2016 - Robert's adventures in the Northern Sierra Nevada - California

[Robert]

Some beautiful scenes from roadside botany yesterday.




Looking northwest from a high point in the road. Elevation 7,437 feet, 2267 meters.



Hackelia nervosa was seen frequently along the roadway at the higher elevation.

For us it is a very difficult species to cultivate in the garden. The seed is easy enough to germinate, however some sort of pest, most likely slugs, eat the plants down to nothing sooner or later.



Ligusticum grayi

A species with very strong anti-viral properties (for those who know how to use it).

It is a delight to see this species in bloom every season.



Triteleia ixioides, a species seen over a considerable altitude range in our part of California.



Wyethia mollis We have 4 species of Wyethia in El Dorado County. This is the only high altitude species we have. It is very common at the higher elevations and is very showy.

[Robert]

Navarretia leptalea ssp. leptalea This annual species can produce in large sheets of color in sunny, open, rocky areas where it prefers to grow.



Most of the plants are "hot" pink, however a few white seedlings can sometimes be found. It was a very windy day - no success photographing the white seedlings. 



I like to check on everything. Elymus elmoides is a very common perennial grass in our region. Another species that grows over a considerable altitude range. I have observed this species on some of the highest peaks and in low elevation habitats.



Carex integra, or something very close. This was one of 3 species of Carex seen, the others being Carex multicostata and C. praeceptorum.

These and some of the tiny flowering species such as Gayophytum diffusum or Kelloggia gailioides are usually overlooked by others when viewing wildflowers. I like them all. 



A view through the trees and some of the highest peaks of the Sierra Crest.

[Robert]

A little lower down the mountain Eriophyllum lanatum var. grandiflorum was blooming.



The first of the Sidalcea glaucescens to come into bloom.



Eriogonum nudum is another very common xeric species. This species is generally disdained by gardeners in our area. How sad! This species will bloom over a considerable period of time in cultivation and forms such as variety deductum can be very compact. I like and use both forms in our xeric garden.



Penstemon laetus one of a considerable number of Penstemon species native to our region.

I will be resuming my usual activities within a week.

Until then....   

[Maggi Young]

A view through the trees and some of the highest peaks of the Sierra Crest.

 I may just stand and enjoy this view till we see you again, Robert!

[Robert]

I forgot one interesting item from the roadside botany the other day.



Spergularia rubra, Red Sandspurry.

This species is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family. It is an invasive species, said to be native to the Mediterranean and/or Asia. Does anyone see this plant in Europe?



What is interesting is that I find it predominantly at the higher elevations in the Sierra Nevada. It is so tough I have found this plant growing and blooming even in cracks in the pavement. Although it can be found in almost any disturbed site at high elevation, it is most likely to be found in gravelly, dirt pull-outs along paved roadways and on the gravel strips on the sides of a roadway.

[Hoy]

I forgot one interesting item from the roadside botany the other day.


Spergularia rubra, Red Sandspurry.

This species is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family. It is an invasive species, said to be native to the Mediterranean and/or Asia. Does anyone see this plant in Europe?


What is interesting is that I find it predominantly at the higher elevations in the Sierra Nevada. It is so tough I have found this plant growing and blooming even in cracks in the pavement. Although it can be found in almost any disturbed site at high elevation, it is most likely to be found in gravelly, dirt pull-outs along paved roadways and on the gravel strips on the sides of a roadway.

Robert,

It is not restricted to the Mediterranean area. It is common in southern Norway too but no pest! We have two other very similar Spergularia species also. One is S. salina occurring along the coast.

Spergularia salina



I am wondering about your plant, Robert. How many anthers does each flower have?

[Hoy]

Robert,

Still many beautiful plants and sites to show us!

[Robert]

Trond,

Here I am answering your reply remotely - using someone else device. Quite the experience! 

Today, Thursday I will be at Loon Lake. This will be my first thorough botanical outing in this area. Hopefully I will get some good photographs and the report will be interesting for everyone on the forum. My first experience in this area dates back to the early 1960's. In addition, our family summer cabin was near by, so this is like going "home" for me.

As for the Spergularia, I will have to check my field notes. There are a half dozen species that are found in California, Spergularia rubra being the only species found at high elevation. The remaining species are coastal or are associated with vernal pools at very low elevations.

Well, I do need to go now. I will be back home in Sacramento late Friday and can update everyone on this outing at this time. 

[Tim Ingram]

Très joli  . We have a little plant of Penstemon laetus flowering at the moment, but I think it pines for its home! Vivid blue.

[Robert]

Ah! Back at home.   

I just went through my photographs from my last outing at Loon Lake. There are plenty of good photographs and a good story to tell. I will post this outing as I can in the coming week as per my current work schedule.

Trond,

I checked my notes on Spergularia rubra. I did not write anything down concerning the number of stamens. I often take detailed notes, but then I have a mess of notes and papers to organize now that I am home. I feel 99.9999% sure on its identification, however I have been known to make a goof more frequently than I would like at times - even on plants I see frequently. 

Tim,

Penstemon laetus grows in a sunny, xeric environment. It is understandable that it might pine away for its home territory. When I post my photographs from the Loon Lake outing I will try to remember to point out their habitat preference. There is one photograph that show this quite well.

[Hoy]

Robert, I am sure you are right

Loon Lake looks beautiful!

[Robert]

Trond,

Loon Lake is a very beautiful place.

I will be delayed with my report as I am very ill right now - can not keep any food down, fever. 

Well this is all I'm good for right now.

I look forward to posting the Loon Lake outing soon.

Now I will crawl back into bed.

[Maggi Young]

Hope you are soon feeling much better, Robert.

[Hoy]

Sorry to hear that you are not well, Robert. Hope you recover quickly!


A nice butterfly for you   Neozephyrus quercus (purple hairstreak)

[Robert]

Trond,

What a beautiful butterfly!     

Yes, this helps my recovery. 

I think that I will be well enough to post "Loon Lake" soon, however this weeks adventure was spent elsewhere.