2017 - Robert's botanical adventures in Northern California

[Robert]

Grouse Lake, 8,172 feet (2,491 meters), was my first destination. From Wrights Lake it is a fairly short distance to Grouse Lake, but the trail is steep and in some locations can create slow going.



From Grouse Lake the lake water flows through a marshy moorland at its north end before cascading down the mountainside. Here the landscape is filled with mesic and hydric loving species. Higher ground is dominated by Rhododendron columbianum, intertwined with Vaccinium caspitosum and scattered stands of Kalmia polifolia, Oreostemma alpigenum var. andersonii and other low moisture loving species.



Where there is shallow standing water around Grouse Lake, Carex utriculata can be found growing abundantly. This species rings the shallow portions of the lake as well as the small pools of water in the moorland.



Carex utriculata is one of the larger Sedge species that is native to the Sierra Nevada. The outward facing, plump peri are quite large and the lower stems have a very distinctive cross wall pattern. These easily observable characteristics help make identification of this species simple.



Carex serratodens (pictured) is one of many Sedge species found in the vicinity of Grouse Lake. The somewhat small, Carex echinata ssp. echinata is another interesting Sedge found grow along the edge of the lake.

[Robert]

The moist border of the lake is a haven for Sedges and Rushes. Juncus mertensiana also grew in scattered stands along the edge of the lake. I find the dark flower heads to be very attractive. I have young plants coming along in our Sacramento garden and look forward to there, hopefully, good performance.



The trail ascends quickly and steeply on its way to Hemlock Lake, the next lake along the route. There is one small meadow perched on this steep terrain.



As I crested the rise and entered the meadow, this beautiful specimen of Vertatrum californicum var. californicum in full flower greeted me. This species generally blooms much earlier in the season. This time of year many Veratrum have yellowed and the leaves have become tattered, another aspect of beauty.



Mimulus primuloides var. primuliodes often has an extended flowering season. A good patch was still in flower as I passed through the meadow. This species has been easy to please in our Saramento garden and is still flowering at times.



There is one last steep stretch of trail before reaching Hemlock Lake. The trail crests the steep slope and opens into a series of small meadows before arriving at the lake. The white umbels of Perideridia parshii ssp. latifolia were sprinkled throughout this moist meadow near this small pool.

[Robert]

SMITH LAKE

Part II

It is a short, but extremely steep, hike from Grouse Lake up to Hemlock Lake, 8,413 feet (2,564 meters). Hemlock Lake occupies a small shelf cut directly out of the granite ridge below the crest line of the Crystal Range.



From the top of the shelf where Hemlock Lake is located, facing west, there is a panoramic view of the Crystal Basin and Wrights Lake at the base of the ridge. In the foreground of this photograph one can see the high elevation chaparral draping the dry, open, exposed slope. Huckleberry Oak, Quecus vacciniifolia is the dominant species in this section of chaparral.



Scattered along the trail on the way up to Hemlock Lake Cream Bush, Holodiscus discolor was in full bloom. The air was beginning to warm and the subtle but delightful fragrance of this shrub was beginning to fill the air. This species has a wide spreading range throughout California. Near the coast it is generally referred to as Oceanspray, however here in the Sierra Nevada the common name Cream Bush is generally used.



I paused a moment at the top of the ridge before proceeding over to Hemlock Lake. To the east the summit crest of the Crystal Range loomed almost directly overhead. My destination, Smith Lake, was not far away.



I stopped for a short time at Hemlock Lake to see what might be blooming around the lake. I spotted a small colony of the pink flowering Little Elephant’s Head, Pedicularis attollens, near the outlet of the lake. This time of year the outlet stream is more like a marsh as most of the water leaving the lake is now trickling below the surface rocks.

[Robert]

Nearby on some Cassiope mertensiana I spotted one of the few butterflies I came across on this day. It did not stick around long enough for me to identify it, however it was certainly a female Blue of sorts, subfamily Polyommatinae.



After a very short scout around Hemlock Lake, I continued on the last leg of my journey up to Smith Lake. The first portion of the trail beyond Hemlock Lake consist of a Hemlock forest, Tsuga mertensiana, with a few Red Fir, Abies magnifica var. magnifica. Here I found the fruiticose lichen Letharia Columbiana scattered on the forest floor as well as growing affixed to the trunks of the conifers. Many grew high on the tree trunks. Binoculars were very useful in determining how this species preferred to grow on the conifers.



Beyond the Hemlock forest the trail preceeds steeply up a rocky, open slope to Smith Lake. At this elevation, Penstemon newberryi var. newberryi was still in bloom.



Sharing the rocky slopes with the Penstemon was the airy flowering Micranthes bryophora. This diminutive species grew out of many of the rock crevices that lined the trail.



