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Yosemite Wildflower Trails (1975) by Dana C. Morgenson

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• Title Page
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• Contents
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• Foreword
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• Preface
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• 1. Sierra Foothills and Approaches to Yosemite
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• 2. Flowers of Yosemite Valley
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• 3. Along Valley Rim Trails
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• 4. The Subalpine Belt and the High Sierra Loop Trail
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• 5. Tree Line and Above
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• Indexr
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  • Plant Names, Locations of Text References and Illustrations
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  • Plant Habitat Text References
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About the Author

r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r r r Dana C. Morgenson (photo by Brian Grogan)r r r

r Dana C. Morgenson was born January 14, 1909 in the midwest,r but moved with his family to the San Joaquin Valley, California, shortly after he was born.r Morgenson graduated 1929 from Stanford University in English.r He worked initially at a bank where he met his future wife.r In 1944 he took a job in Yosemite Valley working as a office manager for Yosemite Park and Curry Company.r During his off-hours he would learn about wildflowers and photography.r Eventually he worked up to Reservations Manager and, in 1968, as tour guide giving popular camera walks in Yosemite Valley.r Morgenson became a sought-after celebrity in Yosemite Valley.r For this reason he delayed his retirement to 1979,r as he felt he owed it to the public.r When he retired in 1979 he moved to a home he was building in Sedona, Arizona.r

r Dana Morgenson died at Olympic National Park September 21, 1980.r He was visiting there with his wife after a trip to Alaska.r

r His wife Esther was editor of the Curry Companyr Yosemite Sentinel in the 1960s.r She was born June 3, 1909 and died April 1993 in Sedona, Arizona.r They had a son, Randy, who worked as a backcountry rangerr (and who’s untimely 1996 death is chronicled inr The Last Season).r r r

r From Dana Morgenson’s obituaryr (r “Dana C. Morgenson, 1906-1980” Yosemite 47(10):1-2):r r

r Dana had served on the Yosemite Natural History Association Board of Trustees since 1946r and had been its Chairman since 1973.r r Dana’s career with the Yosemite Park and Curry Co. included a number of jobs inr accounting, hotel reservations and hotel management. . . .r r But when he commenced his camera walks, he hit his stride—doing what he enjoyedr most, and perhaps best, within clear view of the surroundings, photographing and sharingr his feelings about them with his followers.r

r How many visitors went with Dana on his walks no one knows—many thousands, wer suppose—the number isn’t important. However, each one of them must have come awayr with a feeling of respect for Yosemite. For we think that among Dana’s responses to ther Park, reverence for its beauty, for its creation, and his insistence on its preservation mayr have been the strongest. These indeed are worth emulating. . . .r

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• “Walk and Talk a Bit,” Yosemite 41(1):1,3 by Dana Morgenson
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• Dana Morgenson books and photography seminar, Yosemite 45(1):5
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• “The Wildflower Book” [Yosemite Wildflower Trails by Dana Morgenson], Yosemite 45(3):5
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• “Wildflower Trail Honors Morgensons” [“Dana and Esther Morgenson Wildflower Trail” on Ahwahnee hotel grounds], Yosemite 47(9):4
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• “Dana C. Morgenson, 1906-1980,” Yosemite 47(10):1-2
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• “Dana Morgenson Memorial Fund” [proposed memorial wildflower book; apparently never published], Yosemite 47(11):1
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• “Dana Clark Morgenson 1908-1980,” Yosemite Sentinel, 6(11):1-8 (special issue, circa October 1980)
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• The Four Seasons of Yosemite (1980). Yosemite pictorial by Dana Morgenson
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• Remembering Yosemite (1980). Yosemite pictorial by Dana Morgenson
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• Eric Blehm, The Last Seasonr (2006), chapters 2, 4-6, mentions Dana and Esther Morgenson, parents of the subject of the book, Randy Morgenson.r

Bibliographical Information

r Dana Clark Morgenson (1906-1980),r Yosemite Wildflower Trailsr (Yosemite Natural History Association, 1975).r Based on notes by Mary Curry Tresidder.r No valid copyright notice and no copyright registration.r LCCN 76364906.r 88 pages. Illustrated. 22 cm.r Perfect bound with paper wrappers, illustrated with a color photograph.r Library of Congress call number QK149.M65.r

r This book was also bound in beige cloth boards, as a presentation copy,r but the content is the same. r

r Converted to HTML by Dan Anderson, November 2007,r from a personal copy.r These files may be used for any non-commercial purpose,r provided this notice is left intact.r
r     —Dan Anderson, www.yosemite.ca.usr

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Yosemite Wildflower Trails (1975) by Dana C. Morgenson

r YOSEMITEr
r WILDFLOWERr
r TRAILSr

r Text and photographsr
r byr
r DANA C. MORGENSONr

r Published byr
r YOSEMITE NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATIONr
r © 1975r

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Yosemite Wildflower Trails (1975) by Dana C. Morgenson

CONTENTS

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Yosemite Wildflower Trails (1975) by Dana C. Morgenson

FOREWORD

r The purpose of a National Park such as Yosemite is the preservation, in its naturalr state, of a great scenic area of national significance, together with all of its wildlife,r be it plant or animal. Its objective is therefore to provide us with a great naturer preserve of superlative character which we and our posterity may visit and enjoy.r However, the privilege that we may have of its enjoyment carries with it a larger degree of responsibility on the part of all of us to help maintain the natural conditionsr we should expect to find. The beauty that holds our eyes as we gaze over the wildr landscape or examine more closely its detail is the result of ages-long interactions ofr an intricate complex of physical and biological forces. It has its fragile aspects, andr this is notably the case as to the aggregations or scatterings of the particular kinds ofr flowering plants composing elements of the communities of vegetation. The flower-strewn areas and the flowers themselves, both of which we so admire, are easilyr disrupted by our thoughtless actions. All of us, by treading lightly and merely admiring, can leave but little if any trace of ever having passed that way.r

r In the following charming account our author introduces us to many of the wildflowers of Yosemite National Park and enables us to know and thereby appreciater them more fully. He leads us to them through the seasons and along the trails her knows so well. His is a first-hand experience with them through many years of residence in the Park and travel on its trails. Moreover, he has had the good fortune ofr having been in long association with Mary Tresidder who had an abiding love forr Yosemite’s wild places and especially for its wildflowers. Her knowledge of ther flowers was sound. I recall the several occasions when, at one or another of the Curryr Company’s High Sierra Camps, I would find by the door of the dining tent a newly-written, lengthy and accurate listing of, and interesting comments on, the flowers tor be found in bloom in the immediate area during the week I merely happened tor arrive. They were in Mary Tresidder’s hand; she had fastened them there. And then,r out on the trail, when perchance I found her together with a group of her old friends,r her questions and comments on the flowers she had seen showed again her love andr knowledge of them. Much of her love and knowledge of Yosemite’s wildflowers sher has passed on to our author.r

r Carl W. Sharsmithr

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Yosemite Wildflower Trails (1975) by Dana C. Morgenson

PREFACE

r Yosemite National Park, world-famous for its majestic granite cliffs and thunderingr waterfalls, is also a region of great appeal to the admirer and student of wildflowers.r Many casual visitors are aware of only a few of the more showy species such asr redbud, dogwood, azalea and lupine, but interested observation will disclose ar fascinating array of flowering plants, seemingly endless in their variety of form, colorr and life habits. When one’s interest and attention are drawn to this facet of Yosemite’sr splendor, it becomes a continuing source of delight and inspiration, increasingly sor with each visit.r

r The great diversity in Yosemite’s flora is chiefly a product of the pronouncedr altitudinal variations within the Park. On the western edge, near the El Portalr entrance, the elevation is only 2,000 feet above sea level, within the Digger Pine-Chaparral Belt of the foothills. (Under the former Merriam system of life zone classification, this would be known as the Upper Sonoran Zone.) By contrast, the Sierra crestr which marks the eastern boundary of the Park includes peaks reaching to heights ofr 12,000 to 13,000 feet, the so-called Alpine Zone. Between these two extremes arer gradually increasing elevation zones which contain basins, canyons and mountainr slopes, yielding wide contrasts in climate and soil conditions and thereby producingr an amazing variety of plant forms.r

r One of the interesting concepts of plant occurrence in Yosemite is the sequencer of wildflower blooming. This extremely pleasant aspect of the floral year is particularly associated in our minds with the season of springtime, when all the world ofr nature arouses itself from winter dormancy and begins its primary task of producingr seeds and fruits—preceded, of course, by the beautiful phenomenon of multi-huedr blossoms. Spring, according to the calendar, normally may be expected during ther months of April and May, with the increasing warmth of June, July and Augustr generally bringing an end to the period of bloom. Not so, however, in Yosemiter National Park.r

r In this favored region, spring puts in its first appearance in early March (sometimes even in late February) with the earliest buttercups pushing through the greeningr turf of the Sierra foothills. As week follows week across the calendar, spring strolls inr footsteps of beauty up the mountain slopes, stopping in a grassy meadow, then besider musical streams of icy melt-water, pausing to decorate a canyon’s walls or to addr vibrant colors to a lakeshore. As spring passes, each succeeding altitudinal zone of ther Park comes alive with its own varieties of flowers. Finally, at the end of August, ther pageant of springtime reaches its last act with the flowering of the gentians across ther subalpine meadows while rock-fringe and alpine columbine bloom among the rockyr fastnesses of the summit peaks. A blessed land is this, indeed, where one is privilegedr to enjoy six months of springtime, through the simple expedient of following ther season vertically through the Park!r

r The purpose of this book is to provide a trail guide to these flowers of Yosemite,r especially the ones most likely to attract attention. Within the confines of this smallr volume it was not possible to be more inclusive; over 1,500 classified floweringr plants, shrubs and trees occur within Yosemite National Park. I will try to point outr representative trails and roads where you may follow the ascending passage of spring.r The book will attempt to list the most showy flowers in these areas and to suggestr when and where they may be seen. Descriptions of the flowers have been phrasedr in nontechnical terms, emphasizing the salient characteristics of color, form, size andr location which will enable the layman to make a ready identification. But for furtherr use in studying these plants and their related taxonomic classifications, the scientificr names have been included with the common names used in the Yosemite area.r Mary Curry Tresidder was one who knew and loved the wildflowers of Yosemite,r with a deep sensitivity born of a lifetime spent in the Park. Though every otherr aspect of Yosemite was familiar to her as well—its trees, its birds, its waterfalls, itsr trails and its incredible scenery—the wildflowers remained her chief joy and constantr inspiration. She understood their characteristics, knew where to find them and whenr to expect them, and felt ever at home among the flowered canyons and meadows ofr this part of the Sierra Nevada.r

r For many years she had considered writing a book on Yosemite wildflowers,r hoping to communicate to others some of her own feeling for their unique charm,r while assisting the interested beginner to learn more about them. Though she keptr careful diaries and field records, the years slipped by and the book was never started.r As she neared the end of her life, realizing she would never achieve this cherishedr goal personally, she decided to make provision in her will for the work to ber accomplished.r

r This book is the direct result of her vision and generosity, reflecting a lifetime ofr interest in Yosemite wildflowers. Much of its material is based on her journals, diariesr and articles she prepared occasionally for publication in newspapers and magazines.r Additional field work has been done by the author along the trails and roads of ther Park during many years of residence in Yosemite. I am deeply indebted to Dr. Carlr Sharsmith, noted Yosemite Ranger-Naturalist, Emeritus Professor of Botany at San Joser State University, San Jose, California, and an outstanding authority on the flora ofr Yosemite, for checking the work for scientific accuracy.r

r Dana C. Morgensonr

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Yosemite Wildflower Trails (1975) by Dana C. Morgenson

SIERRA FOOTHILLSr AND THE APPROACHESr TO YOSEMITE

r Visitors to Yosemite National Park who approach from the west—and this a larger majority—travel through many miles of foothill country before arriving at their destination. Whether they use State Highway #41 from Fresno, #140 out of Merced orr #120 via Oakdale and Groveland (the Big Oak Flat Road), such an approach will ber enhanced by a pleasing variety of wildflowers in March, April and May.r

r As the first groundswells of the Sierra lift above the flatlands of the San Joaquinr Valley, the wildflowers begin to appear. One of the showiest of these low-elevationr plants is Tidy Tips (Layia fremontii), a very handsome member of the sunflowerr family. The foot-high, rather hairy, branching stems support flowers about two inchesr across. Orange-gold petals terminate in prominent white tips, giving the blossoms ar distinctively elegant appearance. Tidy tips prefer the gently rolling grasslands of ther lowest foothills, and are at their best in March and April. In March too, the open,r sunny flats of these low foothills are blanketed by a tiny composite called Goldfieldsr (Baeria chrysostoma). Only a few inches high, its uncounted numbers of individualr yellow blooms make an impressive mass of color across the landscape.r

r Another brilliant tonal effect is created in this same area by a small white flowerr called Meadow Foam (Limnanthes douglasii var. rosea). It grows in great profusionr around the borders of pools and seeps in the folds of the lowest hills, creating ther illusion of frothy, white foam or isolated snow drifts, startling in the wide expanse ofr green grass. The individual flowers are attractively lined with pink veins across ther petals and are on stems 4 to 10 inches high, but it is the total mass which producesr its remembered beauty.r

r A type of flower commonly seen in this region is the genus known as brodiaea,r of the lily family. In good wildflower years, at least five different species will be foundr r r r r

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Meadow Foam in Sierra Foothills, Limnanthes douglasii var. rosear

r Another memorable group of plants, also in the lily family, is the genus calochortus,r familiarly called Mariposa lily. Some of the more common representativesr of this genus develop large, open, bowl-shaped blossoms, in colors of white, yellowr or lavender-pink, with vividly contrasting designs at the base of each petal. Growingr on long, slender stems also, they are to be found from foothills to high mountains;r we will find the white form of the Mariposa lily again in Yosemite Valley and laterr along the High Sierra Loop Trail. Perhaps the most exquisite of the calochortus (meaning, literally, “beautiful grass”—and the leaves are grass-like) is the Fairy Lantern orr Globe Lily (Calochortus albus). Its lantern-like blossoms, creamy white, hang pendentr from the two-foot-high flower stalks, with a graceful quality of great appeal. Instantly,r the similarity to Japanese lanterns is brought to mind. Look for these unusually beautiful flowers in shady, rather rocky locations and often, conveniently, in road cuts. Theyr bloom in April and May.r

r One of the early bloomers, and one of the more colorful, is the charming littler annual commonly called Baby-Blue-Eyes (Nemophila menziesii). It can be foundr between 2,000 and 4,000 feet in grassy or brushy places, often forming pools ofr r r r intense sky-blue where the blossoms crowd together. Sometimes these flowers arer distributed broadly across grassy slopes, like fine stardust. Their 5-petaled flowerr cups, deep blue with white centers, are usually about an inch across and are borner on slightly hairy stems with compound leaves divided into many toothed segments.r The deeply saturated blue blossom is easily seen as one drives the foothill roads, evenr though the flower stems are but 4 to 10 inches high.r

r In the same general altitude (1,300 to 5,000 feet) there often will be found greatr numbers of another striking blossom. Since it usually blooms in May, when much ofr the foothill area is drying at the close of the rainy season, it is known by the commonr but appropriate name of Farewell-to-Spring (Clarkia purpurea ssp. quadrivulnera).r The predominant color is lavender, often verging on a deep pink, with a spot ofr deeper tone near the base of each of the four petals. It prefers brushy or woodedr areas and competes with the tall grass by growing on slender stems 1 to 3 feet long.r The species illustrated is very similar in color and form, but may be distinguished fromr Clarkia purpurea ssp. quadrivulnera by the pendulous buds. It is identified asr Clarkia dudleyana.r

r One of the most common and typical of California wildflowers is the lupine,r a member of the pea family. It is found from seacoast to mountain peak and occursr in many widely varying species. Most lupine blossoms are in shades of blue, red-violetr or purple, although some lupines are yellow, others white and one (Harlequin Lupiner —Lupinus stiversii) has the unusual color combination of yellow and pink in a singler blossom. As one drives through the foothills to Yosemite in April, one of the mostr impressive flower spectacles between 2,000 and 4,000 feet is the Bush Lupiner (Lupinus albifrons), forming great rounded masses of magenta-purple, the long bloomingr spikes often tipped with silvery gray where the individual blossoms are still in bud.r The shrubs may reach heights of 4 to 5 feet. Their leaves are in the spreading palmater form so typical of lupine, silvery-hairy in texture, light green in color. They seem tor enjoy the roadsides and will frequent rocky cuts; they are indeed worthy forerunnersr of the scenic grandeur and floral beauty which lie ahead.r

r A drive up the Merced River Canyon along State Highway #140 from mid-Marchr to mid-April will be rewarded by one of the most colorful flowering displays of ther year. This is the time when the Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis) comes intor bloom, and its small, boat-shaped, magenta-colored blossoms produce great moundsr of brilliance on the tree-sized shrubs growing along the river. As the leaves do notr appear until the flowers have begun to fade, there is nothing to compete with ther tremendous surge of color. Later, the rounded, bright green leaves appear, and ther shrubs are attractive in that aspect as well. Throughout the summer, the long, rusty-red seed pods hang on the branches, themselves giving almost a blossoming effect.r

r Another shrub or small tree frequently seen along the Merced Canyon puts outr its long, slender leaves in startling green of a deeply saturated quality as the redbudr blossoms reach their peak of magenta color. This is the California Buckeyer (Aesculus californica), sometimes referred to as “horse chestnut” because of the spectacularr brown fruits or nuts which form in late summer. The blending of the green tone ofr these leaves with the magenta of the redbud is a truly satisfying experience in colorr imagery. Later in May or early June, long spikes of creamy white blossoms appear inr quantity across the rounded profiles of these small shrub-like trees. The spikes are 4 tor 6 inches in length, numerous on each tree, and are spectacularly apparent as oner r r drives along the Merced Canyon on Highway #140. They may also be seen fromr Highway #41 out of Fresno, although not as frequently. The buckeye’s range isr between 1,000 and 3,000 feet. Summer visitors will notice these trees, too, for theyr follow the unusual pattern of shedding their leaves at the onset of the dry season—ther only deciduous tree of this region which responds in this manner to the hot, dry foothill summers. With the leaves gone, the large shiny brown seed pods or fruits hangr prominently from the branches like decorative ornaments on a Christmas tree.r

r California Poppies (Eschscholzia californica) frequently make striking springtimer displays of orange-gold on the grassy hillsides on any of the approach roads tor Yosemite, usually appearing in April. In good wildflower years they are especiallyr dramatic on the steep canyon slopes along the Merced River on Highway #140. It isr the California state flower, occurring in grassy, open areas from sea level to nearlyr 5,000 feet. These brilliant flower cups, up to 2 inches across, consist of 4 petals liftedr to the sunlight on stems 9 to 24 inches high, rising from a mass of silvery greenr leaves divided into numerous fine segments. When poppies grow intermixed withr short-stemmed ground lupines, the contrast of orange and blue presents one of ther most scintillating effects in the world of wildflowers. Enjoy your poppies in the midday sun, for they close their flower cups in late afternoon and do not reopen untilr the morning sunshine floods them again with warmth. On overcast days, usually theyr don’t open at all.r

r One of California’s most typical shrubs, manzanita, is encountered frequentlyr on any of the three approach roads to Yosemite from the west. There are more thanr forty species of this shrub in the state, and the one most commonly seen on ther foothills of the Sierra is the White-Leaf Manzanita (Arctostaphylos viscida). It is ar handsome type, by any standard, and visitors to Yosemite invariably are impressed byr its satin-smooth, maroon-colored trunks and branches, thickly covered by small,r roundish, gray leaves. These leaves provide the perfect color complement for ther clusters of small pink blossoms which hang on the shrub in abundance, like tiny urnsr with delicate recurved lobes at the throat, from February to April. In midsummer, ther blossoms mature as clusters of small, round, russet fruits, bearing a strong resemblance to little apples. The plant derives its name from these fruits, for “manzanita”r in Spanish means, literally, “little apple.” At any time of the year the shrub is anr attractive landscape addition, its contorted maroon branches often reaching heightsr of 8 to 12 feet to form small trees. Other species of manzanita are to be found tor the 10,000 foot elevation in Yosemite National Park.r

r A very colorful addition to the roadsides through the foothills and up to 5,000r feet is the little orange-crimson flower called Indian Pink or Catchflyr (Silene californica). It prefers brushy or wooded places and is seen near Wawona, on Highwayr #41, and along Highway #120 west of the Park boundary. Occasionally one findsr it in the Merced Canyon, too, along Highway #140. This little beauty appears onr stems from 5 to 16 inches high, several arising from a single rootstock. The unusuallyr bright-colored blossom forms a tube which flares out in a flat plane about anr inch in diameter, with deeply scalloped, or “pinked,” edges. Look for it in Aprilr and May.r

r Even the casual observer will notice a number of other species not listed abover along one of the approach roads to Yosemite in April and early May. Mary Curryr Tresidder, writing in her typically sensitive manner about the coming of springtimer r r to the Sierran foothills, calls attention to a further list of seasonal favorites whichr anyone with eyes to see will be sure to admire:r

r “At this season, the poppy-colored fiddleneck (Amsinckia intermedia var.r eastwoodae), in the fields and along the roadsides approaching the Sierran foothills,r is one of the fine displays between Merced or Fresno and Yosemite. The dusty-leavedr foothill species of California lilac (Ceanothus cuneatus) has begun to blossom fromr the Mariposa region upward, and in a few days more it will be showing its roundedr creamy bouquets throughout the fields.r

r “In the moist cuts where water drips from the rocks after a wet winter there arer many small treasures such as dwarf shooting stars (Dodecatheon hansenii); sometimes the small-flowered brodiaea known as ‘blue dicks’ or ‘grass nuts’ (Brodiaea pulchella)r fringe the rocks in grassy pockets, or a few scarlet paintbrush (Castillejar applegatei) may have ventured out already. An occasional stonecrop (Dudleyar cymosa) is already spreading its succulent rosettes of pale green leaves on rockyr places that are less fertile, but they have not yet turned to their yellow-ochre coloringr nor put up their bright scarlet flowers.r

r “This is really the period of the year to explore the network of foothill roads,r careless of time and speed, in order to observe the embroidery of color on roadsidesr and flowery fields before the grasses get too high. One finds larkspur (Delphiniumr hansenii) and golden stars (Brodiaea lutea var. scabra) in the light shade of blue oaksr or sparse digger pines, Chinese pagodas (Collinsia heterophylla), white popcornr flowers (Plagiobothrys nothofulvus), cream cups (Platystemon californicus) and tidyr tips (Layia fremontii) in the open and along the fences, calico flowers or five-spotr (Nemophila maculata), a cousin of the baby-blue-eyes, in patches here and there,r and half a dozen assorted brodiaeas and gilias. Blazing star (Mentzelia lindleyi ssp. crocea)r shows its dazzling yellow on the hillsides near Oakhurst and on some of ther side roads of the Mariposa area or along the lower Big Oak Flat Road. Ther ‘slippery ellum,’ or flannel-bush (Fremontia californica), is a fairly common golden-floweredr shrub blooming in April near Oakhurst on Highway #41.”r

r Springtime in the foothills of the Sierra—March, April and early May—is a happyr season, replete with endless vistas of lawn-green hillslopes, scatter rugs of floral color,r bird songs, running streams in gullies and small canyons and long days of sunshiner gradually warming toward the intensity of summer. By the end of May, the springr rains have ceased, the high-angled sun shines hotly and the grasses mature to ar golden sheen as the flowers fade. Summer has arrived in the foothills; spring hasr moved on, up the mountain slopes, painting with wildflowers the meadows andr canyons of the higher, more spectacular regions.r

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Tidy Tips, Layia fremontiir	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Golden Brodiaea, (Brodiaea lutea var. scabrar
	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Fairy Lantern, Calochortus albusr

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Baby-Blue-Eyes, Nemophila menziesiir	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Clarkia, Clarkia dudleyanar
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Bush Lupine, Lupinus albifronsr

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Redbud, Cercis occidentalisr
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r California Buckeye, Aesculus californicar
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Whiteleaf Manzanita, Arctostaphylos viscidar	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r California Poppy, Eschscholzia californicar
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Indian Pink, Silene californicar

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Stonecrop, Dudleya cymosar	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Five-Spot, Nemophila maculatar
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Chinese Pagodas, Collinsia heterophyllar	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Blazing Star, Mentzelia lindleyi ssp. crocear
	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Flannel Bush, Fremontia californicar

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Yosemite Wildflower Trails (1975) by Dana C. Morgenson

