Spanish Clover, Lotus purshianus

Growing along the railroad tracks near the train station on Yacolt Creek in SW Washington, this member of the Pea family has very small flowers that are easy to miss.

Saddle Mushroom, Helvella elastica

 I found this odd looking mushroom near Moulton Falls on the East Fork of the Lewis River in SW Washington.  Many thanks to lycopus on gardenweb.com, name-that-plant forum for the ID.

Stinging nettle, Urtica dioica

This is one annoying plant!  No friend to hikers, stinging hairs contain formic acid that irritate the skin when touched even lightly.

 Flower closeup:

Stinging hairs:

Twelve-Spotted Skimmer, Libellula pulchella

Found this dragonfly resting on a Foxglove plant in the front yard.

Korean Fir, Abies koreana

After planting seeds over 10 years ago, this small tree is finally producing purple cones.  I will post another picture when the cones are larger and hopefully more colorful.  The Korean Fir, although not a NorthWest native, has soft needles that are white on the underside, attractive cones, pleasing aroma, and symmetric shape.

Rattlesnake Plantain, Goodyera oblongifolia

I have been keeping an eye on this particular orchid plant for quite some time and it is finally sending up a flower stalk.  In a few weeks I hope to add a picture of the flowers.

6-10-2012 update: The flower stock is now about 5" tall

6-29-2012 update: about 12" now

7-22-2012 update:

Scotch Broom, Cytisus scoparius

Although it is considered a nonnative invasive, Scotch Broom does have attractive flowers.