Near the outlet stream from Smith Lake there were colonies of Oreostemma alpigenum var. andersonii in bloom. This somewhat late blooming Asteraceae is commonly found in moist meadows throughout this region.

[Robert]

I crested the last rise and arrived at Smith Lake, 8,714 feet (2,656 meters). It was about noon and I had the whole afternoon to explore the upper terrain around and above the lake. First I would check on the Cryptogramma ferns on the other side of the lake; after that I was contemplating crossing the col (pictured) at the south side of the lake and working my way down to Lyons Lake and return to Wrights Lake via Bloodsucker Lake.



Ivesia santolinoides was one of a number of diminutive species growing in the dry granite grus on the sunny slopes near the lake.



Where the soil contained bit more humus and loam Eucephalus breweri grew and was blooming.



Nearby Mimulus lewisii was at its prime.



At the eastern end of the lake I found a comfortable spot among the boulders to relax, have lunch and enjoy the view of the mountains and Smith Lake.

[Robert]

There was much to see in the area surrounding the “lunch room”.

Water flowing down from the higher portions of the mountain created an ideal habitat for Lady Fern, Athyrium distentifolium var. americanum.



The Lady Ferns grows in shady crevices at the base of the boulders where soil and organic material have accumulated.



While eating lunch, I enjoyed watching the various species of bees work the flowers. This Anthophora species seems very common in this area. I see them often. There are 41 Anthophora species native to California. They are quite hairy and are noticeably fast fliers.



This site was also an idea habitat for the Cascade Parsley Fern, Cryptogramma cascadensis.



Cascade Parsley Fern, Cryptogramma cascadensis, is superficially similar in appearance to the more common American Parsley Fern, Cryptogramma acrostichoides that also grows in this region. Once the differences are noted it is quite easy to distinguish between the two species.

My main motivation to return to Smith Lake was to confirm the identity of the Parsley Ferns in this area. This was very easy as Cryptogramma cascadensis has a distinctive “look” that is very apparent. I did spend some time examining the ferns closely, but this seemed routine. What was I going to do now?  I felt the outing might be coming to an anticlimactic end.

While enjoying lunch I noticed some interesting features high on the north ridge above the lake. This sparked my curiosity so I scrapped the idea of crossing the south col and decided to investigate the north ridge.

[Robert]

SMITH LAKE

Part III

Part of my motivation to investigate the north ridge was a distinctive band of dark rocks that caught my attention high on an avalanche shute. My reaction must have been intuitive as I see such things often enough. There really was no compelling rational reason to climb half way up the ridge to see this geologic formation.

Just before reaching the band of minerals, I stop at a patch of Phyllodoce breweri that was in full bloom.



Intermingled with the Phyllodoce where drifts of Cassiope mertensiana, also in full bloom.

This patch was active and alive with insect activity. Numerous species of Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera were busy buzzing and fluttering about the open flowers. Bees of all sorts buzzed about. Fast flying and hairy Anthophora bees worked the flowers with Bumble Bees, Bombus sp.



The whole scene was quite fascinating. I needed to move on so I eventually continued up the avalanche shute to check on the rock formation. As I moved up the ridge, Polygonum shastense was quite common and filled many of the cervices and cascaded over the rocks.



The band of dark rocks turned out to be a band of a pyroxene class of minerals. Unfortunately its exact nature is unknown to me at this time.

A little higher up the ridge was a small bench with a grove of Hemlock trees (Tsuga mertensiana). When I arrive I found that a small rivulet of water trickled through the bench. Masses of blooming Primula tetrandra (Dodecatheon alpinum) lined this trickle. The sight was one of those moments of experiencing heaven on Earth, or something borderline on a mystical experience; an ambiance that one would want to replicate in our home garden.



The view from this bench was not bad either. Smith Lake was nestled in its cirque, and the Crystal Basin and Great Central Valley stretched out off into the distance.

[Robert]

There was still plenty of north ridge above me to investigate and I was easily drawn up into this seemingly empty, talus slope.



I should not have been surprised, the boulders were huge; I have to admit that I enjoy picking my way up, around, and over the massive rocks, so the climb was quite fun.



I worked my way up to a scattered grove of Whitebark Pine, Pinus albicaulis. A Clark’s Nutcracker, Nucifraga columbiana, fussed at me as I entered the grove. Undoubtedly, this was its territory and personal stash of pine nuts.



I found a surprising number of Bush Chinquapin, Chrysolepis sempervirens, co-habitating the site with the Whitebark Pines.



Under the boulders, moisture was abundant and not far away. Sambucus racemosum var. racemosum, a mesic species, with their bright red fruit enjoyed growing among the large rocks.

