One of my favorite wildflowers has begun blooming in the forest. For years I didn't know this plant had blossoms. When I discovered the creamy blossoms hanging down from the leaves, it felt like I had found a prize in a contest Mother Nature was playing. Fairy Bells often grow near False Solomon Seals and now I am enjoying both of these lovely wildflowers in bloom.
It seems early but tell it to the first Alum Root, which has just bloomed on the forest floor. Its tiny white flowers caught my eye and I called out to Rick in delight. The leaves of this native wildflower look like maple leaves and they carpet many of the trails where we hike each morning. It's a member of the saxifrage family and their root has healing astringent qualities. Bazillions of blooms to follow this single wildflower in the months to come.
My best to you from the Mendocino Coast! Jeanne Jackson, Gualala
Wildflowers burst into bloom this week on the Mendocino and Sonoma Coasts with just a few days of warm sunny weather. On a drive down Highway One a few days ago, Rick and I saw the first Lupine in bloom. Wild Iris - Douglas Iris - caught our eyes with their brilliant splashes of blue. Bright orange Poppies, California's state flower, have joined in the party. The wildflowers in the forest are a bit more subtle but worth your attention too. The beautiful False Solomon Seal has just bloomed and the forest floor is carpeted with the yellow-faced Redwood Violets.
One sign of spring on the Mendonoma Coast is the appearance of the Queen of the wildflowers, the exquiste Calypso Orchid. A patch of a dozen or so bloom on a neighboring property in an untouched forest. To find them in the dark duff is like finding a living jewel. Notice the dark green leaf which is flat on the duff. The leaf appears first, then the slender stalk with the orchid flower. It's not very big, so to find one is proof that you are paying attention!
A big storm lurks just off the Mendocino/Sonoma Coast. And Spring officially begins tomorrow despite the wintery weather. A small yellow wildflower with the charming name of Footsteps of Spring is blooming in sunny spots, along roads and paths, giving us hope that Spring will soon grace us with warmer weather.
