Natural History Wanderings

After experiencing what last year I called the Calochortus Festival ( See posting: Calochortus Festival) and hearing that the Yellow Mariposa Tulips (Calochortus luteus) were in bloom, I went to the Skyline Serpentine Prairie in Redwood Regional Park.  Not only were the Mariposas in bloom but also the rare Presidio Clarkia (Clarkia franciscana), which seemed much more plentiful than when I saw it last year.  Here are some photos from today’s trip. To see larger better quality photos go to: Larger Photos

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The Skyline Serpentine prairie is a restored and protected area.  The management of the area includes prescribed burns and the weeding out of invasive species. Serpentine is the official California state rock.  Serpentine areas are not supportive of many alien species creating an area that are supportive of native wildflowers and grasses.  The prairie is protected by fence but can be easily viewed and photographed from the surrounding paths. Wildflowers can be found outside the fenced area as well.For more information about the Skyline Serpentine Prairie, you can read this article by Stephen W. Edwards, Ph.D. the director of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden  http://www.ebparks.org/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=28197   To  see a list of native plants that I found in bloom today click on Read More

Skyline Serpentine Prairie Plant List 6/17/11

Bicolored Linanthus ( LInanatus bicolor)
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus mexicana)
Bush Monkey Flower ( Mimulus aurantiacus)
Blue-eyed Grass ( Sysyrinchium bellum)
California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Climbing Morning Glory (Calystegia purpurata ssp.purpurata)
Clover (Trifolium sp.)
Cream Cups (Platystemon californicus)
Goldfields (Lasthenia californica)
Gum Plant  (Grindelia sp.)
Hayfield Tarweed (Hemizonia congesta ssp. luzulifolia)
Ithuriel’s Spear (Triteleia laxa)
Presidio Clarkia  (Clarkia franciscana)
Seep- Spring Monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus)
Soap -plant (Chlorogalum pomeridianum var. divaricatum)
Sticky Rosinweed (Calycadenia multiglandulosa).
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yellow Mariposa Tulip (Calochortus luteus)