edible. This plant has yellow anthers as compared to white anthers on Meadow Death-camas. Panicled Death-camas (Zigadenus paniculatus) Sometimes called Foothills Death-camas. It is often found in the shrub-steppe along rocky hillsides and makes an attractive plant, but as the name implies, is not edible. This plant has yellow anthers as compared to white anthers on Meadow Death-camas. slides/camas_death.jpg slides/chaenactis.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Chaenactis (Chaenactis douglasii var. douglasii) Also called Dusty-maiden or Douglas' Dusty-maiden. This plant looks a little like Duffuse Knapweed (a very noxious weed) before it blooms. So, don't dig it up. I have seen them side by side hiking the canyon in from Snow Mountain Ranch. It can be found from white to pink in color. Chaenactis (Chaenactis douglasii var. douglasii) Also called Dusty-maiden or Douglas' Dusty-maiden. This plant looks a little like Duffuse Knapweed (a very noxious weed) before it blooms. So, don't dig it up. I have seen them side by side hiking the canyon in from Snow Mountain Ranch. It can be found from white to pink in color. slides/chaenactis.jpg slides/cinquefoil_slender.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Slender Cinquefoil (Potentilla gracilis var. glabrata) Also called Graceful or Five-finger Cinquefoil. The fan shaped leaves make this easy to identify. The leaves look like a modified Maple leaf with teeth and are not sticky. The flowers appear on a long stem with many buds. Slender Cinquefoil (Potentilla gracilis var. glabrata) Also called Graceful or Five-finger Cinquefoil. The fan shaped leaves make this easy to identify. The leaves look like a modified Maple leaf with teeth and are not sticky. The flowers appear on a long stem with many buds. slides/cinquefoil_slender.jpg slides/cleavers.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Cleavers (Galium aparine) Also called Bedstraw or Goose Grass. The word Cleave means to cling and these little plants tend to cling and climb whatever is near them. Often grow in mass like a weed in the undergrowth. Cleavers (Galium aparine) Also called Bedstraw or Goose Grass. The word Cleave means to cling and these little plants tend to cling and climb whatever is near them. Often grow in mass like a weed in the undergrowth. slides/cleavers.jpg slides/clover_bighead.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Big-head Clover (Trifolium macrocephalum) Also called Large-head Clover. This is the biggest clover head you will see, often getting 2" across. It is quite beautiful and likes lithosol areas. Found from Ivory to pink in color. Big-head Clover (Trifolium macrocephalum) Also called Large-head Clover. This is the biggest clover head you will see, often getting 2" across. It is quite beautiful and likes lithosol areas. Found from Ivory to pink in color. slides/clover_bighead.jpg slides/collomia_largeflowered.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Large-flowered Collomia (Collomia grandiflora) A beautiful wildflower and in this area one of the only salmon colored flowers. It is much larger then Narrow-leaf Collomia and seems to like rocky areas or dry creek beds. Large-flowered Collomia (Collomia grandiflora) A beautiful wildflower and in this area one of the only salmon colored flowers. It is much larger then Narrow-leaf Collomia and seems to like rocky areas or dry creek beds. slides/collomia_largeflowered.jpg slides/cryptantha_obscure.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Obscure Cryptantha (Cryptantha ambigua) Also called Basin Cryptantha. A very small Cryptantha that tends to spread out with may fuzzy branches. The flowers are very tiny and it is often seen in the Sagebrush areas, especially disturbed ground. Obscure Cryptantha (Cryptantha ambigua) Also called Basin Cryptantha. A very small Cryptantha that tends to spread out with may fuzzy branches. The flowers are very tiny and it is often seen in the Sagebrush areas, especially disturbed ground. slides/cryptantha_obscure.jpg slides/daggerpod.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Dagger-pod (Phoenicaulis cheiranthoides) Also called a Wallflower Phoenicaulis. Dagger-pod makes a small clump of pale green leaves, usually 6" to 12" around with numerous flowerheads. In the same family as the Rockcresses. Dagger-pod (Phoenicaulis cheiranthoides) Also called a Wallflower Phoenicaulis. Dagger-pod makes a small clump of pale green leaves, usually 6" to 12" around with numerous flowerheads. In the same family as the Rockcresses. slides/daggerpod.jpg slides/daisy_cushion.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Cushion Daisy (Erigeron poliospermus var. poliospermus) Also called a Cushion Fleabane. This low growing Daisy comes in Lavendar to white and only gets a few inches high with large flower heads and short fuzzy leaves. The earliest blooming of the many pretty Daisy's. Cushion Daisy (Erigeron poliospermus var. poliospermus) Also called a Cushion Fleabane. This low growing Daisy comes in Lavendar to white and only gets a few inches high with large flower heads and short fuzzy leaves. The earliest blooming of the many pretty Daisy's. slides/daisy_cushion.jpg slides/daisy_linearleaf.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Linear-leaf Daisy (Erigeron linearis) Also called a Desert Yellow Daisy or Fleabane, this pretty yellow flower has almost grass like leaves and makes a mound of yellow in the shrub-steppe. Linear-leaf Daisy (Erigeron linearis) Also called a Desert Yellow Daisy or Fleabane, this pretty yellow flower has almost grass like leaves and makes a mound of yellow in the shrub-steppe. slides/daisy_linearleaf.jpg slides/daisy_shaggy.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Shaggy Daisy (Erigeron pumilus ssp. intermedius ) Also called a Shaggy Fleabane. The flowers look a lot like a Cushion Daisy, but much taller and has shaggy, hairy looking leaves, that grow all the way up the stem. Shaggy Daisy (Erigeron pumilus ssp. intermedius ) Also called a Shaggy Fleabane. The flowers look a lot like a Cushion Daisy, but much taller and has shaggy, hairy looking leaves, that grow all the way up the stem. slides/daisy_shaggy.jpg slides/daisy_threadleaf.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Thread-leaf Daisy (Erigeron filifolius var. filifolius) Also called a Thread-leaf Fleabane. This looks a lot like a Foothills Daisy, but has linear leaves, similiar to a Linear-leaf Daisy that go all the way up the stem and has many narrow petals. The flowers often open slightly cup shaped and vary in color from the lavender shown to white. Thread-leaf Daisy (Erigeron filifolius var. filifolius) Also called a Thread-leaf Fleabane. This looks a lot like a Foothills Daisy, but has linear leaves, similiar to a Linear-leaf Daisy that go all the way up the stem and has many narrow petals. The flowers often open slightly cup shaped and vary in color from the lavender shown to white. slides/daisy_threadleaf.jpg slides/daisy_foothills.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Foothills Daisy (Erigeron corymbosus) Also called a Long-leaf Fleabane. This looks similiar to a Thread-leaf Daisy, but has long elongated leaves and fewer, wider petals. The flowers are lavender and usually open flat. Foothills Daisy (Erigeron corymbosus) Also called a Long-leaf Fleabane. This looks similiar to a Thread-leaf Daisy, but has long elongated leaves and fewer, wider petals. The flowers are lavender and usually open flat. slides/daisy_foothills.jpg slides/drapa_spring.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Spring Drapa (Draba verna) Often called Spring Whitlow-grass, this covers the ground with tiny white flowers with notched petals. They normally only open up fully in bright Sun and usually grow in bunches. One of the tiniest wildflowers in this area. Notice the little Blue-eyed Mary, that is a much larger plant. Spring Drapa (Draba verna) Often called Spring Whitlow-grass, this covers the ground with tiny white flowers with notched petals. They normally only open up fully in bright Sun and usually grow in bunches. One of the tiniest wildflowers in this area. Notice the little Blue-eyed Mary, that is a much larger plant. slides/drapa_spring.jpg slides/fameflower_.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Spiny Fameflower (Talinum spinescens) Also called Spinescent Fameflower. This likes to grow in lithosol areas mixed in with the Tyme-leaf Buckwheat and the leaves look a little like them, though darker green. The leaves turn more reddish as the plant matures and sends up its long thin flower stems in early June. Hard to catch the flowers fully open, especially in the morning. Spiny Fameflower (Talinum spinescens) Also called Spinescent Fameflower. This likes to grow in lithosol areas mixed in with the Tyme-leaf Buckwheat and the leaves look a little like them, though darker green. The leaves turn more reddish as the plant matures and sends up its long thin flower stems in early June. Hard to catch the flowers fully open, especially in the morning. slides/fameflower_.jpg slides/fern_fragile.