California Wildflower hikes, Lynch Canyon

Blow Wives (Achyrachaena mollis): A native that is much more noticeable when it’s showy seed head forms.

Subterranean Clover (Trifolium subterraneum): True clover from Europe which forms burs & spreads problematically.

American Vetch (Vicia americana): Native vine which will grow 2 to 4 feet long.

View climbing up the Prairie Ridge Trail.

Stemless Morning Glory (Calystegia subacaulis): Named because the leaves are formed in a stemless cluster.

Prickle Fruited Buttercup (Ranunculus muricatus): This Buttercup comes from Europe and likes moist areas.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum): An invasive plant from the Mediterranean which was all too common here.

Wind swept trees and vast expanses mark the Prairie trail.

California Balsam Root (Balsamorhiza macrolepis var. macrolepsis): This native is listed as 1B.2 (rare threatened or endangered) by the CNPS.

Bee Plant (Scrophularia californica): A native which grows in moist places.

Pestle Lomatium (Lomatium nudicaule): There were only a few of these natives on the very top of the ridge.

A single acre of old Euculyptus is a favorite among shade seeking cows.

Bird’s Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus): Not native. They were larger than usual due to ample water and lots of cow manure.

Purple Star Thistle (Centaurea calcitrapa): Actually attractive. However, this thistle from Eurasia will choke out native plants.

Native Cream Sacs (Castilleja rubicundula) blanket the lower moist hills on the South Valley Trail.