Note the budding shrub that will provide cover to the dormant
"dog's teeth" during the high summer. When such cover leafs-out
quickly, it can be a challenge to collect seeds! 
Wildflower Hike on
Bohemia Mountain, Western Oregon Cascades
July 2, 2002, photos and text by Louise Parsons
Page One
When I awoke to a near-perfect clear day, it was initially frustrating to remember that Romeo was undergoing minor, but important repairs. But was I really grounded? Nope, it was a perfect day for hiking! It was a special joy to hike with Loren and Flo and some very companionable plant-enthusiasts from England.
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Western Cascades andesite, with blocky cleavage provides a natural rock garden with Penstemon rupicola in profuse bloom. |
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The rocks in the area of Bohemia Mountain have undergone metamorphism in association with the uplift of the Western Cascades. Joints produced by cooling are augmented by pressure fracturing in association with the uplift, Areas of hydrothermal activity of varying intensity have produced bleaching of rocks and in some cases mineralization. Gold was once mined in the area. A natural cleft has been produced by faulting. In this active chute a few persistent rock plants such as Penstemon procerus, a good colonizer, gain a foothold. |
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On cooler eastern exposures, the snow had barely melted
and we were treated to a sumptuous spread of diminutive Erythronuim
grandiflorum. In warmer areas they were already forming seed pods.
Note the budding shrub that will provide cover to the dormant
"dog's teeth" during the high summer. When such cover leafs-out
quickly, it can be a challenge to collect seeds! |
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We found a Glacier lily growing in a couple of inches of rich soil atop a rock surface. There are also a couple of ambitious seedlings nearby. The corm will probably survive inevitable displacement. Rock plants are adapted to a dynamic environment. |
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There could scarcely be a finer form of artistry than plant intergrowths. Here Castilleja miniata is happily mixed with Artimisia ludoviciana. |
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Cheilanthes gracillima makes a graceful fringe around a small cleavage block of andesite. Its wiry roots run deep into the crevices. Later in the high summer the fronds will shrivel, but not completely. Even when completely dried, the fronds decay very slowly, adding a critical bit of mulch at the crown area to draw and hold mositure. Even during the drought, there are chilly nights with heavy dew. |
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I do not know the species of this mid-size lomatium, but what a beauty!. |
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We usually associate Polemonium carneum with light shade and deep soil of an open forest or woodland's edge. Here it grows and blooms well at the rocky toe of an andesite cliff. In shades varying from pale apricot or buff to rich pink, this is a wonderful garden flower. |