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Fragile Fern (Cystopteris fragilis) This small fern can be found on the dryer East side. Look for it on North facing slopes, especially rocky ones as it likes to grow in and around larger rocky areas. A very delicate plant that is only 6" to 10" tall. Fragile Fern (Cystopteris fragilis) This small fern can be found on the dryer East side. Look for it on North facing slopes, especially rocky ones as it likes to grow in and around larger rocky areas. A very delicate plant that is only 6" to 10" tall. slides/fern_fragile.jpg slides/fiddleneck_tarweed.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Tarweed Fiddleneck (Amsinckia lycopsoides) Also called Bugloss Fiddleneck, this little yellow flower can be identified by the hair that normally blocks its small throat. Tarweed Fiddleneck (Amsinckia lycopsoides) Also called Bugloss Fiddleneck, this little yellow flower can be identified by the hair that normally blocks its small throat. slides/fiddleneck_tarweed.jpg slides/fiddleneck_tessellate.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Tessellate Fiddleneck (Amsinckia tessellata) Also called Bristly Fiddleneck. This variety has an open throat, is covered with long bristly hairs and the Calyx typically has only 3 or 4 uneven sepals to it, instead of 5. Tessellate Fiddleneck (Amsinckia tessellata) Also called Bristly Fiddleneck. This variety has an open throat, is covered with long bristly hairs and the Calyx typically has only 3 or 4 uneven sepals to it, instead of 5. slides/fiddleneck_tessellate.jpg slides/forgetmenot_smallflowered.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Small-flowered Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis laxa) Look for this in the little water ditch after you leave the parking lot, along with Yellow Monkey Flower. Very small, but pretty flowers. Not seen in the dryer shrub-steppe areas. Small-flowered Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis laxa) Look for this in the little water ditch after you leave the parking lot, along with Yellow Monkey Flower. Very small, but pretty flowers. Not seen in the dryer shrub-steppe areas. slides/forgetmenot_smallflowered.jpg slides/goldenweed_narrowleaf.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Narrow-leaf Goldenweed (Stenotus stenophyllus) Also called Narrow-leaf Mock Goldenweed. This pretty little wildflower likes lithosol areas and blooms along with Hooker's Balsamroot to give a nice display of yellow. Notice the small round leaves that give it a name. Narrow-leaf Goldenweed (Stenotus stenophyllus) Also called Narrow-leaf Mock Goldenweed. This pretty little wildflower likes lithosol areas and blooms along with Hooker's Balsamroot to give a nice display of yellow. Notice the small round leaves that give it a name. slides/goldenweed_narrowleaf.jpg slides/goldenweed_largeflower.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Large-flower Goldenweed (Pyrrocoma carthamoides var. carthamoides) Also called Rayless Goldenweed. It has large flower heads with no or very short rays on them. Unlike Narrow-leaf Goldenweed, it gets 2' tall with large leaves. Large-flower Goldenweed (Pyrrocoma carthamoides var. carthamoides) Also called Rayless Goldenweed. It has large flower heads with no or very short rays on them. Unlike Narrow-leaf Goldenweed, it gets 2' tall with large leaves. slides/goldenweed_largeflower.jpg slides/grass_widow.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Grass Widow (Olsynium douglasii var. inflatum) Also called Purple-eyed Grass, these range from deep purple to lavander in color. They like lithosol areas and bloom early in masses, look like Onions or Daffadils before they bloom. Variety inflatum has an enlarged filament tube at the base. Grass Widow (Olsynium douglasii var. inflatum) Also called Purple-eyed Grass, these range from deep purple to lavander in color. They like lithosol areas and bloom early in masses, look like Onions or Daffadils before they bloom. Variety inflatum has an enlarged filament tube at the base. slides/grass_widow.jpg slides/groundsel_western.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Western Groundsel (Senecio integerrimus var. exaltatus) These 2' tall brilliant yellow flowers look like torches among the Sagebrush as there flowerheads forms a cluster of flowers at the top of a single long stem. Notice the black tips on the unopened bud bracts. Western Groundsel (Senecio integerrimus var. exaltatus) These 2' tall brilliant yellow flowers look like torches among the Sagebrush as there flowerheads forms a cluster of flowers at the top of a single long stem. Notice the black tips on the unopened bud bracts. slides/groundsel_western.jpg slides/hareleaf.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Common Hareleaf (Lagophylla ramosissima) Fairly common at Snow Mountain Ranch. These can vary in size from a few inches tall to a foot or more. The stems tend to turn a light purple and the leaves are fuzzy. Flower looks similar to a Tarweed, but does not have the vase-like bud. Common Hareleaf (Lagophylla ramosissima) Fairly common at Snow Mountain Ranch. These can vary in size from a few inches tall to a foot or more. The stems tend to turn a light purple and the leaves are fuzzy. Flower looks similar to a Tarweed, but does not have the vase-like bud. slides/hareleaf.jpg slides/hawksbeard_low.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Low Hawksbeard (Crepis modocensis ssp. rostrata) Low Hawksbeard looks similiar to Western Hawksbeard in size and shape. The flowers are usually a little more robust and the buds are darker and covered with white fuzz, looking moldy. The earliest of the many Hawksbeard species on Cowiche Mountain to bloom. Low Hawksbeard (Crepis modocensis ssp. rostrata) Low Hawksbeard looks similiar to Western Hawksbeard in size and shape. The flowers are usually a little more robust and the buds are darker and covered with white fuzz, looking moldy. The earliest of the many Hawksbeard species on Cowiche Mountain to bloom. slides/hawksbeard_low.jpg slides/hawksbeard_western.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Western Hawksbeard (Crepis occidentalis ssp. occidentalis) Western Hawksbeard looks similiar to Low Hawksbeard, but blooms a couple weeks later. The buds look slimmer and do not have the fuzzy-moldy look to them. Instead they look like a one day old beard. The buds often appear to have pearl looking tops from a distance. Western Hawksbeard (Crepis occidentalis ssp. occidentalis) Western Hawksbeard looks similiar to Low Hawksbeard, but blooms a couple weeks later. The buds look slimmer and do not have the fuzzy-moldy look to them. Instead they look like a one day old beard. The buds often appear to have pearl looking tops from a distance. slides/hawksbeard_western.jpg slides/hawksbeard_slender.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Slender Hawksbeard (Crepis atribarba ssp. atribarba) Often found mixed in with the Sagebrush. This Hawksbeard gets about 2' tall and has brilliant yellow flowers. The buds are on long slender stems, with narrow toothed leaves and can be confused with Bearded Hawksbeard. Slender Hawksbeard (Crepis atribarba ssp. atribarba) Often found mixed in with the Sagebrush. This Hawksbeard gets about 2' tall and has brilliant yellow flowers. The buds are on long slender stems, with narrow toothed leaves and can be confused with Bearded Hawksbeard. slides/hawksbeard_slender.jpg slides/hawksbeard_bearded.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Bearded Hawksbeard (Crepis atribarba ssp. originalis) Formerly this was known as Crepis barbigera and may also be called Slender Hawksbeard. It is a much more robust plant than ssp. atribarba, which it is related too. The buds are often bearded as in the picture and the leaves are wider. Bearded Hawksbeard (Crepis atribarba ssp. originalis) Formerly this was known as Crepis barbigera and may also be called Slender Hawksbeard. It is a much more robust plant than ssp. atribarba, which it is related too. The buds are often bearded as in the picture and the leaves are wider. slides/hawksbeard_bearded.jpg slides/hawksbeard_fiddleleaf.