Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Lomatium shevockii

Owen's peak lomatium
Apiaceae

A rare plant found on metamorphic rock scree in the southern sierras, Lomatium shevockii is known to occur on 4-5 sites near the PCT. The plants aren't immediately obvious to the eye.

A recent fire in Indian Wells canyon sweapt through one of the areas the plants were found. However, due to the low fuel volume at the sites (rocky scree), the likelyhood that the plants were damaged is low.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Crotalus oreganus lutosus

Great Basin Rattlesnake

Found in the northern range of the desert district, the Great Basin Rattler is another of the venomous snakes that I've encountered in the desert. Like all rattlers, its best to keep your distance.