California fuchsia / hummingbird trumpet
Epilobium canum (formerly Zauschneria californica)
Onagraceae
Epilobium canum (formerly Zauschneria californica)
Onagraceae
I was pleased to find CA fuchsia blooming out in the wild in December. It's a cheery Christmassy color. I didn't know the seeds would be fluffy. Actually, I rarely find it growing wild because of my hiking location choices and time of year I most often hike (spring). I doubt I'd recognize this plant if it weren't in bloom. I should have taken better pictures of its leaves. The CA fuchsia is a very popular native plant with gardeners these days, and I often see it used in landscaping around town and on CA garden blogs, like Camissonia's Corner and Sierra Foothill Garden. I didn't see any hummingbirds feeding on it, but I know they're around. I should point out the CA fuchsia is not a real fuchsia; it's a willowherb.
6 comments:
I remember seeing this plant years ago at Fort Ross. There were so many hummers feeding at it I couldn't believe it,they are usually so territorial. It was probably migration since I have noticed they are more tolerant of one another at that time.
I noticed that you are a new follower, welcome.
Whoa! That's some funky-coloured willowherb! It certainly knocks our pink/pale purple flowered varieties into next week. I bet they're a sight with hummingbirds as well :o)
Another new common name for me, "hummingbird trumpet". I like it! I see CA fuchsia a lot in grasslands, only in late season. It's often the only thing blooming this late.
I overheard a gardener tell someone he was giving a tour to at Strybing Arboretum that Cal. fuchsia grows everywhere except where you plant it....
Martha, you get around CA. I've enjoyed your MM blog for some time. I think the late bloom and hummingbirds are the reasons why it's such a popular garden plant.
Graeme, I'd be curious to see some UK willowherbs on your blog (hint, hint).
Randy, I figured you've heard of everything already. I suspect I've passed this plant quite a bit during hikes, just not in bloom. I'm hoping to get out again this weekend to see what else is still blooming.
Interesting, John. I'll have to remember that if I ever have a garden. Based on my pics you'd think it likes full sun, but I also spotted it blooming in a shaded ravine.
OK, Katie, I'll stick a note in my diary. It'll soon be June! I blithely assumed that we only had 2 species (1 native, 1 introduced), but there are at least 24 Epilobiums listed in my ID guide. Crikey!
Post a Comment