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Fiddle-leaf Hawksbeard (Crepis runcinata ssp. hispidulosa) Also called Meadow or Dandelion Hawksbeard.This Hawksbeard looks similiar to Bearded Hawksbeard, but has broad leaves that are only slightly toothed, often the teeth reverse backwards and reduced leaves on a tall divided stem. Often purple at the base leaf stems. Fiddle-leaf Hawksbeard (Crepis runcinata ssp. hispidulosa) Also called Meadow or Dandelion Hawksbeard.This Hawksbeard looks similiar to Bearded Hawksbeard, but has broad leaves that are only slightly toothed, often the teeth reverse backwards and reduced leaves on a tall divided stem. Often purple at the base leaf stems. slides/hawksbeard_fiddleleaf.jpg slides/hawkweed_houndstongue.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Houndstongue Hawkweed (Hieracium cynoglossoides) This Hawkweed has pale green fuzzy leaves and blackish flower buds normally covered with dark fuzz. The flower stems are about 2' to 3' tall with many buds on them. Houndstongue Hawkweed (Hieracium cynoglossoides) This Hawkweed has pale green fuzzy leaves and blackish flower buds normally covered with dark fuzz. The flower stems are about 2' to 3' tall with many buds on them. slides/hawkweed_houndstongue.jpg slides/horsemint_western.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Western Horsemint (Agastache occidentalis) Also called Western Giant Hyssop. Looks like a tall Mint, but is not very fragrant. It has pretty lavander flowerheads and grows 2' to 3' tall. It likes to grow in canyons not to far from dry creek beds. Has square stems. Western Horsemint (Agastache occidentalis) Also called Western Giant Hyssop. Looks like a tall Mint, but is not very fragrant. It has pretty lavander flowerheads and grows 2' to 3' tall. It likes to grow in canyons not to far from dry creek beds. Has square stems. slides/horsemint_western.jpg slides/larkspur_upland.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Upland Larkspur (Delphinium nuttallianum var. nuttallianum) Also called Nuttall's Larkspur, these deep blue flowers frequently like to grow in rocky ground and often can be seen growing in areas with no soil, just rocks. Upland Larkspur (Delphinium nuttallianum var. nuttallianum) Also called Nuttall's Larkspur, these deep blue flowers frequently like to grow in rocky ground and often can be seen growing in areas with no soil, just rocks. slides/larkspur_upland.jpg slides/larkspur_meadow.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Meadow Larkspur (Delphinium burkei) Also called Burke's Larkspur. The leaves are dimorphic (two types). The bottom leaves look like Upland Larkspur, but the upper leaves are more spiked and pointed. The flower stem gets about 2' tall and looks like a Showy Penstemon from a distance. Not as common as Upland Larkspur on Cowiche Mountain. Meadow Larkspur (Delphinium burkei) Also called Burke's Larkspur. The leaves are dimorphic (two types). The bottom leaves look like Upland Larkspur, but the upper leaves are more spiked and pointed. The flower stem gets about 2' tall and looks like a Showy Penstemon from a distance. Not as common as Upland Larkspur on Cowiche Mountain. slides/larkspur_meadow.jpg slides/lily_brodiaea.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Howell's Brodiaea Lily (Triteleia grandiflora ssp. howellii) Also called a Bi-color Cluster Lily. This pretty lily grows on a long stem that waves in the breeze. It has six fairly even petals and is usually white or very light blue in color. Howell's Brodiaea Lily (Triteleia grandiflora ssp. howellii) Also called a Bi-color Cluster Lily. This pretty lily grows on a long stem that waves in the breeze. It has six fairly even petals and is usually white or very light blue in color. slides/lily_brodiaea.jpg slides/lily_mariposa.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Sagebrush Mariposa Lily (Calochortus macrocarpus) Also called a Greenband Mariposa Lily. This blooms late in June, when everything is drying up in the Sagebrush. It is one of the last of the Spring Wildflowers and in my opinion the prettiest. Sagebrush Mariposa Lily (Calochortus macrocarpus) Also called a Greenband Mariposa Lily. This blooms late in June, when everything is drying up in the Sagebrush. It is one of the last of the Spring Wildflowers and in my opinion the prettiest. slides/lily_mariposa.jpg slides/littlebells.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Littlebells (Polemonium micranthum) Often called Annual Polemonium. Related to the Jacobs Ladder flowers that you see in the mountains, these tiny flowers often hide among the Sagebrush and are about the size of Blue-eyed Mary's. Littlebells (Polemonium micranthum) Often called Annual Polemonium. Related to the Jacobs Ladder flowers that you see in the mountains, these tiny flowers often hide among the Sagebrush and are about the size of Blue-eyed Mary's. slides/littlebells.jpg slides/lupine_rock.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Rock Lupine (Lupinus saxosus) Also called Stone or Stony-ground Lupine. This short Lupine has small fuzzy leaves that grow low to the ground and the flowerheads stick up well above them. It is the first Lupine to bloom in the shrub-steppe. The distinct white front of the narrow banner, which turns burgundy as the lower flowers mature, makes them easy to distinquish. Rock Lupine (Lupinus saxosus) Also called Stone or Stony-ground Lupine. This short Lupine has small fuzzy leaves that grow low to the ground and the flowerheads stick up well above them. It is the first Lupine to bloom in the shrub-steppe. The distinct white front of the narrow banner, which turns burgundy as the lower flowers mature, makes them easy to distinquish. slides/lupine_rock.jpg slides/lupine_bingen.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Bingen Lupine (Lupinus bingenensis var. subsaccatus) Notice the lack of a spur, long upper Calyx and wide banner. It is usually deeper blue in color then similiar looking Spurred Lupine. The white area on the banner usually does not go all the way to the top as it does on Rock Lupine, which blooms before it. Bingen Lupine (Lupinus bingenensis var. subsaccatus) Notice the lack of a spur, long upper Calyx and wide banner. It is usually deeper blue in color then similiar looking Spurred Lupine. The white area on the banner usually does not go all the way to the top as it does on Rock Lupine, which blooms before it. slides/lupine_bingen.jpg slides/lupine_spurred.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Spurred Lupine (Lupinus arbustus ssp. arbustus) (formerly Lupinus laxiflorus) Also called Longspur Lupine. Notice the spur at the top of the Calyx where it attaches to the stem and the short upper Calyx. It is commonly a lighter shade of blue in our area then Bingen Lupine. Notice the narrow canoe shaped leaves and narrow banner without any white in it. This is the last Lupine to bloom in the shrub-steppe. Spurred Lupine (Lupinus arbustus ssp. arbustus) (formerly Lupinus laxiflorus) Also called Longspur Lupine. Notice the spur at the top of the Calyx where it attaches to the stem and the short upper Calyx. It is commonly a lighter shade of blue in our area then Bingen Lupine. Notice the narrow canoe shaped leaves and narrow banner without any white in it. This is the last Lupine to bloom in the shrub-steppe. slides/lupine_spurred.jpg slides/lupine_spurred1.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Spurred Lupine (Lupinus arbustus ssp. calcaratus) Also called Longspur Lupine. This subspecies of Spurred Lupine is whitish - pink in color and fairly rare here, although more common in Kittitas and Benton counties. It looks similiar to blue Spurred Lupine otherwise. Spurred Lupine (Lupinus arbustus ssp. calcaratus) Also called Longspur Lupine. This subspecies of Spurred Lupine is whitish - pink in color and fairly rare here, although more common in Kittitas and Benton counties. It looks similiar to blue Spurred Lupine otherwise. slides/lupine_spurred1.jpg slides/lupine_silky.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Silky Lupine (Lupinus sericeus var. fikeranus) A very large Lupine that gets 2' to 3' tall. It blooms late in June and has a large leaf structure coming from the stems. Variety fikeranus lacks hair on the banner. It prefers bottom land instead of Sagebrush Steppe. Silky Lupine (Lupinus sericeus var. fikeranus) A very large Lupine that gets 2' to 3' tall. It blooms late in June and has a large leaf structure coming from the stems. Variety fikeranus lacks hair on the banner. It prefers bottom land instead of Sagebrush Steppe. slides/lupine_silky.jpg slides/microseris_wavyleaf.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Wavyleaf Microseris (Nothocalais troximoides) The Dandelion of the Sagebrush country. It is also called False Agoseris. These can be easily spotted by looking at there long wavy leaves, even when they are not in bloom. Wavyleaf Microseris (Nothocalais troximoides) The Dandelion of the Sagebrush country. It is also called False Agoseris. These can be easily spotted by looking at there long wavy leaves, even when they are not in bloom. slides/microseris_wavyleaf.jpg slides/milkweed_narrowleaf.