FLOWERSr OFr YOSEMITE VALLEY

r In late April, while springtime is yet evident in the foothills of the Sierra, its forerunners are to be seen in Yosemite Valley. Although most of the flowers come somewhat later, April sets the tone of the happy season with the greening of the meadowsr and the bursting of leaf buds on the shrubs and broad-leaved trees. As Mary Tresidderr writes so picturesquely: “Two of the delightful components of the early spring landscape are the delicate chartreuse-to-light-green tassels of the big-leaf maple, and ther somewhat more russet tassels and unfolding ochre and scarlet leaves of the Kelloggr black oak. The whip-like crimson stems of the creek dogwood, or red-osier dogwood,r found in moist places, are another highlight of the picture, as its leaves begin tor uncurl.”r

r May is the month of full-blown springtime in the Valley, the time of tumultuousr water in the famous falls and in the Merced River, the month when all growing thingsr —grasses, ferns, flowers, shrubs, trees—literally gleam with the radiance of newr growth. The full moon of May, shining on the peak volume of Yosemite Falls whichr pours over the Valley’s rim in clouds of misty spray, produces that rarest of spectralr images, a lunar rainbow at the foot of the Lower Fall. This month sees the start of ther Valley’s flowering season which then continues, in a succession of different bloomingr species, until August, even while spring continues its upward course toward ther summit peaks.r

r One of the very first springtime blossoms is that perennial favorite, the violet.r Preferring the filtered shade of the forest, there are three species of yellow violets inr Yosemite. Perhaps the most commonly seen one is called simply the Mountain Violetr (Viola purpurea). The yellow blossoms have purplish markings on the backs of ther upper two petals and purple stripes on the lower three petals. The stems are 2 to 6r r r
[IMAGE]
r Cow Parsnip, Azalea in Yosemite Valley meadowr r

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Cow Parsnip, Azalea in Yosemite Valley meadow, Heracleum lanatumr

r The one flower most usually identified with the image of springtime in ther memory of Yosemite’s visitors is the Mountain Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii). In years ofr early-arriving springs, the first of the large, white blossoms appear toward the end ofr April, but the month of May is the period which normally belongs to the dogwood,r in all its glory, year in and year out. One can confidently expect to find these delicater blooms at their best in May, just as the peak of Yosemite’s waterfalls can also ber enjoyed in that favored month. Dogwood prefers damp places, so look for it near ther Merced River’s banks or along tributary streams. The area near Fern Spring, at Happyr Isles and along Tenaya Creek below Mirror Lake are typical locations.r

r A strange flower is the dogwood. The flower actually consists of the small centerr button—a tight head of many tiny florets which turn lemon-yellow in bloom andr produce a cluster of bright red seeds in September, a favorite food for robins andr other birds. What appear to be large white petals are instead showy bracts surrounding the flower cluster. The effect, however, when the dogwood trees are in full bloom,r is of gigantic snowflakes drifting through the contrasting dark green of the coniferousr forest, a picture of rare beauty which will be ever associated with the memory ofr springtime in Yosemite. Dogwood is properly classified as a tree, yet its blossoms arer r r always included in any listing of Yosemite’s most popular blooms.r

r When the dogwood begins to fade, the Western Azalea (Rhododendron occidentale) comes into its prime. As the month of May belongs to the dogwood, so is Juner the season for azalea. This handsome deciduous shrub is widely spread throughoutr much of California, but rarely does it achieve a finer impression of vitality and beautyr than in the meadows of Yosemite Valley. It thrives in full sunlight and moderatelyr moist, acid soil—thus making it an ideal meadow plant, especially where oak leavesr have created rich humus. One of the finest locations for azalea is the El Capitanr Meadow where in one area there is an extensive thicket of bushes—3 to 8 feet high.r In June, the rich fragrance of their blossoms pervades the meadow, and the brightnessr of the large flower clusters is the dominant tone in the landscape. The individualr flowers are creamy white, with a spot of yellow on the upper portion of the funnelform blossom, which is 1 1/2 to 2 inches long. Unopened buds are strikingly outlinedr in pink, and often some of this color appears as a faint tinge on the blossom. In later October, the leaves turn to gold, orange or red, creating one of the most prominentr tones in the landscape of autumn. Azalea may be found up to 7,000 feet, along ther Glacier Point and Tioga Roads in July, but it is seen at its best in the lovely meadowsr of Yosemite Valley.r

r The most vividly colorful of the Valley flowers is, without doubt, the Snow Plantr (Sarcodes sanguinea). When it begins to emerge through the forest floor in early May,r it resembles a large red asparagus stem with many slender red leaves tightly wrappedr around. As the plant grows, bell-shaped red flowers appear at the top of the stem inr a terminal raceme, the plant thus reaching its final blooming phase in about 3 weeks.r The snow plant is of surpassing interest to flower fanciers and photographers at allr stages of its development, because of its deeply saturated red tone throughout. Itr lacks the chlorophyll which gives the familiar green color to most plants, and whichr is essential to the production of plant food. Hence, it derives its nourishment fromr decaying organic material under the forest floor and is classified as a saprophyte. Lookr for this spectacular flower from May to July, first on the floor of Yosemite Valley, laterr in the Mariposa Grove of Sequoias and along the Glacier Point Road. It prefers areasr of deep forest duff, under pines or firs, so it is hidden away from casual viewing.r Nevertheless, each spring includes at least a few snow plants (in favorable years,r multiple groupings may be found), and the thrill of discovery is more than ampler reward for the search. Admire them you may and assuredly will, but there is a heavyr fine for picking or otherwise disturbing one of these rare beauties.r

r Another saprophyte which blooms slightly later than the snow plant is the stranger Pinedrop (Pterospora andromedea). In June, you may find it growing (as the namer suggests) under the Ponderosa pines. It is said to be parasitic on the fungi that arer symbiotically associated with the tree roots. Pinedrops appear as tall wand-like stalks,r rust colored, somewhat sticky with small, brown, scale-like leaves. It may grow to ar height of 1 to 3 feet flowering from June to August. The flowers hang pendent alongr the upper portion of the stalk, like small bells, and vary in color from white to red.r After flowering, the plant dies, but its warm-toned stalks stand like exclamation pointsr in the forest far into the fall and winter. Its appearance in Yosemite Valley is intermittent and cannot be as precisely pinpointed as with some flowers, yet at least a fewr of these unusual plants are to be found every year.r

r April brings one of the early and exceedingly attractive harbingers of spring, ther r r Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa), found in moist, shaded areas and along smallr streams. Near Fern Spring, the river bank oozes with the water from a number of larger and small springs, creating an ideal habitat under the filtered shade of tall pines, firsr and cedars. The rose-purple flowers grow on stems a foot or more high, noddingr gracefully above a cluster of large leaves which are much dissected. The blossomsr have four petals which combine to form an elongated heart, with two small spurs atr the base. Though seen nowhere in abundance, where conditions are right, it grows upr to an elevation of 6,000 feet. Two other interesting members of this genus are foundr in Yosemite: Golden Ear-Drops (Dicentra chrysantha), a tall stalk with bright yellowr flowers seen along the Big Oak Flat Road above the second tunnel, and Steer’s Headr (Dicentra uniflora), a tiny white replica of a bleached steer’s skull which appears justr after the snow has left the ground from 7,000 to 10,500 feet.r

r In deep shady woods, rich in humus, look for the handsome large leaves of ther Wild Ginger (Asarum hartwegii), which are roughly heart-shaped and a rich, glossyr green. Parting these leaves carefully you will find one of the most pleasing of springtime surprises—a little group of brownish-purple faces peering up at you elfishly.r These blossoms are found at ground level (actually the plant is stemless) and are wellr hidden beneath the spreading canopy of leaves. They are little cups, the exterior quiter hairy, and with elongated tips at the end of each of the three sepals. (This blossomr has no true petals.) The aromatic quality of the leaves and roots is reminiscent ofr commercial ginger which, however, is a tropical plant. Wild ginger was used as ar substitute for the imported type by early settlers. You will be agreeably surprised byr its fragrance in addition to its interesting form; rub your fingers briskly across a leafr to enjoy its spicy aroma. A typical place to find wild ginger, in May and June, is alongr the trail from Mirror Lake to Snow Creek Falls, in Tenaya Canyon.r

r The warm days of late May and June—early summer—bring out carpets of Pussyr Paws (Calyptridium umbellatum) across the open, gravelly, sun-drenched flats inr portions of Yosemite Valley. They are often seen, for instance, along the incomingr South Side Drive near the start of the Four-Mile Trail. In spite of its common occurrence this little blossom never ceases to merit admiration from Park visitors for itsr rosettes of pink to white flower heads rising from a circle of bright green leaves. Ther heads, usually 1 to 2 inches across, are made up of innumerable tiny flowers crowdedr together, giving a total effect of softness which has been likened to the upturned pawr of a kitten. The flower stems varying from 2 to 10 inches long, rise from the basalr leaves to hold the blooms somewhat erect during the warmth of daytime but generally return to a prone position with the cool of evening. Pussy paws are hardy littler plants and can be found growing all the way to tree line, wherever soil and sun arer suitable.r

r With the advent of summer’s warm days, the maturing of the Valley meadowsr brings a climax of flowering. One of summer’s favorites, which decorates ther meadows in subtle tones of rose and silver-gray, is the Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa).r Its tall stalks, 2 to 4 feet high, hold large sprays of blossoms, individuallyr small but forming umbels (clusters of flowers with all the divisional stems arisingr from one point) 4 to 6 inches across. The long leaves, covered with woolly hairs,r produce an interesting effect in themselves and add a soft shade of green whichr omplements the rose-purple of the flowers. In autumn, these leaves turn a brightr yellow, while each flower stalk is conspicuous for the large woolly pods which finallyr r r split and release their myriads of seeds—each seed equipped with a mass of silkenr fibres which enable it to drift across the landscape on the gentlest breeze. The handsome Monarch butterfly is especially attracted to this milkweed, its caterpillars feeding on the leaves and absorbing a bitter poison which makes them unattractive tor birds. You will find this showy flower in masses in Yosemite’s meadows in June andr July, especially in the Ahwahnee Meadow.r

r At about the same time, another common but very conspicuous plant comes intor bloom. Preferring moist areas of meadows, the Cow Parsnip (Heracleum lanatum)r grows in a profusion of creamy white blossoms on tall, coarse stalks with deeplyr toothed large leaves up to 12 inches across. The blossom consists of a broad, flatr umbel which in turn is made up of 15 to 30 smaller umbels of tiny blooms. The wholer effect is of a large design in lace work. Although the entire plant is big and coarse, ar grouping of these showy members of the carrot family in a grassy meadow, with ther background of Yosemite’s cliffs and waterfalls, is a memory to cherish. It is prominentr in the Valley meadows in June (often especially lush in Cook’s and Sentinel Meadows)r and may be found in moist locations up to 8,000 feet later in the summer.r

r From late May until the early frosts of autumn, a frequently seen flower in wetr areas of meadows and along stream banks is the little Sneezeweed (Helenium bigelovii). Sunflower yellow, it grows on slender stems 1 to 2 feet high, its flower head ar tight grouping of minute yellow-brown florets surrounded by 13 to 30 bright goldenr rays which droop slightly to form a fringe. The resemblance to our common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is marked, yet the little sneezeweed has an erect andr vivacious quality which instantly sets it apart. A large display is usually seen in Cook’sr Meadow in June, and it can also be found during the summer months along ther Merced River below Happy Isles. Don’t be alarmed by the common name of thisr charming flower; few persons if any have been known to develop allergic reactionsr in its presence. The name was derived from its early use by pioneers, who are said tor have dried the flower, powdered it and used it to produce sneezing in an attempt tor relieve the congestion of head colds.r

r Occasionally found in Yosemite Valley in July is a delicate little flower in ther wintergreen family, called Pipsissewa, or Prince’s Pine (Chimaphila umbellata var. occidentalis).r Its bright green, waxy, elongated and toothed leaves clothe a stalk 6 tor 12 inches high, from which arises a flower stem bearing from 3 to 7 small pinkr blossoms about the size of a nickel. They too have a waxy quality which causes themr to gleam in the forest shadows. Pipsissewa flourishes in dry areas in the shady forestsr and is most likely to be found among the talus slopes at the base of Yosemite’s cliffs.r A colony of this distinctive little plant gives the impression of a miniature forest, whiler its neat, well-groomed appearance imparts to it something of a regal character. Nor wonder that Mary Tresidder, who admired this flower so much, chose it as her floralr pseudonym one summer (each of her friends similarly selecting a flower name), calling herself “Princess Pipsissewa.”r

r Among the shrubs in bloom in Yosemite Valley during May and June, one inr particular is certain to provoke questions by visitors whose interests run to mattersr botanical. Its bright maroon-red blossoms, sprinkled liberally among the large greenr leaves identify the Spice Bush or Sweet Shrub (Calycanthus occidentalis). This shrubr may be quite large, growing to heights of 6 to 8 feet, with a generally rounded profiler The conspicuous red flowers form no great masses, but are borne at frequent intervalsr r r along the branches; they are succeeded by equally noticeable beige-colored seedr pods about an inch long, resembling thimbles. Spice bush is so called because of ther pleasant aroma of the twig ends when bruised or crushed. The flowers, however, haver a distinctly unpleasant odor and seem to be in direct contradiction to its commonr name. You will find this shrub growing intermittently along the Merced River, morer commonly below the level of Yosemite Valley. A large individual occurs at the roadr intersection near Curry Village. It has also been used quite effectively in the naturalr landscaping at Yosemite Lodge and The Ahwahnee Hotel.r

r In June, when the meadow grasses begin to mature, look for the rich blue-violetr of Harvest Brodiaea (Brodiaea elegans). Its slender stems, up to 16 inches high, holdr at their apex richly toned flowers with funnel-like tubes, the lavender petals recurvedr at their tips like lilies. It is a gracefully formed plant which does indeed give anr elegant appearance, as the scientific name suggests. There are usually several of theser handsome flowers on each stem, but the plant does not create large masses of color.r The long, thin leaves normally die about the time the flowers appear, so that theser beautiful blossoms seem to be a part of the grassy covering of the meadows. They arer often seen in the meadow near the Devil’s Elbow beach, intermingled with the rose-purple of godetia. This brodiaea was a favored food of the Indians, who dug the bulbsr and cooked them in earthen ovens.r

r Another little meadow flower of midsummer, an attractive member of ther gentian family, can be found in sunny, grassy flats on the Valley floor. This is ther Canchalagua (Centaurium venustum ssp. abramsii), a showy little blossom in spiter of its rather short stems (4 to 12 inches high). Its rose-magenta flowers have five-pointed petals surrounding a white throat with red spots, the whole being less thanr an inch across. These small blossoms are best seen and most appreciated at closer range, but they also create mass effects of great color intensity under favorable conditions. The western end of El Capitan Meadow and the grassy expanse of shoreline tor the north of Mirror Lake are two good places to look for them.r

r Walk out into almost any of the meadows of Yosemite Valley in July, and you arer likely to encounter the tall stalks of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum formosum var. scouleri).r It has erect stems up to two feet high, surmounted by clusters of brightr yellow flowers about an inch across, with many stamens which give to the blossom ar bristly appearance. The rather short leaves are paired and are black-dotted along ther margins. From midsummer on there are many yellow flowers which come intor bloom and, at some distance, St. John’s Wort seems rather undistinguished—neitherr more nor less interesting than the rest. However, at close range, its intricate structurer and brightly lacquered color make it one of the more attractive of summer’s offerings.r You will be glad to have made its acquaintance.r

r In the same meadowy areas, and at about the same time, expect to find anotherr yellow flower, a very familiar one to many people. The Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima)r is typically a plant of the eastern United States and was probably brought west by early settlers who brewed it to make a medicinal tea. It hasr readily adapted itself to the western mountains and is quite commonly found inr Yosemite’s meadows, where it blooms profusely throughout the summer monthsr and into early autumn. Long, golden rays surround a central disc of deep brown,r creating a flower 2 to 3 inches across on erect stems 2 to 4 feet high. Its leaves, 2 to 4r inches long, are covered with a sheen of fine silvery hairs. For many visitors tor r r Yosemite, this meeting with an old friend from back home adds pleasure to theirr Park experience.r

r Still another prominent yellow flower of summer is the Evening Primroser (Oenothera hookeri). As the name implies, it blooms in the evening and fades withr the warming sun of the following morning. For a short time in the morning light, itsr delicate yellow blossoms—2 to 3 inches wide—may be enjoyed to the fullest, a favorite subject for photographers. The stout stems with long, lance-shaped leaves rise 3 tor 6 feet high, bearing what seem to be limitless quantities of buds. Only a few openr each evening, however, so the lovely primrose contrives to remain a vivid part ofr summer’s floral displays well into September. To watch the opening of a primroser blossom on a summer evening is a fascinating experience. Within a few minutes ther sepals fold back, revealing the gold color beneath. Gradually, the four petals uncurlr to form the completed flower—the entire transition from bud to blossom havingr occurred before your astonished gaze. The flowers emit a perfume which can attractr a sphinx moth from several hundred feet away; these graceful creatures are of courser an important element in the pollination of the evening primrose. Deer relish the primrose buds for browse and have effectively eliminated the plant from many meadowr areas in Yosemite Valley where they once were abundant. However, this handsomer flower has been used extensively in the landscaping around The Ahwahnee Hotel andr Yosemite Lodge and may be seen there in great numbers.r

r One of Yosemite’s most commonly seen white flowers throughout much of ther Park, and especially in the Valley, is the Yarrow (Achillea lanulosa). In the sunflowerr family, it has 4 to 6 white petal-like rays surrounding a buff-colored disc of tiny florets.r The whole flower is less than a half-inch across, but is arranged with numerous othersr to form flat-topped terminal clusters of bloom, 2 to 4 inches wide, which at a slightr distance appear to be a compound flower-head. The stems are erect, 2 to 3 feet high,r and are thickly clothed with leaves. These leaves are one of the more interestingr characteristics of the yarrow. They are intricately divided into many finely cut,r delicate leaflets which give to the plant another common name: Milfoil or, literally, ar “thousand leaves.” Looking somewhat like fern fronds and quite aromatic, theser distinctive leaves are readily noticed from early spring until late fall and serve tor identify the white yarrow most of the year. Look for it in any of Yosemite Valley’sr meadows throughout the summer in rather dry, open areas.r

r When summer wanes, two flowers become prominent in the meadows andr along roadsides in Yosemite Valley. One is lavender in color, one is old gold; as theyr are sometimes seen in the same area, the contrast is dramatic and very pleasingr indeed. The lavender one is Sierra Lessingia (Lessingia leptoclada). Mary Tresidderr hacl a beautifully descriptive common name for it: “summer lavender.” Its tinyr flowers produce mass effects on dry flats, or sometimes as hedgerows along roadsides, that give the illusion of a thin veil or ground mist of purest color floating acrossr the landscape. At closer range, however, lessingia appears very much like a tiny aster,r to which it is distantly related, as both are in the composite or sunflower family. Ther small flowers are borne at the tips of the branchlets; as the mature plants are a massr of branching and re-branching stems, one gets the impression of a mound of delicater color. Lessingia first appears in late June as a single short stem a few inches high, withr a solitary bloom at its tip. Thereafter, the growing and branching occurs steadily, sor that by the end of August it will be about 2 feet in height. A very typical location tor r r see it at its best is the southern side of the Ahwahnee Meadow, where it reaches itsr peak about Labor Day.r

r The golden-colored blossom is, of course, that well-known harbinger of autumn,r Meadow Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis ssp. elongata). Actually, the first blossomsr appear in midsummer, but it continues to bloom until the end of September, makingr lines of gold across the Valley meadows which by that time are also maturing theirr grasses in warm tones of ochre and orange. Goldenrod is a mass of tiny yellowr flower heads in small compact clusters which form spikes of blossoms 3 to 7 inchesr long. The stems vary from 12 to 40 inches in height, are quite hairy and have manyr long, sharply notched leaves. As beautiful as this plant is in full bloom, many peopler are wary of it because it is popularly reputed to be a cause of hay fever. This is rarelyr true, however, for the sticky grains of pollen are carried by insects and not distributedr by the wind. Most of Yosemite’s meadows produce good showings of goldenrod, butr there are often exceptional displays in Bridalveil and Stoneman Meadows.r

r In addition to the more noticeable of Yosemite Valley’s wildflowers which arer pictured herein and described above, sharp eyes will find many others during ther flowering months of May, June and July. Certain to be encountered by anyone whor is sincerely interested are such diverse beauties as: the unusual pink and yellowr Harlequin Lupine (Lupinus stiversii); the Mariposa Lily, with its cup-shaped flowerheadr of gleaming white (Calochortus leichtlinii); the Purple Milkweedr (Asclepias cordifolia);r the white, waxy blossoms of Syringa or Mock Orange, a fragrant shrubr (Philadelphus lewisii ssp. californicus); Blue Penstemon (Penstemon laetus), sometimesr remarkably lavender, in dry areas; the pale purple blossoms of the Giant Hyssopr (Agastache urticifolia), an aromatic member of the mint family; Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum),r a woody plant with masses of small tubular lavender flowers,r Chinese Houses (Collinsia tinctoria), erect stalks of white flowers rising in whorls;r Elderberry (Sambucus caerulea), a large shrub with flat masses of yellow flowers,r maturing to blue berries; Shieldleaf (Streptanthus tortuosus) with tiny purple flowersr and conspicuous round yellow leaves.r

r The wildflower enthusiast will find some blossoming on the floor of Yosemiter Valley until the end of August, but the months of May and June are the period ofr finest displays. By early July, the higher elevations of the Park are becoming free ofr snow and spring arrives there, providing the proper conditions for a whole newr sequence of flowers. Thus the happy season progresses from week to week.r

r Let’s follow along!r

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Mountain Violet, Viola purpurear
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Mountain Dogwood, Cornus nuttalliir	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Western Azalea, Rhododendron occidentaler
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Snow Plant, Sarcodes sanguinear	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Pinedrops, Pterospora andromedear

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Bleeding Heart, Dicentra formosar	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Wild Ginger, Asarum hartwegiir
	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Pussy Paws, Calyptridium umbellatumr
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Showy Milkweed, Asclepias speciosar	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Cow Parsnip, Heracleum lanatumr

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Sneezeweed, Helenium bigeloviir	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Harvest Brodiaea, Brodiaea elegansr
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Pipsissewa, Chimaphila umbellata var. occidentalisr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r St. John’s Wort, Hypericum formosum var. scoulerir
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Spice Bush, Calycanthus occidentalisr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Black-Eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrimar

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Canchalagua, Centaurium venustum ssp. abramsiir		r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Evening Primrose, Oenothera hookerir
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r White Yarrow, Achillea lanulosar	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Sierra Lessingia, Lessingia leptocladar	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Meadow Goldenrod, Solidago carradensis ssp. elongatar
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Harlequin Lupine, Lupinus stiversiir	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Syringa or Mock Orange, Philadelphus lewisii ssp. californicusr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Giant Hyssop, Agastache urticifoliar

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r Yosemite > Library >r Wildflower Trails >r Along Valley Rim Trails >r

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r r Next: Subalpine Belt •r Contentsr • Previous: Yosemite Valleyr r

Yosemite Wildflower Trails (1975) by Dana C. Morgenson

ALONGr VALLEY RIMr TRAILS

r The rims of this famous chasm, Yosemite Valley, rise more than 3,000 feet abover the level parklands of its floor—creating a landscape of forests, meadows and graniter domes amid a very different environment from the Valley itself. Here, on plateausr between 7,000 and 8,000 feet in elevation, we enter the region sometimes referred tor as the Canadian Zone, since its flora and fauna resemble those found at the latituder of southern Canada. Another system of life zone classification, keyed more closely tor the dominant plants of each area, refers to this rim country as the Lodgepole Pine-Redr Fir Belt. These two trees are indeed. prominent in the forests at this elevation but inr addition we find—in some quantity—Jeffrey pines, western white pines (sometimesr called silver pines), Sierra juniper and aspen. The stately Big Tree, or Sequoiadendron giganteum,r occurs just below this zone, reaching elevations in Yosemite National Parkr up to 6,500 feet, while another noble tree, the sugar pine, also flourishes at elevationsr just under the rim country.r

r This is a region of magnificent forests, embellished with silken green meadows,r as well as open, gravelly slopes rolling up to the massive domes which are so typicalr of the middle elevations of the Park. Here and there small streams glide downwardr toward the Valley rims—streams with such memorable names as Yosemite Creek,r Bridalveil Creek, Ribbon Creek, Sentinel Creek, Illilouette Creek—the very streamsr which fling themselves over these rims to drift down in misty columns of spray to ther Valley floor as the famous waterfalls of Yosemite. In this splendid rim country is ar unique combination of differing wildflower habitats: the moist meadows and streambanks—the dry, sun-drenched rocky slopes or “gravel gardens”—the deeply shadedr humus of the forest floor under the red firs and lodgepoles. Thus perfect conditionsr are provided for a wide variety of flowering plants.r

