Tag Archives: endemic to Mendocino and Sonoma Counties

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Fringed Corn Lilies, Veratrum fimbriatum, are blooming alongside creeks and in wetlands. Frank Drouillard photographed this one blooming on his land in Anchor Bay.

This native wildflower is endemic to Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Knowing that it is found nowhere else makes it even more special. You can see Fringed Corn Lilies on the path down to Cooks Beach, on the left-hand side. They are also seen just east of Gualala Point Regional Campground.

Here's a photo of their big leaves, which appear in the spring. It takes many months before we see these beautiful white blossoms. By the time the blossoms appear, these leaves are riddled with insect holes. Native plants feed native insects!

Thanks to Frank for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

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Fringed Corn Lilies are only found in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. They are rare and special. Growing near water, their huge leaves amaze us in the spring. By the time the flower stalk with white flowers appears, the leaves have been munched on by insects. But the lovely flower rises above the mangy leaves and is a beautiful sight.

John Sperry recently photographed one blooming near Timber Cove.

Actually, the leaves in John's photo don't look very eaten. If you'd like to see some of these endemic flowers,
there are several growing along the pathway to Cooks Beach just north of Gualala.

Thanks to John for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

Here's a link to see the leaves in the springtime: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/04/08/fringed-corn-lily-leaves-a-rare-mendonoma-plant/