Natural History Wanderings

California Fall Color Reports

Lassen Volcanic National Park’s hills run with red knotweed in late summer.

Because this national park has a volcanic landscape, much of it is austere, though bright color pops on autumn days… particularly along its hillsides and in its meadows where cadmium-yellow rabbitbrush, crimson knotweed and golden and rust-colored grasses are seen peaking in the waning days of summer and early autumn.

The rabbitbrush and knotweed peak are about past peaking.  Technically, they are late blooming wild flowers rather than true “autumn color.” Though because of their timing, we classify them as fall color.

Lassen’s show continues with a variety of willows, some quaking aspen and alder appearing, particularly around Manzanita Lake.

GO NOW! Peak (75-100%) – Lassen Volcanic National Park – ground cover plants (knotweed, rabbitbrush, meadow grasses).

Just Starting (0-10%) – Lassen Volcanic National Park – Alder, quaking aspen, cottonwood and willows.

See photos at Lassen Volcanic Runs With Red