Spring marks the beginning of the wildflower season in the foothills and continues through summer as you climb in elevation into the high country.  Besides the array of such well know flowers as poppies, lupine, and Chinese houses you'll find lesser known and rare flowers growing in hidden canyons and possibly your own back yard.

Pictured top left to right you'll find Ithurial's spear, fawn lily, native iris and wild clematis.  Ithurial's spear is an early bloomer with stems 12" - 14" long.  You'll find it in many areas swaying in the grass.  Fawn lily is a local resident and quite shy.  It's native to Tuolumne County and can be found in moist canyons.  It shows itself only to those who trouble to seek it out.  Native iris can be found in many areas, particularly around Murphys.  Wild clematis and it's delicate blossoms can be found draped on shrubs, buck brush, chamise or manzanita near the overlook west of Copperopolis on Highway 4. 

The 2008 wildflower season promises to be short due to lack of rain at the "right" time.  To see the best displays take some time to travel on Parrot's Ferry Rd. between highway 4 and Columbia; Red Hill Rd. off either 4 or 49; Chinese Camp; Camp 9 Rd; or make the loop from Hunt Rd. to left on Salt Springs Valley Rd. to left on Rock Creek Rd. and back to 4 at Copperopolis.  Happy hunting!

There are many excellent wildflower books available at local bookstores, museums and visitors centers.