Arrow-leaved Groundsel (Senecio triangularis)
Mt. Hood, Vista Ridge Trail, OR, 8/2016.
One of the more common and easy to identify of the dizzying array of yellow composite flowers; we were surprised to find we hadn’t yet posted it. (more…)
Western False Asphodel (Tofieldia glutinosa)
Along the banks of Royal Lake, Olympic N.P., WA, 7/2016.
We’ve probably mistaken these for Death Camas, Bistort, or Valerian on many occasions. (more…)
Hooded Ladies Tresses (Spiranthes romanzoffiana)
Eden Park Trail, Mt. Hood Wilderness, OR, 8/2016.
We stumbled across this fen of Ladies Tress orchids in the moist alpine meadows of Mt. Hood’s north side in late August. (more…)
Annual Fleabane (Erigeron annuus)
Hardy Ridge Trail, Columbia Gorge, WA, 6/2015.
Although native to the eastern US, this weed grows in moist, disturbed soils across the country. The flower is very small, perhaps a centimeter or a bit more in diameter.
White Heather (Cassiope mertensiana)
Burnt Lake Trail, Mount Hood N.W., OR, 7/2013.
The leaves of this low, alpine shrub are scale-like, reminiscent of evergreens such as cedars and cypresses, compared to the spruce-like needles of the pink and yellow heathers. (more…)
Pinesap (Hypopitys monotropa)
Timberline trail near McNeil point, Mount Hood, OR, 8/2014.
Along with Mertens’ Coral Root, one of the more common, and less attractive of the chlorophyll lacking plants in northwest forests. (more…)
Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea)
Bluff Lake Trail, Yakama Nation, Mt. Adams , WA, 8/2013.
We’ve been hiking on Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and in the Gorge the last few weeks and have been seeing these everywhere, usually in large bunches. We’ve seen them on roadsides, trail sides and lower-elevation meadows.
Green False Hellebore (Veratum viride)
Lookout Mountain, OR, 7/2013.
Although the plant is a common sight in northwest meadows, it can still be difficult to find in bloom. (more…)
Yellow Water Lily (Nuphar polysepalum)
Burnt Lake, Mount Hood N.F., OR, 7/2013.
Like some other water plants (including rice) the water lily gives off alcohol instead of carbon dioxide.
Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum)
Cone Peak Trail, near Iron Mountain, OR, 7/2014.
This strange dark flower grows close to the forest floor, requiring one to hunt under the tell-tale heart-shaped leaves to find it. Its discovery can make your day! (more…)
