Western Saxifrage

Saxifraga Occidentalis - Saxifrage Family

Western Saxifrage is very similar to the Alaskan Saxifrage except for the shape of the leaves.  This saxifrage is found in lower areas like the Seton Bench Trail - an open Ponderosa pine/Douglas fir forest.  Alaskan Saxifrage is found mostly in Alpine and Sub-alpine areas.

Europeans believed that the roots of saxifrage could cure tooth aches and erase freckles.

First Noted:
April 16, 2012
April 25, 2011

Shooting Star

Dodecatheon pulchellum & paucilforum - Primrose Family

Dodecatheon: means plant protected by the 12 gods.

I love this flower, it is so beautiful and is a hallmark of good weather to come.  Found at all elevations in dry grasslands, mountain meadows, and stream banks; the ground is usually damp when they are in bloom.

First Nations used this plant to make a soothing eye wash.  The plant was also used in charms to bring wealth.  This is a close relative of the Cyclamen that is often sold in stores.

First Noted:

April 14, 2012

April 25, 2011

Fairybell

Dipsorum hookeri & trachycarpum (pictured) - Lily Family

Disporum means two seeds

Both species are nearly identical except for the orientation of the tiny hairs on the leaves.  Rough Fruited Fairybell (pictured) is most commonly found in our area in moist to dry forests at low to mid elevations.  Each flower bears an oval berry whose edibility is contested.  The berry is yellow through red in colour and rough, warty and velvety in texture.

First Noted:

April 14, 2012

April 28, 2011

Woodland Star: Smooth & Small-Flowered

Lithophragma glabrum & parviflorum  Saxifrage Family

lithophragma - meaning stone wall (where many Saxifrage grow - but not these)

Pictured is the small-flowered woodland star.  The 'smooth' woodland star looks identical but has a bulblet at the base of the stem leaves; we have both in our area and they prefer open ponderosa forests, grasslands, and sagebrush - usually at low elevations.

This delicate flower will carpet the forest floor at the right time of year.  Blossoms range from white to dark pink.

First Noted:

April 10, 2012

April 24, 2011

Desert-Parsley: Large Fruited

Lomatium macrocarpum - Carrot Family

Certainly not the most beautiful wildflower, but a wildflower all the same.  This member of the carrot family is found mostly at low elevations in open areas like gravel slopes and grasslands; this plant loves sunny areas.

The root was locally used as food by local First Nations in the early spring before flowering.  An infusion was created out of the plant to cure heart problems.

First Noted:

April 4, 2012

March 27, 2010

Sagebrush Buttercup

Ranunculus glaberrimus - Buttercup Family

 glaberrimus - means very smooth in reference to the leaves.

This little perennial flower is one of the first to appear in the area and is found in dry Ponderosa pine / Douglas fir forests, dry open areas such as grasslands, sagebrush slopes, rock areas and even in moist meadows.  First noticed this year (2012) on the Seton Bench overlooking the Pic's falls area and behind Lillooet Public Work Yard.

Notes:  This is a very poisonous plant and should not be picked.  Ancestors of the Lytton Band used extracts of this plant to poison arrow tips.  This flower must have been a welcome sign for those anticipating spring after a long hard winter.

Dates first photographed:
March 22, 2012
March 25, 2011
March 15, 2010