Early September, 1997
Photo at right of Gray Rabbitbrush .
Having returned from a Labor Day trip through Lake County, Oregon, there are still numerous wildflowers to view in central Oregon. At lower altitudes (~4000 feet), one may still find an abundance of Gray and Green Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus and C. viscidiflorus respectively), (Lupinus argenteus) and Kellog's Spurred Lupine (Lupinus caudatus), Bailey's Buckwheat (Eriogonum baileyi), Tansy-leaved Evening Primrose (Oenothera tanecetifolia), and the sweet Clovers (Melilotus species). The High Desert is definitely ablaze with the yellow blooms of the Rabbitbrushes. Big Sage (Artemisia tridentata) should begin its bloom period within the next week.
At higher elevations, most of the snow patches have long since disappeared, and one may still find numerous flowers in bloom, including several Buckwheats (Eriogonum ovalifolium, E. stricutum, E. umbellatum, E. caespitosum, and E. microthecum), Low Mt. Lupine (Lupinus lepidus) and the other lupines previously mentioned, both Rabbitbrush, some Low Sagebrush, Purple Sage (Salvia dorii), Shaggy Daisy (Erigeron pumilus), some Happlopappus (Happlopappus species), and several Paintbrushes (Castilleja applegatei and Castilleja pilosa). An added treat appears in the form of the plumed seeds of Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany. View them with the sun behind the trees, and they make the trees look ice covered! Here the dominant species seem to again be the Rabbitbrushes, with Tall Sagebrush soon to bloom, and the still numerous Buckwheats.
When camping, be aware that the region is experiencing high fire danger. Also be aware that hunting season has begun. Where possible, keep to the open country.