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Narrow-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) An unusual looking flower that grows near dry creek beds in the shrub-steppe. Has a pinkish tinge to it and long narrow leaves that give it a name. Narrow-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) An unusual looking flower that grows near dry creek beds in the shrub-steppe. Has a pinkish tinge to it and long narrow leaves that give it a name. slides/milkweed_narrowleaf.jpg slides/miners_lettuce.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Miner's Lettuce (Montia perfoliata) This is a funny shaped little plant often hidden in the bushes or around rocks. It likes moist areas, often near dry creek beds. Makes small white flowers that are hard to catch open. Miner's Lettuce (Montia perfoliata) This is a funny shaped little plant often hidden in the bushes or around rocks. It likes moist areas, often near dry creek beds. Makes small white flowers that are hard to catch open. slides/miners_lettuce.jpg slides/montia_linearleaf.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Narrow-leafed Montia (Montia linearis) Also call Narrow-leaf Miners Lettuce. This tiny plant has the look of Jagged Chickweed, until you look close and see the narrow leaves and non-jagged petals. It has very pretty little flowers and drooping buds. Often the basel leaves are reddish in color. Narrow-leafed Montia (Montia linearis) Also call Narrow-leaf Miners Lettuce. This tiny plant has the look of Jagged Chickweed, until you look close and see the narrow leaves and non-jagged petals. It has very pretty little flowers and drooping buds. Often the basel leaves are reddish in color. slides/montia_linearleaf.jpg slides/monkey_flower.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Common Monkey-flower (Mimulus guttatus var. guttatus) Also called Seep Monkey-flower, often found in wet places in mountain meadows. Not found in the shrub-steppe, but look for this as you cross the little water ditch near the parking lot. Common Monkey-flower (Mimulus guttatus var. guttatus) Also called Seep Monkey-flower, often found in wet places in mountain meadows. Not found in the shrub-steppe, but look for this as you cross the little water ditch near the parking lot. slides/monkey_flower.jpg slides/mules_ear.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Northern Mule's-ears (Wyethia amplexicaulis) Looks a lot like Balsamroot. The leaves are very shining and go all the way up the single robust stem with an almost white vein in the center of the leaf. The flower heads are completely hairless. Northern Mule's-ears (Wyethia amplexicaulis) Looks a lot like Balsamroot. The leaves are very shining and go all the way up the single robust stem with an almost white vein in the center of the leaf. The flower heads are completely hairless. slides/mules_ear.jpg slides/ocean_spray.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Ocean Spray (Holodiscus discolor) Also called a Cream Bush. This makes a beautiful shrub that is covered with very pretty white flower clusters. Normally seen in the mountains, I found this one mixed with the Sagebrush on Cowiche Mountain. Ocean Spray (Holodiscus discolor) Also called a Cream Bush. This makes a beautiful shrub that is covered with very pretty white flower clusters. Normally seen in the mountains, I found this one mixed with the Sagebrush on Cowiche Mountain. slides/ocean_spray.jpg slides/onion_rock.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Rock Onion (Allium macrum) The little Rock Onion makes a small ball of white flowers that grow about 4" to 6" tall and like lithosol areas. They often cover an area with many early blooming plants and bloom about a week after the Scilla-like Onions at Snow Mountain Ranch. Rock Onion (Allium macrum) The little Rock Onion makes a small ball of white flowers that grow about 4" to 6" tall and like lithosol areas. They often cover an area with many early blooming plants and bloom about a week after the Scilla-like Onions at Snow Mountain Ranch. slides/onion_rock.jpg slides/onion_scilla.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Scilla-like Onion (Allium scilloides) Also called a Fragile Onion. The Scilla-like Onion blooms about a week earlier then Rock Onions and often in the same area's. The tulip type flowers can be found from deep to light purple in color. Usually, you will find these in large groups, very low to the ground in lithosol areas, the first part of April. Scilla-like Onion (Allium scilloides) Also called a Fragile Onion. The Scilla-like Onion blooms about a week earlier then Rock Onions and often in the same area's. The tulip type flowers can be found from deep to light purple in color. Usually, you will find these in large groups, very low to the ground in lithosol areas, the first part of April. slides/onion_scilla.jpg slides/onion_tapertip.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Taper-tip Onion (Allium acuminatum) Also called a Hooker's Onion. The Taper-tip Onion blooms much later then the other two varieties and in different areas, often prefering deeper ground in Sagebrush areas. It is the tallest of the Onions found at Snow Mountain Ranch, growing 6" to 10" tall. Taper-tip Onion (Allium acuminatum) Also called a Hooker's Onion. The Taper-tip Onion blooms much later then the other two varieties and in different areas, often prefering deeper ground in Sagebrush areas. It is the tallest of the Onions found at Snow Mountain Ranch, growing 6" to 10" tall. slides/onion_tapertip.jpg slides/oregon_sunshine.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Oregon Sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum var. integrifolium) Also called a Woolly Sunflower. This flower has small leaves at the base that go part way up the stem. It looks similar to a Foothills Arnica and blooms the same time. Often makes a cluster of many flowers. Oregon Sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum var. integrifolium) Also called a Woolly Sunflower. This flower has small leaves at the base that go part way up the stem. It looks similar to a Foothills Arnica and blooms the same time. Often makes a cluster of many flowers. slides/oregon_sunshine.jpg slides/paintbrush_thompson.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Thompson's Paintbrush (Castilleja thompsonii) The common paintbrush found in the Sagebrush Steppe. This looks just like the red paintbrushes, but is green and often a touch of light maroon in the leaves and stem. Thompson's Paintbrush (Castilleja thompsonii) The common paintbrush found in the Sagebrush Steppe. This looks just like the red paintbrushes, but is green and often a touch of light maroon in the leaves and stem. slides/paintbrush_thompson.jpg slides/parsley_canbys.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Canby's Desert Parsley (Lomatium canbyi) Also called Canby's Biscuitroot or Lomatium. The earliest of the Desert Parsleys, the fern like leaves and white flowers with purple anthers make this one easy to identify. They grow low to the ground. The flower umbrels form a rounded head, often with a bright purple stem. Canby's Desert Parsley (Lomatium canbyi) Also called Canby's Biscuitroot or Lomatium. The earliest of the Desert Parsleys, the fern like leaves and white flowers with purple anthers make this one easy to identify. They grow low to the ground. The flower umbrels form a rounded head, often with a bright purple stem. slides/parsley_canbys.jpg slides/parsley_pipers.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Piper's Desert Parsley (Lomatium piperi) Also called Indian Biscuitroot. It's similiar to Gorman's Desert Parsley and the two are often called Salt and Pepper Parsley. It does likes wet lithosol areas, blooms in March and is very small, only a couple inches tall. The umbrels spread apart forming pretty snow white clusters of 1/4" to 3/8" balls. Piper's Desert Parsley (Lomatium piperi) Also called Indian Biscuitroot. It's similiar to Gorman's Desert Parsley and the two are often called Salt and Pepper Parsley. It does likes wet lithosol areas, blooms in March and is very small, only a couple inches tall. The umbrels spread apart forming pretty snow white clusters of 1/4" to 3/8" balls. slides/parsley_pipers.jpg slides/parsley_canbys_pipers.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Canby's and Piper's Parsley compared. These both bloom about the same time in early March in the same muddy lithosol areas. Notice the Canby's Parsley on the left is larger, with parsley like leaves, while the smaller Piper's Parsley on the right is almost snow white. Canby's and Piper's Parsley compared. These both bloom about the same time in early March in the same muddy lithosol areas. Notice the Canby's Parsley on the left is larger, with parsley like leaves, while the smaller Piper's Parsley on the right is almost snow white. slides/parsley_canbys_pipers.jpg slides/parsley_largefruit.