Everything seems early this season so why should I be surprised to find the first Fetid Adder's Tongue, Scoliopus bigelovii, blooming on the forest floor? It's a treat to see these little brown orchid-like flowers. The leaves of this California native are just peeking up from the ground. Most people never see the flowers as they bloom in the winter, deep in the forest. However the leaves that follow are large, mottled and last for several months.

Greet the New Year and welcome the first wildflower too!

Happy New Year! Jeanne Jackson, Gualala