[Robert]

I took a moment to pause and look over at the south col. It would have been a bit of a climb. I was glad I set off in my present direction. It would have taken me the remaining part of the day to pick a route and climb my way over that col!



I had additional reasons to be grateful I choose the northern ridge. As I slowly moved higher on the ridge, the flora became increasingly interesting. From moist crevices Senencio fremontii var. occidentalis began to show itself. Here it was sharing the crevices with Cryptogramma cascadensis.



The wooly leafed Hieracium horridum was a frequent companion with the Senecio.



The plant of the day had to have been Eriogonum lobbii. It is certainly not rare, however I rarely encounter the species in this area. The tight buns of gray foliage spilling over the rocks are extremely beautiful. The lax pedicels terminating with its ball of pink flowers contrasts perfectly with the gray foliage. Don’t bother growing this species in a flat environment; it is designed perfectly to drape over rocks.

[Robert]

Above 9,000 feet (2,473 meters), as long as there was a mesic source of moisture I encountered Cryptogramma cascadensis. At this elevation, this species did not seem averse to growing in the full sun; moisture seemed to be the prime consideration.



Up here among the granite boulders I could not avoid the numerous lichens growing over the rock surfaces. Lecidea atrobrunnea is quite common and seen frequently throughout the area.



Pleopsidium flavum is brilliant yellow and cannot be missed.



Honey-colored Rim Lichen, Leconora mella, is quite widespread in this region too.



The high peaks always beckon me to their summit. On this day, I was quite fascinated by the flora I had encountered so I continued on my current route.

[Maggi Young]

Stuck indoors working  on a dull wet day, your blue skies and stunning scenery has done me good, Robert!
The Phyllodoce breweri is a good one.

[fermi de Sousa]

Hi Robert,
Thanks for taking us on yet another exciting floral adventure - that Eriogonum lobbi would be great growing over the edge of a trough! The Chrysolepsis is a new one to me - it looks intriguing!
cheers
fermi

[hamparstum]

Hi Robert, as you are entering soon autumn it is fascinating to see how  blooming of different species climbs in altitude. Those Phyllodoce are just something. I suppose they are acid soil lovers like all Ericaceae in my poor limited knowledge. Are they growing in some sort of peat? The other striking plant is Eriogonum lobbii. Now that Primula ( Dodecatheon) really caught my eye. (P.tetranda). I can understand how easily one can picture heaven in bliss with those beauties! I wonder how late in season can you still get up there before foul weather sends you down, with snow covered trails.
Thanks so much for your posts, Arturo

[Robert]

Stuck indoors working  on a dull wet day, your blue skies and stunning scenery has done me good, Robert!
The Phyllodoce breweri is a good one.

Hi Maggi,

I do the best I can to bring my adventures "alive" for those that read this diary/journal. The scenery was indeed stunning. I have my last installment to write and then I can start with my adventure to the Rockbound Pass area. This one was quite the adventure. One of the highlights was photographing plants on a cliff face while holding on to the rock face with my other hand wedged in a crevices. Many fascinating plants were seen - I can't wait to report on this trip!

Phyllodoce breweri with Vaccinium cespitosum, bright scarlet with autumn color, is also a good one.

The smoke is slowly clearing. I was in Hope Valley yesterday (east side of the Sierra Nevada). The smoke was so thick it was not worth taking any photographs. Today it finally cooled to 85 F, 29.5 C with overcast skies.

Thank you for all of your support!     

[Robert]

Hi Robert,
Thanks for taking us on yet another exciting floral adventure - that Eriogonum lobbi would be great growing over the edge of a trough! The Chrysolepsis is a new one to me - it looks intriguing!
cheers
fermi

Fermi,

I hope that Eriogonum lobbii is cultivated by those who can grow it well (i.e. they have nice hot and dry summers    ). The gray foliage is stunning. Back around 2004, I remember seeing this species in bloom in the vicinity Hell Hole Reservoir. This area burned severely during the King Fire. I am wanting to return to this area - but this time via the dead end road on the south side of the canyon. From the end of the road to Hell Hole dam is a cross country hike in very steep terrain and wild country where more or less nobody hikes. I have a good hunch that it area has never been explored botanically, yet there is every indication that this region could have extremely interesting flora. It is very near my father's Gerle Creek cabin and I have already made a preliminary reconnaissance and I have an outing planted for this region this autumn.

Chrysolepsis sempervirens is fairly compact. It may indeed have merit as a larger support shrub for a larger rock garden. I hope to report next spring with some interesting California natives along these lines. Quercus durata is turning out to be much nicer in cultivation than I expected.