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Home , Clematis lasiantha, Coreopsis californica, Sidalcea malviflora, Topanga State Park, Yosemite National Park

Welcome to the 29th Annual Wildflower Hotline, brought to you by the Theodore Payne Foundation, a non-profit nursery, seed source, book store, and education center dedicated to the preservation of wildflowers and native . This is the Friday, April 1st report. New reports will be posted each Friday through the end of May.

Warmer weather is finally firing up the wildflower bloom all over , so get out and enjoy the season. Down in Orange , everything is sunny and bright at the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach. Bright orange California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) are in spectacular full bloom throughout the center. Impressive numbers of the sunflower family, California encelia (Encelia californica), brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) and seaside daisy (Erigeron glaucus) are showing off their sunny faces to garden visitors. There a many other cheery flowering plants along the trails especially in the and communites. Walking in the nature center is just another benefit of visiting this coastal town. Travel to the inland side of the Santa Ana Mountains to the Ecological Reserve for a lovely, pastoral stroll among grasslands and Engelmann . While watching out for the few remaining chocolate lilies (Fritillaria biflora) still blooming on grassy slopes, you will likely be distracted by glistening patches of buttercup (Ranunculus occidentalis) and goldfields (Lasthenia californica). Purple owl’s clover (Castilleja densiflora), blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), bush lupine (Lupinus excubitus var. hallii), red maids (Calandrinia ciliata), pink checkerbloom ( malviflora ssp. sparsifolia), and blue dicks (Dichelostemma capitatum ssp. capitatum) complete this amazing color palette. Due to recent storm damage, there are a few trail closures. Check in at the Visitor Center for updated information. Harford Springs Wildlife Preserve in Western Riverside County is really showy this week. Trekking in the southern part of the park just north of Ida Leona Rd., you will see chocolate lilies (Fritillaria biflora) in the shade and in the company of Chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla). In sunnier locations you will find Fremont's star lily (Zigadenus fremontii), purple sanicle (Sanicula bipinnatifida), blue Ddcks (Dichelostemma capitatum ssp. capitatum), and a few lupine (Lupinus spp.). Nearby grassy patches are home to Johnny jump -ups (Viola pedunculata). In the central part of the park are suncups (Camissonia sp.), cream cups (Platystemon californicus), the fragrant chia (Salvia columbariae), the showy California bells (Phacelia minor), and a few ground pinks (Linanthus dianthiflorus) dotting the landscape. There are also large patches of California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) and carpets of goldfields (Lasthenia sp.) filling in spaces among the junipers (Juniperus californica). Miner's lettuce (Claytonia sp.) is found in the shady patches under the junipers. Baby blue-eyes (Nemophila menziesii) appear in great numbers throughout the central and southern parts of the park and popcorn flowers (Plagiobothrys sp.) are just everywhere!

Now out to the desert for play in sun and sand at Joshua Tree . The south end of the park continues to be very showy, but warmer weather is marching the bloom north into the Pinto Basin. Alongside the south entrance road, in the washes of the Cottonwood Mountains, and along the Mastodon Loop Trail, there is an amazing diversity of flowers. The desert’s favorite dress- up color is yellow, and blazing star (Mentzelia nitens), brittlebush (Encelia farinosa), (Coreopsis californica) creosote bush (Larrea tridentate), desert dandelion (Malacothrix glabrata), desert trumpet (Eriogonum inflatum var. inflatum), heart-leaved primrose (Camissonia cardiophylla ssp cardiophylla), and parish’s golden poppy (Eschscholzia parishii) headline the wardrobe. The red of chuparosa (Justicia californica), coral of desert mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua), pink Bigelow’s monkey flower (Mimulus bigelovii), blues of chia (Salvia columbariae), wild heliotrope (Salvia columbariae), and desert bell (Phacelia campanularia) and creamy whites of climbing milkweed (Sarcostemma hitellum), brown-eyed primrose (Camissonia claviformis) and ghost flower (Mohavea confertiflora) accessorize the yellow flower dress. The crowning jewel of this desert outfit is the elegant Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia ) blooming throughout the park. Look along the rocky mountain slopes in Anza Borrego Desert as the bright yellow flowers of brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) stand out in great numbers. It is peak bloom for this golden icon of the desert. Parish’s gold poppy (Eschscholzia parishii) provides the yellow hue in the lower elevation slopes and sandy flats. For challenging photo subjects try capturing the blue flowers of bristly langloisia (Langloisia setosissima) along the trails of Alcoholic Pass, Mountain, or the West Butte of Borrego Mountain. All along Desert Gardens, Ocotillo Flat, and the Elephant Trees Trail, beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris) sends its hot pink flags up into the landscape. If you are driving out to the Colorado River for a little boating and recreation, travel U.S. 95 south of Needles to see fields of yellow desert dandelion (Malacothrix glabrata) for as far as

