Rainiera aka Tounge-Leaf Luina (Rainiera Stricta)

Union Creek Trail, William O. Douglas Wilderness, WA, 7/2014.

Stricta, once thought to be a member of the closely related luina (pronounced ‘lew-eye-na’) genus, is now the sole member of the Rainiera genus.  (The genus is said to be “monotypic”).  The plant is found only in the Oregon and Washington Cascades.  It is sometimes called “false silverback.”  The tall (sometimes over 3 feet), leafy stalks resemble its relative, grounsel, and may also be confused with golden-rod.

Chinook Pass, William O. Douglas Wilderness, WA, 7/2014.

This post goes out to the young couple from Naches WA (we didn’t catch your names), who were so kind as to give a lift in their Land Rover to a couple of smelly backpackers from one trailhead to the next, along highway 410, turning 2 hours of road walking with packs into a pleasant 5 minute ride.  Thanks!