Paska Lake Wildflowers
On a warm July day I paddled Paska Lake, but I also explored the hills of the area. In a wet gully were a number of arrow-leaved coltsfoot (Petistates sagittatus ) going to seed. The long stalks and large green leaves help us to identify the species. Click an image for a lightbox (larger) view.
In open spots in the forest red paintbrush (Castilleja miniata) was in bloom with each inflorescence at the end of a solitary stem. These perennials grow from a woody base and are a showy wildflower enjoyed by many.
Tiger lilies (Lilium columbianum) had recently flowered in open spots in the forest. The showy orange flowers have spots on the underside. Many have backward-curling petals and long tepals.
There were a number of flowering perennials and shrubs in the area. Cow-parnsip (Sium suave) was spotted in a wet gully. The large flat-topped composite white flowers had recently appeared. Lupines, showy Jacob’s ladder, small-flowered penstemon, and larkspur provided a show of summer blue. Wild roses were in bloom everywhere.
And, in damp partly-shaded forests, delicate long-stalked starwort (Stellaria longipes) graced the month of July. Each flower has five notched white petals at end of slender stems.
In the uplands forests, July brings many wildflowers for a grand show.
A video of the day at Paska Lake: