When we think of a wildflower bloom, we often think of grasslands full of California poppies, lupines and owl’s clover, but wildflowers are not limited to rolling, sunny ridges. There are hundreds of species of flowering plants in California, and wildflowers can be found in many different environments: nestled in oak woodlands, holding on in the crevices of sparse scrublands or braving the current alongside streams. Even the dark understory of the redwood forest is decorated with unique and beautiful blossoms.
The downpours that fell on the Santa Cruz Mountains in January are likely to bring a lovely wildflower bloom this spring. This is a great time to go on a treasure hunt in new environments so that you can experience the full diversity of wildflowers in the Bay Area.
Beat the wildflower-seeking crowds this spring and head to El Corte de Madera Creek or even forested areas of Long Ridge and La Honda Creek open space preserves to look for these five underappreciated blooms that thrive on the redwood forest floor. As you seek out these jewels, please remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints
to ensure that wildflowers remain year after year.
Image  | Trilliums True to their name, trilliums are a study in threes. Their three-petaled flowers appear in many shades from white and pink to a deep red. The Bay Area is home to multiple species of trillium including the Pacific trillium (Trillium ovatum), and giant trillium (Trillium chloropetalum, pictured). |
Image  | Spotted Coralroot Did you know that the Bay Area has native orchids? Spotted coralroot (Corallorhiza maculata) grows as a single stem bearing up to 40 intricate flowers. This plant has no leaves or chlorophyll to make its own energy. Instead, spotted coralroot survive by parasitizing the root systems of fungi. |
Image  | Western Azalea The western azalea (Rhododendron occidentale) is a one of three rhododendrons native to the West Coast. Each spring, this uncommon shrub sends out bursts of white or pink flowers that many say they smell like cloves. Look for them near streams or in marshy areas under the redwood canopy. |
Image  | Douglas Iris Look for the attractive blooms of the Douglas iris (Iris douglasiana) near streams and wet areas of the redwood forest. Their delicate flowers range from a deep blue-purple to a cream, and its evergreen, sword-like leaves can be found growing in large clumps throughout the year. |
Image  | Redwood Sorrel The heart-shaped leaves of redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregana) grow ubiquitously on the redwood forest floor. Each spring, the carpet of sorrel is adorned with adorable five-petaled flowers that range from pinky-purple to white in hue. |
Learn more at openspace.org/wildflowers.