Natural History Wanderings

Submitted by Spencer Westbrook

Spencer is the author of  Central and Southern California Wildflower Location Guide

As a result of reading your report I drove the Figueroa Mountain loop, north of Santa Barbara off Hwy 154, and was pleased at finding a nice assortmrent of spring flowers despite the very dry season.

Although there were no large displays there were plenty of the usual spring  flowers, one just has to take the time to park and walk around, most are close to the road. higher elevations, >4000′, were still green and had plenty of poppies, lupine, bush poppy, some goldfields with a few annuals mixed in. My favorite were the beautiful mariposa lilies, my favorite wildflower, which were just off the road in open, accessible fields.

I would say the display is at its peak right now, may last another week with the cool weather. This is a narrow road and may get a lot of traffic this weekend, mid week would be a better bet if possible.

Well worth the hour+ drive from Ventura. Although a dry season,the rains of March provided a bloom but at best I would rate it 5 out of 10.

Mariposa Lily by Spencer Westbrook

Bush Poppy by Spencer Westbrook