Mary and Graham

Hillside walk, 26 January 2015

We are at the peak of early spring. At least that's the way it appeals to me with the hoary leaf ceanothus (Ceanothus crassifolius var. planus) in bloom in all locations where it grows on these hillside. Also, the wild cucumber (Marah macrocarpa) is at its peak, and the golden currant (Ribes aureum var. gracillimum) has its bright yellow flowers in most places although not yet fully out. The first few flowers of California four o'clock (Mirabilis laevis var. crassifolia) are appearing, too, the beginning of what should be a widespread display later in the spring. It's a joyous time of year to he watching the unfolding of spring.

While the liverworts (Asterella californica) continue the growth of their receptacles, some liverworts have dried up almost completely because of the lack of substantial rain in recent weeks.


Coast live oak	Wild cucumber	Rattlesnake weed	Rattlesnake weed

Golden currant	Wishbone bush	Two color everlasting	Hoaryleaf ceanothus

Hoaryleaf ceanothus	Hoaryleaf ceanothus	Wild cucumber	Scrub oak

Blue elderberry	Telegraphweed	Wishbone bush	California liverwort

California liverwort	California liverwort	Hoaryleaf ceanothus	Hoaryleaf ceanothus

Hoaryleaf ceanothus	Grassy meadow	Black sage	Fuchsia-flowered gooseberry

California liverwort	California liverwort	California liverwort	California liverwort

Chaparral currant	Woodrat nest	Goldenback fern	Chaparral currant

California peony	California peony	Lemonade berry	Lemonade berry

Scrub oak	Scrub oak	Danny's skullcap	Hoaryleaf ceanothus

Hoaryleaf ceanothus	Pasadena	Poison oak	Poison oak

California liverwort	Coffee fern	California liverwort	California liverwort

California liverwort	Goldenback fern	Douglas's nightshade	Wild cucumber

Leafy California buckwheat	Coast live oak	Douglas's nightshade	Common chickweed

Cliff aster	Golden currant	Golden currant	Mulefat

Mulefat	Mulefat	Douglas's nightshade	Caterpillar phacelia