Hillside walk, 16 April 2018
This week must be, or be close to, the peak of wildflowers for this spring. The number of flowering species is higher than in any year of this survey except for 2016. That doesn't mean everything is prolific. For example, the density of California bluebells (Phacelia minor) is not a high as some years.
However, a great indicator of the peak of spring is when the strigose lotus (Acmispon strigosus) is in masses (relatively speaking) on the mid north hillside, in hundreds or even thousands. That's the way it is this week. This is always a highlight of the spring.
Another highlight, which seems to be later than usual, is the California suncup (Camissoniopsis bistorta) on the lower north hillside, which at last is present in considerable numbers.
Alas, the lack of rain means that many of the mosses have died away. Likewise the liverwort (Asterella californica) has become dessicated, except for one north-facing spot in upper Canyon 3B, where receptacles have formed. Whether these will produce spores remains to be seen as the leaves are no longer green, even though the receptacles are still green.