Desert dandelion (Malacothrix glabrata), the eye can see. There are some desert photo credit to the Needles BLM Field chicory (Rafinesquia neomexicana) and blue Office phacelia (Phacelia spp.) sprinkled about just enough to break up the pure yellow landscape.

Near the eastern slope of the Mountains in the Owens , the spring flowers are stirring. The Alabama Hills and the lower portions of Volcanic Tablelands north of Bishop are good places to look around for early risers like fiddleneck (Amsinckia tessellata), desert paintbrush (Castilleja chromosa), yellow throats (Phacelia fremontii), Fremont gold (Syntrichopappus fremontii) and gilia (Gilia sp.) Along Movie Road the showy scarlet milk-vetch (Astragalus coccineus) is in full bloom. The of the area provides a dramatic background for the bountiful flowers.

Coming back toward LA, stop at MWD Diamond Valley Lake in Hemet and take in what the has to offer in flower displays. The wildflower loop and lake view trails are in spectacular bloom. The bright blue phacelias (Phacelia spp.) favor the rocky hillsides along the trails, while large patches of goldfields (Lasthenia sp.) prefer open areas on gentle hillsides and flat drainages. The purple and blue of chia (Salvia columbariae) and black sage (Salvia mellifera) stand out as well. Scattered along trail edges are the tiny bright white forget-me- not (Cryptantha spp.) and cream cups (Platystemon californicus). Eaton Canyon Natural Area is looking lush after the rains. Take a refreshing hike along the trails to see caterpillar phacelia (Phacilia cicutaria) in full fuzzy flower. Black sage (Salvia mellifera) and its fragrant cohort, white sage (Salvia apiana), stand out along the trails to greet you. Popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys sp.) and forget-me-not (Cryptantha sp.) have little white pearls of flowers and are widespread along the pathways. Yellow sun cups (Camisonia bistorta) and purple nightshade (Solanum xantii) make a nice color combination. The River Ranger District in the is showing off its familiar chaparral colors below 4000 ft. and includes black sage (Salvia mellifera), bush poppy (Dendromecon rigida), many blue-flowering and white- flowering ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.), elderberry (Sambucus mexicana) and sugarbush (Rhus ovata). The climbing of honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.), morning glory (Calystegia sp.) and wild cucumber (Marah macrocarpa) are growing over the shrubs and trees trying to get their time in the sun. Paintbrush (Castilleja sp.), lupine (Lupinus sp.), popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys sp.) scarlet bugler (Penstemon sp.) and wallflower (Erysimum capitatum) adorn the landscape along Angeles Forest Highways and Big and Little Tujunga Canyon Roads.

Franklin Canyon Park in the is an easy and quick escape from the city. Walk the peaceful trails and you will see both blue and white flowering ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.) sticking out among other shrubs and trees. In the cool shelter of the ceanothus are scattered sticky leaf monkey flower (Mimulus aurantiacus), blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), purple nightshade (Solanum sp.), California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) and canyon sunflower (Venegasia carpesioides).

It's a late poppy season this year at the California Poppy Reserve. However, with this week's rains, the season may last longer—a very nice thought indeed. Individual poppy flowers (Eschscholzia californica) are blooming around the reserve, so the fields are still mostly green but have brilliant orange dots scattered among the grasses. Grape soda lupine (Lupinus excubitus) are in bloom at the west end of the Tehachapi Vista Point Trail, and owl's clover (Castilleja exerta) are showing their purple cloaks on the North Poppy Loop Trail. Kitanemuk Vista Point has great views of scattered patches of goldfields (Lasthenia sp.) that are painting surrounding hillsides yellow, and lacy phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) are unfurling on the west slope of the point. Poppies bundle themselves up when it's cold and windy, so check the forecast before coming out. Spring has finally come and flowers are breaking through winter dormancy at the two National Monuments in the Coast Ranges—Pinnacles and . Up at Pinnacles National Monument there are colorful family reunions happening. The pea family has invited silver bush lupine (Lupinus albifrons var. albifrons), bajada lupine, (Lupinus concinnus), arroyo lupine (Lupinus succulentus) to the show up and bloom. Joining them, the buttercup family have members like the pipestems ( lasiantha), California buttercup (Ranunculus californica) and larkspur (Delphinium patens ssp. patens) adding color to the occasion. The poppy family brings bush poppy (Dendromecon rigida), tufted poppy (Eschscholzia caespitosa), and the California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) to the party. Not to be out done, the figwort family adds colorful confetti to the celebration with Indian paintbrush (Castilleja spp.), purple owl’s clover (Castilleja exserta ssp. exserta), sticky monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus), Indian warrior (Pedicularis densiflora) and the spinster’s blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia sparsiflora var. collina). Finally the lily family has the showiest of stars, Fremont’s star lily (Zigadenus fremontii), blue dicks (Dichelostemma capitatum ssp. capitatum) and checker lily (Fritillaria affinis var. affinis).

