What’s Blooming at Eaton Canyon in April

/ News / By
A purple flower on a plantDistant Phacelia (Phacelia distans). The Phacelia’s inflorescence, or cluster of flowers, coil like the head of a violin.A close up of a flower gardenCalifornia Bush Sunflower (Encelia californica). The path from the Nature Center parking lot to the first crossing is lined with these beautiful flowers.A close up of a flower gardenBlack Sage (Salvia mellifera). The pale lavender flowers of this very aromatic shrub appear in clusters spaced out along a stem.A close up of a flower gardenCalifornia Sun Cup (Camissoniopsis bistorta). Look closely and you may find a beautiful carpet of yellow along the western side of the canyon.A close up of a flowerSouthern Bush Monkeyflower (Diplacus longiflorus). These tubular orange blossoms are a favorite among Hummingbirds.A blue and green bushesWild Cucumber (Marah macrocarpa). The small flowers of the Wild Cucumber have faded, being replaced with its fruit, a green oblong covered with prickles.A close up of a flower gardenDeerweed (Acmispon glaber). The bright yellow flowers of this member of the Pea family fade to a soft orange as they age.

Hover over photos to reveal information about each species.

Susan Hopkins is a Certified California Naturalist, a docent for the Eaton Canyon Nature Center and a docent naturalist for the Tejon Ranch Conservancy. She is a correspondent for regional nature publications including The Wrentit and Paw Prints. Susan is “squirrelbait” on www.iNaturalist.org where she administers the Eaton Canyon Biodiversity Project.

Photography © Susan Hopkins unless otherwise credited

Scroll to Top