Corn lily circle
A heavy winter, wet spring, and late snowmelt have all conspired to delay the wildflower bloom in the Yosemite high country, but it’s now in full swing. It’s a fantastic year for corn lilies—those plants with the sculpted, photogenic leaves and tall stalks of white blossoms. The Crane Flat Meadows are full of them, more than I’ve ever seen before, but these flowers are abundant in all the meadows between 6000 and 8000 feet right now. I made the accompanying photos in McGurk Meadow, where I found a nice mix of corn lilies and paintbrush.
These displays just the beginning. With all the residual moisture from melting snow, it promises to be a good—though late—wildflower year. Some spots may not peak until the end of August or even the beginning of September.
For a detailed description of some of the best high-country wildflower spots in Yosemite, see this post from last year, or my book, The Photographer’s Guide to Yosemite.
I’m sure many other meadows throughout the Sierra have great flower displays this year. If you’ve found any other good blooms, let us all know in the comments!
Paintbrush and corn lilies
I had the chance to pass through Yosemite last week and the wildflowers by the roadside were awesome! I just wish I had the chance to explore Yosemite more.
My friend, Kahlee sent me your link. Your photography is absolutely breath-taking.
Michael,
Great Photo. I agree Crane Flat Corn Lilies are amazing this year. I have been out looking at and photographing flowers since last Friday. Here are links to some of my findings including plant lists and some photos:
McGee Creek Trail and Rock Creek Road in the Eastern Sierra: http://naturalhistorywanderings.com/2011/08/03/eastern-sierra-wildflower-reports-8311/
White Mt.: http://naturalhistorywanderings.com/2011/08/02/white-mountain-bristlecone-pines-and-wildflowers-8211/
East of Yosemite on Highway 120: http://naturalhistorywanderings.com/2011/08/01/east-of-yosemite-wildflower-report-8111/
Mono Basin: http://naturalhistorywanderings.com/2011/07/31/mono-basin-flower-report73111/
Bodie Hills; http://naturalhistorywanderings.com/2011/07/31/mono-basin-flower-report73111/
Yosemite High Country: http://naturalhistorywanderings.com/2011/07/29/yosemite-high-country-wildflower-report-82911/
Pinky, you’re probably talking about the flowers, mostly penstemons, along the road near Olmsted Point – a great display!
Sierra, thanks very much!
Sandy, I appreciate your reports as always – good stuff!
Here’s an article about the great wildflower spot at Winnemucca Lake near Carson Pass. Sounds like it should peak soon:
http://carsonnow.org/story/08/04/2011/wildflowers-along-winnemucca-lake-trail
Wowies, Michael! Just looking at your photographs is educational (as well as enjoyable). Lucky duck to actually see these wildflowers, lucky us to see your photographs of them!
Thanks Vivien – I am lucky indeed!
Anyone heard what’s happening in the Thousand Island Lake/Banner area for flowers? I’m thinking of heading up there but want a report first…Thanks for all the beta Sandy and Michael!
Kirk, you’re welcome. Doesn’t sound like anyone has been to Thousand Island Lake and Banner… long way to carry camera gear 🙂