Inland from the Central Coast, flower reporters at Carrizo Plain National Monument are using the descriptive word ―carpets‖ for the first time this spring. Goldfields (Lasthenia sp.) are showing from California Valley south to the Goodwin Education Center where goldfields combine with hillside daisies (Monolopia lanceolata) for showy carpets south of the Center. Hillside daisies and tidy tips (Layia glabrata) are seen in the Temblor Mountains and on both sides of Soda Lake Rd. to the southern end of the monument. Owl’s clover (Castilleja sp.) is showing in small patches throughout the plains, usually mixed with goldfields. Bush lupine (Lupinus albifrons) and California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) are showy along Selby Camp Road.

Across the Great Valley, is sporting a colorful spring bouquet of flowers along the Canyon. Travel from Mariposa to El Portal along Highway 140 and admire the large patches of goldfields (Lasthenia californica) that give color to the canyon’s hillsides. Watch, too, for Applegate’s paintbrush (Castilleja applegatei), which is just beginning to show its orangey-red hues but should prove to be one of the most abundant flowers at Yosemite’s lower elevations. Yosemite botanists enthusiastically indicate that the Mariposa manzanita (Arctostaphylos viscid ssp. mariposa), a subspecies of the whiteleaf manzanita, is having one of its best blooms due to the surge of spring’s moisture. Typically a February bloomer, the manzanita’s petite bell-shaped pink flowers show in abundance against dark red bark. Bears are sure to have plenty of Manzanita berries to eat in this fall! Spring is an excellent time to plan a hike along the Hite Cove trail, located on the along Highway 140 seven miles before the Yosemite National Park entrance. The trails offer up a colorful palette of pink-flowered miner’s lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata), yellow- orange fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii), creamy yellow monkeyflowers (Mimulus floribundus), bright yellow foothill pseudobahia (pseudobahia heermannii), purple owl’s-clover (Castilleja densiflora), and the pastel baby blue- eyes (Nemophila menziesii).

Further south on Hwy 198 at Three Rivers, the foothills of the Sierra Nevada around Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are decked out in vivid spring pink of western redbud (Cercis occidentalis) and sky blue bush lupine (Lupinus albifrons). Not to be missed.

Returning to the LA Basin, the best wildflower hike of the week for Placerita Canyon Natural Area is on the Los Pinetos Trail. The trailhead is located at the Walker Ranch which is about two miles east of the entrance to the Placerita Nature Center. This is steep trail with an elevation gain of about 1,300 feet over 2.5 miles. If you can do it, it is worth the effort. The trail begins in a beautiful woodland and quickly leads up into chaparral hillsides that are covered with blue flowered hairy ceanothus (Ceanothus oliganthus). Continuing up the trail, you will see golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum), stinging lupine (Lupinus hirsutissimus), baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii), woodland star (Lithophragma heterophyllum), and virgin's bower (Clematis lasiantha). At the top of the ridge there are spectacular views of the and, if it's clear enough, Catalina Island.

Last but definitely not least, Prisk Native Garden in Long Beach (on the grounds of Prisk School) is having its annual Open House for the public on Sunday, April 3rd, from 1 – 4pm. Lots of lush blooms this year with an extensive "makeover" of the grounds! This is the most fun you can have on a Sunday afternoon. Students of all educational levels, as well as the community, use and enjoy this garden and now it’s your turn. Visit student favorites, Mojave bluebells (Phacelia campanularia), wind poppy (Stylomecon heterophylla), Lindley's blazing star (Mentzelia lindleyi), owl's clover (Castilleja exserta), meadowfoam (Limnanthes douglasii), tidy tips (Layia platyglossa), desert penstemon (Penstemon pseudospectabilis), woolly blue-curls (Trichostema lanatum), beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris), many color forms of apricot mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua), wild hyacinth (Dichelostemma capitatum) and many, many more.

