During the spring and early summer months a great variety of wildflowers are in bloom at the monument. Despite the rugged conditions and poor soil, many of these plants flourish, if only for a few weeks. While peak wildflower season will vary from year to year, there are long term trends that we have observed. Below is the trend in an average year. Sheep Rock Unit:Flowers in the Sheep Rock Unit tend to spread over a wider area than at the other two units. Clarno Unit:April – May: Grass widow (Sisyrinchium inflatum), lomatium (Lomatium hendersonii), and prairie star (Lithophragma bulbifera) yellow bell (Fritillaria pudica) and red stem filaree (Erodium cicutarium). Painted Hills Unit:Wildflower season at the Painted Hills Unit varies dramatically from year to year. Some years flowers are plentiful; some years there are virtually none. Some years are in-between, where rainfall conditions may nourish some flowers, but dry up before others have a chance to flourish. |
Last updated: September 11, 2024