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Yampah in Peregoy Meadow, Perideridia bolanderir

r There is a network of trails along each rim which will enable the hiker to penetrate as much of the region as he desires to see. For those not so inclined, or physicallyr unable to walk this much at higher elevations, two fine roads permit driving throughr some representative portions of the best of the rim country. The Glacier Point Roadr follows along the plateau to the south of Yosemite Valley, reaching a maximum elevation of 8,000 feet and finally coming out to the rim itself at Glacier Point, 7,300 feetr in elevation and directly above Curry Village, far below. To the north of the Valley,r the Tioga Road climbs up to the rim and beyond, threading its way through a magnificent granite wilderness which is the approach to the eastern gateway of Yosemiter National Park at the 9,941-foot Tioga Pass.r

r Let’s do a bit of flower hunting along these roads. After that, we’ll hike down ther Pohono Trail which extends 13 miles along the south rim of Yosemite Valley, fromr Glacier Point to the Wawona Road at the tunnel. A walk on this trail, in mid-July,r can provide one of the finest of wildflower adventures.r

r As one drives from Yosemite Valley up either of the two roads to the rim countryr in June or early July, one of the shrubs most certain to attract attention is the Deerr Brush (Ceanothus integerrimus). Its small ovate leaves and tender stems are a favoriter browse for deer. The fluffy panicles of white flowers, occasionally tinged with blue,r resemble the form of the domestic lilac, hence another common name, Californiar Lilac. This shrub may grow to heights of 10 to 12 feet and is encountered in quantityr on mountain slopes between 5,000 and 7,000 feet elevation.r

r Several other species of ceanothus also are found in this area. A lower growingr form produces powder-blue flowers and is more commonly seen along the Big Oakr Flat Road below Crane Flat. Near Chinquapin, on the Wawona Road, a prostrate shrubr r r called Fresno Ceanothus, or Fresno Mat (Ceanothus fresnensis), spreads across ther open rocky slopes on the roadsides, with mats of tiny blue flowers scarcely raisedr above the foliage. Another type, also somewhat prostrate, but making wide shrubbyr mounds under the red fir forest, is the Snow Bush (Ceanothus cordulatus). Its blossoms make great heaps of white under the firs, resembling late-lying drifts of lastr winter’s snow.r

r Above the Wawona Tunnel, along the Glacier Point Road in June and July, a tall,r slender plume of white waves in the breeze. This is Alum-Root (Heuchera micranthar var. erubescens), in the saxifrage family and somewhat reminiscent of that familiarr garden flower, coral-bells. Rising out of a rosette of roundish, somewhat lobed leaves,r the flower stalks, 1 to 2 feet high, produce panicles of minute white flowers, sor delicate they seem to float unattached. This unusually graceful flower prefers dryr rocky places, so it is often seen in road cuts and along trail sides. Even after the flowersr have turned to seeds, the tall, silhouetted stalks and interestingly shaped leaves attractr attention. In late summer, many of the leaves turn a bright red.r

r Another flower which often will he noticed as one drives either road in early- tor mid-summer is the Blue Penstemon (Penstemon laetus). Its long, tubular blossomsr range from blue to purple, and the upper ends of the petals are recurved to form anr ideal landing place for bees, an important element in the pollination of these flowers,r as they busily go in and out during their unending search for honey. The plants sendr up many flowering stalks, 1 to 2 feet high, and in full bloom the effect is of a mound ofr color. They prefer dry, rocky areas, and the contrast between the deeply saturatedr blue-violet tones of these blossoms and their background of light gray granite isr exceptionally pleasing. Roadsides are frequent habitats for this penstemon; alongr the Tioga Road near the crossing of Yosemite Creek is a place it may be seen tor advantage every year.r

r One of Yosemite’s most prized wildflowers occurs at moderate elevations alongr either road during July, the Washington Lily (Cilium washingtonianum). Althoughr never appearing in large numbers, this majestic white beauty can be found, to at leastr a limited extent, each summer. Look for it on steep, well-drained slopes, preferablyr where low shrubbery gives it the necessary cover to permit growth and flowering,r safe from browsing deer. Long stalks—up to 6 feet tall—carry several of theser exquisite, trumpet-shaped flowers, reminiscent of Easter lilies. The blossoms are 3 tor 5 inches long. Delicately fragrant, they have the white purity of new snow, with a fewr reddish dots on the petals. The long, slender leaves are arranged in symmetricalr whorls at intervals along the stalk, producing in themselves a pleasing geometricr pattern. Altogether a thrilling sight is the Washington lily. Look for it along ther Wawona Road for several miles on either side of Chinquapin, and also on the Tiogar Road for a few miles on each side of Crane Flat.r

r Near Crane Flat, in July and August, expect to find that unusual member of ther sunflower family, the California Coneflower (Rudbeckia californica). Its tall stems,r 2 to 6 feet high, raise the showy yellow flowers to a position where they are easilyr seen from the road. The sunflower-like blossoms are deep yellow, 4 to 6 inches across,r the central discs of dark brown forming a cone 1 to 2 inches in height. No otherr sunflower in Yosemite has this distinctive feature in the blossom. For several weeks inr midsummer during favorable years, the meadows near Crane Flat glow with itsr vibrant yellow. The coneflower may also be seen along the Wawona Road, thoughr r r less spectacularly, and there is a good showing of it near Chinquapin, the Glacierr Point road junction.r

r Frequently seen along either route is a bright red, low-growing flower preferringr rocky locations, where it has established itself in crevices—often high above ther road. This is the familiar Mountain-Pride (Penstemon newberryi), a long-time favoriter of those who know and love the high places of the Sierra Nevada. Its flowers arer tubular, 1 to 1 1/2 inches long, and occur in clusters on rather short, leafy stems whichr form masses of low foliage. During the period from late June to early August,r mountain-pride is a familiar sight along roads and trails from 5,000 to 11,000 feet.r Once you have identified it, this cheery little plant will be there to greet you againr and again on many another mountain excursion.r

r One of the most pleasant aspects of the rim country is the number of fine mountain meadows to be enjoyed. Both roads and trails offer the traveler a splendidr selection, and the month of July brings them to their peak of flowering beauty. Ther large meadow at Crane Flat and Summit Meadow on the Glacier Point Road arer excellent examples. Each one has rather similar floral displays, the Crane Flat Meadowr (which is somewhat lower in elevation) reaching its best stage in early July, withr Summit Meadow doing so about two weeks later.r

r A dominant color in each area is the bright pink of the Shooting Star (Dodecatheon jeffreyi), which often is seen as a band of color across whole areas of ther meadows’ expanse. Viewed closely, too, it is of great interest for its shape as well as itsr exquisite coloring, the inch-long petals turning backwards from the cluster of stamensr as though blown by a streamlining blast of wind. These petals are deeply pink tor lavender, or sometimes almost white, with yellow at the base and outlined by ar maroon band. The flower stalks are erect, 6 to 20 inches high, and arise from a rosetter of roundish basal leaves. Shooting stars, with small variations, are found from ther foothill zone to 10,000 feet. This species, however, is the largest and most splendidr of the Yosemite varieties.r

r When the shooting stars are in their prime, another unusual flower will he foundr sharing the boggy meadow areas. This one is the Camas Lily (Camassia leichtlinii ssp. suksdorfii),r a deep blue to violet blossom of true elegance. A single erect stem, 1 to 3r feet high, rises from a whorl of long basal leaves, bearing at its tip 4 to 12 blossoms.r Each consists of 6 petals, long and pointed, star-like, surrounding 6 stamens withr bright golden anthers at their tips. The contrast between this brilliant gold and ther royal blue of the petals is striking, while the clean lines of the flower’s structure maker it especially graceful. Camas buds open late in the day, and the blossoms wither byr the next day’s light, so one should plan to seek them in the afternoon. A meadowyr expanse of these richly colored blue-purple lilies, accented with pink shooting stars,r Is an experience not to be forgotten.r

r Another plant to look for in these bog-garden meadows is the Sierra Rein Orchidr (Habenaria dilatata var. leucostachys), one of almost a dozen members of the orchidr family in Yosemite National Park. It grows as a tall, thick stalk with clasping leaves,r terminating in a spike of tiny, white flowers, each one about 1/2 inch long. Theser pillars of bloom stand 1 to 3 feet high in very wet areas, like ghostly accent marks tor the meadows’ flowering statements. Although the individual blossoms are very small,r their structure leaves no doubt they are true orchids. They are found in moist areasr from Yosemite Valley to 10,000 feet elevation, from late May to early August; Summitr r r Meadow, along the Glacier Point Road, is a typical habitat for them in July.r

r While wading into the boggy turf, look-for another dweller in the wet grasslands,r the Lungwort, sometimes called Mountain Bluebell (Mertensia ciliata var. stomatechoides). On erect stems, 1 to 5 feet high, clusters of light blue flowers occur, oftenr fading to pink. Their tendency to droop gracefully from the stem has given to themr yet another common name, Languid Lady. Each blossom is a small bell-like tube aboutr 1/2 inch long, a thing of beauty when seen in close-up, yet when the plant is in fullr bloom, it often makes masses of color. They prefer growing at the edge of moistr meadows, rather than directly in the bog. One area in which they can be found is ther upper or eastern end of the meadow at the Badger Pass ski bowl. The grassy expanser sloping down to Lukens Lake, one mile north of the Tioga Road, is also a prime location for the lungwort in early July.r

r Moist meadows are also the preferred habitat for another familiar Sierran plant,r the Corn Lily or False Hellebore (Veratrum californicum). Its tall stalks (up to 6 feetr high) are commonly seen in Yosemite’s meadows from 6,000 to 10,000 feet elevationr in July and early August. A striking plant in all phases of its development, it has somer resemblance to field corn, which tends to justify its common name, however superficially. As it first emerges from the meadow turf in June, its leaves are tightly wrappedr around the stem, reminding one of an ear of corn which has been cut from the stalkr and set down in the grass. The large, boat-shaped leaves open rapidly, finally becoming 10 to 16 inches long and 4 to 8 inches wide, with prominent ribs or veins. As ther stalk attains its full height of 3 to 6 feet, it begins to “tassel out,” again reminiscent ofr field corn. The “tassels” consist of many white flowers about 3/4 inch across, withr Y-shaped glands at the base of each petal. They are precisely formed and beautiful tor see in close-up, but make a memorable display in mass as the entire flower clusterr comes into bloom. A meadow full of tall corn lilies resembles a statuary garden, eachr one an individual work of art in traditional creamy white. Crane Flat Meadow isr usually well supplied with this flower, while along the Glacier Point Road you willr find the Badger Pass Meadow a likely place.r

r That same meadow at Badger Pass is a good place to seek out one of the showiestr of the mimulus—the Pink Monkeyflower (Mimulus lewisii). Once seen, the blossomr will not soon be forgotten, as its color harmonies feature a delicate pink to red toner with two brightly yellow, hairy ridges down the throat. It is a large flower, 1 to 2r inches long and 1/2 to 3/4 inches wide, usually borne in quantity on long stalks. Ther plant grows from 12 to 30 inches tall, producing numerous blossoms at the peak ofr its production. It is found in moist locations on the edge of meadows or along streamr hanks. When traveling the Tioga Road, look for it in July and early August along ther roadside just before reaching Smoky Jack Campground.r

r Another mimulus will reward those who watch closely for interesting floralr effects along the Wawona Road. This is the Scarlet Monkeyflower (Mimulus cardinalis),r one of the most brilliantly colored of Yosemite’s hundreds of flowering plants.r It is bright scarlet in tone, the petals conspicuously two-lipped, with the stamensr protruding. The blossoms are about 2 inches in length, and when the plant is in fullr bloom (July and August) it bears many of these handsome flowers, which contrastr vividly with its bright green leaves. The stems are many-branched and from 1 to 3 feetr tall. A fine display may be seen about two miles north of the Chinquapin junction, atr a place where small springs drip down the steep slope to make a bog garden at ther r r roadside. Scarlet monkeyflower also grows profusely along Tenaya Creek in Yosemiter Valley, a short distance above the Tenaya Bridge and, in fact, may be found ratherr widely distributed between 4,000 and 7,000 feet elevation.r

r Another resident in the wettest meadow locations is the Marsh Marigold (Caltha howellii).r Its brightly lacquered round leaves with scalloped edges are one of ther earliest signs of spring’s approach, as winter’s snow is reduced to isolated, shade-protected drifts and sky-blue pools of melt-water replace it. In early June, the first ofr the creamy white blossoms appear, bearing 6 to 10 sepals (this little flower has nor true petals) and a central mass of bright yellow stamens. For several weeks theyr brighten the moist areas along the Glacier Point Road; Pothole Meadow just ahead ofr the Sentinel Dome trailhead is a reliable place to see them. Marsh marigolds appearr at the tips of 4- to 12-inch naked stalks, rising from a rosette of basal leaves. After ther flowers have turned to the cycle of seed-setting, these leaves grow to larger size andr become an interesting part of the ground cover of damp meadows.r

r The drier meadows, too, have their own roster of plants which are to be foundr only in such locations and which are among the most frequently seen of Yosemite’sr flora. The bright blue-purple of Larkspur (Delphinium nuttallianum) is a prominentr aspect of such meadows from June to August. Sometimes it gives deep violet tones tor the landscape where myriads of blossoms occur together; in other locations onlyr occasional purple spikes thrust skyward through the waving meadow grasses, onr stems 8 to 24 inches tall. The blossoms are about an inch long, with 4 petals in unequalr pairs. One of the 5 sepals is prolonged into an extended spur, the most distinctiver feature of this plant, resembling the large spur on a lark’s back toe. Peregoy Meadow,r adjacent to the Bridalveil Creek Campground, is a likely place to find larkspur,r although it may be glimpsed in many other locations along both the Glacier Pointr and Tioga Roads where open sunshine and moderately dry soil give it the conditionsr it requires.r

r Peregoy Meadow is also an excellent place in which to find that delicate littler member of the carrot, or parsley family, Squaw Root or Yampah (Perideridia bolanderi).r On stems 8 to 30 inches high, slender and almost leafless, the terminal flowersr appear to float as small pieces of lace work. The individual blooms are minute, onlyr 1/4 inch wide, but they form umbels of purest white up to 3 inches across. The almost-Hat form of the blossom intensifies the lacy appearance which has suggested yetr another common name, Queen Anne’s Lace. Along the Tioga Road, look for it as ar broad expanse of white in Crane Flat Meadow and 3 miles above at Gin Flat Meadowr as well.r

r In moist meadows and along stream banks is another frequently seen resident ofr damp places. The bright yellow of the Arrowhead Groundsel (Senecio triangularis) onr tall stalks—2 to 6 feet high—is a familiar sight from July to September. The flowerr heads are small, 1/2 inch across, but they are numerous, forming clusters of bloom atr the tops of the stalks like golden torches across the landscape. The leaves are a distinctive feature of this plant, making it easy to distinguish from the dozen species ofr groundsel found in Yosemite National Park. They are from 2 to 8 inches long, withr toothed edges and in a distinctly triangular form, which has given the species classification to this senecio. It often grows near areas of large perennial lupine of thisr altitude, the contrasting blue-lavender of lupine with bright gold of groundsel providing a classical study in complementary colors. Badger Pass Meadow has fine stands ofr r r this flower, but it may be found in quantity along either the Tioga or Glacier Pointr Road from 4,000 to 10,000 feet elevation.r

r One more dweller in the moist meadows is sure to be noticed, its rich tones ofr magenta or rose-purple making a pleasing accent in the scenery of summer. This isr the Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium), a plant of damp areas where forest fires, roadr work or clearings have removed other vegetation and given its wind-dispersed seedsr a foothold. What a kindly provision has been made for the restoration of a devastatedr area, when flowers of such exquisite form and color can spring up so readily! Thisr fireweed sends up tall stalks, 2 to 6 feet high, with many narrow leaves 3 to 5 inchesr long. The stalks end in racemes of bloom, clusters of 4-petalled flowers, deeply rose-purple, producing a climax of rich color. It reaches its peak in late July and in August.r Look for it along the roadside near the junction to the Badger Pass Meadow. Atr Summit Meadow farther along the Glacier Point Road, fireweed is a prominentr feature too. We will find a relative of this plant in the highest portion of the Park, atr and above tree line in the rocky fell-fields.r

r Dry areas have their own species which brighten the roadsides and adjacentr rocky slopes or may be found in the shade of deeply forested glens. One of the mostr prominent is the Sulphur Flower or Wild Buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum). Itsr varied shades of yellow and orange-red frequently are seen along either road betweenr 6,000 and 9,000 feet, on open sunny flats, in granite sand. The plant is a mass ofr silvery gray sterns, 4 to 12 inches high, rising out of a rosette of small leaves, smoothr and green above but white-wooly below. At the tip of each stem is an umbrella-liker flower head of many tiny florets, the whole about an inch across. The total effect isr of a brilliantly colored small shrub, sometimes butter yellow and at others a richr orange, adding vibrant hues to the quiet grays of the granite landscape. A typicalr place to see it is at the Sentinel Dome trailhead on the Glacier Point Road. Inr Tuolumne Meadows, the sulphur flower is a common sight as well—frequently seenr in the vicinity of the Soda Springs and along the start of the trail to Glen Aulin. Expectr to find it in July and August.r

r At the Sentinel Dome trailhead, inconspicuous in the lodgepole pine forest tor the east, one may often find excellent individual specimens of Davidson’s Fritillaryr (fritillaria pinetorum), an unusual and handsome member of the lily family, wellr worth a little time spent in searching for it. The richly colored flowers, warm bronzer in lone with a greenish-yellow mottling, stand erect at the tips of slender stems, whichr are 5 to 14 inches tall. With 6 petals, each flower is about an inch wide, forming ar bowl-shaped blossom of striking appearance. The leaves are as slender as the stems,r often occurring in whorls. It blooms in June and July.r

r At Washburn Point, near the end of the Glacier Point Road, is an area memorabler for a beautiful flower often called Sierra Forget-Me-Not (Hackelia velutina). Anotherr common name, less romantic but derived from the burr-like nutlet which succeedsr the flower, is Stickseed. On the well-drained, gravelly slope a short distance abover and to the south of Washburn Point—from here is a fine view of the Clark Range andr Illilouette Basin —bloom myriads of this attractive plant. Its color in this location isr delicate pink, but in other areas the same flower may be the deep blue of a summerr sky, or perhaps a hybrid tone between the two. At the top of stalks, 1 to 3 feet high,r appears a duster of blossoms, each one about 1/2 inch wide, blooming from late Juner to early August. The blue-colored version of this flower may be seen growing alongr r r the roadsides to the west of this point. An especially lush area for the deep bluer forget-me-not is Crane Flat, where the Tioga Road turns east.r

r Travelers along the Wawona Road in late summer will notice occasional flashesr of red by the roadside for some distance above the tunnel. This is the Californiar Fuchsia (Zauschneria californica ssp. latifolia), a wildflower strongly reminiscent ofr the domesticated fuchsia so popular with gardeners. Tubular brick-red flowers, 1 1/2r inches long, with a widely flaring throat and projecting stamens, bloom profuselyr from early August through September. The plants are a mass of branching, hairyr stems, 12 to 36 inches high, with many gray-green pointed leaves. They prefer dry,r gravelly locations and can often be found along roadsides or on open rocky slopes.r This blossom is a favorite of hummingbirds, attracted by its red color.r

r From mid-June to mid-August, a drive along the Glacier Point Road will discloser many other flowering species besides those listed above—the number seeminglyr limited only by the time and interest the visitor has to devote to the subject. Certainly,r one will notice: the tall shrubs of Bitter Cherry (Prunus emarginata) by the roadside,r with many clusters of small, white, plum-like flowers; the much larger white flowers,r 2 inches across, of Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus); tall spikes of orange-hued Wallflower (Erysimum capitatum); wild Iris in variegated tones of buff and lavenderr (Iris hartwegii); Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata) flashing tall shafts of red-orange atr the edge of damp meadows; the similar tone but strikingly different form of Columbine (Aquilegia formosa), distinctive red and yellow blossoms with long spurs; snow-white globes of Knotweed (Polygonum bistortoides) like stars among the meadowr grasses; Western Pennyroyal (Monardella lanceolate), masses of gray-lavender blossoms in dry areas; the low, shrub-like Dogbane (Apocynum pumilum) with myriads ofr small, pink, tubed flowers; Sierra Currant (Ribes nevadense), a shrub of stream banksr with handsome clusters of small rose-red flowers; the bright yellow, convex leavesr and tiny purple blossoms of Shieldleaf (Streptanthus tortuosus); Pearly Everlastingr (Anaphalis margaritacea) raising its small, silvery gray flowers in hedgerows along ther road; rounded bushes of Red Elderberry (Sambucus microbotrys), with creamy flowersr in midsummer and bright red berries in September; mounds of Spreading Phloxr ‘Phlox diffusa), star-like flowers ranging in color from white through pink to lilac onr dry slopes or rocky flats; Mule-Ears (Wyethia mollis), with bright sunflower-liker blooms on 2-foot stalks and long-stemmed woolly leaves.r

r The same magnificent company of wildflowers will greet the traveler as he drivesr up the Tioga Road, too. However, this one reaches elevations as much as 2,000 feetr higher than the Glacier Point Road, so that plants of the subalpine belt, or Hudsonianr Zone, are encountered as well. We will become acquainted with a number of themr as we hike around the High Sierra Loop Trail from Tuolumne Meadows, covered inr the next chapter.r

r Those who travel through this favored land should have not only eyes to see butr also ears that hear the music of the forest and the meadows. Mary Tresidder had bothr to an unusual degree, plus the ability to set down her impressions with great clarity;r she once wrote, “All through these woodlands and at the borders of the meadows,r such as in the Crane Flat area, bird songs fill the air in early morning and late afternoon. Most likely to be heard, if not seen, will be fox sparrows, chickadees, purpler finches, juncos, warblers and the scarlet and yellow tanager that flashes like a flamer from one tree to another. An occasional rarity such as the hermit thrush, whose songr r r is in minor notes, may also be heard. Even the great gray owl has a favorite haunt orr two in the area.”r

r Before we turn from the rim country of Yosemite to the higher regions of ther Park, let’s leave our cars and follow a trail where the shyer wildflowers live, farr away from asphalt and motor noises. We will walk the Pohono Trail; at the properr time, in mid-July, there is no finer display of wildflowers of the Lodgepole Pine-Redr Fir belt to be seen anywhere. The trail is a long one, 13 miles on or near the south rimr of Yosemite Valley, from Glacier Point to a junction with the Wawona Road at ther east end of the Wawona Tunnel. It is possible to cut 3 miles off its total, by startingr at the Sentinel Dome trailhead on the Glacier Point Road. But for our purposes let’sr start at Glacier Point itself and walk the entire distance. This can be done in one dayr by anyone who is in moderately good physical condition as the trail follows the gentler up-and-down contours of the rim with no difficult hills except for the last 2 1/2 miles.r Fortunately, for westbound hikers, this portion is downhill all the way to the tunnel.r

r Leaving Glacier Point, the trail climbs at first directly beneath Sentinel Dome,r providing grand and unusual views into Yosemite Valley, over 3,000 feet below. Oner of the most memorable is the unobstructed view of the entire 2,400-foot drop ofr Yosemite Falls, directly across the canyon, an aspect of this waterfall unique to thisr position along the Valley’s rim. We are climbing through a splendid forest of Red Firr (Abies magnifica), interspersed with the dominant shrubs of this region—manzanita,r chinquapin and ceanothus. Occasional flashes of color are provided by lupines, paintbrush and arrowhead groundsel in stunning combinations of blue, red and yellow. Inr early summer, this is a favorable area for the dramatic red snow plants, sometimes inr groups of several large specimens. Here and there, the ground-hugging Pine-Matr Manzanita (Arctostaphylos nevadensis) unfolds its clusters of small, snow-whiter flowers like tiny urns, giving the foreground a glittering appearance. In dry, sunnyr areas, the orange-gold of sulphur flower is prominent, contrasting well with ther subdued grays of the granite landscape. The brilliant rose-red of mountain-pride isr abundant, sprawling recklessly across rocky outcroppings along the rim.r

r In a little less than two miles from Glacier Point we cross Sentinel Creek at ther very place where it reaches the rim of Yosemite Valley and leaps over the edge in ther first of a series of vertical cascades, to meet the Valley floor 3,300 feet below. Alongr the creek above the waterfall, interspersed with thickets of willow, are stream-sider gardens of shooting-stars, lupine, wild asters, mountain violets. It is always rewardingr to stand at the top of one of Yosemite’s waterfalls, looking down the descendingr torrent and being carried in fancy on the drifting comets of white water. Sentinelr all provides a broad rocky overlook point where the temptation is strong to cancelr the rest of the hike and remain here for the day, alone with one’s thoughts.r

r A climb of about one mile through open forests of red fir, Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana),r Jeffrey Pines (Pinus jeffreyi) and occasional Western White Pines (Pinus monticola)r brings us to the junction of the spur trail to the Glacier Pointr Road at the Sentinel Dome trailhead. This is a region of sunny, gravelly slopes blossoming with their own varieties of plants which are adapted to bright sunlight andr well-drained, dry locations. In early summer, one of the most characteristic is ther Spreading Phlox (Phlox diffusa) which forms prominent mats of white (sometimesr lilac or pink), five-petalled flowers. The leaves are short, almost needle-like in appearance and texture. This plant is widespread across the Park, from 4,500 to 11,000 feet,r r r adding a touch of delicacy to an otherwise rugged setting. A hardy perennial, its low-growing green mats can be seen through most of the period when snow does not lier on the ground, although its season of bloom is from June to early August.r

r Other flowers characteristic of these dry locations, and to be seen near this trailr junction, are: pussy paws, golden brodiaea (similar to the one found earlier in ther Sierran foothills), white-flowered Mariposa lilies, low-growing varieties of shieldleaf,r the rich yellow tones of groundsel which is so prominent at this elevation, and ther dainty little Collinsia (Collinsia torreyi var. wrightii) which grows only 6 inches highr but may form solid expanses of delicate sky-blue and white blossoms.r

