Wildflowers of Indian Ridge

There was a riot of color along the roadside at Indian Ridge the other day, and I felt some of these beauties were worth sharing. Aside from the Yarrow, Lupine and Pearly Everlasting that I’m used to seeing at lower elevations and in the Coast Range, there were a few other wildflowers in bloom that I enjoyed observing at this higher elevation I don’t visit quite as often.

Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata)

Yellow Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)

I am left feeling uncertain about this one, but my best guess is something in the Spirea family. It bears strong similarity to Subalpine Spirea (Spiraea densiflora), aside from being rust colored rather than pink. I’m still in the process of getting acquainted with the plant life of the Cascades, so it’s probably time to brush off my skills in keying-out plant identifications.

Lastly, one of my very favorites that I also enjoy cultivating in my garden at home and drying to enjoy year-round:

 Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea).

As much as I enjoy cultivating and tending my garden at home, there is a different level of appreciation that comes from observing plants in their wild habitats. The Pearly Everlasting growing by my front door will always mean something different to me than the Pearly Everlasting growing on top of the rocky ridge above the South Fork of the McKenzie River. It’s a good balance to strike in life, taking the time to appreciate both.