Wildflowers

Wildflower meadow on Turn Island

Several promises have been made about posting some photos of wildflowers.  It seems as though this might be a good time.  Sailing early in the season has definitely given us the opportunity to see wildflowers we've never seen before.  A wonderful treat. These are some of the wildflowers that we have seen throughout the San Juans in May and early June.

Beach Pea at Ewing Cove on Sucia

Silverweed or Potentilla

Serviceberry on Turn Island

Self-heal on Sucia

Paintbrush

Nootka Rose on Sucia Island

Broad-leaved Stonecrop which we saw EVERYWHERE!

Sea Blush on Turn Island

Fairyslippers on Turn Island

Field Chickweed

Chocolate Lily on Turn Island

Death Camas & Common Camas

The roots of the Common Camas were a staple of the Native American diet.  The roots of the Death Camas were not a good thing to eat -- hence the name!  Unfortunately, once the distinctive flowers have died away and the bulb ripens, there is no way to tell the two plants apart.  And they like to grow in the same areas.  It is estimated that at one time, death by consuming the wrong camas was the leading cause of death amongst the native people of the west.  Communities apparently used to farm the camas, weeding out the death camas when they were in bloom and guarding their plots to ensure a supply of Common Camas roots without fear of a stray Death Camas root.  The flower of the Common Camas does not live up to its name -- having one of the more stunning colors of blue you will ever see.

Common Camas in bloom on Sucia

Honeysuckle