August 6, 2006

The slopes above the Columbia River in the eastern Columbia River Gorge have dried to an attractive golden brown. They would probably be extra photogenic at sunrise or sunset for those energetic enough to get out to this area. Several wildfires have spread from the major highways through this route (SR-14 & I-84) so be careful not to start another fire!

* Indicates a Wildflower that is Currently in Bloom

* 1. Tall Buckwheat: Eriogonum elatum - A few in bloom along SR-14, more common west of US 97.

* 2. Strict Buckwheat: Eriogonum strictum var. proliferum - A few in bloom along SR-14, more common west of US 97.

* 3. Turkey-mullein: Eremocarpus setigerus - Very common in spots east of US 97.

* 4. Yellow Bee Flower: Cleome lutea - Moderately common east of Rock Creek.

* 5. Blazing-star: Mentzelia laevicaulis - A few in bloom from west of US 97 east to near Rock Creek.

* 6. Yellow Star-thistle: Centaurea solstitialis - Too common along SR-14 to several miles west and east of US 97.

* 7. Gray Rabbitbrush: Ericameria nauseosa (formerly Chrysothamnus nauseosus) - A few are beginning to bloom east of US 97 as far east as Umatilla, OR.

* 8. Matchbrush: Gutierrezia sarothrae - A few plants beginning to bloom east of Rock Creek.

* 9. Common Sunflower: Helianthus annuus - Very common east of US 97 to near Roosevelt, WA.