Yellow bells ( Fritillaria pudica )

During the spring and early summer months a great variety of wild flowers are in bloom at the monument. Despite the rugged conditions and poor soil, many of these plants flourish, if only for a few weeks.

The Painted Hills unit of the park is a favorite for photographers during this season, because the yellow flowers of both chenactis (Chenactis nevii) and golden bee plant (Cleome platycarpa) make for a stunning contrast of color against the deep red of the Painted Hills.

Also found at the Painted Hills are large patches of purple monkey flower (Mimulus nanus) and a scattering of mariposa lilies (Calochortus macrocarpus).

In the other two units of the park, the Clarno and Sheep Rock units, common wild flower sightings might include; orange globe-mallow (Sphaeralcea munroana), tail cup lupine (Lupinus caudatus), yellow bells (Fritillaria pudica), hedgehog cactus (Pediocactus simpsonii), and the fiery orange of mountain paintbrush (Castilleja applegatei).