Buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus), photo courtesy of Jim Webb.

By James Webb

About James (Jim) Webb: Jim began volunteering with Sugarloaf Ridge State Park since February 2023 as a trail patrol volunteer. His experience in previous work with United States Forest Service (USFS) lends itself to very detailed trail reports. His reports of “What’s Blooming/Fruiting?” are a naturalist’s weekly treat, and his most recent efforts, concentrated on meticulous examination of data from our trails, has led to improved data concerning ease of access descriptions of trails and areas in the park.

Brushy Peaks, Gray Pine, and Meadow Trails

The wildflower season continues to pick up steam, though not enough to justify writing “Wildflower Walks” reports yet. Buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus), shown as this blog post’s featured image, is now blooming in multiple places along the Brushy Peaks and Gray Pine Trails.

Parrish’s nightshade (Solanum parrishii), which I found in bloom along the Goodspeed Trail a few days ago, is also blooming along the Brushy Peaks Trail—with the added attraction that it is the white version of this plant (rather than the blue) that is blooming here.

Parrish’s nightshade (Solanum parrishii), photo courtesy of Jim Webb.

Creek trillium (Trillium albidem) is sprouting along the creekside trail, auguring an early bloom.  I also saw plants sprouting along the lower part of the Brushy Peaks Trail along Sonoma Creek.

Creek trillium (Trillium albidum), photo courtesy of Jim Webb.

Finally, I found dense flowered rein orchids (Piperia transversa) sprouting along the Gray Pine Trail, although this species will not bloom until June or even July.

Flowered rein orchids (Piperia transversa), photo courtesy of Jim Webb.