Lambs Canyon Hike and Wild Flower Identification

The kids and I went for a hike with some family members and one of the first things we saw just off to the side of the trail was a nest of eggs about head level.  Our thoughts were that they might be sparrow eggs... do you know?  As you read this post try to remember the native wild flowers growing in our mountains.  The next time you go hiking with friends or family you will be able to impress them with all your vast knowledge of plants! :)

This native wild flower is called 'Monkshood'.  The top of the flower looks as though it has a hood over it.  The plant was just about as tall as I am!

Native 'Daisy'

The butterflies were everywhere today!  These 2 were drinking nectar from a 'Wild Geranium'.

 'White Wild Geranium'  the most prominent blooming flowers there!

 'Purple Wild Geranium'

'Wild Mountain Blue Bells' (found closer to the top)

 Tiny 'Purple Violets'

Tiny 'White Violets'

 'Wild Strawberries'

 'Sweet Pea' blossoms.  These also came in a variety of colors!

 'Valerian' - smells absolutely heavenly!

 Tiny blue 'Forget me Not'

  'Penstamen'  there are over 30 varieties of penstamen!

'Wild Hollyhock' or 'Mallow'

One of my most favorite!  'Indian Paintbrush'

'Jacob's Ladder'  Can you see the laddering effect of the leaves?

 'Columbine'  you can find shades of pink and purple too!

I  love 'Queen Ann's Lace'.  

 'Catnip'

'Wild Lupine'

'Wild Rose'  If you are like me and have noticed that all the roses that are now mostly hybrids, don't really have a smell to them, then go up into the mountains and smell what is left of the wild roses!  They are heavenly!

If you couldn't identify anything but one plant, make it this one.  'Stinging Nettle'  If by chance you do come in contact with it, get to some cold water, (which it usually grows by) and wash of the stingers.  Notice it's long pointed leaves with serrated edges.  The under sides of the leaves are a grey-silver color.

My precious little ones!  We all made it to the top!