r Turning to the west, the Pohono Trail begins a gentle descent to the awesomer overlook at Taft Point, about a half-mile farther. Almost at once, we pass through ther first of many small, moist meadows where the silence is broken only by the water-music of a tiny stream and the melody of bird songs. These meadows, each a jewel,r are among the memorable features of the Pohono Trail and provide distinctiver habitats for a whole series of moisture-seeking plants.r

r One of the more showy species is the Little Leopard Lily (Lilium parvum)—sometimes referred to as Alpine Lily—which blooms on 2- to 4-foot stalks as a bouquet ofr numerous orange-yellow flowers with maroon spots. These flowers, 1 to 2 inchesr long, are tubular in form with some recurving at the ends of the petals, generallyr raising their heads as though to permit easy appreciation of their beauty. They put inr their first appearance in late June and continue to flower until early August. Look forr them in moist locations from Yosemite Valley (sparingly) to 9,000 feet.r

r Contrasting with the orange-yellow of this lily is the bright gold of the arrowheadr groundsel, deep blue lupines on tall stalks (Lupinus latifolius var. columbianus), andr showy heads of paintbrush. Wild Geranium or Cranesbill (Geranium richardsonii) isr another typical plant of these moist locations, with rounded white or pink blossoms,r strikingly veined in purple. Deer’s Tongue (Frasera speciosa) will he seen occasionallyr at the edge of these meadows—tall stalks 3 to 5 feet high with numerous greenish-white, star-shaped flowers.r

r At Taft Point, 3,500 feet above Yosemite Valley, is a rocky outcrop where ther habitat changes again. Here is a typical location for that lacy member of the roser family called Mousetails (Ivesia santolinoides), because of the strange similarity of ther leaves to the long slender tails of these little rodents. This plant has a branching netr work of slender stems ending in minute white flowers which appear to wave in ther air without visible means of support. Near the sheer edge of the rim grows the handsome shrub called Cream Bush (Holodiscus boursieri), with pointed racemes of smallr cream-white flowers forming dense shafts of bloom. Service-Berry (Amelanchier pallida),r with five-petalled white flowers in random clusters is a tall, many-branchedr shrub also to be seen in bloom in this area. At ground level, look for a small Monkeyflower (Mimulus leptaleus) in contrasting tones of red and yellow, carpeting openr areas among the forest trees.r

r The view from Taft Point is one of the finest along the south rim and deservesr a long look. All the central part of Yosemite Valley is within sight, and the great northr wall displays its varied structure from El Capitan to North Dome in an unbrokenr sweep. Nearby are large vertical cracks in the rim, known as the Fissures, where agesr of erosion have removed the granite along joint planes in the rock, leaving narrowr rewires of astounding depth.r

r As the trail heads west from Taft Point, it makes a wide arc to the south tor descend into and climb out of the upper valley of Bridalveil Creek. Here we loser contact for a while with the Valley’s rim as we thread our way through a mixed forestr of firs and pines. But there is much to see, for we are in a region pleasantly variedr between inspiring forests, idyllic mountain meadows and songful streams. One of ther charming plants to seek under the red firs is the little White-Veined Shinleaf (Pyrola pieta),r whose favored habitat is the deep humus of the shaded forest floor. Typically,r it grows 4 to 12 inches high with erect stems holding a cluster of greenish-whiter blossoms, like small bells whose clappers are the protruding styles of the flowers.r Always, the leaves are in a basal rosette and are most attractive in themselves—deepr green with prominent veinings of white. These rosettes are an appealing featurer of the forest floor even before the flowers appear and after they have faded into ther seed stage. Expect to find pyrola from late June to August, from 4,000 to 7,500 feet.r

r As we cross the several streams which drain the rim country and are in thisr region tributary to Bridalveil Creek, one of the frequently seen flowers is the Red Columbine (Aquilegia Formosa).r Rather commonly found from 4,000 to 9,000 feet, itr blooms from May to August as spring advances to higher elevations. The deep red-orange color of petals and spurs, combined with the bright yellow stamens whichr protrude boldly, form a rich tonal combination which has made the columbine ar favorite wherever it grows. Nature has been generous in its supply of this lovelyr blossom, to the great pleasure of the hummingbirds who drink deeply of the nectarr in the long spurs behind the petals. The plant itself often grows to a height of 3 to 4r feet where moisture is favorable, with leaves deeply and attractively lobed.r

r Along these streams, in the willow thickets and bog gardens, the Red Osierr Dogwood or American Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) grows lushly. Its bright purplish-red steers, 4 to 12 feet high, produce clusters of tiny 4-petalled flowers which formr flat umbels of shimmering white on the shrub. Like its close relative, the tree-sizedr mountain dogwood, its leaves turn red in the fall, making one of the brightest colorsr in the autumnal landscape. In early spring, before the leaves develop, the lacqueredr appearance of its colorful stems and branches is a pleasing accent in the somberr greens and grays of the forest.r

r The trail now twists through the tall trees, occasionally coming close to the rimr providing dramatic and unusual views into Yosemite Valley, then skirting the edge ofr several jewel-like meadows—serene and untouched in their forest isolation. Herer the moisture-loving plants which flower in July are to be found in abundance—wholer congregations of midsummer’s most distinguished residents. Tall shafts of corn lily,r bright areas of yellow monkeyflower, the nodding heads of rose-lavender wild asters,r clusters of tiny bluebells or languid ladies, the vivid gold of groundsel and the scarletr of paintbrush, royal purple tones of delphinium—all combine in a palette ofr unforgettable color against a setting of emerald green grasses and mosses. One of the morer charming of these dwellers in the meadows is a plant related to columbine, ther Meadow Rue (Thalictrum fendleri), growing on stalks up to 3 feet high, with deeply—r lobed compound leaves. The blossoms are especially interesting in their form,r although their color differs little from that of the stems or the leaves themselves. Longr stamens, faintly yellow, hang from the circle of 4 to 7 sepals, swaying in any slightr breeze like a delicate fringe. This unusual plant has no true petals.r

r In these same wet meadows, tall shafts of Purple Monkshood (Aconitum columbianum)r r r stand regally at the edge of the forest or near willow thickets. The stems arer 2 to 6 feet high, with deeply lobed leaves. The distinctively shaped blossoms, 1 inchr across, have a striking resemblance to the traditional hood of a monk, covering ther face of the flower with a dark purple, sombre color. The plant is said to be poisonous,r and grazing animals avoid it.r

r About 2 1/2 miles from Taft Point, our trail crosses Bridalveil Creek, a robustr stream which flashes along a sloping, forested valley, singing its way through thicketsr of willow and dogwood with wildflowers thronging its banks, thriving in the coolr dampness. A rustic bridge provides easy crossing, and nearby is an ideal place forr lunch and perhaps a period of quiet contemplation of the unspoiled quality of thisr sanctuary. The beautiful stream is as yet unaware of its turbulent destiny, less than 2r miles distant, for at the Valley’s rim it will plunge over the 600-foot cliff to formr spectacular Bridalveil Fall, a creature of mist and rainbows.r

r Just beyond the creek crossing, a lateral trail may be taken to the south, intersecting the Glacier Point Road near the Bridalveil Creek Campground. This trail isr only slightly more than 2 miles long, taking one over the wide grassy reaches ofr McGurk Meadow and through long expanses of lodgepole pine forest. It makesr possible the termination of the Pohono Trail hike at approximately its halfway point,r if time is not available for the entire distance. Or, alternatively, one can start at Bridalveil Creek Campground and walk the remainder of the trail to the west, finishing atr the Wawona Tunnel, a total distance of 9 1/2 miles.r

r As we pass the McGurk Meadow Trail junction, the main Pohono Trail ascends ar gentle sandy slope which often holds a remarkable display of Scarlet Gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata).r The scarlet hue will be noticed as a vivid mass before one is near enough tor be aware of the individual plants. There are few other mountain flowers that can rivalr it in color intensity, while the structure of the blossom itself is of interest too. Growingr on erect stems, 1 to 2 feet high, the bright flowers remind one of a sharply pointedr star, trailing a comet-like tail which is the long tube from which the five petalsr explode. The red color is offset by a mottling of yellow along the slender petals, whiler horn the center emerges a cluster of bristling stamens. Gilia leaves are rather distinctive in their form: 1 to 4 inches long, divided into several minute and very slenderr sections. Scarlet gilia is a flower of dry, sandy slopes and will he found from 6,000 tor 9,000 feet blooming from late June to mid-August. Look for it also along the Tioga Roadr at about the 8,000-foot elevation, and occasionally beside the Glacier Pointr Road as well. There is a notable display on the old Glacier Point Road, between ther Badger Pass ski area and Bridalveil Creek Campground, a road which is closed tor automobiles now but still affords a fascinating hike.r

r Magnificent red fir forest, interspersed with flowering meadows and smallr streams of cold, sweet mountain water continue to make the trail a constant sourcer of happy surprises as we climb slowly out of the valley of Bridalveil Creek. Where ther humus under the red fir is especially deep, look for an attractive member of the orchidr family, the Spotted Coralroot (Corallorhiza maculata). Its brown stems rise 8 to 24r inches from the forest floor, with leaves which are mere clasping, papery sheaths.r The flower head consists of 12 to 15 individual blossoms, varying in tone fromr magenta to chartreuse, but with a white lower lip which is usually spotted withr crimson. Although each flower is only 1/2 inch long, there is no mistaking its relationshipr to the orchid family, for there is a close resemblance—in miniature—to ther r r cultivated species. This plant is similar to the snow plant in that it lacks chlorophyllr and hence is incapable of producing its own food in the normal way through photosynthesis. Through the aid of fungi growing in its roots, decaying organic matter inr the soil is broken down for food. Spotted coralroot is not a common flower, but itr does occur intermittently in the areas of suitably deep humus. The Pohono Trail isr one of the best places to find it; another good location is in the general area of Glacierr Point or Sentinel Dome, where the red firs provide the habitat it seeks. It blooms inr July and August.r

r Dewey Point, at about 2 1/2 miles from the crossing of Bridalveil Creek, is an overlook where the hiker is tempted to linger indefinitely. The trail sign announces thatr this platform in the sky is 7,316 feet in elevation—about 3,300 feet above Yosemiter Valley’s floor. Directly across the great chasm looms the famous cliff of El Capitan,r its entire facade and vast sloping crest in full view. The lower canyon of Bridalveilr Creek, terminating in the waterfall, slashes into the south rim of Yosemite directly tor the east, while the summit peaks of the High Sierra lift jagged edges against ther farthest eastern horizon. At Dewey Point, one feels alone with the sky and the wind,r almost a fellow creature with the white-throated swifts that dart constantly from ther rim far out over the canyon like tiny feathered projectiles.r

r On this rocky buttress grows one of the typical plants of the dry slopes, the littler Stonecrop (Sedum obtusatum). Its stems are only 1 to 6 inches high, reddish in tone,r arising from rosettes of fleshy leaves. The small flowers form clusters of lemon-yellowr color, often fading to pink, 1/2 to 3/4 inch long. The whole effect is that of a carpet ofr warm gold thrown across the rocks, like congealed sunshine.r

r Heading west from Dewey Point, the Pohono Trail begins its long descent tor meet the Wawona Road. It remains fairly close to the rim for the next two miles,r offering climactic views into Yosemite Valley at several places. Just before reachingr the next major overlook at Crocker Point (7,090 feet elevation), we cross another ofr those delightful little streams. Its cold, clear water encourages a lush growth of ferns,r willows, red osier dogwood, yellow monkeyflower, meadow rue, groundsel, thimbleberry.r From Crocker Point—well worth a stop—there is a memorable view of the fullr drop of Bridalveil Fall. In late afternoon, its rainbow is especially vivid as seen fromr this overlook.r

r A half mile farther is Stanford Point (6,659 feet elevation); the view from herer consists of the same elements admired from Crocker Point, yet in a different scenicr arrangement. The forest is now becoming the dominant feature of the trail, with huger mature specimens of Red Fir (Abies magnifica), Sugar Pine (Pious lambertiana) andr Jeffrey Pine (Pinus jeffreyi) making up much of the woodland. On the dark maroonr trunks of the red fir, the contrasting chartreuse of the Staghorn Lichen (Letharia vulpina)r is especially prominent. It grows on the ridges of the bark and on deadr branches, farming fur-like coverlets, 2 inches or more in depth, that seem strikinglyr brilliant against the somber tones of the forest. This lichen is an epiphyte, or air plant,r deriving its sustenance from air and sunlight while using the trees only as a means ofr support. It does no harm, as a parasite would, to the tree on which it grows.r

r The last of the major overlooks along the Pohono Trail is Old Inspiration Pointr (6,603 feet elevation). Although no trail leads down to the actual point itself from ther Pohono, it is not difficult to scramble through the manzanita and chinquapin brushr to the place where in 1851, according to history, the initial party of white men tor r r enter Yosemite Valley (the Mariposa Battalion) beheld their first view of the canyonr they had been seeking. Their actual descent from this point to the Valley floor was tor the west, the route followed closely today by the Pohono Trail.r

r Now the trail drops relentlessly for the remaining 3 miles to the Wawona Road.r the red firs are seen no more, preferring the higher reaches of the rim country; theirr glace is taken by the White Fir (Abies concolor). Their trunks are dark grey to silver,r their crowns a bit more spire-like than those of red firs, yet the trees are of comparable size. No festoons of staghorn lichen decorate them, however. Ponderosa Pinesr (Pinus ponderosa) come into the forest community in increasing numbers as the trailr continues its descent. They will be found all the way to Yosemite Valley, where theyr are the dominant conifer. Long golden beams of late afternoon sunshine reachr through the forest aisles. Huge Black Oaks (Quercus kelloggii) join the pines and firs;r they too will be present all the way to Yosemite Valley. Beneath these forest monarchsr Is an understory of shrubbery: manzanita, ceanothus (deer brush), azalea along moistr water courses, rounded masses of Huckleberry Oaks (Quercus vaccinifolia). Often oner can hear in the distance, almost dream-like, the rhythmic hooting or drumming ofr the male dusky grouse, a low but resonant sound that vibrates through the forest.r Occasionally, a startled deer bounds away through the trees. The serenity of a mountain evening lies across the land like a benediction at the close of a memorable day.r

r Inspiration Point, only a mile from the Wawona Road and 1,000 feet above ther well-known Tunnel View on that road, is the last major scenic landmark along ther Pohono Trail. Here, the trail crosses the original Wawona Road, opened in 1875, atr the place where early travelers to Yosemite stopped for their first inspiring glimpser into the famous valley they had come so far to see. The view remains unchangedr today, for the National Park Service has safeguarded it against despoilment by roads,r buildings or other man-made additions to the landscape, all of which are effectivelyr concealed on the Valley floor. There is little doubt that this viewpoint offers the mostr comprehensive of all Yosemite Valley vistas—from Bridalveil Meadow just below usr to Cloud’s Rest at the extreme eastern end of the canyon. This view always affords ar Mood of tranquility as well as inspiration, yet it is one which is seen by comparativelyr few visitors.r

r One mile down the trail brings us to the Wawona Road, where we will welcomer the chance to rest after long miles on foot. The farsighted will have arranged for transportation from here. Weariness may be the predominant feeling of the moment, butr the day has been one of enriching memories of far-flung vistas, of the inspiring architecturer of great trees, of sparkling meadows and singing streams, of the sight andr sound of birds, and especially of a panorama of wildflowers not often excelled. Inr Yosemite’s rim country, the Pohono Trail is typical of the best of its widely varyingr flower habitats.r

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Deer Brush, Ceanothus integerrimusr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Alum-Root, Heuchera micrantha var. erubescensr
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Blue Penstemon, Penstemon laetusr
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Washington Lily, Lilium washingtonianumr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r California Coneflower, Rudbeckia californicar
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Mountain-Pride, Penstemon newberryir

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Lungwort or Mountain Bluebell, Mertensia ciliata var. stomatechoidesr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Sierra Rein Orchid, Habenaria dilatata var. leucostachysr
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Pink Monkeyflower, Mimulus lewisii Monkeyflower, Pinkr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Corn Lily, Veratrum californicumr
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Camas Lily, Camassia leichtlinii ssp. suksdorfiir	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Shooting Star, Dodecatheon jeffreyir

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Scarlet Monkeyflower, Mimulus cardinalisr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Larkspur, Delphinium nuttallianumr
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Marsh Marigold, Caltha howelliir	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Arrowhead Groundsel, Senecio triangularisr
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Yampah, Perideridia bolanderir	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Fireweed, Epilobium angustifoliumr

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Davidson’s Fritillary, Fritillaria pinetorumr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Sulphur Flower, Eriogonum umbellatumr
	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Sierra Forget-Me-Not Stickseed, Hackelia velutinar
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Little Leopard Lily, Lilium parvumr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r California Fuchsia, Zauschneria californica ssp. latifoliar
	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Spreading Phlox, Phlox diffusar

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r White-Veined Shinleaf, Pyrola pictar	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Scarlet Gilia, Ipomopsis aggregatar
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Red Columbine, Aquilegia formosar	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Pearly Everlasting, Anaphalis margaritacear
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Spotted Coralroot, Corallorhiza maculatar	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Meadow Rue, Thalictrum fendlerir

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Wild Geranium, Geranium richardsoniir	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Cream Bush, Holodiscui boursierir
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Red Osier Dogwood or American Dogwood, Cornus stoloniferar	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Monkshood, Aconitum columbianumr
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Thimbleberry, Rubus parviflorusr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Knotweed, Polygonum bistortoidesr

r r Next: Subalpine Belt •r Contentsr • Previous: Yosemite Valleyr r

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r http://www.yosemite.ca.us/library/yosemite_wildflower_trails/valley_rim.htmlr

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r Yosemite > Library >r Wildflower Trails >r The Subalpine Belt and the High Sierra Loop Trail >r

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r r Next: Tree Line •r Contentsr • Previous: Valley Rim Trailsr r

Yosemite Wildflower Trails (1975) by Dana C. Morgenson

THE SUBALPINE BELTr AND THEr HIGH SIERRA LOOP TRAIL

r Just as in the month of July spring will have fully matured in Yosemite’s rim country—r between 6,000 and 8,000 feet—in August this magic season will move on up ther mountain slopes to paint with color the meadows, lake shores and rocky ridges ofr the higher elevations. This region, just under tree line and with bare granite peaksr etching jagged shapes against the sky, is known to its devotees simply as the “Highr Country.”r

r Those who know it best will tell you that here the Sierra attains its ultimater perfection of mountain grandeur. Near the source of eternal snows on the peaks, icyr streams flash down the mountain slopes to linger a while in the grassy meanders ofr lush meadows, trailing garlands of wildflowers along their banks. Many lakes, from ther smallest of rocky tarns to those filling ancient glacial valleys, lie in grass-rimmedr splendor reflecting the sky, the clouds and the crags. Alabaster-white granite, sometimes mottled with the rust of iron oxide, rises in sharp summits against the azure sky.r The russet of metamorphic rock adds a contrast along some parts of the Sierran crest.r

r Throughout this whole landscape is an infinity of exquisite rock gardens—ledgesr and tiny meadows of mosses, grasses, flowers and wind-sculptured trees. Each one isr different, each one is a delight to encounter. Watered by occasional summer showersr and the residue of winter moisture, these are the places where spring’s last bloomsr appear before the approach of autumn. At this elevation the growing season is onlyr 7 to 9 weeks between winter and fall, so the pace is furious and often one finds manyr species in bloom simultaneously. Even on the mountain tops, from 12,000 to 13,000r feet, spring’s influence is felt; about 170 different types of flowering plants includingr grasses and sedges have been classified in the Alpine Zone, above tree line. We willr find a few of them in the next chapter.r

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Tuolumne Meadows—Lemmon’s Paintbrush, Castilleja lemmoniir

r One or the easiest ways to sample the unforgettable beauty of the High Countryr is to drive the Tioga Road all the way to the Park’s eastern gateway at 9,941-foot Tiogar Pass. Near the roadsides many of the typical flowers to be described in this chapterr will be found, especially if short excursions are made on foot from the scenic viewpoints provided along the route.r

r Tuolumne Meadows, 8,600 feet in elevation, is an excellent place to explore;r during July and August an impressive number of the flowers in this mountain regionr can he found in and near this beautiful area. By continuing beyond Tioga Pass, downr air scenic Lee Vining Canyon grade to Mono Lake (only an additional 15 miles), oner gets a selection of those somewhat different species growing in the drier environmentr on the east side of the Sierra—facing the arid region of the Great Basin and the sagebrush belt.r

r However, by far the best way to establish an intimate acquaintance with ther flowering residents of Yosemite’s High Country is to travel some of the trails whichr White like the spokes of a wheel from Tuolumne Meadows. Trails to beauty may ber long or short, depending almost entirely on your time, interest and energy; they mayr require only two hours or can occupy two weeks or more.r

r The best known trail is the High Sierra Loop, starting from Tuolumne Meadowsr Lodge and tying together the five High Sierra Camps which operate from early Julyr until Labor Day. These camps offer meals and lodgings in rustic tent accommodations,r each one in a different setting which thus runs the gamut of High Sierra scenery.r Advance reservations are very essential, because of the small size of the camps andr their popularity; these arrangements can be made by writing or phoning ther Reservations Office of the Yosemite Park and Curry Co., in Yosemite National Park. The fiver r r camps are spaced along the trail at intervals of about 8 miles, the entire Loop aggregatingr approximately 50 miles. Many people walk or ride on mules around this Loopr each summer, but if time is not available for the entire trail even a day’s hike to oner of the camps can be rewarding. National Park Service naturalists accompany ther once-a-week scheduled Seven Day Hikes.r

r Let’s take a walk on the High Sierra Loop Trail and find some of the many flowersr which live there. The Loop can be walked in either direction, but the route used mostr often runs north from Tuolumne Meadows to the first High Camp at Glen Aulin,r returning finally to the point of origin via Vogelsang Camp. Going this way, one hasr an easy first day on the trail, mostly downhill for about 6 miles, in which to getr accustomed to the demands of higher altitude on one’s energy supply.r

r Crossing Tuolumne Meadows itself, there will be an opportunity to becomer acquainted with a number of the flowers which will be seen again and again on thisr trail. One which often appears in massed colonies, making splashes of magenta acrossr the wide green floor of the meadow, is Lemmon’s Paintbrush (Castilleja lemmonii),r perhaps the brightest of all this large genus of mountain flowers. Its vividly coloredr blossoms are lifted 4 to 8 inches high on slender stems which grow as a small groupr from a single root stalk, with linear leaves 1 or 2 inches long. The actual flower of ther paintbrush is an elongated tube, but many are crowded into a dense terminal spiker interspersed with purplish or magenta bracts. The total effect is of a burst of floralr color on a short stem, often barely higher than the surrounding grass. This paintbrushr is easily mistaken for Owl’s Clover (Orthocarpus purpurascens) which, however,r rarely occurs above 5,000 feet and never reaches the High Country.r

r Another flower commonly seen in Tuolumne Meadows is a little Buttercupr (Ranunculus alismaefolius var. alismellus). Look for it in damp places, where its 6- tor 12-inch stems bear bright yellow, 5-petalled blossoms, a half an inch across. The waxyr shine of its petals will distinguish this little flower from other yellow ones whichr seem to have a superficial resemblance to it. Buttercups are one of the first flowers ofr springtime, so are more usually seen in the High Country in June and July, thoughr some will remain in bloom into August. If one drives the Tioga Road about the first ofr July, another early bloomer to be seen in Tuolumne Meadows is the Pigmy Shootingr Star (Dodecatheon jeffreyi ssp. pygmaeum). A variation on the one seen in the wetr meadows of lower elevations, this one makes bold magenta-pink splashes of colorr as the first green returns to the meadow turf, even though its stems are only 3 to 8r inches high.r

r An attractive small aster ranges widely over the meadows in July and Augustr (Aster alpigenus ssp. andersonii). It grows as a single pink blossom, an inch or morer across, on the tip of a slender stem only a few inches high; only one flower is allottedr to each plant. Its leaves are so slender they appear to be mere blades of grass in ther broad sweep of the meadow. Often, it will be found intermingled with Lemmon’sr paintbrush, the two producing a most pleasing color variation from pink to magenta.r

r Near the Soda Springs, where heavily impregnated mineral water bubbles upr e continuously from a reddish-tinged bank, is a stand of Deer’s Tongue (Frasera speciosa).r This large, rather coarse plant is easy to recognize with its 3- to 5-foot highr stalks and its graceful whorls of 3 to 7 leaves. The latter are long—4 to 10 inches—coveredr with tiny, soft hairs and remind one of the out-thrust tongue of a deer. Ther flowers are a striking geometric pattern, arranged in fours (4 petals, 4 sepals, 2r r r stamens), about an inch across and greenish-white in color. This huge plant is in ther gentian family, sometimes called Green Gentian; we will encounter some very differentr and smaller species farther along the trail.r

