(This is a sequel. See the original here. )
Spring’s bursting is ramping up here in Humboldt County, California.
Pacific Mountain Dogwood ( Cornus nuttallii ). The large “petals” here are actually bracts. The flowers are clustered densely in the center. Western Hearts Ease ( Viola ocellata ) Western Wakerobin ( Trillium ovatum ) Lacy Parsnip ( Lomatium dasycarpum ) Northern Alligator Lizard ( Elgaria coerulea ) Hazelnut ( Corylus cornuta ) has male and female flowers. Wind distributes pollen from the male inflorescences (dangling, in background) to the red stigmas of the female flowers. Bleeding Heart ( Dicentra sp.) Rosemary ( Salvia rosmarinus ) is a prized culinary herb, but how many people are familiar with her beautiful flowers? Fun fact: Rosemary is in the Mint Family. A springtime favorite I don’t need to label for anyone. When thinking about flowering trees, Maple ( Acer sp.) probably doesn’t come to mind first for most people, but the inflorescences are incredible. Modesty ( Whipplea modesta ) Orleans Iris ( Iris tenax ssp. klamathensis ), a rare plant most often found near the Klamath River in northern California. “Orleans” is a nearby town. Red Larkspur ( Delphinium nudicaule ), often found on roadsides, as the species is at home at the edges of clearings. (A road is a really long clearing.) Western Buttercup ( Ranunculus occidentalis ) Broadleaf Stonecrop ( Sedum spathulifolium ). This lover of rocky outcrops can grow on surfaces that are vertical or even slightly over-hanging. Indian Warrior or Warrior’s Plume ( Pedicularis racemosa ), one of my very favorite herbal medicines. A muscle relaxant and a nervine.
Beautiful photos! Here in mid-Michigan, the red maples are just about done flowering.
I'm a huge fan of the unsung flowers of grass/sedge and wind pollinated trees! Such exquisite little hidden gems. Cool lizard, too!