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Large-fruit Desert Parsley (Lomatium macrocarpum) Also called Big-seed Biscuitroot or Lomatium. This variety looks similiar to Canby's Desert Parsley, but blooms later and has whitish - green flowerheads and different leaves. Large-fruit Desert Parsley (Lomatium macrocarpum) Also called Big-seed Biscuitroot or Lomatium. This variety looks similiar to Canby's Desert Parsley, but blooms later and has whitish - green flowerheads and different leaves. slides/parsley_largefruit.jpg slides/parsley_grays.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Gray's Desert Parsley (Lomatium grayi) Also called Gray's Biscuitroot or Lomatium. A really beautiful bright yellow Desert Parsley that can cover an area with color. Has leaves that actually look like Parsley, with brilliant yellow flower heads. Gray's Desert Parsley (Lomatium grayi) Also called Gray's Biscuitroot or Lomatium. A really beautiful bright yellow Desert Parsley that can cover an area with color. Has leaves that actually look like Parsley, with brilliant yellow flower heads. slides/parsley_grays.jpg slides/parsley_geyers.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Geyer's Desert Parsley (Lomatium geyeri) Also called Geyer's Biscuitroot or Lomatium. One of the common Desert Parsley's in our area. Normally it is about 6" to 12" high, has long flat linear leaves and likes to grow among the Sagebrush, often hiding in it. Not found in lithosol areas. Geyer's Desert Parsley (Lomatium geyeri) Also called Geyer's Biscuitroot or Lomatium. One of the common Desert Parsley's in our area. Normally it is about 6" to 12" high, has long flat linear leaves and likes to grow among the Sagebrush, often hiding in it. Not found in lithosol areas. slides/parsley_geyers.jpg slides/parsley_barestem.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Barestem Desert Parsley (Lomatium nudicaule) Also called Pestle Parsnip, Barestem Biscuitroot or Lomatium. This pretty yellow Parsley has spread out clusters and leaves that often look like ice cream spoons. The leaves are the key to identity. Barestem Desert Parsley (Lomatium nudicaule) Also called Pestle Parsnip, Barestem Biscuitroot or Lomatium. This pretty yellow Parsley has spread out clusters and leaves that often look like ice cream spoons. The leaves are the key to identity. slides/parsley_barestem.jpg slides/parsley_columbia.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Columbia Desert Parsley (Lomatium columbianum) Also called Coumbia Lomatium. Makes large clumps and looks similiar to Fern-leaf Desert Parsley, but notice the different pale green leaves and wine red flowerheads. Often found on hillsides with rocky ground. Columbia Desert Parsley (Lomatium columbianum) Also called Coumbia Lomatium. Makes large clumps and looks similiar to Fern-leaf Desert Parsley, but notice the different pale green leaves and wine red flowerheads. Often found on hillsides with rocky ground. slides/parsley_columbia.jpg slides/parsley_fernleaf.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Fern-leaf Desert Parsley (Lomatium dissectum var. dissectum) Also called Chocolate-tips, Fern-leaf Biscuitroot or Lomatium.This can be confused with Columbia Desert Parsley, but that variety does not have green fern like leaves and chocolate - red flowers. Often this makes a plant 2' to 3' high. Fern-leaf Desert Parsley (Lomatium dissectum var. dissectum) Also called Chocolate-tips, Fern-leaf Biscuitroot or Lomatium.This can be confused with Columbia Desert Parsley, but that variety does not have green fern like leaves and chocolate - red flowers. Often this makes a plant 2' to 3' high. slides/parsley_fernleaf.jpg slides/parsley_hamblens.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Hamblen's Desert Parsley (Lomatium farinosum var. hambleniae) Hamblen's Desert Parsley looks a lot like Geyer's Desert Parsley, but with yellow flower heads. It has narrow linear leaves and is not often seen on Cowiche Mountain. Found this one right next to the Eastern trail. Hamblen's Desert Parsley (Lomatium farinosum var. hambleniae) Hamblen's Desert Parsley looks a lot like Geyer's Desert Parsley, but with yellow flower heads. It has narrow linear leaves and is not often seen on Cowiche Mountain. Found this one right next to the Eastern trail. slides/parsley_hamblens.jpg slides/parsley_nineleaf.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Nine-leaf Desert Parsley (Lomatium triternatum var. triternatum ) Also called Nine-leaf Biscuitroot or Lomatium. Looks similiar to Gray's Desert Parsley, but the leaves are quite different and it is usually a little paler in color. A very pretty Lomatium. Nine-leaf Desert Parsley (Lomatium triternatum var. triternatum ) Also called Nine-leaf Biscuitroot or Lomatium. Looks similiar to Gray's Desert Parsley, but the leaves are quite different and it is usually a little paler in color. A very pretty Lomatium. slides/parsley_nineleaf.jpg slides/penstemon_gairdners.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Gairdner's Penstemon (Penstemon gairdneri var. gairdneri) Also called Gairdner's Beard-tongue. Notice how the leaves go all the way up the plant stem. The pretty little pinkish lavander Penstemon blooms the first couple weeks of May in lithosol areas and the plant is semi-mat forming. Gairdner's Penstemon (Penstemon gairdneri var. gairdneri) Also called Gairdner's Beard-tongue. Notice how the leaves go all the way up the plant stem. The pretty little pinkish lavander Penstemon blooms the first couple weeks of May in lithosol areas and the plant is semi-mat forming. slides/penstemon_gairdners.jpg slides/penstemon_showy.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Showy Penstemon (Penstemon speciosus) Also called Royal Penstemon. The Showy Penstemon is one of the larger native Penstemons and is aptly named. It is usually over 2' tall and covered with large flowers. Unfortunately, the Spring wind is hard on the tall flowers. Showy Penstemon (Penstemon speciosus) Also called Royal Penstemon. The Showy Penstemon is one of the larger native Penstemons and is aptly named. It is usually over 2' tall and covered with large flowers. Unfortunately, the Spring wind is hard on the tall flowers. slides/penstemon_showy.jpg slides/penstemon_richardson.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Richardson's Penstemon (Penstemon richardsonii var. richardsonii) Also called a Cut-leaf Penstemon. Summer blooming and different leaves than most Penstemon's. This variety is the last of the wildflowers to bloom in the Sagebrush Steppe. Found in dry creek beds in draws, it sucks the last of the water from the ground in August to make the pretty flowers. Richardson's Penstemon (Penstemon richardsonii var. richardsonii) Also called a Cut-leaf Penstemon. Summer blooming and different leaves than most Penstemon's. This variety is the last of the wildflowers to bloom in the Sagebrush Steppe. Found in dry creek beds in draws, it sucks the last of the water from the ground in August to make the pretty flowers. slides/penstemon_richardson.jpg slides/phacelia_silverleaf.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Silver-leaf Phacelia (Phacelia hastata var. hastata) Also called White-leaf Phacelia, this little plant has very pretty leaves, often a silvery - green in color. They can easily be recognized, even when not in bloom. The flowerheads open gradually with only a few buds opening together as they unravel, getting several inches long as the seedhead develops. Silver-leaf Phacelia (Phacelia hastata var. hastata) Also called White-leaf Phacelia, this little plant has very pretty leaves, often a silvery - green in color. They can easily be recognized, even when not in bloom. The flowerheads open gradually with only a few buds opening together as they unravel, getting several inches long as the seedhead develops. slides/phacelia_silverleaf.jpg slides/phacelia_threadleaf.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Thread-leaf Phacelia (Phacelia linearis) Also called Linear-leaf Phacelia. Thread-leaf Phacelia is just the opposite of its cousin in that it has magnificant flowers and unimpressive leaves. Thread-leaf Phacelia (Phacelia linearis) Also called Linear-leaf Phacelia. Thread-leaf Phacelia is just the opposite of its cousin in that it has magnificant flowers and unimpressive leaves. slides/phacelia_threadleaf.jpg slides/phlox_hoods.