California’s wildflowers are a precious legacy. To ensure that flowers return each year, remember to stay on designated trails and please don’t pick the flowers!

That’s it for this week. Look for our next report on Friday, April 8 and check back each week for the most up to date information on southern and wildflowers.

If you would like to be a wildflower reporter send your information about wildflower blooms and their location to [email protected] by Wednesday of each week when blooms of note occur.

NATIVE PLANT & WILDFLOWER EVENTS:

Theodore Payne Foundation 8th Annual Native Plant Garden Tour, Saturday and Sunday, April 9 & 10 from 10 am – 4pm. For tickets (Cost $20 for two days) and more information on the over 30 gardens included on this self-guided tour, visit our webpage.

Prisk Native Garden Open House. Sunday, April 3, 1:00 – 4:00 pm. Prisk is located near the corner of San Vicente and Los Arcos in Long Beach on the grounds of Prisk School. Take the Paloverde turnoff off the 405 Fwy. in Long Beach. Call 562-481-5216 for info. Free.

Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve  Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center is now open from 10am - 4pm weekdays and 9am – 5pm weekends for the duration of the wildflower season. Free guided tours will be offered daily beginning March 12: 11 am on weekdays; 10 am and 2 pm on weekends.

Charmlee Wilderness Park  Wildflower Hike on Sunday, April 10 at 10:00am. Learn to recognize native plants. Meet at upper parking lot. Reservations required: 310-317- 1364. $4 parking fee. Duration: 2hrs.

Topanga State Park  Springtime Splendor Stroll on Sundays, April 3, April 10 and April 17 starting at 1:00pm. Join a docent naturalist in viewing emerging wildflowers and other signs of spring. Duration: 2hrs. For more information call the Topanga Canyon Docents at 310-455-1696. Diamond Valley Lake  Seasonal Wildflower Loop Trail. This 1.3-mile loop trail extends from the Lakeview Trail and is rated as an easy-to-moderate hike, with some rugged terrain. Open from sunrise to sunset. Parking is $7 and a $2/person Lakeview Trail fee includes a map of the wildflower trail.

Wildflower Walk at Descanso Gardens Sunday, April 17, 1 p.m. Take in the fabulous spring blooms in the California Garden in this guided walk led by Rachel Young, native plant horticulturist. Meet at Center Circle. Free with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger.

RIDGECREST Celebrates Desert Wildflowers With Festival April 15-17. In the city of Ridgecrest between the Sierra Nevada and just off US 395, the Maturango Museum embraces the season with its Annual Wildflower Show April 15-17. This year for the first time the California State Assembly and Senate have declared April 17-23 as Native Plant Week and Ridgecrest adds to the observance with the First Annual Desert Wildflower Festival over the same April 15-17 weekend. For festival schedules in advance, go to www.ridgecrestdesertwildflowerfestival.com or phone 800-VISIT-30 (800-847- 4830).

California Native Plant Society Chapters

California Native Plant Week, April 16 – April 23. Visit www.cnps.org to find out what activities your local chapter is sponsoring. A few are listed below.

CNPS-Los Angeles/Santa Monica Chapter Field trips: Sat., April 16: Caballero Canyon, Lower Trailhead. Starting at 8:30am. Chaparral Chatter Wildflower HikeBring hat, water, and snacks (boots are recommended). Duration: 3 hours. For more information, directions and to RSVP, call 818-782-9346 or 818-881-3706

Native Plant Week Symposium, Wildflower Show & Plant Sale APRIL 23, 2011 (SATURDAY); 9AM-4PM Sepulveda Garden Center, 16633 Magnolia Blvd., Encino Sponsors: California Native Plant Society & Theodore Payne Foundation

CNPS- Chapter Field trips:  Sat., April 9 - Public Plant Hike, Switzer Canyon, 10:00am – noon For more information

 Sat., April 16 - Public Plant Hike, Buchanan Canyon 10:00am – noon. For more information

CNPS-Channel Islands Chapter Native Plant Home Garden Tour. Saturday, April 16, 2011 9 am – 5 pm. Check website for more information. www.cnpsci.org. Register at www.sbbg.org