Downy Pincushion: The 144th Flower of Spring & Summer! (3 more pix below!) (Explore #50!)

When our seasonal pond begins to dry up, lovely flowers pop up from the rich clay there. Last year I discovered a beautiful little flower atop a plant covered with spiky leaves...this year I was waiting in anticipation for the show to commence! What I didn't realize is that there are several species of this flower that grow all in the same place! Jackpot! This blue species is amazing and I loved taking pictures to show off its stunning characteristics.

Downy Pincushions are well-named, as their leaves all end in sharp spines! These tiny plants grow low to the ground in a round shape, producing beautiful, prickly bouquets of gorgeous 1/4" blue flowers topped by sparkling white stamens. They are native to southern Oregon and northern California and grow in dry, open habitats.

If you would like to know more about this flower, Wiki has a page here: Wiki: Downy Pincushion Plant (Navarretia pubescens) (You'll laugh when you see the picture provided...they really shouldn't have bothered!) General species listing Wiki: Navarretia

Explored on October 18, 2012. Highest placement: #63.