Wait, there's more....

If I said "the colorful blooms of summer are now just a distant memory," you would probably think I was about to try my hand at poetry. Well don't worry, I know my limitations and I won't subject you to that fantasy!

On the other hand I do just happen to have a backlog of wildflowers in my virtual bucket, waiting to be shared in this blog! Actually, there are many, so in the spirit of not lingering in the past to excess, I've compiled a small batch of my favorites in this post. I'm pretty sure these have not appeared here before, but I won't notarize that!

For you poets out there, I hope these blooms will inspire you during the next few months!

Large-Flowered Collomia (Collomia grandiflora)

This native plant can reach 40 in. tall, with fountain-like clusters of blooms at the top. The funnel-shaped flowers are about 1 in. long and have five petals. The flower color is a unique, flesh-to-salmon color not seen in many other plants. We spotted these at Jackson Bottom in late May.

     

Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea)

Centaury is native to Europe, but has naturalized itself throughout the west. I have a soft spot for these tiny plants because they grow profusely in our field after the high grass is mowed. The tiny pink flowers are about 1/2 in. wide, in clusters about six inches off the ground. If you weren't looking down at the ground you might miss them. They have been used in tea and thought to be high in antioxidants.

Dense-Flowered Willow Herb (Epilobium densiflorum)

There are scores of willow herb plants in the Northwest, and some are just considered weeds. This one rises above the crowd though with its long stalks and numerous blossoms. We found these natives growing at Jackson Bottom in late August.

Cape Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

These odd looking orange blooms are hard to miss. They are native to the Northwest and thrive in wet, shady areas, such as near rivers and lakes. The curious name comes from the appearance of the leaves when underwater. The leaves and stems can be ground up to treat skin irritations. Also called Spotted Jewelweed and Orange Balsam. 

Along the Lacamas Lake trail in mid-August

California Tree Poppy (Romneya coulteri)

You are correct if you guessed this guy is not native! It grows mostly in southern California and northern Mexico. However, we found this one growing in full sun on Holly Hill Road by a mailbox! (9/07/2014) Looks like it did well in our hot, dry summer weather this year (2014). The blooms are striking, measuring 4 - 5 inches across and look like crepe paper. It is also called "Fried Egg Plant!"

     

Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius)

Unlike the native Steppe Sweetpea, this one is not native. But you have probably seen in growing along our county roads and in other disturbed areas. I found these at the Wortman Park disc golf course in Newberg in early September. They are weeds by most accounts, but they do have a certain appeal.

Pea with shy spider.

Curlycup Gumweed (Grindelia squarrosa)

There are over 100 gumweed variations worldwide and in our area there are at least four. We found acres of these blooming at Jackson Bottom in late August. Positive ID is tricky, so they might be the native Willamette Valley Gumweed (Grindelia integrifolia). Indigenous peoples have used gumweed for rashes, burns, and pulmonary problems, as well as chewing gum due to the plant's resin. Livestock won't eat gumweed, so ranchers consider them as troublesome weeds.