Redstem Ceanothus and Spring Blooms

MPG Field Note Redstem Ceanothus and Spring Blooms June 19, 2020 Rebecca Durham

Albert’s penstemon blooms blue-violet (Penstemon albertinus).

Fairy slipper orchids thrive among moss and arnica in cool forests (Calypso bulbosa).

A cool, wet spring summons exquisite blooms.

This deerhorn clarkia blooms on a warm, south-facing slope, while most clarkia flowers later in the summer.

A new find for the species list, this fern prefers moist areas, often near cedar (Polystichum munitum).

Another new addition is redstem ceanothus, found in a steep, dry forest.

I found redstem ceanothus in the northwest corner of MPG above Miller Creek.

Most shrubs showed heavy browse. Elk benefit from a winter diet that includes redstem ceanothus.

mating butterflies