Hillside walk, 01 September2014
The highlight today is twiggy wreath plant (Stephanomeria sp.), one plant growing along Lida Street, close to the bottom end of Canyon 3. The plant is tall, nearly 6 feet. The flowers are many, mostly finished; but plenty of flowers are currently open.
This week the mission cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) on the mid north hillside, usually such a strong, upstanding specimen, is wilting and falling apart. Broken pads are everywhere. No doubt this is stress from the drought. This plant also has many fruit, all ripe, — ready for eating.
Saw toothed goldenbush (Hazardia squarrosa) continues to be at the peak of bloom, that is, to the extent that it has multiple flowers simultaneously. It never looks outstandingly noticeable as the flowers are small, and on each branch usually only one or two open at a time.
Other than that, the hillsides continue to be hot and dry.
