It is fun to go wildflower and native plant hunting in the foothills and mountains, but don’t forget to check out our own backyard here in town! Just this morning, the following plants were seen blooming in the north part of Monument Valley Park. Park at the small lot where Fontanero ends at the park, and start walking north.

<i>Leucocrinum montanum</i>

Leucocrinum montanum

Sand Lily & Tufted Evening Primrose –

About 20 yards north of the parking lot on the right, you’ll see a small

<i>Oenothera caespitosa</i>

Oenothera caespitosa

clearing/meadow with several sand lilies (Leucocrinum montanum) and tufted evening primrose (Oenothera caespitosa) blooming. Both have white flowers with the sand lilies being the smaller. The sand lily flowers have six slender petals and are at the base of a strappy leaves that are about 8 inches tall. The evening primrose have four, heart-shaped petals and rise above a basal rosette of leaves. If you are visiting in the sunny afternoon, these flowers may not be open. (more…)