Ferncicles

A fallen tree lying across Little Salmon Creek in SW Washington is home to a number of Licorice Ferns.  With the recent cold weather, splashing water from the creek hits the ferns and freezes.

Common Yarrow, Achillea millefolium

This native is commonly found in the Pacific Northwest and has fern-like leaves that are not shown well in the photo, below.

The flower is past its prime, but the presence of a pollen laden bug convinced me to take the picture.

 

Coiled-beak lousewort, Pedicularis contorta

These uncommon flowers were found yesterday along the trail to Silver Star Mountain in SW Washington at an elevation of about 3900 feet.

Mystery Plant

This plant is not a native of Washington State, and the scales shown in the picture remind me somewhat of Pineapple.  Leave a message if you think you know the identity.

Menzies' Larkspur, Delphinium menziesii

These pretty blue flowers were found growing along Fly Creek in SW Washington.

Tall Pepper-grass, Lepidium virginicum

This non-native annual is growing on  a rock outcrop at Lucia Falls County Park in SW Washington.

Sharp-Toothed Cinquefoil, Potentilla arguta

Yet another resident of Lucia Falls County Park in SW Washington, this thornless member of the Rose family is not commonly found West of the Cascades.  I found quite a few growing in a sunny, rocky area with very little soil.