Natural History Wanderings

In Search of the Fetid Adder’s Tongue

Today we drove Fairfax- Bolinas Rd. in Marin County looking for Fetid Adder’s Tongue or Slinkpod (Scoliopus bigelovii), my favorite early season wildflower.  Some are  in bloom and others were still in bud so if you want to see them go now. The Marin Flora suggests looking for them under redwoods in Sausalito, Muir Woods, Mt. Tamalpais (Blithedale Canyon, Cataract Gulch, Fish Grade); Bolinas Ridge, San Geronimo Ridge, San Rafael Hills, Novato, and Tomales.

If you go looking for them please be careful as Fetid Adder’s Tongues are not highly visible, easily damaged, and it is easy to accidentally step on them. Today’s slideshow is a little different. It is all Fetid Adder’s Tongue.

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There was a fair amount of Milkmaid in bloom at several areas along the road on the drive out. Although I was focused on the flowers today I did see or hear Northern Flicker, Red-breasted Nuthatch,Western Scrub Jay, Red-shouldered Hawk, Raven, Turkey Vulture and Dark-eyed Junco. There were also a number of other birds singing that I was unable to identify.

To learn more about Fetid Adder’s Tongue check my old posting First Flower of the Year.