Hillside walk, 23 April 2018
Although the count of blooming species is up again this week, one can't help feeling that the best of the spring is now behind us, just slightly. The hillsides are becoming dry, with the deeper, protected parts of the canyons no longer damp. This is evidenced this week in upper Canyon 8 by the complete disappearance of western nettle (Hesperocnide tenella), and in Canyon 5 by the almost complete disappearance of miner's lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata ssp. mexicana). Also in Canyon 5, most of the flowers of Danny's skullcap (Scutelleria tuberosa) are in the process of withering away. On the mid north hillside, strigose lotus (Acmispon strigosus) continues to be evident, but in substantially smaller numbers.
At the same time, this week sees the first flowers of California primrose (Eulobus californicus), of cobweb thistle (Cirsium occidentale var. occidentale), and also of valley cholla (Cylindropuntia californica) — each represented by a single bloom. These species, as usual, produce their flowers in the latter part of spring.
It's wonderful to see so many blue dicks (Dichelostemma capitatus ssp. capitatum) and California suncups (Camissoniopsis bistorta) still in bloom. Another pleasing spectacle is the continuing blooming of black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa). This species is now leafing out nicely.
