Mallow Family June 29, 2006 Salinas, CA I found this plant blooming in a fallow field next the hotel where we stayed in Salinas. The flower had not fully opened by the time I took this photo around 9:30 in the morning.
Buckwheat Family Soledad, CA - Pinnacles National Monument June 28, 2006 Yet another Buckwheat to keep up with! This one colored the valleys in Pinnacles NM.
Rose Family Soledad, CA - Pinnacles National Monument June 28, 2006 I found this Hedge Nettle growing along a wet area along a spring-fed stream in the Pinnacles. The plants were about 5 - 6 feet tall and had very woolly stems and leaves. It was easy to tell it was in the mint family because of the shape of the flowers, the opposite leaves, and the square stems. Thanks to Sonnia for her help on this one too!