Yosemite High Country Wildflowers

[Sandy S]

Today we drove across the Yosemite High Country on Tioga Pass road to
see the bloom. Passing through Oakdale on the way there were a lot of
Jimson Weed and Sunflowers in bloom.

The highlight of the day was the meadow Crane Flat and another meadow
just a little further down the road. There were good displays of Corn
Lily and Cone Flowers. There were Alpine Lily, White Rein Orchard,
Western Columbines, Sierra Stickweed, Yellow Monkeyflowers,
Jeffrey's Shooting Star, Pine Violets, Coyote Mint, Horse Mint and
many more.

There were many flowers all along highway 120. Most prevalent were
Mountain Pride Penstemon, Numerous Lupines, Naked Buckwheat, Scarlet
Penstemon, Showy Penstemon, Pussy Paws, Paintbrush, Mariposa Lily, Wall
Flowers and Single-stemmed Groundsel.

After going through the Tioga Pass entrance and heading towards Lee
Vining there were a number of flowery areas on the north side of the
road and Evening Primrose were starting to come out as well. Of special
note were the area across the road from the pullout below Ellery Lake
where there were great specimens of the pink Lewis's Monkeyflower
and across the road from the pullout just below Warren Canyon were there
was a stream lined with White Rein Orchids.

To see photos and an Crane Flat area plant list go to:
http://naturalhistorywanderings.com/2011/07/29/yosemite-high-country-wildflower-report-82911/