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Hood's Phlox (Phlox hoodii) Also called Cushion or Spiny Phlox. These often make mounds of flowers about 1' around. The short linear leaves tend to be pointed at the end or spiny. Found mostly in lithosol areas. Hood's Phlox (Phlox hoodii) Also called Cushion or Spiny Phlox. These often make mounds of flowers about 1' around. The short linear leaves tend to be pointed at the end or spiny. Found mostly in lithosol areas. slides/phlox_hoods.jpg slides/phlox_showy.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Showy Phlox (Phlox speciosa) Showy Phlox has petals that are heart shaped, although it grows and looks like Long-leaf Phlox. It tends to make large mounds or climbs up Sagebrush like Ivy. Notice the red buds on the Douglas' Buckwheat at the bottom that have not yet opened. Showy Phlox (Phlox speciosa) Showy Phlox has petals that are heart shaped, although it grows and looks like Long-leaf Phlox. It tends to make large mounds or climbs up Sagebrush like Ivy. Notice the red buds on the Douglas' Buckwheat at the bottom that have not yet opened. slides/phlox_showy.jpg slides/phlox_longleaf.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Long-leaf Phlox (Phlox longifolia) The flowers look similiar to Hood's Phlox, but this Phlox likes to grow among the Sagebrush, often in small clumbs of a few flowers. It can be confused with Showy Phlox, but notice the petals are not heart shaped. Long-leaf Phlox (Phlox longifolia) The flowers look similiar to Hood's Phlox, but this Phlox likes to grow among the Sagebrush, often in small clumbs of a few flowers. It can be confused with Showy Phlox, but notice the petals are not heart shaped. slides/phlox_longleaf.jpg slides/phlox_slender.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Slender Phlox (Microsteris gracilis var. humilior) Also called Midget Phlox or Pink Microsteris, this is a very small flower only 1" to 2" tall with tiny flowers that you will miss unless you are looking for them. Variety humilior branches out as it matures, often as wide as it is tall. Frequently found with Blue-eyed Mary's, which are about the same size. Slender Phlox (Microsteris gracilis var. humilior) Also called Midget Phlox or Pink Microsteris, this is a very small flower only 1" to 2" tall with tiny flowers that you will miss unless you are looking for them. Variety humilior branches out as it matures, often as wide as it is tall. Frequently found with Blue-eyed Mary's, which are about the same size. slides/phlox_slender.jpg slides/plectritis.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 White Plectritis (Plectritis macrocera) Also called Longhorn Plectritis. This small white flower is only about 4" to 6" tall, but can cover an area with many of its pretty little salt & pepper flowerheads. Often, the buds are kind of rosy colored before they open. Very common. White Plectritis (Plectritis macrocera) Also called Longhorn Plectritis. This small white flower is only about 4" to 6" tall, but can cover an area with many of its pretty little salt & pepper flowerheads. Often, the buds are kind of rosy colored before they open. Very common. slides/plectritis.jpg slides/popcorn_flower.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Slender Popcorn Flower (Plagiobothrys tenellus) Another very small flower that can be confused with Wing-nut Cryptantha until you look closer. They are smaller and the leaves are clustered at the base. Notice the little bit of butter on the popcorn. Slender Popcorn Flower (Plagiobothrys tenellus) Another very small flower that can be confused with Wing-nut Cryptantha until you look closer. They are smaller and the leaves are clustered at the base. Notice the little bit of butter on the popcorn. slides/popcorn_flower.jpg slides/prairiestar_bulblet.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Bulbous Prairie Star (Lithophragma glabrum) Also called a Bulbous Woodland Star, notice each petal is divided into 5 uneven segments and the flower has red bulblets where it attaches to the stem. The calyx is normally burgandy, fuzzy and cup shaped, normally with deeply cut, tattered petals. This is the most common Prairie Star on Cowiche Mountain. Bulbous Prairie Star (Lithophragma glabrum) Also called a Bulbous Woodland Star, notice each petal is divided into 5 uneven segments and the flower has red bulblets where it attaches to the stem. The calyx is normally burgandy, fuzzy and cup shaped, normally with deeply cut, tattered petals. This is the most common Prairie Star on Cowiche Mountain. slides/prairiestar_bulblet.jpg slides/prairiestar_flower.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Small-flower Prairie Star (Lithophragma parviflorum) Also called a Small-flower Woodland Star, notice the petals are only divided into 3 segments with a small throat and the calyx has a pear shaped taper. It is the largest and prettiest of the Prairie Stars Flowers. Small-flower Prairie Star (Lithophragma parviflorum) Also called a Small-flower Woodland Star, notice the petals are only divided into 3 segments with a small throat and the calyx has a pear shaped taper. It is the largest and prettiest of the Prairie Stars Flowers. slides/prairiestar_flower.jpg slides/prairiestar_slender.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Slender Prairie Star (Lithophragma tenellum) Also called a Slender Woodland Star. This looks like a combination of the two other Prairie Stars. Notice each petal has 5 to 7 segments, no red bulblets at the joints and the opening to the throat is large. The calyx is cup shaped and green to light red in color. This is the most delicate and smallest of the Prairie Stars, also the least common at Snow Mountain Ranch. Slender Prairie Star (Lithophragma tenellum) Also called a Slender Woodland Star. This looks like a combination of the two other Prairie Stars. Notice each petal has 5 to 7 segments, no red bulblets at the joints and the opening to the throat is large. The calyx is cup shaped and green to light red in color. This is the most delicate and smallest of the Prairie Stars, also the least common at Snow Mountain Ranch. slides/prairiestar_slender.jpg slides/puccoon.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Columbian Puccoon (Lithospermum ruderale) Also called Western Gromwell. This pale yellow flower has leaves all the way up to the flowerhead and puts forth a cluster of pale yellow flowers at the very top of the plant. Columbian Puccoon (Lithospermum ruderale) Also called Western Gromwell. This pale yellow flower has leaves all the way up to the flowerhead and puts forth a cluster of pale yellow flowers at the very top of the plant. slides/puccoon.jpg slides/pussytoes_low.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Low Pussytoes (Antennaria dimorpha) A small mat forming plant that covers the Sagebrush areas in early Spring. It tends to make mats 6" to 12" in diameter and is only about an inch tall. looks similiar to Whip Pussytoes, which are not mat forming. Low Pussytoes (Antennaria dimorpha) A small mat forming plant that covers the Sagebrush areas in early Spring. It tends to make mats 6" to 12" in diameter and is only about an inch tall. looks similiar to Whip Pussytoes, which are not mat forming. slides/pussytoes_low.jpg slides/pussytoes_umber.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Umber Pussytoes (Antennaria umbrinella) Also called Brown Pussytoes, a mat forming plant, with brown bracts that hold the flower. It sends up flower stocks with about 4 to 8 flowers on each one. The whitish - green leaves are covered with fine white hair. Umber Pussytoes (Antennaria umbrinella) Also called Brown Pussytoes, a mat forming plant, with brown bracts that hold the flower. It sends up flower stocks with about 4 to 8 flowers on each one. The whitish - green leaves are covered with fine white hair. slides/pussytoes_umber.jpg slides/pussytoes_whip.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Whip Pussytoes (Antennaria flagellaris) Also called Stoloniferous Pussytoes. Notice the long little stolons that contain the flowerhead for a new plant and look like a whip, similiar to Strawberry plants. The plant looks like Low Pussytoes, but is not mat forming and notice the tan stolon near the upper right stolon that started this plant last year. Whip Pussytoes (Antennaria flagellaris) Also called Stoloniferous Pussytoes. Notice the long little stolons that contain the flowerhead for a new plant and look like a whip, similiar to Strawberry plants. The plant looks like Low Pussytoes, but is not mat forming and notice the tan stolon near the upper right stolon that started this plant last year. slides/pussytoes_whip.jpg slides/rabbitbrush_gray.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Gray Rabbit-brush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus var. albicaulis) Like the name implies, this has a grayish look to the linear shaped leaves. Very close to the color of Sagebrush leaves. The leaves do not dry up as much as Green-rabbit brush leaves. Gray Rabbit-brush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus var. albicaulis) Like the name implies, this has a grayish look to the linear shaped leaves. Very close to the color of Sagebrush leaves. The leaves do not dry up as much as Green-rabbit brush leaves. slides/rabbitbrush_gray.jpg slides/rabbitbrush_green.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Green Rabbit-brush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus var. viscidiflorus) Usually smaller than Gray Rabbit-brush and has broader geen dark green leaves that are about the color of Bitterbrush leaves, which you can see in the picture. The leaves tend to dry up as the plant blooms in August. Green Rabbit-brush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus var. viscidiflorus) Usually smaller than Gray Rabbit-brush and has broader geen dark green leaves that are about the color of Bitterbrush leaves, which you can see in the picture. The leaves tend to dry up as the plant blooms in August. slides/rabbitbrush_green.jpg slides/rockcress_silver.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Silver Rockcress (Arabis puberula) Also called Blue Mountain or Hoary Rockcress. This Rockcress has darker green narrow leaves, often kinked near the tip of the leaf. They are often shallow toothed near the base and the flowers point outward at the top, then droop as they age. Many times the light lavander flowers may have a bit of white or white streaking in them. The flower stems are covered with fine hair and the fruit pods often hang down. Silver Rockcress (Arabis puberula) Also called Blue Mountain or Hoary Rockcress. This Rockcress has darker green narrow leaves, often kinked near the tip of the leaf. They are often shallow toothed near the base and the flowers point outward at the top, then droop as they age. Many times the light lavander flowers may have a bit of white or white streaking in them. The flower stems are covered with fine hair and the fruit pods often hang down. slides/rockcress_silver.jpg slides/rockcress_silver_lvs.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Silver Rockcress (Arabis puberula) Also called Blue Mountain or Hoary Rockcress. Here is a closeup of the base of some Silver Rockcress. Notice how the basel leaves are toothed and dark green and silver in color and the leaf tips kink as you go up the stalk. Also notice the fuzzy hair on the leaves and stalk. Silver Rockcress (Arabis puberula) Also called Blue Mountain or Hoary Rockcress. Here is a closeup of the base of some Silver Rockcress. Notice how the basel leaves are toothed and dark green and silver in color and the leaf tips kink as you go up the stalk. Also notice the fuzzy hair on the leaves and stalk. slides/rockcress_silver_lvs.jpg slides/rockcress_silver_fungus.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Silver Rockcress (Arabis puberula) This young Rockcress plant is covered with early symptons of rust fungus (Puccinia monoica). It keeps the plant from growing and blooming properly and turns the plant yellow. In the process, the fungus forces the infected plant to turn clusters of its leaves into brilliant "flowers" (pseudoflowers) and propagates its own genes. Silver Rockcress (Arabis puberula) This young Rockcress plant is covered with early symptons of rust fungus (Puccinia monoica). It keeps the plant from growing and blooming properly and turns the plant yellow. In the process, the fungus forces the infected plant to turn clusters of its leaves into brilliant "flowers" (pseudoflowers) and propagates its own genes. slides/rockcress_silver_fungus.jpg slides/rockcress_sicklepod.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Sicklepod Rockcress (Arabis sparsiflora var. atrorubens) This plant has deep purple flowers that hang outward as they continue up the stem when the plant matures. The leaves are medium green and tend to be broader and not kinked on the end like Silver Rockcress, which blooms 1 to 2 weeks later. The flowers point outward, as do the fruit pods, like a sickle blade. Flower stems are hairless. Sicklepod Rockcress (Arabis sparsiflora var. atrorubens) This plant has deep purple flowers that hang outward as they continue up the stem when the plant matures. The leaves are medium green and tend to be broader and not kinked on the end like Silver Rockcress, which blooms 1 to 2 weeks later. The flowers point outward, as do the fruit pods, like a sickle blade. Flower stems are hairless. slides/rockcress_sicklepod.jpg slides/sandwort_franklins.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Frankin's Sandwort (Arenaria franklinii var. franklinii) This forms a grassy mound that looks like a small low bush, but has nice little white flowers hidden among the prickly leaves. So far, I've only found them in lithosol areas, mainly high on Cowiche Mountain. Frankin's Sandwort (Arenaria franklinii var. franklinii) This forms a grassy mound that looks like a small low bush, but has nice little white flowers hidden among the prickly leaves. So far, I've only found them in lithosol areas, mainly high on Cowiche Mountain. slides/sandwort_franklins.jpg slides/sandwort_threadleaf.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Thread-leaf Sandwort (Arenaria capillaris var. americana) Also called Slender Mountain Sandwort. It has pretty white flowers at the end of long stems. The leaves almost look like pale grass at the base of the plant. When you find a few, they will be everywhere, a pretty addition to the upper parts of Cowiche Mountain. Notice the green sepals visible between the flower petals. Thread-leaf Sandwort (Arenaria capillaris var. americana) Also called Slender Mountain Sandwort. It has pretty white flowers at the end of long stems. The leaves almost look like pale grass at the base of the plant. When you find a few, they will be everywhere, a pretty addition to the upper parts of Cowiche Mountain. Notice the green sepals visible between the flower petals. slides/sandwort_threadleaf.jpg slides/saxifrage_grassland.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Grassland Saxifrage (Saxifraga integrifolia var. claytoniaefolia) Also called Whole-leaf Saxifrage. This variety is the only one I have found in the Sagebrush Steppe and it likes gulley bottoms or damp grassy areas near them. Has broad succulant leaves, that look similar to Desert Shooting Stars, which frequent the same areas. Grassland Saxifrage (Saxifraga integrifolia var. claytoniaefolia) Also called Whole-leaf Saxifrage. This variety is the only one I have found in the Sagebrush Steppe and it likes gulley bottoms or damp grassy areas near them. Has broad succulant leaves, that look similar to Desert Shooting Stars, which frequent the same areas. slides/saxifrage_grassland.jpg slides/scalepod.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Scalepod (Idahoa scapigera) Also called Flatpod. This pretty little flower is about the size of Spring Drapa. You commonly see the seed head, which when mature look like a stem with a single round grayish seed, like a miniature drum standing on edge. Hard to find the bloom fully open. Scalepod (Idahoa scapigera) Also called Flatpod. This pretty little flower is about the size of Spring Drapa. You commonly see the seed head, which when mature look like a stem with a single round grayish seed, like a miniature drum standing on edge. Hard to find the bloom fully open. slides/scalepod.jpg slides/shooting_star.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Desert Shooting Star (Dodecatheon conjugens ssp. conjugens) Also called a Bonniville or Slimpod Shooting Star. This is a very pretty flower that blooms right after the Grass Widows and is about the same color. It likes damp ground, often in small gullies. The Spring winds are hard on Shooting Stars and Grass Widows, damaging the petals soon after they open. Notice the dark filament tube. Desert Shooting Star (Dodecatheon conjugens ssp. conjugens) Also called a Bonniville or Slimpod Shooting Star. This is a very pretty flower that blooms right after the Grass Widows and is about the same color. It likes damp ground, often in small gullies. The Spring winds are hard on Shooting Stars and Grass Widows, damaging the petals soon after they open. Notice the dark filament tube. slides/shooting_star.jpg slides/solomons_seal_star.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Star-flowered Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum stellatum) Similiar to the False Solomon's Seal that you often see in the mountains, but has only a few flowers that look like little stars at the top of the plant. Grows near creek beds often mixed with Willows in this area. Looks like a young corn stalk from a distance. Star-flowered Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum stellatum) Similiar to the False Solomon's Seal that you often see in the mountains, but has only a few flowers that look like little stars at the top of the plant. Grows near creek beds often mixed with Willows in this area. Looks like a young corn stalk from a distance. slides/solomons_seal_star.jpg slides/springgold.