r Commonly seen across Tuolumne Meadows, too, is the Whorled Penstemonr (Penstemon oreocharis), growing typically on slender stems 8 to 20 inches high. Eachr stalk supports 1 to 6 whorls of blue-purple tubular flowers, a half inch long, whichr Contrast pleasingly with the yellowing meadow grasses of late summer.r

r Almost reluctantly, we leave Tuolumne Meadows, the largest area of grasslandr in the High Sierra, to begin the trek around the Loop Trail. However, it does promiser an unending variety of visual delights for as long as we have time to savor them. Fromr the Soda Springs we have an easy segment of the trail, little more than 5 miles, to ourr first objective, Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. The route leads through a picturesquer forest of lodgepole pines, past miniature meadows of grass and sedge, across openr flats where vistas of distant peaks and domes loom in every direction. Within a miler we will cross a delightful stream, Delaney Creek, one of many we will encounter onr this trail. Beyond it, in the open flat before we cross Dingley Creek, is a warm dry arear Ideal for the growth of a plant which prefers such a Spartan habitat: the odd littler Mousetails (Ivesia santolinoides), which we met along the Pohono Trail.r

r After crossing Dingley Creek, we follow close by the Tuolumne River for somer time, enjoying wide views of the rugged Cathedral Group of peaks and crags to ther south. In early summer, snow lies deeply in the cirques of their north-facing slopes;r the blue water of the river and the deep green of the meadow grasses contrastr dramatically with their wintry aspect. Just ahead is an expanse of meadow, surrounded by lodgepole pines, which often exhibits a fine showing of flower color: ther flame of Lemmon’s paintbrush; pink shooting stars; the silvery sheen of Pussytoesr (Antennaria rosea), tiny silken heads scattered far and wide over the meadows; ther first brightness of alpine goldenrod; deep purple whorled penstemons. Such mosaicsr of color are one of the memorable rewards of High Sierra hiking.r

r Now, our trail leaves the gentleness of meadowy landscapes, threads its wiry overr rocky domes, and crosses the now-turbulent Tuolumne on a picturesque footbridge.r From this point, we make a continuous descent toward Glen Aulin, following the riverr closely, a roaring torrent of white water most of the way. Less than a mile above Glen Aulin,r the river plunges over a sheer drop exceeding a hundred feet, formingr Tuolumne Fall, the first of five spectacular waterfalls in this area.r Shortly above the waterfall and along the trail is a fine display of Labrador-Tear (Sedum glandulosum var. californicum). These are rather stiffly branched shrubs, 1 tor 5 feet high with leathery, deep green leaves up to 2 inches long. The leaves exude ar pleasant fragrance not unlike that of turpentine. In midsummer, the shrubs bearr masses of white flowers, individually tiny but forming compact heads 3 to 4 inchesr across. You will find this attractive shrub in damp areas or around lakeshores.r

r Just before reaching the Camp, we come to the top of the White Cascade, wherer the Tuolumne flings itself tumultuously over a high granite bench into a deep greenr pool. Because of the ever-present moisture from the mist, this region is a favored oner for several of the most beautiful High Country flowers.r

r The bright gold of Arnica (Arnica nevadensis) seems to take its color from ther very sunlight. In the sunflower family, its flowers are 2 inches wide and look notr unlike the common sunflower itself. The stems are 1/2 to 2 feet high, with leavesr r r mostly in pairs, frequently heart-shaped, woolly and somewhat aromatic.r

r For contrast, the Mountain Daisy (Erigeron peregrinus) blooms in shades of rose-purpler with yellow centers, growing on stalks 4 to 20 inches high with long, slenderr leaves. Its flower heads are up to 2 inches wide and are usually solitary on each stalk,r even though a large number may be found growing together and giving the illusionr of many-flowered plants. We will have this lovely flower as a trail-side companionr frequently.r

r A strange little plant common along this trail will be seen here—the Shieldleafr (Streptanthus tortuosus var. orbiculatus). It prefers rocky locations and finds them inr the massive granite near the waterfall. Round [eaves clasp the slender stems, whichr may he 1/2 to 1 1/2 feet high. Green in early summer, the leaves later turn gold, resemblingr circular brass shields. At the tips of the stems the small purple flowers (sometimesr whitish) occur in a raceme of several. They resemble tiny urns, about 1/2 inchr long. In the seed stage, long slender pods are produced, like miniature string beans.r These long pods, and the prominent yellow leaves, make the plant easy to recognize.r

r Others adding their beauty to this rock garden by the White Cascade are: Goldenr Stars (Brodiaea gracilis), with 5-pointed yellow petals and brown mid-veins; tall stalksr of yellow senecio similar to those encountered in the rim country; deep blue spikesr of lupine; the royal purple of larkspur; white yarrow, its flat clusters of tiny flowersr making highlights in the forest shadows; the ever-present, delicate pussytoes; ther crimson tones of mountain-pride penstemon; the lemon-yellow of Stonecropr (Sedum obtusatum), with small clusters of flowers and thick fleshy leaves which oftenr turn faintly pink, creeping over rocky crevices.r

r A half mile below the High Sierra Camp is the Glen Aulin itself, from which ther Camp takes its name. Here, the river seems to rest for a while, drifting slowly throughr a thick stand of aspen, fir and pine, its quiet surface mirroring the clouds and ther forest. It is a place for peaceful contemplation, a quiet grotto, seemingly far removedr from the turbulence of the river just above and below the Glen. Beyond it, to the west,r the Tuolumne continues its downward plunge toward its eventual destiny in Hetchr Hetchy Reservoir. Along the way, it forms California Falls, then LeConte Falls. Threer miles from Glen Aulin Camp is one of the most impressive white water spectacles inr all of Yosemite National Park—the Waterwheel Falls. Best seen in early summer whenr the water is high, it features great vertical “wheels” of spray, created when the swiftr river plunges over upcurving spoons of granite, along a mile of its course. Many of ther flowers we have admired on our walk from Tuolumne Meadows can be seen in thisr area too and, if time is available, the 7-mile round-trip detour to the Waterwheels willr provide a memorable experience. However, the High Sierra Loop Trail leads elsewhere.r

r Our trail turns to the west, toward May Lake High Sierra Camp, about oppositer the top of the White Cascade. Now we will do Tittle climbing, for May Lake is somer 1,500 feet higher than Glen Aulin and 8 1/2 miles distant. Within less than a mile wer come to McGee Lake, an idyllic place where the calm water is enclosed by deepr lodgepole pine forest, leaving open windows through the trees at either end, however,r for inspiring views of Mt. Conness (12,590 feet) to the east and Mt. Hoffmannr (10,921 feet) to the west. Though we may only have started our hike for the day atr this point, the urge to pause for a while amid such serenity is nearly irresistible.r

r Shortly thereafter, the trail crosses Cathedral Creek, a robust stream at times,r r r which rises under Cathedral Peak and flows northward to join the Tuolumne Riverr several miles west of Waterwheel Falls. In this region, notice the infiltration ofr Mountain Hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana), one of the most beautiful trees of the Sierranr forests and one which is mainly confined to the subalpine zone. Larger, mature specimensr are characterized by richly cinnamon-colored trunks and dark green foliage,r with small, cylindrical cones, 3 inches long. Young trees are extremely slender andr graceful in appearance, their tops often drooping slightly, with a limber qualityr unknown to most pines which stand with them in the forest aisles. Their blue-greenr needles cluster thickly on the branches, producing almost a fern-like quality.r

r Another handsome tree of these elevations, now appearing here and there alongr the trail, is the Western White Pine (Pinus monticola), also called Silver Pine. Withr needles in groups of five, it is closely related to the much larger sugar pine. Its conesr are similarly long and cylindrical but much smaller (4 to 8 inches) than the huger cones of sugar pines.r

r Our trail continues to climb, and not long after passing the junction of the Tenr Lakes Trail, we cross a prominent granite spur which affords the most sweeping viewr of the entire day’s walk between Glen Aulin and May Lake. Mt. Conness and ther adjacent peaks of the Sierran crest loom against the horizon to the east. Lembert Dome,r towering above Tuolumne Meadows, can he seen clearly while, to the south,r Tenaya Lake sparkles in the sunlight, nestled in a basin of huge domes.r

r On this portion of the trail, we pass again some of those incredible rock gardensr of the High Sierra. Where small streams descend from higher sources of snow melt,r the rose-purple blooms of Spiraea (Spiraea densiflora) offer dramatic contrast to ther white granite rocks. This member of the rose family grows as a low bush, 3 to 5 feetr high, with small dentate leaves resembling those of roses. The prominent flowers,r Individually tiny, occur in flat-topped clusters which give the appearance of singler blossoms 2 inches wide. A patchwork quilt of other flower colors enlivens theser gardens too: the bright red of mountain-pride; tall spikes of purplish lupine; deepr sky-blue of Sierra forget-me-not; tall stalks of red-orange paintbrush; dark purpler larkspur; the startling white of yarrow’s flat-topped heads; the distinctive rounded,r yellow leaves and purple flowers of shieldleaf. If one looks closely at these dampr stream-side gardens, the muted blue flowers of Speedwell (Veronica alpina var. alterniflora)r will be seen among the grasses and sedges. The tiny flower is less than 1/2 inchr wide, 4-petalled, and appears as a short raceme on erect stems 4 to 12 inches highr with leaves in pairs.r

r Just below the ridge lies little Raisin Lake, a favorite of fishermen. Surrounding itr Is a heavy growth of Labrador-Tea. Nearby are some small meadows, lush with ther dampness which drains into the lake, a classical habitat for flowers which preferr marshy conditions. Here again are asters, buttercups, lupines, tall senecios and ther corn lily, found in the meadows of the rim country. A tiny stream trickles acrossr granite pavement and nearby are fine showings of the Pink Monkeyflower (Mimulus lewisii).r In any rating of all the flowers of Yosemite, this one would have to rank nearr the top in exquisite beauty.r

r Beyond this meadowy region, our trail climbs again, up and up to the final ridger enclosing May Lake. From the top, another sweeping panorama of High Sierran peaksr unfolds: Mt. Clark’s sharp pinnacle (11,522 feet) to the south, Tenaya Peak (10,301r feet) above Tenaya Lake, the Gothic-appearing architecture of Cathedral Peak (10,940r r r feet) in the east near Tuolumne Meadows, Mt. Conness on the far north-easternr horizon, with many more bare domes and ridges rimming our vista. On this rockyr promontory, another gravel garden is provided for our pleasure by the plants of ther dry environments: pink pussy paws; richly red mountain-pride; warm-toned goldenr stars; small purple blossoms of shieldleaf; the yellow-gray Alpine Paintbrush (Castilleja nana),r only 3 inches high, crouching among the rocks; mats of pink and whiter phlox creeping across the gravelly slope.r

r And so, on down to May Lake and its High Sierra Camp, situated under the eastr face of Mt. Hoffmann. On its shores grows one of the most typical plants of theser elevations, the Mountain Heather (Phyllodoce breweri). The flowers are rose-red,r about 1/3 inch long, cup-shaped and with protruding stamens. They appear in terminalr clusters on the rather short stems (6 to 12 inches), which are crowded with many smallr narrow leaves resembling fir needles. The impression is of a miniature forest of firs,r as these shrubs hug the ground in their stiff manner of growth. Although most of ther blossoms appear in early summer, the pervasive green of the shrubs themselves is oner of the most common features of the flora of the subalpine zone. Growing prominentlyr with the heather around May Lake is much Labrador-Tea.r

r This area is difficult to leave. Mt. Hoffmann beckons the hiker, for an easy router leads to its summit and the view extends to the far horizon in every direction. Ther peak is located in almost the geographic center of Yosemite National Park, overlooking a vast wilderness panorama. A beautiful meadow nestles under the peak, near ther route to the summit, where a fine stand of pink mimulus and other flowers of wetr locations can be enjoyed.r

r Leaving the May Lake area our trail begins a sharp descent of about 1,100 feet tor Tenaya Lake. Along the upper part of this trail we pass some magnificent specimens ofr western white pine. The flowers follow us, too, most generally those of the dry locations: shieldleaf, mountain-pride, phlox, paintbrush. Pine-Mat Manzanita (Arctostaphylos nevadensis)r can be seen near the trail, hearing a strong resemblance to ther much larger type we observed in the foothill region below the park. However, ther pure white blossoms rather than pink ones, and the ground-hugging propensities ofr this species, clearly distinguish it.r

r About a mile below May Lake we reach a portion of the old Tioga Road whichr was left intact to furnish access to this trail junction when the present road realignment was completed in 1961. Hikers going into the norihem part of Yosemite Nationalr Park find it convenient to drive to this point and start their trip here. A small pool, ther residue of nearby snow melt, forms here in early summer, providing the moisture forr a line display of Jeffrey shooting star. Mountain heather adds its hit to the beauty ofr the area, too.r

r From this point, our trail follows the old Tioga Road for another mile to Tenayar Lake. This portion has been closed to traffic since the new road was built, so it hasr become a most scenic element of the trail system. Particularly fine views of ther Tenaya Lake basin are enjoyed as we descend, while due south we see Mt. Clark as ar sharp spire on the horizon. Many of the flowers we have found since starting our tripr at Tuolumne Meadows will be seen again along this old road, which traverses areas ofr forest, of tiny meadows and of open rocky slopes as it descends.r

r From Tenaya Lake, there is a choice of routes leading on to Sunrise High Sierrar Camp, which is situated at the lower end of Long Meadow. The shorter trail (about 5r r r miles) climbs a steep series of switchbacks to Forsythe Pass, then turns east to threadr its way past the three Sunrise Lakes, over a divide north of Sunrise Mountain andr down to the High Sierra Camp.r

r The other trail is longer (8 miles) but infinitely rewarding in the spectacularr quality of its scenery and wealth of flowers. In 1963, Mary Tresidder took a tripr around this portion of the High Sierra Loop Trail, to Sunrise, Merced Lake and Vogelsang Camps. As a by-product of this outing, she compiled a detailed check-list ofr plants in bloom at that time, a sort of floral diary of an enriching experience. With thisr as a handbook, we will follow the longer trail to Sunrise Camp via Cathedral Pass.r

r To reach the beginning, we turn east at Tenaya Lake toward Tuolumne Meadowsr —an additional distance of 7 miles through a landscape of huge gray domes, tallr lodgepole pines and occasional gleaming meadows. The present Tioga Road parallelsr this part of the trail; a choice of driving or walking is thus open. If time is available,r though, the trail is well worth the walking. Our alternate trail to Sunrise Camp isr reached soon after our arrival in Tuolumne Meadows, where Budd Creek crosses ther Tioga Road.r

r Leaving Tuolumne, the trail immediately starts to climb toward Cathedral Peak,r through a heavy forest of lodgepole pine, hemlock, western white pine and occasionalr red firs. Within less than a mile, we reach the first of several level benches on the northr side of the Peak. Some of these are dry, but others are the sites of damp meadows providing flower gardens of rich variety. Lavender asters, deeply purple lupines, tallr stalks of corn lilies, marsh marigolds, glossy little buttercups, mountain heather,r pussytoes make a happy company in these forest glades.r

r A tiny plant, almost unnoticed, forms an extensive part of the ground cover ofr these subalpine meadows. This is Dwarf Bilberry (Vaccinium nivictum), growingr recumbent on the turf, its smoothly rounded branchlets only 1 to 3 inches high, withr shiny green, alternate leaves. The small pink or white urn-shaped flowers, less thanr 1/4 inch long, bloom in early summer and produce blue-black berries. Often one seesr it creeping across granite rocks at the edge of a meadow, its tiny head not more thanr an inch or two above the ground. In September, the leaves of the little plant turn ar vivid crimson, making a striking contrast to the gold of the meadow grasses.r

r Along drier parts of the trail, look for the shimmering yellow of Wallflowerr (Erysimum perenne). Its flowers, with four, almost-round petals, are less than an inchr across but they bloom as a curved head or elongated spike of color on stiff stalks ti tor 14 inches high. Wallflower is in the mustard family, as is the shieldleaf, and the seedr pods of each are quite long and slender, forming while individual blossoms fartherr up the stem are yet in flower. These distinctive pods make each plant easy to recognize.r One of the memorable qualities of this wallflower is the pleasantly sweetr fragrance it exudes, but one must bend low to savor it.r

r Other dwellers in the dry flats or in sunny-areas between the tall pines and firsr are: the yellow globes of sulphur flower; a low-growing groundsel or senecio, alsor bright yellow; the little white stars of phlox; crimson mountain-pride. As the trailr limbs closer to the north side of Cathedral Peak, we enter a fine forest of hemlock,r enjoying the darkly fluted cinnamon-colored trunks of the mature trees and ther equally attractive grace of the young ones, clothed in blue-green needles. Fartherr along, a delightfully open meadow rimmed with Aspen trees (Populus tremuloides)r provides an excellent vista of Fairview Dome, to the north. A small stream picks itsr r r way leisurely through the grass, providing the moisture so desired by the aspens.r

r This region, in the large cirque just north of Cathedral Peak, is well supplied withr water from the snowfields which lie in the deep shadow of the north wall and remainr as snow late into the summer. Evidences of winter avalanches can be seen, wherer great snowslides have carved gashes through the forest. About two miles after leavingr Tuolumne Meadows, conveniently located on a steep portion of our trail, is a mostr welcome spring of clear mountain water. The stream which flows from it nourishes ar fine display of mountain heather, marsh marigold, Labrador-Tea, lupine.r

r A smaller flower, frequently seen in moist habitats such as along these streamsr and in wet meadows of the High Country, is the Meadow Monkeyflower (Mimulus primuloides).r The scientific name gives a clue to its appearance for it means, literally,r primrose-like. The small yellow blossom, less than an inch wide, does in fact remindr one of a primrose. It rises on short stems from a cluster of hairy leaves, presenting ar round, golden face, funnelform with a drooping lower lip and a scattering ofr red-brown spots across the lower petals.r

r Rounding the north face of Cathedral Peak, we approach Upper Cathedral Lake,r lying in a little basin with meadowy lawns sloping down on all sides. A small tributaryr stream crosses our route, providing moisture for an interesting growth of arnica,r lupines, asters, senecios. The meadow itself is covered with the bright flames ofr Lemmon’s paintbrush, the yellow of goldenrod, blue-purple lupines, delicately pinkr Anderson’s asters. We have a sublime view of the great south face off-Cathedral Peakr with its twin turrets, as we look back across the lake. To the east, the sharp pinnaclesr of the Echo Peaks form an exciting horizon, while to the south Tresidder Peak (namedr for Dr. Donald Tresidder, former president of Stanford University and husband ofr Mary Tresidder) juts into the sky. This is a place of unusual, soul satisfying beauty—r one which is difficult to leave.r

r An easy climb brings us to the top of nearby Cathedral Pass, highest point on ther trail to Sunrise High Sierra Camp. Here the view is more extensive and includes ther peaks surrounding Matterhorn Canyon in the far northern reaches of Yosemiter National Park and, in the other direction, the sharp crest of the Clark Range near ther southern boundary. A marshy meadow extends for some distance after we cross ther pass, the trail skirting it on the west under the rocky talus slopes of Tresidder Peak.r Ahead, looms the sharp spire of Columbia Finger, and the trail heads for a gap whichr takes us close under the sheer side of this unusual landmark. The small blonde Alpiner Paintbrush (Castilleja nana) will be seen growing in the gravels nearby. Much of ther rock here shows the prominence of feldspar phenocrysts imbedded in its structure—r strange little cubes of granite scattered in random fashion within the rocks or weatheredr out, to make piles of small blocks an inch or more square.r

r On a ridge east of the trail as it curves around Columbia Finger is an interestingr and attractive plant, Lobb’s Buckwheat (Eriogonum lobbii). It prefers exposed rockyr ridges, and crouches on the granite, ending out slender stems from a basal rosette ofr woolly, gray leaves. These stems too lie flat on the rock surface, as though weightedr down by the large, round flower heads of white to rose. The heads are composed ofr many minute flowers which crowd together to give the appearance of a single glober of color, extremely appealing in its contrast to the clean, gray granite. You can find itr commonly in similar situations on exposed rocky ridges at 8,000 to 9,000 feet.r

r In the same general area, look for the pink tone of pussy paws in the gravellyr r r crevices. Another plant typical of these locations is also to be seen here: the littler Sandwort (Arenaria kingii). Its tiny white flowers have 5 petals on very slender stems,r 4 to 8 inches high, from mostly basal leaves which are needle-like in structure andr somewhat bristly. The presence of this delicate flower in such a rugged granite settingr seems remarkable.r

r Now our trail drops steadily into the upper end of Long Meadow, descendingr from the broken granite landscape of the last mile into the lush greenness of a stream-watered valley. Occasionally, deer interrupt their browsing to disappear into ther forest as we pass. Gradually, the lodgepole pines and willows give way to expansiver meadows where our old friends of the trail—asters, paintbrush, goldenrod, dwarfr bilberry, lupine—luxuriate in the mellowness of late afternoon.r

r Sunrise Camp, at an elevation of 9,300 feet, is situated on a grassy bench near ther lower end of the meadow with a wide view in three directions—north towardr Columbia Finger, the Echo Peaks, Tresidder Peak, Cathedral Peak and the great graniter ridge of Matthes Crest, a mile long and almost 2,000 feet above its base—east towardr the Sierran crest, where Mt. Florence dominates the scene at 12,561 feet—south to ther sharp horn of Mt. Clark. The large expanse of green in the foreground gives an aspectr of serenity to the scene. To the west is a high ridge over which lie the three Sunriser Lakes, an hour from Camp. Down this side comes a musical stream which flowsr through the Camp area, across the meadow and on to join Echo Creek.r

r Such a setting promotes a fine growth of wildflowers, and one is not likely to ber disappointed with the Sunrise displays. Again, we will meet the shiny yellow buttercups; the dwarf bilberry; the rose red of spiraea; sky-blue Sierra forget-me-rots;r deeply purple whorled penstemons; primly white yarrow; lavender and gold asters;r crimson paintbrush; golden senecio. They form a brilliant company, inhabiting ther moist meadow and stream-side locations. Clambering over rocks or basking in sunny,r gravelly areas, one often finds the yellow sulphur flower; magenta-toned mountain-pride penstemon; lavender stars of phlox; rosy bells of mountain heather; pink pussyr paws.r

r Other attractions may vie for our interest in this beautiful area. Strange littler “picket pins” (Belding ground squirrels) scamper across the meadow grass, standr stiffly erect while appraising our moves and then, with a shrill whistle, disappear fromr sight. Another ground squirrel, the golden-mantle, is often seen near Camp, scurryingr here and there in his ceaseless quest for food. Sometimes, we may be fortunater enough to see a Sierra marmot sunning himself on a rock. This large (14 to 18 inches)r relative of the woodchuck is a mellow gold in tone, has a large tail, and is reasonablyr common at these elevations. Little gray chickadees, with black-striped heads, forager through the pines for insects. Mountain bluebirds hover over the meadow or perch onr rocks or small trees, scanning the area for insect food. Their horizon-blue color hasr about it the quality of a wildflower.r

r Mary Tresidder had a special love for Sunrise Camp, as she and her husbandr often had camped on the very ledge where it now is located. Feeling that there wasr such a unique quality to the place that she wanted to share it with other lovers of ther High Country, she contributed a substantial part of the cost of its construction. Ar bronze plaque, inconspicuously located in a huge rock, commemorates her generosity and intimate association with this superb region.r

r The trail to Merced Lake and its High Sierra Camp crosses Long Meadow andr r r works its way into the valley of Echo Creek, first following its Cathedral Fork forr several miles to its junction with the main stream. The valley becomes deep, and forr periods we seem to lose contact with the impressive mountains around us. From timer to time, we can look up side canyons to remote peaks in the east. There is much tor engage our attention, though, in the wildflowers along this fine stream. As we gradually lose elevation (Merced Lake is 7,275 feet above sea level) we find some of our oldr friends from the rim country reappearing, together with those we have come tor know on the present trip.r

r Deep blue larkspurs, pink shooting stars, richly orange leopard lilies, sky-bluer forget-me-nots, tall Indian paintbrush, yellow sulphur flowers, lavender asters, whiter yarrow, orange-gold senecio, mountain phlox—all are similar to those we admired inr the rim country gardens, yet there are many we have learned to know in the last fewr days, too. Gooseberries (Ribes montigenum) are encountered along the creek; theirr red fruit is ripe in August and makes a tempting but tart trailside snack.r

r We continue to descend as the trail follows the creek, finally dropping into Echor Valley where we meet the main Merced River, less than two miles below Mercedr Lake itself.r

r Near the lower end of the trail along Echo Creek, look for a common plant of ther dry locations in medium elevations—the Mountain Pennyroyal (Monardella odoratissima). It is multi-branched, with straight stems to about a foot high, bearing flatr clusters of pale lavender flowers, fading to gray, about an inch across. Since it is ar mint, the leaves are in pairs while the stems are often 4-sided. The aromatic leaves,r when rubbed between the fingers, give off a strong mint fragrance which is pleasantr and makes a tasty cup of tea. You will find it frequently along the trail in dry areas ofr good drainage.r

