Coulter’s Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri). This member of the Poppy family is hard to miss as it’s the largest wildflower in California.
Showy Penstemon (Penstemon spectabilis). If you are lucky you will see these beautiful, showy flowers on tall stalks.
Scarlet Larkspur (Delphinium cardinale). These red flowers with long spurs are a Hummingbird’s favorite.
Chaparral Yucca
(Hesperoyucca whipplei).
Towering over all the other wildflowers in the canyon, the Chaparral yucca begins to make its springtime appearance.
California Buckwheat
(Eriogonum fasciculatum). Take a closer look at the diminutive flower of California Buckwheat that can be found within the canyon.
Southern Bush Monkeyflower (Diplacus longiflorus). These tubular orange blossoms are a favorite among Hummingbirds.
Blue Elderberry
(Sambucus cerulea). This small tree has tiny cream-colored flowers that are in large, dense clusters.
Black Sage (Salvia mellifera). The pale lavender flowers of this very aromatic shrub appear in clusters spaced out along a stem.
California Everlasting (Pseudognaphalium californicum). If you find yourself craving pancakes on the trail, you may have walked by these members of the Sunflower family, with their telltale maple smell.
Coastal Pricklypear (Opuntia littoralis). Get ready for a show this month as this member of the Cactus family explodes into bloom.
Hover over photos to reveal information about each species.
Photography © Susan Hopkins unless otherwise credited