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Spring-gold (Crocidium multicaule) Also called a Gold Star. This small wildflower blooms early and usually in groups. Though it looks large in the picture, it is only about the size of a penny, but can make large areas look like they're covered in gold. Spring-gold (Crocidium multicaule) Also called a Gold Star. This small wildflower blooms early and usually in groups. Though it looks large in the picture, it is only about the size of a penny, but can make large areas look like they're covered in gold. slides/springgold.jpg slides/stonecrop_lanceleaf.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Lance-leaf Stonecrop (Sedum lanceolatum var. lanceolatum) This pretty little wildflower likes lithsol areas, mainly higher up on Cowiche Mountain. Everything is pretty well gone from the lithosol areas in late June, so this is a welcome sight. Lance-leaf Stonecrop (Sedum lanceolatum var. lanceolatum) This pretty little wildflower likes lithsol areas, mainly higher up on Cowiche Mountain. Everything is pretty well gone from the lithosol areas in late June, so this is a welcome sight. slides/stonecrop_lanceleaf.jpg slides/syringa.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Syringa (Philadelphus lewisii) Also called a Lewis' Mock Orange. It was discovered by Lewis and Clark and is the state flower of Idaho. Makes a very nice bush covered with white flowers and can be confused with Western Serviceberry, which bloom earlier and has five petals. Syringa (Philadelphus lewisii) Also called a Lewis' Mock Orange. It was discovered by Lewis and Clark and is the state flower of Idaho. Makes a very nice bush covered with white flowers and can be confused with Western Serviceberry, which bloom earlier and has five petals. slides/syringa.jpg slides/tarweed_slender.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Slender Tarweed (Madia gracilis) These pretty little yellow annual flowers pop-up sporadically. They often can get 1' to 2' tall and branch at the top as the flowerheads mature. As you can see the flower buds look like a vase or urn and are covered with sticky hairs. Flower looks similar to a Hareleaf, but have more petals. Slender Tarweed (Madia gracilis) These pretty little yellow annual flowers pop-up sporadically. They often can get 1' to 2' tall and branch at the top as the flowerheads mature. As you can see the flower buds look like a vase or urn and are covered with sticky hairs. Flower looks similar to a Hareleaf, but have more petals. slides/tarweed_slender.jpg slides/toadflax_bastard.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Bastard Toad-flax (Comandra umbellata var. californica) A rather drap looking plant about 6" to 12" tall. It spreads from root rhizomes and where you find one, you will find many. Kind of reminds you of a real nice weed, although it is native. Bastard Toad-flax (Comandra umbellata var. californica) A rather drap looking plant about 6" to 12" tall. It spreads from root rhizomes and where you find one, you will find many. Kind of reminds you of a real nice weed, although it is native. slides/toadflax_bastard.jpg slides/umbrellawort_hoovers.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Hoover's Tauschia (Tauschia hooveri) Also called Hoover's Umbrellawort. This looks a lot like Geyer's or Piper's Desert Parsley at first glance, but notice the leaves and how they are deeply channeled and connect at a central place and cauliflower heads. Likes lithosol areas and blooms in early Spring. They have a tan or ivory look to them from a distance, due to the tan anthers. Hoover's Tauschia (Tauschia hooveri) Also called Hoover's Umbrellawort. This looks a lot like Geyer's or Piper's Desert Parsley at first glance, but notice the leaves and how they are deeply channeled and connect at a central place and cauliflower heads. Likes lithosol areas and blooms in early Spring. They have a tan or ivory look to them from a distance, due to the tan anthers. slides/umbrellawort_hoovers.jpg slides/violet_sagebrush.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Sagebrush Violet (Viola trinervata) The Sagebrush Violet blooms early with the Grass Widows. It likes lithosol areas and is commonly seen with the early bloom. Sagebrush Violet (Viola trinervata) The Sagebrush Violet blooms early with the Grass Widows. It likes lithosol areas and is commonly seen with the early bloom. slides/violet_sagebrush.jpg slides/violet_sagebrushw.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Sagebrush Violet (Viola trinervata) The Sagebrush Violet is one of the most variable flowers. It commonly (90%) comes with dark purple wings and light lavendar petals. It can be any variation of purple to lavendar, sometimes with no wings, but five petals or this rare beautiful white version. Sagebrush Violet (Viola trinervata) The Sagebrush Violet is one of the most variable flowers. It commonly (90%) comes with dark purple wings and light lavendar petals. It can be any variation of purple to lavendar, sometimes with no wings, but five petals or this rare beautiful white version. slides/violet_sagebrushw.jpg slides/waterleaf_ballhead.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Ballhead Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum capitatum var. capitatum) Also called Wool Britches, these are often found in draws among the bushes. The flowerhead kind of looks like a Silver-leaf Phacelia, only lavender and fully blooms out, forming a round ball. Ballhead Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum capitatum var. capitatum) Also called Wool Britches, these are often found in draws among the bushes. The flowerhead kind of looks like a Silver-leaf Phacelia, only lavender and fully blooms out, forming a round ball. slides/waterleaf_ballhead.jpg slides/yampah.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Gairdner's Yampah (Perideridia gairdneri ssp. borealis) The flowerhead looks a lot like Meadow Parsley, but it does not have the Parsley leaves, in fact has very few leaves. Grows well in Sagebrush Steppe and blooms after the Yarrow. Gairdner's Yampah (Perideridia gairdneri ssp. borealis) The flowerhead looks a lot like Meadow Parsley, but it does not have the Parsley leaves, in fact has very few leaves. Grows well in Sagebrush Steppe and blooms after the Yarrow. slides/yampah.jpg slides/yarrow.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Yarrow is found just about everywhere and many call it a weed, but it's not to invasive and very pretty to look at. Has a distinct pungent odor to it and pretty fern like leaves. Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Yarrow is found just about everywhere and many call it a weed, but it's not to invasive and very pretty to look at. Has a distinct pungent odor to it and pretty fern like leaves. slides/yarrow.jpg slides/yellowbell.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Yellow Bell (Fritillaria pudica) The Yellow Bell comes out early with the Grass Widows and Buttercups. It grows in deeper soil and also can be found in lithosol areas. An easily recognizable flower because of its shape. They look like they could ring in the wind. Yellow Bell (Fritillaria pudica) The Yellow Bell comes out early with the Grass Widows and Buttercups. It grows in deeper soil and also can be found in lithosol areas. An easily recognizable flower because of its shape. They look like they could ring in the wind. slides/yellowbell.jpg slides/snow_mt_ranch2.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 A walk on the Snow Mountain Ranch land in early May is a chance to see mother nature at her best. This display of Carey's Balsamroot is one of the many varieties you will see on your walk in this wonderful Shrub Steppe environment. A walk on the Snow Mountain Ranch land in early May is a chance to see mother nature at her best. This display of Carey's Balsamroot is one of the many varieties you will see on your walk in this wonderful Shrub Steppe environment. slides/snow_mt_ranch2.jpg slides/balance_rock.html# Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:50:28 -0800 Probably the most recognized and photographed feature at Snow Mountain Ranch. As you cross the pasture heading toward the main canyon trail, look to your left along the rock columns. It even has its own trail now. Probably the most recognized and photographed feature at Snow Mountain Ranch. As you cross the pasture heading toward the main canyon trail, look to your left along the rock columns. It even has its own trail now. slides/balance_rock.jpg