What
Vinegar Weed (Trichostema lanceolatum)Observer
rgilman3Description
Distribution[edit]
The plant is native to the Western United States from the Pacific Coast Ranges in Washington and Oregon, through California, and to northern Baja California state in México. It is found from above sea level to 2,200 metres (7,200 ft) in elevation. [1]
California habitats it grows in include: chaparral; coastal sage scrub; and Northern, Southern, and Foothill oak woodlands. [2] [5]
Description[edit]
Trichostema lanceolatum is an annual herbaceous wildflower, growing under 1 metre (3.3 ft) in height. [1][6]
The soft-hairy foliage has lanceolate leaves, 0.8–3 inches (2.0–7.6 cm) long. In hot weather the vinegar smell of the plant becomes intense as the oils in the tissues permeate the air.
The bilaterally symmetrical flowers, of pale blue to purple, are in long clusters in leaf axils on short green stems. The blooming period is from August to October. [2]
Plants reproduce only by seed that are primarily dispersed by falling to the ground below the parent plant. [7]
Uses[edit]
The plant is an important a pollen source for native bees and other insects. When a pollinating insect alights on the lower lobes of the corolla, and inserts its mouth parts into the nectar-containing lower section of the same tube, the narrow corolla portion above is straightened and snaps rapidly downward brushing pollen onto the insect's back. [6]
The volatile oils make it unpalatable to grazing and foraging animals. [7]
What
Vinegar Weed (Trichostema lanceolatum)Observer
rgilman3Description
Distribution[edit]
The plant is native to the Western United States from the Pacific Coast Ranges in Washington and Oregon, through California, and to northern Baja California state in México. It is found from above sea level to 2,200 metres (7,200 ft) in elevation. [1]
California habitats it grows in include: chaparral; coastal sage scrub; and Northern, Southern, and Foothill oak woodlands. [2] [5]
Description[edit]
Trichostema lanceolatum is an annual herbaceous wildflower, growing under 1 metre (3.3 ft) in height. [1][6]
The soft-hairy foliage has lanceolate leaves, 0.8–3 inches (2.0–7.6 cm) long. In hot weather the vinegar smell of the plant becomes intense as the oils in the tissues permeate the air.
The bilaterally symmetrical flowers, of pale blue to purple, are in long clusters in leaf axils on short green stems. The blooming period is from August to October. [2]
Plants reproduce only by seed that are primarily dispersed by falling to the ground below the parent plant. [7]
Uses[edit]
The plant is an important a pollen source for native bees and other insects. When a pollinating insect alights on the lower lobes of the corolla, and inserts its mouth parts into the nectar-containing lower section of the same tube, the narrow corolla portion above is straightened and snaps rapidly downward brushing pollen onto the insect's back. [6]
The volatile oils make it unpalatable to grazing and foraging animals. [7]
What
Millipedes (Class Diplopoda)Observer
rgilman3Description
On the way down to the San Joaquin River from Wellbarn Road we saw these tracks, pretty sure they are beetle as they are about 5/8 inch wide. The interesting thing was how many we saw, maybe 25 tracks across the road all going at right angles to the hillside. Anyone know what kind of beetle might all cross the road at about the same time?
Photos / Sounds
What
Ashes (Genus Fraxinus)Observer
rgilman3Description
two of these were next to Finegold creek.
Photos / Sounds
What
Canyon Wren (Catherpes mexicanus)Observer
rgilman3Description
On top of a josha tree
What
Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor)Observer
rgilman3Description
Racoon Tracks on top of the Table Top McKenzie Preserve