June 29, 2012 Mule Ears get their common name from the large, pointed leaves. This plant is seen in in mountainous regions of many western states.
June 29, 2012 Dusty Maidens grow well in the pumice soil of the Mammoth Lakes area. The tiny flowers are almost the same color as the pumice.
We were amazed when we read the trail sign that told about the damage we saw as we hiked from Devils Postpile to Rainbow Falls. The fire that damaged the trees ahead of us had burned in 1992! This shows how long it takes for many western forests to recover from a major fire. In 20 years, only a few small evergreens had begun to grow.