r As we approach Merced Lake, many of the flowers of the Rim Country meet usr once more: the fragrance of wild azalea (in July—faded by August), huge umbels ofr cream-colored cow parsnip, brilliant orange leopard lilies, tall white stalks of cornr lilies, pink pussy paws, the rose-like white blossoms of wild strawberries, goldenr senecio. Much aspen grows in this part of the Merced Canyon, its round leaves onr fragile stems glittering as the afternoon breeze moves through the groves.r

r The Camp lies in a picturesque setting at the east end of the lake, surrounded byr a luxuriant forest of Jeffrey pine, lodgepole pine and white fir. The high peaks standr farther back and are not easily seen without going out on the trails. However this isr just what should be done; there is much to see, to discover, to enjoy in this region.r

r About three miles above Merced Lake, on the upper reaches of the Merced River,r is Washburn Lake, almost as large, with fine meadows extending yet farther up ther canyon. Sparkling, singing streams of snow-melt come down from the high peaks ofr the Clark Range to the west and from the great basin under Mt. Lyell on the east, tor form the headwaters of the Merced. This area was also a great favorite of Maryr Tresidder; she and her husband often camped on these streams above Washburnr lake. As might be expected, wildflowers are in great numbers in these meadows andr stream side habitats, and many we have met before are here again to greet us: redr columbines, orange leopard lilies, bright yellow monkeyflowers, tall golden senecios,r crimson mountain-pride.r

r A striking yellow flower of the drier wooded slopes and forest openings isr Mule-Ears (Wyethia mollis). The large blossom, 1 1/2 inches across, is similar to a sunflower,r r r with 5 to 9 bright golden rays. Perhaps its most unusual feature, however, is the leafr structure, which gives the plant its name. Indeed, these huge leaves do look like muler ears, 8 to 16 inches long, woolly in texture and on stems which rise 1 to 3 feet. It growsr frequently in the sunny north side of Tuolumne Meadows, also.r

r A charming flower of the trail-side, which we probably have noticed before, isr the Mariposa Lily (Calochortus leichtlinii). Its 3 snow-white petals, a dark purple spotr at the base of each, form a softly moulded 2-inch-wide cup lifted on slender grass-like stems, 8 to 16 inches high. The narrow, basal leaves die back early, giving ther flower the appearance of floating airily with little support. It prefers only gravellyr locations; expect to see it often at these elevations. Mariposa is the Spanish word forr butterfly; the flower’s fancied resemblance to these beautiful winged creaturesr suggested the name. The roasted bulbs were an important part of the diet ofr Yosemite’s Indians and other western tribes.r

r Between Merced Lake and Vogelsang High Sierra Camps there is again a choicer of trails. One of them goes up Lewis Creek and over 10,700-foot Vogelsang Pass, ar distance of 8 1/2 miles. The other follows Fletcher Creek, gradually ascending towardr the 10,160-foot elevation of Vogelsang Camp itself (without climbing the additionalr 500 feet to surmount the Pass). This trail is about one mile shorter. There is much tor be enjoyed on either route, and each offers excellent summer wildflower gardens ofr the High Sierra. The dramatic view from Vogelsang Pass, highest point on the Loopr Trail, includes unusual vistas of many high peaks along the Sierran crest, with ruggedr canyons and lake basins lying between them. On the other hand, the Fletcher Creekr Trail follows near plunging cascades, great granite domes and lovely open meadowsr —with more intimate landscapes. It seems to have been a favorite of Mary Tresidder’s,r so let’s take it this time.r

r One of the bright flowers seen frequently along this trail is the Cinquefoil (Potentilla gracilis ssp. nuttallii). This little member of the rose family has 5 sunshine-goldr petals, forming a shallow cup about an inch across, on stems 1/2 to 3 feet high. Ther compound leaves are interesting in themselves; they have 5 to 7 serrated leafletsr arranged in a whorl radiating from the long leaf stem. The word “cinquefoil” meansr literally “five leaves,” which refers to this type of leaf arrangement. Potentillas arer widespread throughout the Sierra, some with yellow flowers and some with white,r but only those with the digitate leaves, as in this species, are properly referred to asr cinquefoils.r

r In the higher meadows, as our trail approaches Vogelsang Camp, we find a mostr attractive Lupine (Lupinus covillei), “the beautiful silver foliage one,” as Mary Tresidderr described it. This member of the very large lupine genus (over 150 species,r subspecies and varieties have been classified in California) occurs in the subalpiner zone between 8,500 and 10,000 feet; the area we are traveling on this portion of ther Loop Trail is a most typical habitat. The plant grows on till straight stems, 1 to 2 1/2r feet high, covered with soft, silky hairs. The leaves too are softly hairy, and in normalr lupine fashion are composed of 7 to 9 long, slender leaflets. Tall racemes of deep bluer flowers rise like a fringe above the mass of leaves, topped by the silvery caps ofr unopened buds. Thin, rocky soil of High Country meadows and the margins of tinyr streams are the places it prefers.r

r The lower Fletcher Meadow, under Vogelsang Camp, is one of the most idyllicr areas on this portion of the trail. The expansive views of craggy peaks above tree line,r r r the lawn-like meadow for a foreground, the icy clarity of Fletcher Creek, the seemingr closeness to the blue Sierran sky, all contribute to a quality of serenity and remotenessr long to he remembered happily by anyone fortunate enough to pass this way. Asr might he expected, many of the flowers we have come to know on this trip arer represented in generous measure in the Fletcher Creek gardens: mountain-prider penstemon, spiraea, paintbrush, lavender asters, wallflowers, pussy paws, whorledr penstemons, forget-me-nots, senecios, tiny yellow monkeyflowers, corn lilies.r

r Vogelsang High Sierra Camp, highest on the Loop Trail, is at an elevation ofr 10,160 feet. There is a definite exhilaration here at tree line, an on-top-of-the-worldr euphoria as though one were endowed with some of the restless freedom of ther wind, the strength of the icy crags, the far-ranging vision of the golden eagle wheelingr serenely in the limitless blue sky. Many travelers on the Loop Trail feel this Camp tor be the climax.r

r If time is available—and it should be made available—one should walk the miler from the Camp to the summit of Vogelsang Pass, providing the Fletcher Creek trailr from Merced Lake was chosen. Shortly after leaving the Camp, the trail climbs gentlyr around the shoulder of Fletcher Peak. In the ledges and small terraces between ther huge blocks of rocky talus, where snow melt produces bounteous water, look for ther little bells of White Heather (Cassiope mertensiana). This dainty little flower bloomsr somewhat early in the summer, but some of it will be seen into the first part ofr August. It is a small, creeping, almost prostrate, evergreen shrub, with ascendingr branches closely covered by needle-like leaves. At the ends of the branches are ther tiny, snow-white flowers, cup-shaped with small red sepals which clasp the cups tor form a most pleasing contrast. The blossoms are turned down demurely until theyr begin to dry, when they raise their little heads. Cassiope is lavish in the number of individual blossoms it produces, sometimes seeming to cover the plants as with a lightr snow. John Muir was especially fond of the white heather and mentions it eloquentlyr on a number of occasions in his writings. For the hiker in the High Country, fewr flowers will be associated in memory with the wild places of snow and rocks asr intimately as cassiope.r

r Another charming plant of the boggy areas will be found nearby, the Americanr Laurel (Kalmia polifolia var. microphylla). It, too, is a low, many-branched shrub withr paired leaves 1/2 to 1 inch long, the stems not more than 3 to 8 inches tall. The handsome rose-colored flowers are cupped discs, about 72 inch wide. A unique featurer of the blossoms is in the arrangement of the 10 stamens, whose slender filaments, liker tiny springs, are tucked into small pouches in the petals until released by the touchr of a visiting insect or other sudden motion, thus scattering the pollen. Close examination of any group of flowers will reveal several in either stage.r

r About halfway to the Pass, situated in a basin directly beneath it, is Vogelsangr Lake. The meadow surrounding it is rich in the flora of this high region. Brilliantr magenta paintbrush, pale lavender asters, richly purple whorled penstemons, shinyr yellow buttercups, brick-red mountain heather—sometimes occurring in startlingr contrast to the white heather, delicate lemon-yellow monkeyflowers, combine inr scatter rugs of colorful designs. The rich carpet of grass encourages the hiker to tarryr a while in this sky parlor, to lie down in it, to examine the little flowers face to face.r Such a maneuver enables him to make some fascinating discoveries.r

r For instance, we find the Elephant Heads (Pedicularis groenlandica), richly pinkr r r shafts of color 1 to 2 feet tall, rising out of a mass of basal leaves, finely-toothed andr almost fern-like. Until you look quite closely, you are not likely to notice the unusualr structure of the individual flower in these tall racemes, which give to the plant itsr appropriate name. Each tiny blossom, about 1/2 inch long, is the miniature head of anr elephant—the broad forehead, two large, floppy ears and the upthrust trunk asr though it were reaching for a peanut. This flower, and a smaller relative (P. attollens),r are widespread in boggy, meadowy areas up to 12,000 feet. Here is your chancer actually to see pink elephants!r

r Above the Lake, on the granite slopes sweeping upward to the Pass, you willr notice a vivid rose-purple tone among the gleaming white rocks of the talus. This isr a smaller relative of the fireweed, appropriately named Rock-Fringe (Epilobium obcordatum).r Growing on short stems, 2 to 6 inches high, it nestles among rocks,r seeming to prefer areas of relatively little natural humus. The blossom has 4 petals,r each deeply notched, forming a rounded flower about an inch across. This exquisiter little bloom seems particularly lovely in this region of harsh rock—another treasuredr memory of the High Country.r

r In this high meadow and near the Pass itself, look for the Alpine Willow (Salix anglorum var. antiplasti),r a true willow in fact but so tiny as to become a mere partr of the ground cover. Its branches creep along the surface, forming mats of willow-like leaves, 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches long. The catkins rise on short stalks, up to 3 inches high,r dispensing their woolly seeds as little masses of gray fluff on the meadow grass. Thisr little plant is reasonably common from 9,500 to 12,000 feet.r

r The Vogelsang area is indeed a sort of alpine climax. Long to be rememberedr are the moving splendor of the view from the Pass itself; the impressive bulk ofr Vogelsang Peak (11,516 feet) as seen from the Camp; the idyllic basin of Townsleyr Lake and the smaller, un-named lakes above it; the vast upland of flower-strewnr meadows, known as the Indian Trading Mesa, just north of Townsley Lake; ther serrated ranks of peaks marching southeast to join the Sierras crest at the Mt. Lyellr axis.r

r Reluctantly, once again, we leave this region of mountain grandeur to take ther trail back to Tuolumne Meadows. As is true wherever we are in Yosemite’s Highr Country, though, we continue to walk through beauty. About a mile from Vogelsangr Camp, we cross the flat, rock-strewn expanse of Tuolumne Pass. Much sky-blue lupiner is enjoyed through this area, interspersed with yellow senecio, red mountain heather,r purple whorled penstemons and others of the grand company of wildflowers we haver travelled with on the trail.r

r In the rocky crevices along the trail look for the Mountain Sorrel (Oxyria digyna),r a plant 3 to 12 inches high with rounded, kidney-shaped leaves arranged as a base.r From these arise the flower stalks bearing thick clusters of tiny, greenish-yellow tor red blooms. The long leaf stalks have a pleasantly acid taste. One of the admirabler features of this sorrel is its choice of location, for its grows in dramatically ruggedr settings in which its almost frail appearance seems emphasized.r

r From Tuolumne Pass, our trail drops through forests of lodgepole pines to occasionalr meadow glades, past Rafferty and Johnson Peaks, following Rafferty Creek.r In early summer, this is a robust stream, but by mid-August it loses much of itsr volume. The snow-white blossoms of Labrador-Tea are a frequent sight along ther Creek’s damp banks, with tall stalks of magenta fireweed adding rich color in later r r summer. Occasional small tributary streams cross our trail, rising under the highr ridges to the west; one in particular is an excellent place to find the dainty little primrose monkeyflower. The tiny bells of white heather decorate stream-side gardens inr early summer, before coming into bloom at higher elevations. Toward evening, birdr songs permeate the forest, distant music akin to the soft quality of the long rays ofr golden sunlight slanting through the trees. One of the most memorable is that of ther hermit thrush, an ethereal, flute-like series of notes, usually repeated in a more minorr key, and seeming to come from far away. Closer at hand, the soft little songs of ther juncos are like quiet conversations.r

r In damp, meadowy areas or stream-sides, we are almost certain to find the tallr stalks of Button Parsley, or White Heads (Sphenosciadium capitellatum). The flowersr are white, sometimes purplish, and extremely minute but are clustered in dense, hairyr balls 1/2 inch wide. These form in umbels (umbrella-like heads) of 10 to 20 little balls,r on stalks 1 1/2 to 5 feet tall. The long leaves are finely divided into many leaflets, in ther manner of carrots, to which family this plant is related. Button parsley is a commonr trail-side companion at this elevation.r

r Within a mile and a half of Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, the trail along Raffertyr Creek reaches its junction with the John Muir Trail which has come down the adjacentr canyon of the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River. The forest here is open and sunny,r many tall lavender asters waving gently in the mixed sunlight and shadow of theser glades. Along the creek and the river Swamp Onions (Allium vaiidum) are often seen,r with tall stems and rosy-hued flowering heads. The actual blossoms are very small,r about 1/2 inch long, crowded into dense, compact heads 1 1/2 inches across. The stemsr rise 1 1/2 to 3 feet high, and are surrounded by 3 to 6 long leaves, grass-like, rising fromr the base. There can be no doubt at all that these are onions, for the odor of the leavesr is onion-like, with considerable strength. The plant was a favored one with ther Indians and early settlers in the Sierra, as it gave zest to their otherwise tasteless diet.r They used the bulb as well, but it is hoped that today’s Park visitors will refrain fromr digging them! About a dozen different onion species occur in Yosemite Nationalr Park; this is the largest one, found extensively in damp places between 7,000 andr 11,000 feet.r

r As we come back once more into the open reaches of Tuolumne Meadows, wer find many of our flower friends following us. Lupines, senecios, larkspurs, whorledr penstemons, pussytoes, yampah, short-stemmed goldenrods, dwarf bilberry arer present in abundance. Selected areas of good moisture show stands of Western Bluer Flag (Iris missouriensis), a very beautiful plant occurring in moist flats and meadowsr between 3,000 and 11,000 feet. On flower stems 8 to 20 inches high, the 3- to 4-inchr wide blossoms have pale blue to lavender stripings. Slender, grass-like leaves riser almost as high as the stems. A typical location is in the meadow just east of the bridger crossing of the Tuolumne.r

r In late August, two little gentians decorate the short-grass meadows of the Highr Country, typically Tuolumne and Dana Meadows. The more commonly seen one isr the Sierra Gentian (Gentiana holopetala), a short-stemmed (3 to 12 inches), dark-bluer to purple tubular flower, 1 to 2 inches long. The flower tube is 4-petalled, each oner recurving slightly at the apex. Each stem bears a single erect bloom, held aloft fromr a base of small pointed leaves 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long. Often the entire plant, flowersr and all, seems almost concealed in the grass and sedges of these lush meadows, sor r r that lying prone on the turf is by far the best way to get to know them well.r

r The other gentian is Gentiana newberryi, often called the Alpine Gentian. It isr readily distinguished from the purple G. holopetala by its white color and the funnelform tube of the blossom itself. This tube has dark bands on the outside, while ther greenish-white interior is speckled with tiny dots. Each stem bears but one flowerr and is 2 to 4 inches high; the blossom is not more than 2 inches long. As with ther Sierra gentian, the stem arises from mostly basal leaves, a bit broader and longer,r however. The flowers tend to open only in the afternoon, so that an inspection of ar meadow in the morning may yield no results even though they are there for you tor admire later. This white gentian is not common in Tuolumne Meadows, but canr usually be seen in the Dana Meadows near Tioga Pass Entrance Station.r

r The High Sierra Loop Trail is indeed the perfect introduction to Yosemite’sr subalpine zone and its world of wildflowers. More than just a superb botanicalr garden, this region reveals itself as an aesthetic experience which will always remainr in memory as one of life’s highlights.r

r Mary Tresidder, whose entire life was so closely interwoven with Yosemite’sr beauty, felt it keenly and had the gift for expressing it warmly. Of a camping trip intor the headwaters of the Merced River, above Merced Lake High Sierra Camp, she wrote:r “I slept in the most beautiful of beds for one of the loveliest of nights. High on ther Merced Peak Fork, a crystal stream of the High Sierra, my sleeping bag was cradledr in the circling roots of a lodgepole pine and a mountain hemlock, their bases and ar few low branches sheltering me from the night wind down the canyon, whose floorr fell away in front of me. Far down beyond its mouth rose the peaks at the headwatersr of the Merced’s Lyell Fork—Lyell and Rodgers and Electra. The sky was full of stars,r with the hemlock foliage soft above me. I could scarcely sleep for looking up throughr it. Then came a saffron dawn, and the form of things became distinct again. I moanr that I shall not always remember it in every detail, but I hope I may pass that wayr again.”r

r And so do we all!r

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Lemmon’s Paintbrush, Castilleja lemmoniir	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Meadow Aster, Aster alpigenus ssp. andersoniir
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Buttercup, Ranunculus alismaefolius var. alismellusr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Deer’s Tongue, Frasera speciosar
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Labrador-Tea, Ledum glandulosum var. californicumr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Whorled Penstemon, Penstemon oreocharisr

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Arnica, Arnica nevadensisr
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Mountain Daisy, Erigeron peregrinusr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Spiraea, Spiraea densiflorar
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Shieldleaf, Streptanthus tortuosus var. orbiculatusr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Red or Mountain Heather, Phyllodoce brewerir	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Dwarf Bilberry, Vaccinrurn nivictumr

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Meadow Monkeyflower, Mimulus primuloidesr
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Lobb’s Buckwheat, Eriogonum lobbiir
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Wallflower, Erysimum perenner	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Mountain Pennyroyal, Monardella odoratissimar
	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Mule-Ears, Wyethia mollisr

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Cinquefoil, Potentilla gracilis ssp. nuttalliir
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Mariposa Lily, Calochortus leichtliniir	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Lupine, Lupinus covilleir
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r White Heather, Cassiope mertensianar	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r American Laurel, Kalmia polifolia var. microphyllar

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Rock-Fringe, Epilobium obcordatumr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Elephant Heads, Pedicularis groenlandicar
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Mountain Sorrel, Oxyria digynar	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Button Parsley, Sphenosciadium capitellatumr

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Swamp Onion, Allium validumr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Iris or Western Blue Flag, Iris missouriensisr
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Sierra Gentian, Gentiana holopetalar	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Alpine Gentian, Gentiana newberryir
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Alpine Willow, Salix anglorum var. antiplastir	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Alpine Paintbrush, Castilleja nanar

r r Next: Tree Line •r Contentsr • Previous: Valley Rim Trailsr r

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r http://www.yosemite.ca.us/library/yosemite_wildflower_trails/subalpine.htmlr

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r Yosemite > Library >r Wildflower Trails >r Tree Line and Above >r

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r r Next: Plant Names •r Contentsr • Previous: Subalpine Beltr r

Yosemite Wildflower Trails (1975) by Dana C. Morgenson

TREE LINE AND ABOVE

r When one stands at the high, windy crest of Tioga Pass’s 9,941-foot summit, it isr easy to believe that the upper limit of vegetation has been reached. True, the Whiter Bark Pines (Pinus albicaulis) which are here replacing the lodgepoles and hemlocks,r will struggle up another thousand feet on the surrounding peaks until they lie prostrater on the rocky slopes, flattened and sculptured by the buffeting wind of ther summits, But surely nothing as delicate as wildflowers could grow in this seemingr wasteland of rock a region where winter lasts from September to mid-July andr where a killing frost can occur at any time. And yet they do! In the area above tree-line,r generally referred to as the alpine zone, about 170 different species of flowers,r grasses and sedges have been identified.r

r One of the most rewarding of alpine rock gardens is the great peak of Mt. Danar (13,053 feet) which rises immediately east of Tioga Pass, just across the open expanser of Dana Meadows. Few areas anywhere can surpass its display of high-elevationr flowers, from the lush fields of deep blue lupine at its base to the amazing stands ofr sky pilot on its lofty summit. In between occurs a rich panorama of other genera whichr come into bloom in succession from early July to the middle of August and which canr provide for the flower enthusiast a rare day of discovery on the westerly slopes of thisr one mountain.r

r A trail of sorts from the Tioga Entrance Station leads directly toward the peakr itself, passing several idyllic tiny lakes nestled into lawn-like meadows brightened byr red heather, yellow potentilla, lavender asters, short-stemmed goldenrod. Approachingr the mountain slopes, our little trail strikes boldly upward, climbing determinedlyr above the broad sweep of meadowy landscape which lies on either side of the Pass.r

r Here, at the start of our climb, we walk through masses of flowers which, inr r r r

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Meadow Asters and Mt. Dana, Aster alpigenus ssp. andersoniir

r As we climb higher, the trees become fewer and we reach the first of the open,r gravelly slopes which mark the definite transition known as tree line. About here, inr the first week or two of July, appear the earliest of the mountain’s floral displays—r before the lush gardens of the lower slopes come into bloom. Certain to be noticedr are the low, circular mats of Spreading Phlox (Phlox diffusa), with their 5-petalledr blossoms in shades of pink, lavender or white, which we have seen before aroundr Yosemite Valley’s rims.r

r Not so likely to be seen, however, is one of the most amazing of all the Park’sr flowers—the tiny Steer’s Head (Dicentra uniflora). This relative of the bleeding heartr of Yosemite Valley grows on a short stem, 2 inches high, with a single pale pinkr blossom only 1/2 to 3/4 inch long. This blossom is an amazingly precise caricature ofr the bleached skull of a steer—the long snout, empty socket eyes and up-curving hornsr creating a lasting impression. Nearby are one to three basal leaves dissected intor many small lobes, lying flat on the ground. The flower is so small it is very hard to seer from normal eye level and may require careful searching. However, once found, ther thrill of discovery is ample reward for the effort. Look for it in fine gravel near meltingr r r snow banks which keep the area moist. They are in bloom only a week or so, but mayr be seen in a number of places in the Park between 6,000 and 10,500 feet, when conditionsr are exactly right—such as near the Upper Gaylor Lake and on Illilouette Ridge’sr western slope.r

r The trail to the summit climbs across beautiful grassy meadows, tilted at an angler which produces miniature waterfalls in the small streams singing their way throughr them. Above these, we reach a rocky plateau where alpine gravel gardens are at theirr best, normally about the end of July.r

r In crevices among those rocks, look for stands of the White or Alpine Columbiner (Aquilegia pubescens) on straight stems 8 to 18 inches high, with several blossoms atr the tips. Each petal ends in the typical spur, a repository for the nectar which makesr these flowers great favorites of hummingbirds, sphinx moths and large bumble beesr with long tongues. This species hybridizes readily with A. Formosa, of the lower elevations, so we occasionally find tones of cream to yellow to pink to lavender among ther white. Unlike its lower elevation relative, though, this columbine carries its flowerr heads erect on the stems rather than in a drooping posture. One of the most prolificr areas in which to find it is the talus slope under the Lying Head, on Mt. Dana.r

r As we cross the plateau, we are made aware of the predominantly low profile ofr the plants growing there. All have contrived the rather typical shapes of dense moundsr of leaves or low mat-like herbage which enable them to survive the extremely lowr winter temperatures by burying themselves under thermal blankets of snow. Theirr low forms also present the least possible surface to the severe winds of the highr places, thus lessening the (frying effect of this continual turbulence.r

r One of the more spectacular of these plants is the Alpine Penstemon (Penstemon davidsonii),r a memorable purple-violet flower with an inch-long tubular form. Itr occurs in masses of blooms from a creeping mat of dark-green, small, round leavesr and is found commonly between 9,000 and 12,000 feet. Preferring rocky, gravelly locations, it often snuggles against the leeside of an outcrop which gives added protectionr from wind. This plant blooms almost all summer, from the period soon after the snowr hanks are gone until the first winter snows begin, perhaps in September.r

r Another delightful blossom, its bright colors adding to the brilliance of ther region, is the Alpine Buckwheat (Eriogonum ovalifolium var. nivale). These plants arer of tire type frequently known as “pincushion plants,” and the allusion is obvious. Fromr rounded mounds of silvery-white leaves, so firm they resist even the imprint of ar carelessly placed hiking boot, the bright little yellow or rose-colored blooms rise onr short stems like decorative pins thrust into an old-fashioned pincushion. The flowersr are actually about 1/a inch long, closely packed into spherical heads some 3/4 inchr across the compact form of the plant is reinforced by a densely woody structure ofr branches, making it well suited to live for many years in the severe climate of ther alpine zone. You will find it a frequent companion on climbs into Yosemite’s summits,r well above tree line.r

