Hillside walk, 26 October 2015
The saw toothed goldenbush (Hazardia squarrosa), as in previous years, continues its late summer blooming. That's normal. What's different is for the hillsides to be so alive with fresh plants. Most noticeable on the north hillside is the rattlesnake weed (Chamaesyce sp.), with much enlarged older plants, and many smaller new plants, all adorned with fresh flowers, which sparkle in the morning sun. A colorful accent in many places is four o'clock (Mirabilis laevis var. crassifolia) in the peak of bloom, although more usually it has no blooms this time of year.
We also have the coffeeberry (Frangula californica) in full bloom with many bees buzzing around. Oddly, of the two coffeeberry specimens on the north hillside, the one on the top of the crest in the mid north hillside is the one blooming. The other one, close by but somewhat off the cress, on the steep slop leading down into Canyon 8, has not flowers, and the plant looks poorly, as if it has a shortage of water.
Adding significantly to greenery on the north hillside are many new filarees (Erodium sp.), but not yet in flower.
Overall the hillsides looks nice right now. The number of flowering species continues to increase, being significantly above that of the preceding two years.
