Welcome to the 30th Annual Wildflower Hotline, brought to you by the Theodore Payne Foundation, a non-profit plant nursery, seed source, book store, and education center dedicated to the preservation of wildflowers and California native plants. This a report for April 27, 2012. New reports will be posted each Friday through the end of May.

Here is a current trail update for the Santa Monica Mountains. The lack of rain earlier in winter and spring has diminished the overall bloom this year. That said, one can find flowers if you go looking for them, but expect fewer numbers, more restricted distribution, and in some cases dwarfed or otherwise stunted growth.

Let’s start in the west at the Rancho Sierra Vista Satwiwa Loop Trail to the Waterfall. The waterfall is cascading nicely by the way, and a good full creek at the first crossing. Highlights along the trail include wishbone bush (Mirabilis laevis var. crassifolia), collarless California poppy (Eschscholzia caespitosa), Parry’s phacelia (Phacelia parryi), Mariposa lilies (Calochortus spp.), fiesta flower (Pholistoma auritum), hummingbird sage (Salvia spathaceae), and golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum).

At lower Zuma Canyon, look for the California black walnut (Juglans californica) in flower along with a burst of new spring leaves. You can see the red-purple flowers of milkwort (Polygala californica) in early bloom at the first trail intersection. Milkwort is the only member of it’s species that occurs in the Santa Monica Mountains. Snowberry (Symphorocarpus alba) and hedge nettle (Stachys bullata) are both blooming with pink flowers as you descend closer to a moist, but dry streambed.

Canyon sunflower (Venegasia carpesioides). Photo by Michael Charters

In upper Zuma and Trancas Canyons along the Backbone Trail, black sage (Salvia mellifera) is fragrant and blooming along with fuchsia flowered gooseberry (Ribes speciosum), and both bush (Encelia californica ) and canyon sunflower (Venegasia carpesioides). Immediately off the Newton Canyon trailhead, a magnificent hummingbird sage (Salvia spathaceae) fourteen inches tall is an absolute standout. California hedge nettle (Stachys bullata) another member of the mint family is also showy. Other pretty finds in the woodland include a lot of caterpillar phacelia (Phacelia cicutaria) tucked under bushes and around boulders; fiesta flower (Pholistoma auritum) seeking out shady corners with common eucrypta (Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia), canyon sunflower (Venegasia carpesioides) and miner's lettuce (Claytonia sp.), cliff aster (Malacothrix saxatilis), purple nightshade (Solanum sp.), California everlasting (Gnaphalium sp.), and bush monkey flower (Mimulus aurantiacus). Higher up the canyon there is slender sunflower (Helianthus gracilentus), woolly blue curls (Trichostema lanatum), blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), and stands of black sage (Salvia mellifera). In Upper Zuma canyon ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.) and elderberry (Sambucus nigra) are extending their sprays of fragrant flower clusters into the trail. 

Along the Backbone Trail at Malibu Creek State Park, near Saddle Peak, several species of ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.) are in bloom along with lupines (Lupinus spp.), clovers (Trifolium spp.), sages (Salvia spp.), and a variety other perennials.  Annuals include wall flower (Erysimum capitatum), blue larkspur (Delphinium sp.), gilia (Gilia spp.), Chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla), and clarkia (Clarkia sp.).

At the easternmost end of the Santa Monica Mountains, the chaparral covered slopes of Griffith Park are dotted with bush monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus),California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), California pearly everlasting (Pseudognaphalium californicum) and Mexican elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea). The lance-leaf dudleyas (Dudleya lanceolata) growing among the rocks and boulders are producing flower stalks that will bloom in the next few weeks. In the Zoo parking lot, the flannel bush (Fremontodendron californica), farewell to spring (Clarkia amoena), Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri), Apache plume (Fallugia paradoxa), bush sunflower (Encelia californica), California wild rose (Rosa californica) and, California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) are all in bloom.

Along the foothills of the Southern Sierra Nevada from Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Western redbud (Cercis occidentalis) is spectacular with it’s reddish-pink blossoms and the blue of lupines, the silver bush lupine (Lupinus albifrons) and spider lupine (Lupinus benthamii). Standing out too are showy yellow of patches of madia (Madia elegans).

At Pinnacles National Monument on the High Peaks trail, enjoy the gold and red colors of goldfields (Lasthenia gracilis), wallflowers (Erysimum capitatum), and paintbrush (Castilleja affinis var. affinis all under and between the white blooming buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus var. cuneatus). The pretty little bitter root (Lewisia rediviva) is also blooming on this trail, but keep a sharp eye out because it is well camouflaged sitting in the decomposed granite and gravelly soil. Along the Balconies Cliffs Trail, you can find fringed onions (Allium fimbriatum var.

fimbriatum), elegant clarkia (Clarkia unguiculata), Chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla), common phacelia (Phacelia sp.), and the delicate woodland star (Lithograma affine).

California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) are spectacular throughout the Figueroa mountains along Figueroa Mountain Road, while other wildflowers are declining. There are still a few Chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla) and hummingbird sage (Salvia spathaceae) in bloom. A little further up the road you will see the distinctive red of paintbrush (Castilleja sp.). Cream cups (Platystemon californicus) are flowering as you approach the second cattle guard and further, along the serpentine formation, look for prickly phlox (Linanthus californicus), and golden-orange wall flowers (Erysimum sp). Mariposa lilies (Calochortus spp.) are coming up among the tall grasses in the meadows. The poppy bloom on the burned area about a mile up from the Ranger Station is very, very showy. Continuing on, at a large dirt turnout about a mile beyond the Davey Bown trailhead, some chocolate lilies (Fritilaria biflora) are still in bloom, and beyond that are carpets of goldfields (Lasthenia sp.) with tidy tips (Layia platyglossa), coreopsis (Coreopsis sp.) and buttercups (Ranunculus californica). Paintbrush (Castilleja sp.) is applying flecks of red on the rock wall faces. At Ranger Peak look for baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii), miner’s lettuce (Claytonia sp.) and purple phacelias (Phacelia spp.). It continues to be colorful to Cachuma Saddle, then at Susnset Valley, ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.), golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum), chia (Salvia columbariae), poppies (Eschscholzia spp.), Coulter lupine (Lupinus sp.), Chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla), monkeylower (Mimulus aurantiacus) and prickly phlox (Leptosiphon californicus) are blooming nicely. Happy Canyon has a plethora of wildflowers— all of the mentioned above and much more! Go see it!

Poppies (Eschscholzia californica) along Figueroa Mountain Road. Photo by Helen Tarbet

Recent rains are encouraging dormant poppies at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve to bloom. Still, it is not a good year for wildflowers. On the Lighting Bolt Trail all the way to Kitanemuk Vista point there are dozens of wishbone bush (Mirabilis laevis var. crassifolia) in bud or beginning to bloom. Beavertail cacti (Optuntia basilaris) are just starting to get their magenta flowers. At the Tehachapi Vista Point trail, look northwest for fields of poppies

(Eschscholzia californica). This reserve is still a treasure for California no matter what the wildflowers are doing.

In the southern regions of Joshua Tree National Park, the Mastodon Peak Trail continues to be nice with cacti, Mohave asters (Xylorhiza tortifolia) and rock live-forever (Dudleya saxosa) replacing the fading wildflowers. Sand blazing star (Mentzelia involucrata) is still going strong, and Sylvia’s Wash, 2.7 miles south of Cottonwood Visitor Center is an excellent wildflower stop. Search the canyon walls and trails around Cottonwood for a real nice displays of yellow bladderpod (Peritoma arborea), the red flowering chuparosa (Justicia californica), brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) and the coral-colored wands of desert mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua). Ocotillo Patch is still magnificent and more flowers are appearing along Pinto Basin Road and Park Boulevard. Use a turn out and check out the patches of purple mat (Nama demissum) and onyx flower (Achyronychia cooperi). There are stands of coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.) and desert dandelion (Malacothrix glabrata) in Wilson Canyon. Several species of cacti are beginning to bloom throughout the park. Look for the pink flowers on beavertail cactus (Optuntia basilaris) and calico cactus (Echinocereus engelmanii) around Cottonwood. All the cacti will be in peak bloom next month.

The areas east of Lake Henshaw still look good this week with waves of blue ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.) in bloom west of SR 76. Near the junction of S2 and S22 where the PCT crosses S22, both white (Ceanothus greggii) and blue ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.) are looking spectacular on slopes along the highways.

The report from Anza-Borrego Desert State Park this week comes from Whale Peak around the 5000’ elevation in the Park. A few things are still flowering in Anza Borrego DSP because of the diversity of habitat and elevation within the Park boundaries. The white layia (Layia glandulosa) and interior goldenbush (Ericameria linearifolia) are very nice along the trails. A few other species are providing color here and there as well.

Interior goldenbush (Ericameria linearifolia) and white layia (Layia glandulosa). Photos by Tom Chester

Drive inland from Anza Borrego to western San Diego County. South of Escondido is Lake Hodges. Hike along the southeast side of the lake along Piedras Pintadas Trail and be amazed by slopes ablaze with color!  A fire burned through this area about five years ago and the hillsides are still covered in yellow from three fire followers: golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum), chaparral beard-tongue, (Keckiella antirrhinoides), and rush rose (Helianthemum scoparium). These are accompanied by quite a few other species in bloom. One of the most spectacular is the showy penstemon, (Penstemon spectabilis). There are large patches of this penstemon in one location at the far end of the trail.

Showy penstemon (Penstemon spectabilis). Photo by Tom Chester

Further west to the coast, stop for a lovely hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve. Bask in the sun and salt air as you hike trails with stunning ocean views. You will pass the ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.) nearing the end of bloom but still lovely. The sunny golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum) is growing among the ceanothus and taking over the spotlight along with San Diego Sea Dahlia (Coreopsis maritima), golden ray pentachaeta (Pentachaeta aurea), bladderpod (Peritoma arborea) and live-forevers (Dudleya spp.)

The Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach is ablaze with shades of yellow, gold and red. California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) are bright and cheery everywhere in the garden. The Indian mallow (Abutilon palmeri), Nevin’s barberry (Berberis nevinii), Conejo buckwheat (Eriogonum crocatum), bladderpod (Peritoma arborea), brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) and beard tongue (Keckiella antirrhinoides) fill in the spectrum of yellows, while fairyduster (Calliandra eriophylla), Island snapdragon (Galvesia speciosa) and coral bells (Heuchra spp.) run up their red flags.

The bush lupine (Lupinus excubitus) at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, is at its best bloom along the Reserve’s Shivela Trail. Look for slopes covered with bush monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus) and the golden ear drops (Dicentra chrysantha) along the main roadway to SRP, Clinton Keith Road. Hike the North Granite Loop to see Chinese houses (Colinsia heterophylla), goldfields (Lasthenia gracilis) and California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) looking colorful together. Western buttercup (Ranunculus occidentalis) is standing out bright yellow amongst the lush green along the South Trans Preserve Trail.

A very nice hike in the Cleveland National Forest along the San Juan Loop Trail, will yield you glimpses of at least 138 species of plants! The showiest include ropevine (Clematis pauciflora) scrambling up into shrubs and trees, chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla), Parry's blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia parryi) ) and woodland star (Lithophragma affine), occupying little shady patches. Larkspurs (Delphinium parryi and D. patens) stand tall among the grasses. Many-flowered linanthus (Leptosiphon floribundus), small-flowered meconella (Meconella denticulate), wide throated yellow monkeyflower (Mimulus brevipes), wild Canterbury bells (Phacelia minor), chia (Salvia columbariae) valley clover (Trifolium willdenovii) and five different Lupine species (Lupinus spp.) are scattered along the trail.Collarless poppy (Eschscholzia caespitosa) and winter cress (Barbarea orthocerus).Photos by Ron Vanderhoff

Still in the Santa Ana Mountains, a walk in the remote Pine Canyon, a tributary of Silverado Canyon reveals nice displays of climbing snapdragon (Antirrhinum kelloggii), paintbrush (Castilleja affinis), chaparral yucca (Hesperoyucca whipplei), and long-leaved lupine (Lupinus longifolius) Lastly, but best, is an unusually large patch of at least 50 rein orchids (Piperia sp.).

Harford Springs Preserve in Western Riverside County has monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus) and (Mirabilis californica) tucked in among the many large boulders scattered in the landscape. Patches of the many-stemmed woolly sunflower (Eriophyllum multicaule) and golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum).

That’s it for this week. Look for our next report on Friday, May 4 and check back each week for the most up to date information on southern and central California wildflowers.

NATIVE PLANT & WILDFLOWER EVENTS:

CNPS-Los Angeles Santa Monica Mountains Chapter

Saturday, April 28. 10amTopanga State Park, Trippet Ranch. Ambling through the Park we’ll see early blooming shrubs, wildflowers on easy-paced walk on Musch Trail. Directions: From PCH or Ventura Fwy on Topanga Cyn Blvd turn onto Entrada Road; make 2 left turns to stay on Entrada to park entrance. Meet at parking lot near the pond. Info: 310-579-7667.

CNPS-Orange County Chapter

Sunday, April 29, meet at 8:00 am. Upper Hot Springs Canyon, Santa Ana Mountains. www.occnps.org/explore/field-trips/164-2012-field-trips.html

CNPS-San Diego Chapter

April 28 & 29, San Diego Chapter will hold its Inaugural Native Garden TourGo to www.cnpssd.org/tour for more information.

CNPS-San Gabriel Mountains Chapter

Eaton Canyon Plant Walks: Second Sunday of each month except July and August. Meet in front of Eaton Canyon Nature Center at 9:00 a.m. Then go on a leisurely walk, about 2 hours, through the native plant garden that surrounds the Center and into the nearby wild areas. The walk is different each time — what's leafing out, flowering, in seed, etc., determines what your leader will talk about — and different leaders bring different points of view.

Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve

Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center opens on, March 18th from 10am - 4pm weekdays and 9am – 5pm weekends for the duration of the wildflower season.

 

The Arlington Garden in Pasadena is a three acre California native, wildflower and Mediterranean climate plant public garden open every day from dawn to dusk. And it's free. The garden is just seven years old but in full bloom. It shouldn't be missed.