Spring is in the Air

A little note from Greg up at Adams Pack Station:

Dear Citizens of Sierra Madre,

If you have had your fill of Wisteria blossoms, Kumquats and various Sour Grapes, I have a suggestion for a little botanical variety...

Many of you have never noticed, but the third steepest mountain range in North America is right in your back yard. No, that isn't an elaborate set designed for the Rose Parade, those are real mountains. And if you take a couple of hours to explore this weekend, you will find many wonders. It's OK, Beantown will still be there when your finished. The rains we have enjoyed this season have encouraged many plants too grow and bloom exuberantly, especially following a dry year. As the deciduous trees like Alder and Maple are barely starting to bud, some plants are already in full glory. Witness the California Lilac:


California Lilac is a genus of showy shrubs known as Ceanothus. They have become popular with drought tolerant gardeners in recent years, but they have been known to Canyonites for a very long time. Millard Canyon above Altadena was called Lilac Canyon in the 1800's. Sierra Madre's own William "Wilbur" Sturtevant kept honey bees that had an appetite for Ceanothus. This year, specifically right now, one can spot blankets of the blue-flowering species, especially on north facing ridges and in protected areas.

Another California native that has come out en masse is the Wild Cucumber, or Manroot. This vining plant has clusters of white flowers, cute little tendrils, and creepy looking spiked fruit. The cucumbers are edible, but you'd better be very hungry. They leave mummified carcasses along the trails that are reminiscent of Luffa sponges.


So, if you Canyonites are tired of looking at the same old Bird of Paradise that have been planted in a canyon where they don't belong, or if you want ideas for fire safe landscaping, head up the Old Mount Wilson Trail or drive up to Chantry Flat. And keep coming up as the months change. You will notice how beautiful our native plants can look with just a little extra water.

Greg Sweet
Adams' Pack Station