r The so called daisies are represented here in this land of the sky, too. Frequentlyr seen in this plateau region on Mt. Dana and in other comparable sites is the Alpiner Daisy or Fleabane (Erigeron compositus var. glabratus). A dwarf, cushiony plant with ar mass of Ian like, hairy, multi-lobed leaves, the short stems rise 2 to 6 inches, with ar single blossom on each. The flower is in the traditional form of a daisy—white raysr surrounding a yellow center—and is only about an inch in width. An arrangement ofr r r these delicate little blossoms on the granite gravels of a lofty alpine garden will ber remembered and cherished as an example of nature’s utmost care with even ther smallest of her creations. In the same general area, you may expect to find a diminutive lupine with pale lilac to white flowers on stems 2 to 4 inches high (Lupines lyallii var. danaus).r This is Dana’s Lupine, named for Mt. Dana, which in turn wasr named for the eminent American geologist, James Dwight Dana.r

r Now our trail heads for the 13,000-foot summit of the peak itself. As we leaver the plateau and climb over the colorful slabs which make up the mountain’s topmostr 1,000 feet, we follow occasional splotches of yellow paint across the rocks. No realr trail penetrates these heights, and the thin air makes it necessary to proceed slowly.r There are advantages in such a slow pace, though, for there is much to see. Mt. Danar raises its lofty crown well above its neighbors; it is the most northerly peak exceedingr 13,000 feet in all the Sierra.r

r Along this last part of our climb, and especially on the summit, the view unfoldsr in every direction. Mono Lake, to the east, lies almost 6,500 feet below and 10 milesr distant, a circular azure mirror reflecting the clouds, like a piece of the sky itself in ar setting of silvery-gray ridges. Directly beneath us, the Dana Glacier sprawls across ther end of Glacier Canyon, its moraines cradling the turquoise water of Dana Lake,r almost 2,000 feet below. To the south rise the twin summits of Mts. Lyell and McClure,r their glaciers gleaming in the sunlight. Westward, the long expanses of the Dana andr Tuolumne Meadows roll away from our feet to merge with the far away domes andr peaks of the area near Lake Tenaya. Our view to the north comprises a bewilderingr array of crests and valleys, brick-colored with the metamorphic rocks of this part ofr the Sierra. Saddlebag Lake makes a focal point of interest in the middle of a landscaper which extends to the mountain summits at the northernmost boundary of Yosemiter National Park.r

r Not far below the summit we see the first blossoms of a plant which is characteristicr of the rocky peaks above tree line. Alpine Gold (Hulsea algida), is named.r First collected here on the slopes of Mt. Dana in 1865, it may also he found on manyr Sierran summits between 10,000 and 13,000 feet. It looks somewhat like an oversizedr dandelion, producing a brilliant yellow blossom some 2 inches across, one flower atr the end of each stem which may rise 4 to 16 inches. The leaves are long and slenderr and are sharply toothed, rising from the base of the stalks. These stalks, and the flowerr heads, are sticky and exude a pungent odor resembling balsam. Far above tree line, inr the rusty tones of the metamorphic rocks which comprise much of the peak ofr Mt. Dana, these bright yellow orbs are a visual delight. They form a spectacular colorr contrast to the vivid red, orange and gold of the lichens which flourish on the rocksr of these elevations—rocks which often form landscaped walls surrounding the tinyr plots of humus for the hulsea gardens.r

r Mt. Dana reserves its most remarkable floral treasure for the last. Only thoser who, like pilgrims seeking a remote shrine, trudge all the way to the top are privilegedr to behold the Sky Pilot (Polemonium eximium). The common name comes from ther slang term for one who leads others to heaven; appropriately, it was given to a plantr which is found only on or near the tops of the highest peaks. Its pale blue-lavenderr blossoms, 5-petalled, are crowded together in compact heads, 2 to 3 inches wide, atr the tops of stems rising 4 to 12 inches. The leaves appear as small green cylinders andr are divided into many tiny leaflets, 3- to 5-parted. The entire plant is somewhat sticky,r r r exuding a sweet, musky odor which seems to pervade the general area. Not the leastr remarkable characteristic of the polemonium is its ability to flourish in crevices of ther summit rocks which appear to offer almost nothing in the way of viable soil. Yetr flourish it does in its sky garden, a glorious reward for the weary climber as he standsr at last on the mountain top. Polemonium is appropriate to its setting; it is a creaturer of the sky, the drifting clouds and the summit wind.r

r While Mt. Dana offers a comprehensive course in the flora of the alpine zone,r there are several other flowers of borderline occurrence (i.e., growing just at or immediately below tree line) which are of interest too and should be included here. Anr especially likely area to look for them is near the little ghost town of Bennettville, ar mile north of the highway as it skirts Tioga Lake just east of Tioga Pass. A remnant ofr the original Tioga Road leads to the town site which consists today of but two woodenr buildings, quietly slumbering to the music of a mountain stream. Along this stream,r rising from some small lakes another mile north, and in the lush meadow below ther town site, rich flower gardens bloom under the bright sunshine—and occasionalr showers—of late July and August. Many of these flowers we have encountered before,r or we have met closely related species. There are several, however, which are new tor us and deserve special comment.r

r Perhaps the most showy of these is the Alpine Monkeyflower (Mimulus tilingii).r At the stream margins especially, but wherever there is assured wetness, this brilliantlyr yellow little flower appears in masses. As with all monkeyflowers, its little face, aboutr an inch across, has the unique form which suggests such a name, the lower lip drooping with heavy jowls. The flower’s throat is almost closed by two brown-spotted, orr “freckled” ridges. Beneath the mass of yellow blooms is a lush backdrop of brightr green, inch-long leaves. This little plant thrives in and near icy streams, forming colorful mats among the warm-toned rocks of the banks. There is a particularly showyr colony near the opening of the mine tunnel west of the town site, where a stream ofr ice water gushes continuously from the tunnel’s mouth.r

r The old, historic road which serves as the trail to Bennettville is a likely place tor look for an attractive member of the stonecrop genus, Western Roseroot (Sedum rosea ssp. integrifolium).r It clambers over rocks where moisture collects from higher slopes,r sometimes forming fringes across the margins of ledges. On stems 2 to 8 inches high,r tightly clustered small red flowers make rosettes of bright color. The offsetting greenr of the small leaves, which are thickly distributed along the stems, is a pleasing colorr contrast. While the tiny flowers are still in bud, surrounded by the green calyx-lobes,r the effect is especially charming—like “caviar in a green jade bowl,” Mary Tresidderr described it. Roseroot is a flower of early summer—late June or early July—in ther High Country. If you look carefully you will find it often, seemingly enjoying ther matchless scenery of its homeland from a sunny, rocky eminence.r

r If one wanders along the stream (Mine Creek) above the town site of Bennettville, there is a good chance of meeting in late August one of the most delicatelyr beautiful of residents of the High Country, Grass of Parnassus (Parnassia palustris var. californica).r On slender, grass-like stems, 6 to 15 inches high, the lovely, cream-coloredr blossoms are borne singly. The 5 petals have prominent green veins and arer smooth edged; the entire blossom is an inch or more across. At the base of the thinr stem is a tuft of heart-shaped leaves, an inch long, on extended petioles or stalks.r It favors wet areas and can most frequently be found along the margins of streams,r r r though nowhere in abundance. The whole plant presents an elegant aspect, fittinglyr created to grace the landscape of Mt. Parnassus, mythological home of the godr Apollo.r

r Other flowers demand our attention as we wander through the High Countryr landscape on a dreamy summer’s day, and they too will linger in the memory of suchr an experience. There will be the Shrubby Cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa), withr brightly yellow flowers, like single roses, decorating generously a low bush of manyr branches and masses of tiny, needle-like leaves. Tall stalks of Valerian (Valeriana capitata var. californica),r its small white flowers clustered into heads 2 inches wide,r seek out areas of early moisture. Delicate little Campion, or Catchfly (Silene sargentii),r produces small white tubular blossoms with flared petals, preferring rocky crevices.r If you look closely in damp, shady areas near rock walls, you may be fortunate enoughr to see the strange little Mitrewort (Mitella breweri), on slender stems from roundr basal leaves, with tiny green petals divided into a needle-like geometrical design.r Many of our old friends from the subalpine zone are present too—scarlet paintbrush,r pink asters, purple whorled penstemons, golden tones of senecio and wallflower,r white heather, the brick-red of bryanthus (red heather), tall, white buttonr parsley, orange-toned columbines, magenta mountain-pride, pink elephant heads,r lavender wild onions, lupines in assorted shades of blue and violet. And more, many,r many more! Early August is the moment of truth for the floral regions at tree line andr above. The business of blooming and then setting their seeds must be attended tor promptly, for the days are dropping away like autumn leaves and winter can begin inr September. So the urge to bloom is seen everywhere, with magnificent results!r

r Here, then, is the last act in the drama of spring’s pilgrimage from the foothills,r which began in March. For six months we have been privileged to observe herr progress up the mountain slopes of the Sierra, across the canyons and meadows andr ridges of Yosemite. Appropriately, she rings down the curtain for this year with ar spectacular show of color and form and diversity of species, displayed on a stage ofr unparalleled grandeur among the peaks and high glacial basins.r

r Though we may have regrets when September turns the meadows to gold andr the tiny leaves of the dwarf bilberry flame in the grass, there is deep satisfaction inr knowing that the magnificent production will be re-staged next year. Anyone fortunater enough to see at least some of spring’s performance can breathe a little prayerr with Mary Tresidder, “I hope I may pass that way again.”r

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Steer’s Head, Dicentra uniflorar
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Alpine Penstemon, Penstemon davidsoniir	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Alpine Buckwheat, Eriogonum ovalifolium var. nivaler
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Alpine Columbine, Aquilegia pubescensr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Alpine Daisy, Erigeron compositus var. glabratusr
	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Alpine Gold, Hulsea algidar

r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Sky Pilot, Polemonium eximiumr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Alpine Monkeyflower, Mimulus tilingiir
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Western Roseroot, Sedum rosear	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Shrubby Cinquefoil, Potentilla fruticosar
r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Grass of Parnassus, Parnassia palustrisr	r r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r Champion or Catchfly, Silene sargentiir

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r r Next: Plant Habitats •r Contentsr • Previous: Tree Liner r

Yosemite Wildflower Trails (1975) by Dana C. Morgenson

INDEXr
r PLANT NAMES, LOCATIONS OF TEXT REFERENCES AND ILLUSTRATIONS

[Editor’s note:r see Contentsr to find the chapter for a page number—dea]

r Common names, printed in Roman letters, are arranged alphabetically among botanicalr names, which are shown in italics. The appropriate botanical name is also shownr in parentheses following the common name, and vice versa.r

r Each flower name is followed by one or more numbers: those in bold face indicater the page numbers of illustrations, those in light face the text reference pages.r for example:r

r Tidy Tips (Layia fremontii), 8, 12, 13r

r If there is no bold face numeral, the plant is not illustrated.r

r r r

r Abies concolor (Fir, White), 41r
Abies magnifica (Fir, Red), 36, 39, 40r
Achillea lanulosa (Yarrow), 22, 27, 52, 53, 57, 58r
Aconitum columbianum (Monkshood, Purple), 38, 47r
Aesculus californica (Buckeye, California), 10, 14r
Agastache urticifolia (Hyssop, Giant), 23, 27r
Allium validum (Onion, Swamp), 62, 69, 75r
Alpine Gold (Hulsea algida), 73, 76r
Alum-Root (Heuchera micrantha var. erubescens), 30, 42r
Amelanchier pallida (Service-Berry), 37r
Amsinckia intermedia var. eastwoodae, (Fiddleneck), 12r
Anaphalis margaritacea (Pearly Everlasting), 35, 46r
Antennaria rosea (Pussytoes), 51, 52, 55, 62r
Apocynum pumilum (Dogbane), 35r
Aquilegia formosa (Columbine, Red), 35, 38, 46, 58, 72, 75r
Aquilegia pubescens (Columbine, Alpine), 72, 76r
Arctostaphylos nevadensis (Manzanita, Pine-Mat), 36, 54r
Arctostaphylos viscida (Manzanita, White-Leaf), 11, 14r
Arenaria kingii (Sandwort), 57r
Arnica (Arnica nevadensis), 51, 56, 65r
Arnica nevadensis (Arnica), 51, 56, 65r
Asarum hartwegii (Ginger, Wild), V), 25r
Asclepias cordifolia (Milkweed, Purple), 23r
Asclepias speciosa (Milkweed, Showy), 19, 25r
Aspen (Populus tremuloides), 55r
Aster (Aster alpigenus ssp. andersonii), 36, 38, 50, 53, 55, 56, 57, 58, 60, 62, 64, 70, 71, 75r
Aster alpigenus ssp. andersonii, (Aster), 36, 38, 50, 53, 55, 56, 57, 58, 60, 62, 64, 70, 71,75r
Azalea, Western (Rhododendron occidentale), 17, 18, 24, 41, 58r
Baby-Blue-Eyes (Nemophila menziesii), 9, 12, 13r
Baeria chrysostoma (Goldfields), 8r
Big Tree (Sequoiadendron giganteum), 28r
Bilberry, Dwarf (Vaccinium nivictum), 55, 57, 62, 65, 75r
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima), 21, 26r
Blazing Star (Mentzelia lindleyi ssp. crocea), 12, 15r
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa), 19, 25, 71r
Blue Dicks (Brodiaea pulchella), 12r
Bluebell, Mountain (Mertensia ciliata var. stomatechoides), 32, 38, 43r
Brodiaea elegans (Brodiaea, Harvest), 21, 26r
Brodiaea, Golden (Brodiaea lutea var. scabra), 9, 12, 13, 37r
Brodiaea gracilis (Golden Stars), 52, 54r
Brodiaea, Harvest (Brodiaea elegans), 21, 26r
Brodiaea lutea var. scabra (Brodiaea, Golden), 9, 12, 13, 37r
Brodiaea pulchella (Blue Dicks), 12r
Bryanthus (Phyllodoce breweri), 54, 55, 56, 57, 60, 61, 65, 70, 75r
Buckeye, California (Aesculus californica), 10, 14r
Buckwheat, Alpine (Eriogonum ovalifolium var. nivale), 72, 76r
Buckwheat, Lobb’s (Eriogonum lobbii), 56, 66r
Buckwheat, Wild (Eriogonum umbellatum), 34, 36, 45, 55, 57, 58r
Buttercup (Ranunculus alismaefolius var. alismellus), 50, 53, 55, 57, 60, 64r
Button Parsley (Sphenosciadium capitellatum), 62, 68, 75r
Calico Flower (Nemophila maculata), 12, 15r r r r
Calochortus albus (Fairy Lantern), 9, 13r
Calochortus leichtlinii (Lily, Mariposa), 9, 23, 37, 59, 67r
Caltha howellii (Marigold, Marsh), 33, 44, 55, 56r
Calycanthus occidentalis (Sweet Shrub), 20, 26r
Calyptridium umbellatum (Pussy Paws), 19, 25, 37, 54, 56, 57, 58, 60r
Camassia leichtlinii ssp. suksdorfii (Lily, Camas), 31, 43r
Campion (Silene sargentii), 75, 77r
Canchalagua (Centaurium venustum ssp. abramsii), 21, 27r
Cassiope mertensiana (Heather, White), 60, 62, 67, 75r
Castanopsis sempervirens (Chinquapin), 36, 40r
Cattilleja applegatei (Paintbrush, Indian), 12, 36, 58r
Castilleja lemmonii (Paintbrush, Lemmon’s), 49, 50, 51, 56, 64r
Castilleja miniata (Paintbrush), 35, 38, 53, 57, 71, 75r
Castilleja nana (Paintbrush, Alpine), 54, 56, 69r
Catchfly (Silene californica), 11, 14r
      (Silene sargentii), 75, 77r
Ceanothus cordulatus (Snow Bush), 30r
Ceanothus cuneatus (Lilac, California), 12r
Ceanothus fresnensis (Fresno Mat), 30r
Ceanothus, Fresno (Ceanothus fresnensis), 30r
Ceanothus integerrimus (Deer Brush), 29, 36, 41, 42r
Centaurium venustum ssp. abramsii (Canchalagua), 21, 27r
Cercis occidentalis (Redbud, Western), 10, 14r
Cherry, Bitter (Prunus emarginata), 35r
Chimaphila umbellata var. occidentalis (Pipsissewa), 20, 26r
Chinese Houses (Collinsia tinctoria), 23r
Chinese Pagodas (Collinsia heterophylla), 12, 15r
Chinquapin (Castanopsis sempervirens), 36, 40r
Cinquefoil (Potentilla gracilis ssp. nuttallii), 59, 67r
Cinquefoil, Shrubby (Potentilla fruticosa), 70, 75, 77r
Clarkia (Clarkia dudleyana), 10, 13, 21r
Clarkia dudleyana (Clarkia), 10, 13, 21r
Clarkia purpurea ssp. quadrivulnera (Farewell-to-Spring), 10r
Collinsia (Collinsia torreyi var. wrightii), 37r
Collinsia heterophylla (Chinese Pagodas), 12, 15r
Collinsia tinctoria (Chinese Houses), 23r
Collinsia torreyi var. wrightii (Collinsia), 37r
Columbine, Alpine (Aquilegia pubescens), 72, 76r
Columbine, Red (Aquilegia formosa), 35, 38, 46, 58, 72, 75r
Coneflower, California (Rudbeckia californica), 30, 42r
Corallorhiza maculata (Coralroot, Spotted), 39, 40, 46r
Coralroot, Spotted (Corallorhiza maculata), 39, 40, 46r
Cornus nuttallii (Dogwood, Mountain), 17, 24r
Cornus stolonifera (Dogwood, Red Osier), 16, 38, 39, 40, 47r
Cow Parsnip (Heracleum lanatum), 17, 20, 25, 58r
Cranesbill (Geranium richardsonii), 37, 47r
Cream Bush (Holodiscus boursieri), 37, 47r
Cream Cup (Platystemon californicus), 12r
Currant, Sierra (Rites nevadense), 35r
Daisy, Alpine (Erigeron Compositus var. glabratus), 72, 76r
Daisy, Mountain (Erigeron peregrinus), 52, 65r r r r
Deer Brush (Ceanothus integerrimus), 29, 36, 41, 42r
Deer’s Tongue (Frasera speciosa), 37, 50, 64r
Delphinium glaucum (Larkspur, Purple), 52, 53, 58, 62, 71r
Delphinium hansenii (Larkspur), 12r
Delphinium nuttallianum (Larkspur), 33, 38, 44r
Dicentra chrysantha (Golden Ear-Drops), 19r
Dicentra formosa (Bleeding Heart), 19, 25, 71r
Dicentra uniflora (Steer’s Head), 19, 71, 76r
Dodecatheon jeffreyi (Shooting Star), 31, 36, 43, 51, 54, 58r
Dodecatheon jeffreyi ssp. pygmaeum (Shooting Star, Pigmy), 50r
Dodecatheon hansenii (Shooting Star, Dwarf), 12r
Dogbane (Apocynum pumilum), 35r
Dogwood, American (Corpus stolonifera), 16, 38, 39, 40, 47r
Dogwood, Creek (Cornus stolonifera), 16, 38, 39, 40, 47r
Dogwood, Mountain (Cornus nuttallii), 17, 24r
Dogwood, Red Osier (Cornus stolonifera), 16, 38, 39, 40, 47r
Dudleya cymosa (Stonecrop), 12, 15r
Elderberry (Sambucus caerulea), 23r
Elderberry, Red (Sambucus microbotrys), 35r
Elephant Heads (Pedicularis groenlandica), 60, 68, 75r
Elephant Heads, Little (Pedicularis attollens), 61r
Epilobium angustifolium (Fireweed), 34, 44, 61r
Epilobium obcordatum (Rock-Fringe), 61, 68r
Erigeron compositus var. glabratus (Daisy, Alpine), 72, 76r
Erigeron peregrinus (Daisy, Mountain), 52, 65r
Eriodictyon californicum (Yerba Santa), 23r
Eriogonum lobbii (Buckwheat, Lobb’s), 56, 66r
Eriogonum ovalifolium var. nivale (Buckwheat, Alpine), 72, 76r
Eriogonum umbellatum (Sulphur Flower), 34, 36, 45, 55, 57, 58r
Erysimum capitatum (Wallflower), 35r
Erysimum perenne (Wallflower), 55, 60, 66, 75r
Eschscholzia californica (Poppy, California), 11, 14r
Fairy Lantern (Calochortus albus), 9, 13r
Farewell-to-Spring (Clarkia purpurea ssp. quadrivulnera), 10r
Fiddleneck (Amsinckia intermedia var. eastwoodae), 12r
Fir, Red (Abies magnifica), 36, 39, 40r
Fir, White (Abies concolor), 41r
Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium), 34, 44, 61r
Five-Spot (Nemophila maculata), 12, 15r
Flag, Western Blue (Iris missouriensis), 62, 69r
Flannel-Bush (Fremontia californica), 12, 15r
Fleabane (Erigeron compositus var. glabratus), 72, 76r
Forget-Me-Not, Alpine (Hackelia jessicae), 71r
Forget-Me-Not, Sierra (Hackelia velutina), 34, 35, 45, 53, 57, 58, 60r
Frasera speciosa (Deer’s Tongue), 37, 50, 64r
Fremontia californica (Flannel-Bush), 12, 15r
Fresno Mat (Ceanothus fresnensis), 30r
Fritillaria pinetorum (Fritillary, Davidson’s), 34, 45r
Fritillary, Davidson’s (Fritillaria pinetorum), 34, 45r
Fuschia, California (Zauschneria californica ssp. latifolia), 35, 45r
Gentian, Alpine (Gentiana newberryi), 63, 69r r r r
Gentian, Green (Frasera speciosa), 37, 51, 64r
Gentian, Sierra (Gentiana holopetala), 62, 63, 69r
Gentiana holopetala (Gentian, Sierra), 62, 63, 69r
Gentiana newberryi (Gentian, Alpine), 63, 69r
Geranium richardsonii (Geranium, Wild), 37, 47r
Geranium, Wild (Geranium richardsonii), 37, 47r
Gilia, Scarlet (Ipomopsis aggregata), 39, 46r
Ginger, Wild (Asarum hartwegii), 19, 25r
Godetia (Clarkia dudleyana), 10, 13, 21r
      (Clarkia purpurea ssp. quadrivulnera), 10r
Golden Ear-Drops (Dicentra chrysantha), 19r
Golden Stars (Brodiaea gracilis), 52, 54r
      (Brodiaea lutea var. scabra), 9, 12, 13, 37r
Goldenrod, Meadow (Solidago canadensis ssp. elongata), 23, 27, 51, 56, 57, 62, 70r
Goldfields (Baeria chrysostoma), 8r
Gooseberry (Ribes montigenum), 58r
Grass Nuts (Brodiaea pulchella), 12r
Grass of Parnassus (Parnassia palustris var. californica), 74, 77r
Groundsel, Arrowhead (Senecio triangularis), 33, 36, 37, 38, 40, 44, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57, 58, 60, 61, 62, 71, 75r
Habenaria dilatata var. leucostachys (Orchid, Sierra Rein), 31, 43r
Hackelia jessicae (Forget-Me-Not, Alpine), 71r
Hackelia velutina (Forget-Me-Not, Sierra), 34, 35, 45, 53, 57, 58, 60r
Heather, Mountain (Phyllodoce breweri), 54, 55, 56, 57, 60, 61, 65, 70, 75r
Heather, Red (Phyllodoce breweri), 54, 55, 56, 57, 60, 61, 65, 70, 75r
Heather, White (Cassiope mertensiana), 60, 62, 67, 75r
Helenium bigelovii (Sneezeweed), 20, 26r
Helianthus annuus (Sunflower), 20r
Hellehone, False (Veratrum californicum), 32, 38, 43, 53, 55, 58, 60r
Hemlock, Mountain (Tsuga mertensiana), 53, 55r
Heracleum lanatum (Cow Parsnip), 17, 20, 25, 58r
Heuchera micrantha var. erubescens (Alum-Root), 30, 42r
Holodiscui boursieri (Cream Bush), 37, 47r
Hulsea algida (Alpine Gold), 73, 76r
Hypericum formosum var. scouleri (St. Johns Wort), 21, 26r
Hyssop, Giant (Agastache urticifolia), 23, 27r
Ipomopsis aggregata (Gilia, Scarlet), 39, 46r
Iris (Iris hartwegii), 35r
Iris hartwegii (Iris), 35r
Iris missouriensis (Flag, Western Blue), 62, 69r r
Ivesia santolinoides (Mousetails), 37, 51r
Kalmia polifolia var. microphylla (Laurel, American), 60, 67r
Knotweed (Polygonum bistortoides), 35, 47r
Labrador-Tea (Ledum glandulosum var. californicum), 51, 53, 54, 56, 61, 64r
Languid Lady (Mertensia ciliata var. stomatechoides), 32, 38, 43r
Larkspur (Delphinium hansenii), 12r
      (Delphinium nuttallianum), 33, 38, 44r
Larkspur, Purple (Delphinium glaucum), 52, 53, 58, 62, 71r
Laurel, American (Kalmia polifolia var. microphylla), 60, 67r
Layia fremontii (Tidy Tips), 8, 12, 13r
Ledum glandulosum var. californicum (Labrador-Tea), 51, 53, 54, 56, 61, 64r r r r
Lessingia leptoclada (Lessingia, Sierra), 22, 27r
Lessingia, Sierra (Lessingia leptoclada), 22, 27r
Letharia vulpina (Lichen, Staghorn), 40r
Lichen, Staghorn (Letharia vulpina), 40r
Lilac, California (Ceanothus cuneatus), 12r
      (Ceanothus integerrimus), 29, 36, 41, 42r
Lilium parvum (Lily, Little Leopard), 37, 45, 58r
Lilium washingtonianum (Lily, Washington), 30, 42r
Lily, Alpine (Lilium parvum), 37, 45r
Lily, Camas (Camassia leichtlinii ssp. suksdorfii), 31, 43r
Lily, Corn (Veratrum californicum), 32, 38, 43, 53, 55, 58, 60r
Lily, Globe (Calochortus albus), 9, 13r
Lily, Little Leopard (Lilium parvum), 37, 45, 58r
Lily, Mariposa (Calochortus leichtlinii), 9, 23, 37, 59, 67r
Lily, Washington (Lilium washingtonianum), 30, 42r
Limnanthes douglasii var. rosea (Meadow Foam), 8, 9r
Lungwort (Mertensia ciliata var. stomatechoides), 32, 38, 43r
Lupine (Lupinus covillei), 59, 67r
Lupine, Blue (Lupinus latifolius var. columbianus), 36, 37, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57, 62, 70, 71, 75r
Lupine, Bush (Lupinus albifrons), 10, 13r
Lupine, Dana’s (Lupinus lyallii var. danaus), 73r
Lupine, Harlequin (Lupinus stiversii), 10, 23, 27r
Lupinus albifrons (Lupine, Bush), 10, 13r
Lupinus covillei (Lupine), 59, 67r
Lupinus latifolius var. columbianus (Lupine, Blue), 36, 37, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57, 62, 70, 71, 75r
Lupinus lyallii var. danaus (Lupine, Dana’s), 73r
Lupinus stiversii (Lupine, Harlequin), 10, 23, 27r
Manzanita, Pine-Mat (Arctostaphylos nevadensis), 36, 54r
Manzanita, White-Leaf (Arctostaphylos viscida), 11, 14r
Marigold, Marsh (Caltha howellii), 33, 44, 55, 56r
Meadow Foam (Limnanthes douglasii var. rosea), 8, 9r
Mentzelia lindleyi ssp. crocea (Blazing Star), 12, 15r
Mertensia ciliata var. stomatechoides (Bluebell, Mountain), 32, 38, 43r
Milfoil (Achillea lanulosa), 22, 27, 52, 53, 57, 58r
Milkweed, Purple (Asclepias cordifolia), 23r
Milkweed, Showy (Asclepias speciosa), 19, 25r
Mimulus cardinalis (Monkeyflower, Scarlet), 32, 33, 44r
Mimulus leptaleus (Monkeyflower, Red and Yellow), 37r
Mimulus lewisii (Monkeyflower, Pink), 32, 43, 53, 54r
Mimulus primuloides (Monkeyflower, Meadow), 38, 40, 56, 58, 60, 62, 66r
Mimulus tilingii (Monkeyflower, Alpine), 74, 77r
Mitella breweri (Mitrewort), 75r
Mitrewort (Mitella breweri), 75r
Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii ssp. californicus), 23, 27r
Monardella lanceolata (Pennyroyal, Western), 35r
Monardella odoratissima (Pennyroyal, Mountain), 58, 66r
Monkeyflower, Alpine (Mimulus tilingii), 74, 77r
Monkeyflower, Meadow (Mimulus primuloides), 38, 40, 56, 58, 60, 62, 66r
Monkeyflower, Pink (Mimulus lewisii), 32, 43, 53, 54r
Monkeyflower, Scarlet (Mimulus cardinalis), 32, 33, 44r
Monkeyflower, Red and Yellow (Mimulus leptaleus), 37r r r r
Monkshood, Purple (Aconitum columbianum), 38, 47r
Mountain-Pride (Penstemon newberryi), 31, 36, 42, 52, 53, 54, 55, 57, 58, 60, 75r
Mousetails (Ivesia santolinoides), 37, 51r
Mule-Ears (Wyethia mollis), 35, 58, 66r
Nemophila maculata (Five-Spot), 12, 15r
Nemophila menziesii (Baby-Blue-Eyes), 9, 12, 13r
Oak, Black (Quercus kelloggii), 16, 41r
Oak, Huckleberry (Quercus vaccinifolia), 41r
Oenothera hookeri (Primrose, Evening), 22, 27r
Onion, Swamp (Allium validum), 62, 69, 75r
Orchid, Sierra Rein (Habenaria dilatata var. leucostachys), 31, 43r
Orthocarpus purpurascens (Owl’s Clover), 50r
Owl’s Clover (Orthocarpus purpurascens), 50r
Oxyria digyna (Sorrel, Mountain), 61, 68r
Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata), 35, 38, 53, 57, 71, 75r
Paintbrush, Alpine (Castilleja nana), 54, 56, 69r
Paintbrush, Indian (Castilleja applegatei), 12, 36, 58r
Paintbrush, Lemmon’s (Castilleja lemmonii), 49, 50, 51, 56, 60, 64r
Parnassia palustris var. californica (Grass of Parnassus), 74, 77r
Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea), 35, 46r
Pedicularis attollens (Elephant Heads, Little), 61r
Pedicularis groenlandica (Elephant Heads), 60, 68, 75r
Pennyroyal, Mountain (Monardella odoratissima), 58, 66r
Pennyroyal, Western (Monardella lanceolata), 35r
Penstemon, Alpine (Penstemon davidsonii), 72, 76r
Penstemon, Blue (Penstemon laetus), 23, 30, 42r
Penstemon davidsonii (Penstemon, Alpine), 72, 76r
Penstemon laetus (Penstemon, Blue), 23, 30, 42r
Penstemon newberryi (Mountain-Pride), 31, 36, 42, 52, 53, 54, 55, 57, 58, 60, 75r
Penstemon oreocharis (Penstemon, Whorled), 51, 57, 60, 61, 62, 64, 75r
Penstemon, Whorled (Penstemon oreocharis), 51, 57, 60, 61, 62, 64, 75r
Perideridia bolanderi (Yampah), 29, 33, 44, 62r
Philadelphus lewisii ssp. californicus (Syringa), 23, 27r
Phlox diffusa (Phlox, Spreading), 35, 36, 45, 54, 55, 57, 58, 71r
Phlox, Spreading (Phlox diffusa), 35, 36, 45, 54, 55, 57, 58, 71r
Phyllodoce breweri (Heather, Mountain), 54, 55, 56, 57, 60, 61, 65, 70, 75r
Pine, Jeffrey (Pinus jeffreyi), 36, 40r
Pine, Lodgepole (Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana), 36, 55r
Pine, Ponderosa (Pinus ponderosa), 41r
Pine, Silver (Pinus monticola), 53r
Pine, Sugar (Pinus lambertiana), 40r
Pine, While Bark (Pinus albicaulis), 70r
Pine, Western White (Pinus monticola), 36, 53, 55r
Pinedrop (Pterospora andromedea), 18, 24r
Pink, Indian (Silene californica), 11, 14r
Pinus albicaulis (Pine, White Bark), 70r
Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana (Pine, Lodgepole), 36, 55r
Pinus jeffreyi (Pine, Jeffrey),36, 40r
Pinus lambertiana (Pine, Sugar), 40r
Pinus monticola (Pine, Western White), 36, 53, 55r
Pinus ponderosa (Pine, Ponderosa), 41r r r r
Pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellata var. occidentalis), 20, 26r
Plagiobothrys nothofulvus (Popcorn Flower), 12r
Platystemon californicus (Cream Cup), 12r
Polemonium eximium (Sky Pilot), 70, 73, 77r
Polygonum bistortoides (Knotweed), 35, 47r
Popcorn Flower (Plagiobothrys nothofulvus), 12r
Poppy, California (Eschscholzia californica), 11, 14r
Populus tremuloides (Aspen), 55r
Potentilla fruticosa (Cinquefoil, Shrubby), 70, 75, 77r
Potentilla gracilis ssp. nuttallii (Cinquefoil), 59, 67r
Primrose, Evening (Oenothera hookeri), 22, 27r
Prince’s Pine (Chimaphila umbellata var. occidentalis), 20, 26r
Prunus emarginata (Cherry, Bitter), 35r
Pterospora andromedea (Pinedrop), 18, 24r
Pussy Paws (Calyptridium umbellatum), 19, 25, 37, 54, 56, 57, 58, 60r
Pussytoes (Antennaria rosea), 51, 52, 55, 62r
Pyrola picta (Shinleaf, White-Veined), 38, 46r
Quercus kelloggii (Oak, Black), 16, 41r
Quercus vaccinifolia (Oak, Huckleberry), 41r
Ranunculus alismaefolius var. alismellus (Buttercup), 50, 53, 55, 57, 60, 64r
Redbud, Western (Cercis occidentalis), 10, 14r
Rhododendron occidentale (Azalea, Western), 17, 18, 24, 41, 58r
Ribes montigenum (Gooseberry), 58r
Ribes nevadense (Currant, Sierra), 35r
Rock-Fringe (Epilobium obcordatum), 61, 68r
Roseroot, Western (Sedum rosea ssp. integrifolium), 74, 77r
Rudbeckia californica (Coneflower, California), 30, 42r
Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima (Black-Eyed Susan), 21, 26r
Rubus parviflorus (Thimbleberry), 35, 40, 47r
Rue, Meadow (Thalictrum fendleri), 38, 40, 46r
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum formosum var. scouleri), 21, 26r
Salix anglorum var. antiplasti (Willow, Alpine), 61, 69r
Sambucus caerulea (Elderberry), 23r
Sambucus microbotrys (Elderberry, Red), 35r
Sandwort (Arenaria kingii), 57r
Sarcodes sanguinea (Snow Plant), 18, 24, 36, 40r
Sedum obtusatum (Stonecrop), 40, 52r
Sedum rosea ssp. integrifolium (Roseroot, Western), 74, 77r
Senecio triangularis (Groundsel, Arrowhead), 33, 36, 37, 38, 40, 44, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57, 58, 60, 61, 62, 71, 75r
Sequoiadendron giganteum (Big Tree), 28r
Service-Berry (Amelanchier pallida), 37r
Shieldleaf (Streptanthus tortuosus), 23, 35, 37r
      (Streptanthus tortuosus var. orbiculatus), 52, 53, 54, 55, 65r
Shinleaf, White-Veined (Pyrola picta), 38, 46r
Shooting Star (Dodecatheon jeffreyi), 31, 36, 43, 51, 54, 58r
Shooting Star, Dwarf (Dodecatheon hansenii), 12r
Shooting Star, Pigmy (Dodecatheon jeffreyi ssp. pygmaeum), 50r
Silene californica (Pink, Indian), 11, 14r
Silene sargentii (Campion), 75, 77r
Sky Pilot (Polemonium eximium), 70, 73, 77r r r r
Sneezeweed (Helenium bigelovii), 20, 26r
Snow Bush (Ceanothus cordulatus), 30r
Snow Plant (Sarcodes sanguinea), 18, 24, 36, 40r
Solidago carradensis ssp. elongata (Goldenrod, Meadow), 23, 27, 51, 56, 57, 62, 70r
Sorrel, Mountain (Oxyria digyna), 61, 68r
Speedwell (Veronica alpina var. alterniflora), 53r
Sphenosciadium capitellatum (Button Parsley), 62, 68, 75r
Spice Bush (Calycanthus occidentalis), 20, 26r
Spiraea (Spiraea densiflora), 53, 57, 60, 65r
Spiraea densiflora (Spiraea), 53, 57, 60, 65r
Squaw Root (Perideridia bolanderi), 33, 44, 62r
Steer’s Head (Dicentra uniflora), 19, 71, 76r
Stickseed (Hackelia velutina), 34, 35, 45, 53, 57, 58, 60r
Stonecrop (Dudleya cymosa), 12, 15r
      (Sedum obtusatum), 40, 52r
Streptanthus tortuosus (Shieldleaf), 23, 35, 37r
Streptanthus tortuosus var. orbiculatus (Shieldleaf), 52, 53, 54, 55, 65r
Sulphur Flower (Eriogonum umbellatum), 34, 36, 45, 55, 57, 58r
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), 20r
Sweet Shrub (Calycanthus occidentalis), 20, 26r
Syringa (Philadelphus lewisii ssp. californicus), 23, 27r
Thalictrum fendleri (Rue, Meadow), 38, 40, 46r
Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus), 35, 40, 47r
Tidy Tips (Layia fremontii), 8, 12, 13r
Tsuga mertensiana (Hemlock, Mountain), 53, 55r
Vaccinrurn nivictum (Bilberry, Dwarf), 55, 57, 62, 65, 75r
Valerian (Valeriana capitata var. californica), 75r
Valerians capitata var. californica (Valerian), 75r
Veratrum californicum (Lily, Corn), 32, 38, 43, 53, 55, 58, 60r
Veronica alpina var. alterniflora (Speedwell), 53r
Viola adunca (Violet, Purple), 17r
Viola macloskeyi (Violet, White), 17r
Viola purpurea (Violet, Mountain), 16, 24, 36r
Violet, Mountain (Viola purpurea), 16, 24, 36r
Violet, Purple (Viola adunca), 17r
Violet, While (Viola macloskeyi), 17r
Wallflower (Erysimum perenne), 55, 60, 66, 75r
      (Erysimum capitatum), 35r
White Heads (Sphenosciadium capitellatum), 62, 68, 75r
Willow, Alpine (Salix anglorum var. antiplasti), 61, 69r
Wyethia mollis (Mule-Ears), 35, 58, 66r
Yampah (Achillea bolanderi), 29, 33, 44, 62r
Yarrow (Achillea lanulosa), 22, 27, 52, 53, 57, 58r
Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum), 23r
Zauschneria californica ssp. latifolia (Fuschia, California), 35, 45r

