Natural History Wanderings

Oregon Wildflowers reports on Catherine Creek

(NOTE: This report is for the West Loop. Specific hike information can be found at this page.)

It`s prime time for grass widows (Sisyrincium douglasii var. douglasii)! These are generally finished by this date, but I estimate that their bloom is three weeks later than normal.

The following species are also blooming, especially at higher elevations: Western saxifrage (Saxifraga occidentalis); Piper`s desert parsley (Lomatium piperi); Pungent Desert Parsley (Lomatium grayii) and Columbia desert parsley (Lomatium columbianum) starting at higher elevations; Smooth prairie star (Lithophragma glabrum); Gold star (Crocidium multicaule); Western Buttercup (Ranunculus occidentalis); and a few remaining Yellow Bells (Fritillaria pudica).