Enlisting help

Another weekend, another hike on the Fire Road. This is the third weekend in a row I've taken that hike - I think it's eight miles, or four miles in and four miles back. You might think it's because I've started a new rigorous exercise regime, right?


Nope. It's because I'm obsessed.

See, at a certain place on the trail, I've seen an unusual wildflower in bloom in past years. It's about that time of year. So each weekend...I take my camera and go out there to see if I can capture it.


Two weeks ago, we walked out there for the first time in a long time, and I found the site. There were a few shy plants that I recognized, but they were still just developing leaves. Last weekend, I went up there after a week of rain and mist that must have nourished the little plants, because I saw they were starting to put out bloom spikes.


On that trip, my second trip, I clambered up the face of the rock and found a couple more of the tiny plants. I had to slide down the damp rock on the seat of my pants to get back onto the trail.

We've had some very warm weather this week, so this morning I was excited, hoping that the flowers were out. I got out on the trail early, around 9:30 a.m. It was sunny and bright, but not too hot.


Again - I clambered up the rock and brushed aside the weeds covering the plants. There they were - still tantalizingly closed, buds emerging.

And here's where I need your help, Los Angeles residents, or visitors in the next week or two. The flowers will probably bloom soon. I have a couple of commitments that prevent me from hiking up to the Fire Road for the next two weeks. By the time I get a chance to go up again, I fear the bloom will be spent.



See how close it is? Almost ready to open, and I'm going to miss it. This is Fritillaria biflora, the Chocolate Lily, a shy native bulb that is a member of the lily family. It grows on grassy slopes and is quite rare.


Would some intrepid person go up there and find my little flower in bloom, and photograph it for me?

I can promise you the hike will be rewarding. Even if you can't find my little fritillaria, you will see lots of other beautiful flowers and a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean.


Here's one flower that's already out. This is Leptodactylum californicum, or Prickly Phlox.


If you want to try to find it, email me and I will give you directions. You can send me the photo and I'll post it here, or you can post it on your blog and I'll link to you.