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Yosemite Wildflower Trails (1975) by Dana C. Morgenson

PLANT HABITAT TEXT REFERENCES

[Editor’s note:r see Contentsr to find the chapter for a page number—dea]

r Ahwahnee Hotel, 21, 22r
r Ahwahnee Meadow, 20, 23r
r Badger Pass, 32, 39r
r Badger Pass Meadow, 32, 33, 34r
r Bennettville, 74r
r Big Oak Flat Road, 12, 19, 29r
r Bridalveil Creek, 28, 38, 39, 40r
r Bridalveil Creek Campground, 33, 39r
r Bridalveil Fall, 39, 40r
r Bridalveil Meadow, 17, 23, 41r
r Budd Creek, 55r
r California Falls, 52r
r Cathedral Creek, 52r
r Cathedral Fork (of Echo Creek), 58r
r Cathedral Group, 51r
r Cathedral Lake, Upper, 56r
r Cathedral Pass, 55, 56r
r Cathedral Peak, 53, 55, 56, 57r
r Chinquapin, 29, 30, 31, 32r
r Clark, Mt., 53, 54, 57r
r Clark Range, 34, 56, 58r
r Cloud’s Rest, 41r
r Columbia Finger, 56, 57r
r Conness, Mt., 52, 53, 54r
r Cook’s Meadow, 20r
r Crane Flat, 29, 30, 31, 35r
r Crane Flat Meadow, 31, 32, 33r
r Crocker Point, 40r
r Curry Village, 21, 29r
r Dana Glacier, 73r
r Dana Lake, 73r
r Dana Meadows, 62, 63, 70, 73r
r Dana, Mt., 70, 72, 73, 74r
r Delaney Creek, 51r
r Devil’s Elbow, 21r
r Dewey Point, 40r
r Dingley Creek, 51r
r Echo Creek, 57, 58r
r Echo Peaks, 56, 57r
r Echo Valley, 58r
r El Capitan, 37, 40r
r El Capitan Meadow, 18, 21r
r Electra Peak, 63r
r Fairview Dome, 55r
r Fern Spring, 17, 19r
r Fissures, 37r
r Fletcher Creek, 59, 60r
r Fletcher Creek Trail, 59, 60r
r Fletcher Meadow, 59r
r Fletcher Peak, 60r
r Florence, Mt., 57r
r Forsythe Pass, 55r
r Four-Mile Trail, 19r
r Gaylor Lake, Upper, 72r
r Gin Flat Meadow, 33r
r Glacier Canyon, 73r
r Glacier Point, 29, 36, 40r
r Glacier Point Road, 18, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39r
r Glacier Point Road (old), 39r
r Glen Aulin, 34, 50, 51, 52, 53r
r Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, 50, 51r
r Great Basin, 49r
r Happy Isles, 17, 20r
r Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, 52r
r High Sierra Loop Trail, 9, 35, 49, 50, 51, 52, 55, 59, 60, 63r
r Hoffmann, Mt., 52, 54r
r Illilouette Basin, 34r
r Illilouette Creek, 28r
r Illilouette Ridge, 72r
r Indian Trading Mesa, 61r
r Inspiration Point, 17, 41r
r Inspiration Point (old), 40r
r r r Johnson Peak, 61r
r Le Conte Falls, 52r
r Lee Vining Canyon, 49r
r Leidig Meadow, 17r
r Lembert Dome, 53r
r Lewis Creek, 59r
r Long Meadow, 54, 57r
r Lukens Lake, 32r
r Lyell Fork (of the Tuolumne River), 62r
r Lyell, Mt., 58, 61, 63, 73r
r Lying Head, 72r
r Mariposa, 12r
r Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia, 18r
r Matterhorn Canyon, 56r
r Matthes Crest, 57r
r May Lake, 52, 53, 54r
r May Lake High Sierra Camp, 52, 54r
r McClure, Mt., 73r
r McGee Lake, 52r
r McGurk Meadow, 39r
r McGurk Meadow Trail Junction, 39r
r Merced Lake, 57, 58, 60r
r Merced Lake High Sierra Camp, 55, 57, 59, 63r
r Merced River, 10, 16, 17, 20, 21, 58, 63r
r Merced River Canyon, 10, 11, 58r
r Mine Creek, 74r
r Mirror Lake, 17, 19, 21r
r Mono Lake, 49, 73r
r Muir, John, Trail, 62r
r North Dome, 37r
r Oakhurst, 12r
r Peregoy Meadow, 33r
r Pohono Trail, 29, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41r
r Pothole Meadow, 33r
r Rafferty Creek, 61, 62r
r Rafferty Peak, 61r
r Raisin Lake, 53r
r Ribbon Creek, 28r
r Rodgers, Mt., 63r
r Saddlebag Lake, 73r
r Sentinel Creek, 28, 36r
r Sentinel Dome, 36, 40r
r Sentinel Dome Trailhead 33, 34, 36r
r Sentinel Fall, 36r
r Sentinel Meadows, 20r
r Smoky Jack Campground, 32r
r Snow Creek Falls, 19r
r Soda Springs, 34, 50, 51r
r Southside Drive, 19r
r Stanford Point, 40r
r State Highway 41 (Wawona Road), 11, 12r
r State Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat Road), 11r
r State Highway 140 (all-year highway), 10, 11r
r Stoneman Meadow, 23r
r Summit Meadow, 31, 34r
r Sunrise High Sierra Camp, 54, 55, 56, 57r
r Sunrise Lakes, 55, 57r
r Sunrise Mountain, 55r
r Taft Point, 37, 38, 39r
r Ten Lakes Trail, 53r
r Tenaya Bridge, 33r
r Tenaya Canyon, 19r
r Tenaya Creek, 17, 33r
r Tenaya Lake, 53, 54, 55, 73r
r Tenaya Peak, 53r
r Tioga Entrance Station, 63, 70r
r Tioga Lake, 74r
r Tioga Pass, 29, 49, 70, 74r
r Tioga Road (Highway 120 east), 18, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 39, 49, 50, 55r
r Tioga Road (old), 54, 74r
r Townsley Lake, 61r
r Tresidder Peak, 56, 57r
r Tunnel View, 41r
r Tuolumne Fall, 51r
r Tuolumne Meadows, 34, 35, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 59, 61, 62, 63, 73r
r Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, 49, 62r
r Tuolumne Pass, 61r
r Tuolumne River, 51, 52, 53r
r Vogelsang High Sierra Camp, 50, 55, 59, 60, 61r
r Vogelsang Lake, 60r
r Vogelsang Pass, 59, 60r
r Vogelsang Peak, 61r
r Washburn Lake, 58r
r Washburn Point, 34, 58r
r Waterwheel Falls, 52, 53r
r Wawona, 11r
r Wawona Road (Highway 41), 29, 30, 32, 35, 36, 40, 41r
r Wawona Tunnel, 30, 36, 39r
r White Cascade (of the Tuolumne River), 51, 52r
r Yosemite Creek, 28, 30r
r Yosemite Falls, 16, 36r
r Yosemite Lodge, 21, 22r

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Yosemite Wildflower Trails (1975) by Dana C. Morgenson

r r r

r
• Title Page
r
• Contents
r
• Foreword
r
• Preface
r
• 1. Sierra Foothills and Approaches to Yosemite
r
• 2. Flowers of Yosemite Valley
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• 3. Along Valley Rim Trails
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• 4. The Subalpine Belt and the High Sierra Loop Trail
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• 5. Tree Line and Above
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• Indexr
  r
  • Plant Names, Locations of Text References and Illustrations
  r
  • Plant Habitat Text References
  r
  r
r

About the Author

r r r r r [click to enlarge]r r r r Dana C. Morgenson (photo by Brian Grogan)r r r

r Dana C. Morgenson was born January 14, 1909 in the midwest,r but moved with his family to the San Joaquin Valley, California, shortly after he was born.r Morgenson graduated 1929 from Stanford University in English.r He worked initially at a bank where he met his future wife.r In 1944 he took a job in Yosemite Valley working as a office manager for Yosemite Park and Curry Company.r During his off-hours he would learn about wildflowers and photography.r Eventually he worked up to Reservations Manager and, in 1968, as tour guide giving popular camera walks in Yosemite Valley.r Morgenson became a sought-after celebrity in Yosemite Valley.r For this reason he delayed his retirement to 1979,r as he felt he owed it to the public.r When he retired in 1979 he moved to a home he was building in Sedona, Arizona.r

r Dana Morgenson died at Olympic National Park September 21, 1980.r He was visiting there with his wife after a trip to Alaska.r

r His wife Esther was editor of the Curry Companyr Yosemite Sentinel in the 1960s.r She was born June 3, 1909 and died April 1993 in Sedona, Arizona.r They had a son, Randy, who worked as a backcountry rangerr (and who’s untimely 1996 death is chronicled inr The Last Season).r r r

r From Dana Morgenson’s obituaryr (r “Dana C. Morgenson, 1906-1980” Yosemite 47(10):1-2):r r

r Dana had served on the Yosemite Natural History Association Board of Trustees since 1946r and had been its Chairman since 1973.r r Dana’s career with the Yosemite Park and Curry Co. included a number of jobs inr accounting, hotel reservations and hotel management. . . .r r But when he commenced his camera walks, he hit his stride—doing what he enjoyedr most, and perhaps best, within clear view of the surroundings, photographing and sharingr his feelings about them with his followers.r

r How many visitors went with Dana on his walks no one knows—many thousands, wer suppose—the number isn’t important. However, each one of them must have come awayr with a feeling of respect for Yosemite. For we think that among Dana’s responses to ther Park, reverence for its beauty, for its creation, and his insistence on its preservation mayr have been the strongest. These indeed are worth emulating. . . .r

r
• “Walk and Talk a Bit,” Yosemite 41(1):1,3 by Dana Morgenson
r
• Dana Morgenson books and photography seminar, Yosemite 45(1):5
r
• “The Wildflower Book” [Yosemite Wildflower Trails by Dana Morgenson], Yosemite 45(3):5
r
• “Wildflower Trail Honors Morgensons” [“Dana and Esther Morgenson Wildflower Trail” on Ahwahnee hotel grounds], Yosemite 47(9):4
r
• “Dana C. Morgenson, 1906-1980,” Yosemite 47(10):1-2
r
• “Dana Morgenson Memorial Fund” [proposed memorial wildflower book; apparently never published], Yosemite 47(11):1
r
• “Dana Clark Morgenson 1908-1980,” Yosemite Sentinel, 6(11):1-8 (special issue, circa October 1980)
r
• The Four Seasons of Yosemite (1980). Yosemite pictorial by Dana Morgenson
r
• Remembering Yosemite (1980). Yosemite pictorial by Dana Morgenson
r
• Eric Blehm, The Last Seasonr (2006), chapters 2, 4-6, mentions Dana and Esther Morgenson, parents of the subject of the book, Randy Morgenson.r

Bibliographical Information

r Dana Clark Morgenson (1906-1980),r Yosemite Wildflower Trailsr (Yosemite Natural History Association, 1975).r Based on notes by Mary Curry Tresidder.r No valid copyright notice and no copyright registration.r LCCN 76364906.r 88 pages. Illustrated. 22 cm.r Perfect bound with paper wrappers, illustrated with a color photograph.r Library of Congress call number QK149.M65.r

r This book was also bound in beige cloth boards, as a presentation copy,r but the content is the same. r

r Converted to HTML by Dan Anderson, November 2007,r from a personal copy.r These files may be used for any non-commercial purpose,r provided this notice is left intact.r
r     —Dan Anderson, www.yosemite.ca.usr

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