Category Archives: Shrubs
California Fagonbush
California fagonbush (Fagonia laevis) grows on hot, dry slopes and bare, rocky soils that get seasonal moisture. That is the habitat along the Fall Canyon Trail in Death Valley National Park (California) where Leonard and I found these specimens in … Continue reading
Posted in Shrubs, Wildflowers
Tagged California fagonbush, Fagonia laevis, small-flowered fagonia
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Desert Rocknettle
Desert rocknettle (Eucnide urens) is a native shrub covered with sharp, barbed bristles and hairs. When touched these spines stick like Velcro, but are not particularly irritating. However, when the plant dries the spines sting, burn and are irritating and … Continue reading
Posted in Shrubs, Wildflowers
Tagged desert bush nettle, desert rocknettle, Eucnide urens, stingbush, Velcro plant
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Turpentine Broom
In March while exploring near the Eureka Mine in Death Valley National Park CA, I came upon a small patch of turpentine broom (or turpentinebroom). A native, long-lived shrub, turpentine broom (Thamnosma montana) grows on gravelly or rocky slopes and … Continue reading
Posted in Shrubs, Wildflowers
Tagged Mojave desert rue, Thamnosma montana, turpentine broom
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Paradise Poinciana
Yesterday I posted a shrub native to South America that has become naturalized in parts of the United States (Redclaws 03-15-22) after being introduced as an ornamental. Paradise poinciana (Erythrostemon gilliesii) is another South American introduction. An arid climate shrub … Continue reading
Posted in Shrubs, Trees
Tagged Caesalpinia gilliesii, Erythrostemon gilliesii, paradise poinciana, yellow bird of paradise
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Redclaws
Redclaws (Escallonia rubra) is native to Chile and Argentina. This shrub is used as an ornamental throughout the world. In North America it has naturalized along the coast in Oregon and Northern California. Tolerant of salt spray, redclaws is found … Continue reading
The Nature Niche 