One of my favorite wildflowers - the tropical-looking Leopard Lily, Lilium pardalinum - has bloomed on the forest floor. The splash of orange is so unexpected in the world of greens and browns. It is also called Tiger Lily or Panther Lily. Its roots have medicinal qualities but I'd just rather admire this rare beauty from afar.
Yesterday was the annual Soroptimists Architectural House Tour. It's always held the Saturday before Mother's Day and a lovely day it was. Rick and I always enjoy touring the houses. One of the houses was at the end of Black Point Beach. We walked out on the bluff behind the house and I took these two pictures of the fabulous views and wildflowers. Wildflowers are peaking now - they are breathtaking!
The bluffs are awash in color today as wildflowers are blooming in the warm sun. Wild rhododendrons began blooming this week and the first wild azaleas are opening to the sun. Orange bush monkey-flowers are blooming in earnest in sunny spots. This native plant doesn't want summer water. It's a host plant for a butterfly that is struggling - the Checkerspot Butterfly. And darned if it doesn't have medicinal qualities too. The flowers and root have antiseptic qualities that aid in the healing of scrapes and burns.
Traveling north to the Mendonoma coast means a slow ride on the Jenner Grade of Highway One with its many switchbacks. Once you reach the top, the views of the Pacific Ocean are breathtaking and it's possible to see Gray Whales on their migration north this time of year. Many people dislike this part of the drive though and it is one of the reasons why this part of the coast is so sparsely populated. If it was easy to get to, it would be overrun like Carmel, so here's to the Jenner Grade! While you are driving slowly, you have the chance to look for wildflowers and the many cascades from seasonal streams - a nice reward.
Salal is blooming in sunny spots in many places on the Mendonoma Coast. It's white and pink blossoms are easy to overlook as this native wildflower grows low to the ground. To my surprise I learned that when the berries (which aren't really berries but swollen sepals) ripen, they are edible. They were a significant food source for Native peoples. And the leaves have medicinal qualities. All from this ubiquitous plant that I've been taking for granted...but no longer!
