A web site of Mary and Graham Bothwell

Hillside walk, 25 June 2018

Truly spectaular this week is sacapellote (Acourtia microcephala), with a density of bloom that I've not seen in previous years. This is true everywhere this species grows, on the north, west, and south hillsides.

Several other species also continue at the peak of bloom. Most noticeable almost everywhere is laurel sumac (Malosma lalurina). This plant has a less-than-pleasant oily smell, but it sure looks nice with so many flowers.

With the season advancing, the number of blooming species is becoming smaller each week. Flowers missing this week following a long blooming season include caterpillar phacelia (Phacelia ciculatia var. hispida) and Canterbury bells (Phacelia minor). These two have been so prominent in the spring. On the other hand, four o'clock (Mirabilis laevis var. crassifolia), which appeared to have finished a month ago, now has a few plants in Canyon 8 with isolated flowers.