What do you think? Which one(s) do you want on your card?
Indian Warrior, Pedicularis densiflora, that blooms as early as January
Fresh new spring leaves of deciduous Black Oak, Quercus kelloggii
Snow Plant, Sarcodes sanguinea, a parasite that comes up with snow melt
Red Elderberry, Sambucus racemosa, good for Christmas color and wine!
California Indian Pink, Silene laciniata ssp. californica, a lovely native carnation
Spice Bush, Calycanthus occidentalis, an endemic and relic shrub from dinosaur days
A Rose Gall Wasp gall on Ground Rose, Rosa spithamea (yes, that's a gall!)
Scarlet Beardtongue, Keckiella corymbosa, a shrub that's a hummingbird favorite
Live Manzanita wood - aka "refrigerator bush" :)
California Gooseberries, Ribes californicum, still on after leaf drop like ornaments
The red male flowers on an ancient Bristlecone Pine, Pinus longaeva
And, of course, Christmasberry, Heteromeles arbutifolia, a classic December treat
Merry Christmas everyone. May safe travels, warm fireplaces and the laughter of friends and family be overflowing for you this season, and for many years to come.
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For a Christmas Card you gotta go with the Snow Plant!
ReplyDeleteI cannot pick...they are one beauty after another. Thank you for all the beauty you have shared this year!
ReplyDeleteRose gall - you can stare into its depths and wander about the richness of life.
ReplyDeleteStunning and refreshing photos; they capture the season and say "California" so well. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteit's a toss up between black oak leaves and manzanita wood--I miss them both!
ReplyDeleteI really like the manzanita wood. But they are all really beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBlack oak leaves; stunning against the black background. Second choice - the California Indian Pink, probably for the same reason.
ReplyDeleteAll good choices. My personal favorites are the Sarcodes, Ribes, and that amazing rose gall.
ReplyDeleteThose are all amazing, what great work you've done, and so many lovely plants. In intrigued by 2 things, especially:
ReplyDelete1) spice bush being a relic from ages ago (COOL! Need to find it around here...)
2) and anyone calling manzanita "refrigerator bush." I've NEVER heard that. Do you know what that's about?
You're in luck BB - spice bush grows in your area. You can find it along the Merced River around the Briceburg Bridge, and also along the river on the Hites Cover trail.
DeleteManzanita are called refrigerator bush, and Madrone called refrigerator trees, because they're cool to touch when you lay your hand on a trunk, especially after the bark has recently peeled/shed. It has to do with the super thin bark with the cambium layer directly beneath. Much like a pipe when water is flowing through it feels cool to the touch.