Self-heal, Prunella vulgaris, blooms in sunny grassy spots on the Mendonoma coast. Mary Sue Ittner found it blooming on the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands recently.
Its common name refers to its medicinal qualities. It is said to help heal cuts and inflammation.
Thanks to Mary Sue for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
On a recent walk at the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands, Bob Rutemoeller found several native wildflowers in bloom. The first is Goldfields, Lasthenia californica, a member of the Sunflower family. This wildflower can bloom in big carpets of yellow on coastal bluffs.
Next is Earth Brodiaea, also called Ground Brodiaea, Brodiaea terrestris. It's a member of the Lily family.
And last is Coast Onion, also called Wild Onion, Allium dichlamydeum, another member of the Lily family.
Thanks to Bob for allowing me to share his photos with you here. This has been a wonderful spring for native wildflowers!
Mary Sue Ittner was out with the Thursday Ramblers, a weekly hiking group. Last Thursday they went to the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands. Here are some of Mary Sue's discoveries. The first is Mule's Ears, Wyethia angustifolia. The narrow leaves are said to be edible and it's a member of the Sunflower family.
Next is Common Yarrow, Achillea millefolium. It's a member of the Sunflower family, and its bloom is fragrant. It is purported to have medicinal qualities.
And finally Earth Brodiaea, Brodiaea terrestris. A member of the Lily family, it is also called Ground Brodiaea.
Thanks to Mary Sue for allowing me to share her photos with you here.
Michael Beattie noticed this pair of Canada geese on a 40 foot tall rocky pinnacle off the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands. The Point Arena Lighthouse is in the distance.
Michael watched the nest and, sure enough, there was a successful hatch of cute little goslings.
It wasn't long before one of the parents was demonstrating to the goslings what they should do - "fly" down to the water.
The other parent urges them on from behind. Bird expert, Diane Hichwa, says they should have been able to make it safely to the water. The little ones are so light, perhaps they just floated down!
Thanks to Michael for allowing me to share his photos with you here, thus showing you this wildlife story.
Margaret Lindgren spotted Western Dog Violets blooming on the southern portion of the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands. They are so beautiful and a real treat to find.
This wildflower is found in moist meadows. It has medicinal qualities - a tea made from dried leaves purportedly treats stomach distress. And the flowers are used to make purple dye. I'd rather just look at this little beauty in its natural abode.
A big storm is hitting the coast - lots of rain and wind. It's an exciting time to be here, experiencing the full force of the storm.
Thanks to Margaret for allowing me to share her photo with you here. To learn of Margaret's hiking/tour business, here is her website: http://www.unbeatenpathtours.com/index.html