Friday, July 26, 2013

Luck with Lavender


Generally growing on westward-facing cliffs, the Broadleaf
Lupine is a native perennial in Washington

Originating in the Mediterranean,
this variety of wild pea is quite
plentiful along roadsides this
time of year.
To my delight, I've discovered that I hit the peak of wildflower season in Washington's Olympic mountains at just the right time! Although there are all sorts of beautiful hues, the color purple seems to reign this time of year. I don't know why purple is so prevalent, but it definitely attracts the bees and butterflies. The contrast that jumps out at your eye between the dark green evergreens and the light purple flowers is stunning. I've highlighted three native and two non-native species below. The color purple is often associated with royalty. How fitting for these regal landscapes.
The native Common Fireweed gets it's
name not because of it's color, but
because it is often the first to return
after a fire.
Common foxglove, although
a non-native, is not considered
a threat to native flora

This open meadow at the top of Olympic National Park's Hurricane
Ridge is covered in delicate native purple flowers called Harebell

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