Tag Archives: Fringed Corn Lilies

Fringed Corn Lilies, Veratrum fimbriatum, are endemic to the Sonoma and Mendocino Coasts, actually the Mendonoma Coast! It is a California rare plant. Recently Bob Rutemoeller found several just beginning to bloom.

They are found in moist areas and are a treat to find. The leaves, so beautiful earlier in the year, are now often riddled with holes. Native plants feed native insects.

Thanks to Bob for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

The smoke from the northern fires left our area late Thursday afternoon. A small splattering of raindrops happened early this morning, leaving everything smelling fresh and beautiful. If this afternoon's gorgeous clouds stick around for the sunset, it could be amazing!

 

Fringed Corn Lilies, Veratrum fimbriatum, are blooming alongside creeks and in wetlands. Frank Drouillard photographed this one blooming on his land in Anchor Bay.

This native wildflower is endemic to Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Knowing that it is found nowhere else makes it even more special. You can see Fringed Corn Lilies on the path down to Cooks Beach, on the left-hand side. They are also seen just east of Gualala Point Regional Campground.

Here's a photo of their big leaves, which appear in the spring. It takes many months before we see these beautiful white blossoms. By the time the blossoms appear, these leaves are riddled with insect holes. Native plants feed native insects!

Thanks to Frank for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

Fringed Corn Lilies are extra special because they are found in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, and no where else in the world. Roberta Chan found this one blooming by Gualala Point Regional Campground, in the Gualala River floodplain.

Fringed Corn Lily by Roberta Chan Fringed Corn Lilies by Roberta ChanIn the spring, the huge leaves of this lily come up. They are so beautiful to behold. The blooms come months after the leaves appear. This photo was taken by Frank Drouillard near the end of the month of February.

Fringed Corn Lily leaves by Frank Drouillard (Large)Fringed Corn Lilies thrive in wetlands, and they are to be cherished.

Thanks to Roberta and Frank for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

Fringed Corn Lilies are only found in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. They are rare and special. Growing near water, their huge leaves amaze us in the spring. By the time the flower stalk with white flowers appears, the leaves have been munched on by insects. But the lovely flower rises above the mangy leaves and is a beautiful sight.

John Sperry recently photographed one blooming near Timber Cove.

Actually, the leaves in John's photo don't look very eaten. If you'd like to see some of these endemic flowers,
there are several growing along the pathway to Cooks Beach just north of Gualala.

Thanks to John for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

Here's a link to see the leaves in the springtime: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/04/08/fringed-corn-lily-leaves-a-rare-mendonoma-plant/

2 Comments

On a walk along the Gualala River last Saturday with friends, we can across a rare wildflower blooming in the forest. It is the Fringed Corn Lily, Veratrum fimbriatum. It is only found in Sonoma and Mendocino counties so it is a treat to see. You will see in the photo that the lovely flower attracted a lot of interest from photographer Nan Brichetto and Karen Tracy!

The leaves are quite handsome but are long gone in the autumn. