Welcome to the 20th anniversary season of the Wildflower Hotline!

The Hotline brings you weekly updates on flowers from more than 40 sites across Southern California. Our goal is to help you come to know and appreciate the beautiful diversity of California's native plants.

May 9th Update

 

Welcome to the May 9th report, this year’s second-to-last update. Here’s the latest wildflower roundup.

 It is a poor spring in Southern California. On most trails in Los Angeles, Ventura, Kern, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, and San Diego counties, annual wildflowers are sparse to nonexistent, and stalwart shrubs such as sticky monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus), black sage (Salvia mellifera), and California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) are only providing bits of color here and there. The recent relatively cool weather may further the brief bloom of farewell-to-spring (Clarkia spp.) in some areas, although every ranger and botanist we have consulted tells us the same thing: flowers are at least three weeks ahead of schedule this year, and the ground is as dry as it normally would be at the peak of summer. Here at the THEODORE PAYNE FOUNDATION, our Matilija poppies (Romneya coulteri) are blooming early, accompanied by the last flush of California poppies (Eschscholzia californica). Our showy penstemons (Penstemon x spectabilis) are blooming their hearts out, and our palo verde (Cercidium floridum) is finally reaching its peak. The sages, oddly, are just getting started for the year—they seem to have given up hope for better weather. We are at 10359 Tuxford Street in Sun Valley. Call us at (818) 768-1802.

 In the Santa Monica Mountains, botanist Bob Muns tells us that CHARMLEE WILDERNESS PARK in Malibu has at least some flowers, including western thistle (Cirsium occidentale), canyon sunflower (Venegasia carpesioides), deerweed (Lotus scoparius), bush lupine (Lupinus longifolius), black sage (Salvia mellifera), purple clarkia (Clarkia purpurea), chamise (Adenostema fasciculatum), wedgeleaf horkelia (Horkelia cuneata), and of course good old sticky monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus). There are also smaller numbers of other plants in bloom, including golden yarrow (Eriophylum confertiflorum), hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea), wishbone bush (Mirabilis californica), prickly phlox (Leptodactylon californicum), coast paintbrush (Castilleja affinis), Chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla), purple nightshade (Solanum xanti), and blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum). Other above-average spots in the Santa Monica Mountains are Castro Crest/Corral Canyon and the Mishe Mokwa Trail in Circle X Ranch.

On the eastern end of the Santa Monicas, at FRANKLIN CANYON PARK, the in-bloom list is rapidly shrinking. However, this week speckled clarkia (Clarkia cylindrica) and white sage (Salvia apiana) have begun their bloom, adding to the black sage (Salvia mellifera), bush mallow (Malacothamnus fascicularis), California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum), wild morning glory (Calystegia macrostegia), and sticky monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus) that have been in bloom for the last two to three weeks.

Things are dryer in the San Gabriel Mountains, although Ranger Gerry Reponen tells us that the baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii) in the West Fork of the San

Gabriel River are looking beautiful, and the yuccas (Yucca whipplei) are starting to send up their stalks, so they'll be in bloom by Memorial Day weekend. Oaks (Quercus spp.) and Indian paintbrush (Castilleja sp.) are now blooming between 4,000 and 6,000 feet, and the fascinating snow plant (Sarcodes sanguinea) is making a timid showing above 5,000 feet. The only other plants that can be said to be in full bloom include yerba santa (Eriodictyon crassifolium), wild cucumber (Marah macrocarpus), and California lilac (Ceanothus spp.).

 A hike to Chantry Flats will yield a respectable display of flowers, according to Sierra Club hike leader Pam Allen. Look for these along the trail:

 To reach the Chantry Flats trailhead, take the Foothill Freeway (Highway 210) to Santa Anita Blvd. north, and continue past the gate for two miles until the road ends; the parking lot is on the left.

 Another tipster tells us of a spot in the San Gabriels that die-hard poppy hunters may want to check out. Go to Smith Saddle off Highway 39, then drop into Bear Creek, which flows into the West Fork of the San Gabriel River. Just above where the trail meets the stream, there are a lot of California poppies (Eschscholzia californica), yellow rather than orange. It's a 12 mile hike round trip, however, with a 3000-foot gain coming and going. Another note: across the front range of the San Gabriels, chia (Salvia columbariae) is giving a pretty good show for a dry year.

 In Kern county, a few drives still have flowers on display. Highway 178 past Lake Isabella takes you past some flowers, but they are higher up on the canyon sides and don’t seem willing to come down to greet you. Along Highway 223 just outside of Arvin, white popcorn flowers (Plagiobothrys sp.), orange fiddlenecks (Amsinckia sp.), and blue lupines are still scattered here and there; the situation is the same along Highway 155 in the Glenville area, where you’ll also find some California poppies (Eschscholzia californica).

 In Orange county, Oak Flat in the San Mateo Wilderness in the Santa Ana Mountains has a variety of flowers including prickly phlox (Leptodactylon californicum), California peonies (Paeonia californica; just finished blooming), blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), cinquefoil, checkerbloom (Sidalcea malvaeflora), Chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla), popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys sp.), sticky monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus), red bush monkeyflower (M. aurantiacus, red form; rather abundant), golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum), California bush sunflower (Encelia californica), blue dicks (Dichelostemma capitatum), bush lupine (a few), purple nightshade (Solanum xanti), deerweed (Lotus scoparius), and pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea), plus various kinds of sage.

At the FULLERTON ARBORETUM, also in Orange county, Garden Manager Glen Williams reports that the flannel bush (Fremontodendron sp.) and California lilac (Ceanothus spp. and cultivars) are finishing their blooms, but the wooly blue curls are blooming now, along with the bush poppies (Dendromecon sp.) and various sages (Salvia spp.).

 At the SANTA ROSA PLATEAU ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE In Riverside county, Tom Chester reports that the last good display of poppies (Eschscholzia californica) on the Vernal Pool Trail is nearly done, and the Chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla) are completely finished. However, the total number of blooming species is peaking now, with over 30 different species represented by at least one specimen along the Vernal Pool Trail, including the splendid Mariposa lily (Calochortus splendens), which has just begun to bloom—with 3 total blooms! Purple clarkia (Clarkia purpurea) is a party animal by comparison, with seven blooms! Wow!

 In San Diego county, CUYAMACA RANCHO STATE PARK reports a sparse but steady bloom of a variety of annuals and shrubs. In light shade, look for scarlet bugler (Penstemon centranthifolius), baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii), and Douglas’ wallflower (Erysimum douglasii). Throughout the park, you’ll also find desert ceanothus (Ceanothus greggii), Palmer lilac (Ceanothus palmeri), and Western chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa).  The meadows near Lake Cuyamaca continue to put on a modest display of false lupine (Thermopsis macrophylla), California buttercup (Ranunculus californicus), owl’s clover (Castilleja sp.), blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), miniature lupine (Lupinus bicolor), many-flowered linanthus (Linanthus floribundus), golden-rayed pentachaeta/golden daisies (Pentachaeta aurea), and cream cups (Platystemon californicus), plus lots of tidy tips (Layia platyglossa). Guard lupine (Lupinus excubitus spp. hallii) is just starting to bloom, too; also keep an eye out for Pacific dogwood (Cornus nutallii). Cuyamaca Rancho State Park can be reached at (760) 765-3020.            

 The SANTA BARBARA BOTANIC GARDEN remains the top spot in Southern California for flowers large and small. The horticulture department reports many a flower in bloom, including several sages (Salvia spp. and cultivars), phacelias (Phacelia spp.), and penstemons, along with California poppies (Eschscholzia californica), evening primrose (Oenothera sp.), flannel bush (Fremontodendron sp.), coral bells (Heuchera x maxima and cultivars), blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), island bush snapdragon (Galvezia speciosa), roses, monkeyflowers (Mimulus spp.), apricot mallow, bush anemone (Carpenteria californica), seaside daisy (Erigeron glaucus), island bush mallow (Lavatera assurgentiflora), snowdrop bush (Styrax officinalis), and a variety of bulbs such as wild onion (Allium spp.), brodiaea, and mariposa lilies (Calochortus spp.). A few earlier-season flowers are left here and there, too, including California lilac (Ceanothus spp. and cultivars) and iris. Reach the garden at (805) 682-4726.

On a nearby hike, to Cathedral Peak (3,333') just above Santa Barbara, Sierra Club hike leader Gabriele Rau reports seeing a few of each of the following: prickly phlox (Leptodactylon californicum), Indian paintbrush (Castilleja sp.), purple nightshade (Solanum xanti), golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum), California bush sunflower (Encelia californica), hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea; a beautiful specimen!), fiddleneck (Amsinckia sp.). Bigger shrubs included bush poppy (Dendromecon rigida) and the season’s last greenback ceanothus (Ceanothus spinosus). Most of these flowers can be found in the lower region of this strenuous hike, along Mission Creek.

As in previous weeks, the best blooms are considerably north of us. The flowers at FIGUEROA MOUNTAIN (north of the Botanic Garden) are rapidly declining, with the better spot now being considerably northwest of here in Pozo Valley, which is in the LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST across the San Luis Obispo county line. See last week’s report to learn more, or call the Santa Lucia Ranger District at (805) 925-9538.

 For substantial wildflower displays, we need to move another county northward, to Monterey County. Here, POINT LOBOS STATE RESERVE boasts a beautiful display of flowers, including Douglas’ iris (Iris douglasiana), some late-season star zygadene (Zigadenus fremontii), sticky monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus), footsteps of spring (Sanicula sp.), witches’ teeth, both yellow and purple (Lotus formosissimus), Indian paintbrush (Castilleja latifolia), suncups (Camissonia sp.), seaside daisies (Erigeron glaucus), sea thrift (Armeria maritima californica) pink hedgenettle (Stachys bullata), golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum), dune buckwheat (Eriogonum parvifolium), Nuttall’s locoweed (Astragalus nuttallii), large-flowered star tulip (Calochortus uniflorus), and California buttercups (Ranunculus californicus). Gumplant (Grindelia latifolia) is just starting as well. California poppies, both the all-orange inland form (Eschscholzia californica) and the yellow-and-orange coastal ecotype (Eschscholzia californica maritima) are blooming side by side. Ranger Chuck Bancroft says all the trails are beautiful, but recommends driving along South Shore Road, which takes you past the sunny, flower-dotted edges of the forest. Point Lobos State Reserve is a mile south of Carmel on Highway 1. There is a $7.00 entrance fee, and a limit on how many cars are allowed in at any one time. The park opens at 9 AM and closes at sunset. The phone number is (831) 624-4909.

 Migrating further north, there are still plenty of flowers left at HENRY W. COE STATE PARK south of San Jose. In fact, the flower season usually lasts through June. A good trail loop now would be Corral Trail to Forest Trail, returning by Springs Trail. Look for elegant brodiaea (Brodiaea elegans), owl’s clover (Castilleja densiflora), purple clarkia (Clarkia purpurea), Chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla), and chia (Salvia columbariae). Species that we don’t have down in the Los Angeles area include giant trillium (Trillium chloropetalum), oak violet (Viola purpurea ssp. quercetorum) ground iris (Iris macrosiphon), and yellowtinge larkspur (Delphinium decorum).

 In the Bay Area, ecologist Cindy Roessler of the MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT south of San Francisco says that flowers are drying up pretty fast in their neck of the woods, although there are still a couple of good flower-watching weeks left. Of the District’s 15 preserves covering 50,000 acres, the best is Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. Russian Ridge is an excellent spot for sky lupines (Lupinus nanus), owl’s clover (Castilleja exserta), and California poppies (Eschscholzia californica), among others. The best flowers are on the main trail, the Ridge Trail; the trails that go into the woodlands have fewer wildflowers. Three parking areas are located along Skyline Boulevard (aka Highway 35) on the north boundary of Russian Ridge Preserve, which is west of Cupertino and southwest of Highway 280. This Sunday, May 12th, a guided Mother’s Day hike will be held at Russian Ridge from 1 PM to 4 PM. Reservations are required; call the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District at (650) 691-1200.

 Moving up the peninsula toward San Francisco, rangers at EDGEWOOD COUNTY PARK AND NATURAL PRESERVE in Redwood City report that there are still many blooms to see even though the season is past its peak. Blue larkspur is emerging now, along with a steady supply of tidy tips (Layia platyglossa) and owl’s clover (Castilleja exserta/densiflora). Early-season holdovers include checkerbloom (Sidalcea malvaeflora), globe lily (Calochortus sp.), mule’s ears (Wyethia sp.), and yellow creek monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus). Clarkia, or farewell-to-spring (Clarkia spp.), is also coming into full bloom, particularly along the aptly named Clarkia Trail. If you look carefully along this trail, you may also find some diminutive, orchid-like purple mouse ears (Clarkia douglasii) among the other flowers and grass. The best overall flower trail at Edgewood right now is the Serpentine Loop Trail (a service road/trail), which traverses the grasslands. Park at the corner of Canada Road and Edgewood Road, and take the Edgewood Trail east under the freeway to the junction with the Serpentine Loop Trail. Docent-led walks covering 1.5 miles are also offered every Saturday and Sunday morning in May from 10 AM to 1 PM. Walks start at the Park-and-Ride lot at the intersection of Interstate 280 and Edgewood Road. Edgewood Park’s number is (650) 368-6283.

 North of San Francisco in the Santa Rosa area, botanist Ann Howald gives us several prime tips. The northern peninsula has had odd weather this spring—plenty of rain, but stretches of cold weather punctuated by heat waves. Still, the lupines seem not to mind, for ANNADEL STATE PARK is having a banner year for these favorites, particularly sky lupines (Lupinus nanus), which are clustering in dramatic stands throughout the park. There is also plenty of purple owl’s clover (Castilleja densiflora) and California poppy (Eschscholzia californica). Also look for so-called yellow owl’s clover (Triphysaria versicolor). Within the park, False Lake Meadow is a flower trove, with buttercups (Ranunculus californicus), goldfields (Lasthenia sp.), shooting stars (Dodecatheon hendersonii), and hundreds of star-tulips (Calochortus uniflorus) nestled in a native bunch grass meadow dominated by California oatgrass (Danthonia californica). Bunches of white- and pink-flowered common linanthus (Linanthus androsaceus) are creating a dramatic patchwork of pink and white. Delphiniums and navarretias should be up and flowering soon as well. Annadel State Park is at 6201 Channel Drive in Santa Rosa; the phone is (707) 539-3911.

 Another spot on the northern peninsula that is well worth a visit is SALT POINT STATE PARK and the adjacent Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve. The park’s coastal bluffs are positively festooned with flowers, including big patches of goldfields (Lasthenia californica), coastal California poppies (Eschscholzia californica maritima), yellow-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium californicum), and butter-and-eggs (Triphysaria eriantha rosea). There are also swaths of yellow tree lupine (Lupinus arboreus). (Note: this plant, though native to California, is generally believed to have edged its way north from its natural range along the central coast.)

 About two and a half miles up Highway 1 past the Salt Point entry kiosk, you can also explore the numerous trails leading through the redwoods and hemlocks. Here, look for yellow-petaled redwood violet (Viola sempervirens) and deep pink calypso orchid (Calypso bulbosa). Call Salt Point SP at (707) 847-3221.

 Continuing up to KRUSE RHODODENDRON STATE RESERVE, you’ll find the gigantic, pink-flowering California rose-bay rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum) in full bloom. Kruse Rhododendron Reserve can be reached at (707) 847-3286.

 Moving northeast of Santa Rosa, the BLM tells us that Redbud Trail in the CACHE CREEK NATURAL AREA continues to have an impressive wildflower bloom. Flowers recently seen include blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), blue lupine, yellow lupine, California bedstraw (Galium californicum), Chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla), golden fairy lanterns (Calochortus amabilis), Ithuriel's spear (Triteleia laxa), mariposa lilies (Calochortus spp.), foothill pentstemon (Penstemon heterophyllus), royal larkspur (Delphinium variegatum), wild iris (Iris sp.), and Pompon onion (Allium sp.). To reach Cache Creek/Redbud Trail, exit Interstate 5 at Williams and take Highway 20 west about 29 miles to the North Fork Cache Creek/Redbud Trailhead. For more information, call the BLM’s Ukiah Field Office at (707) 468-4000.

Finally, we bring you an extensive report on MEAD RANCH in Napa county, where flowers are bursting out all over. Mead Ranch is privately owned and not accessible to the public, but we tantalize you with this information to show how beautiful Napa county is right now. Mead Ranch is host to beautiful fields of cut-leafed owl’s clover (Castilleja lacera) and lots of fringed downingia (Downingia concolor), but that’s not all—California Native Plant Society expert Margaret Barson provides us with this incredible list of recently spotted flowers:

To learn more about Mead Ranch, you can contact the Land Trust of Napa County at (707) 252-3270. Visits must be prearranged with the owner of the property.

That’s it for this week. Next week, May 16th, will be the final installment of the 2002 Wildflower Hotline. Don’t forget to check previous reports for what is blooming at other spots, including the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Point Reyes National Seashore, Big Bear, the Orange county wilderness parks, and other good spots. Click on “Previous Reports,” above, to browse through past weeks’ updates. Also click on “Wildflower Links” to find an A-Z listing of links to wildflower spots throughout the state.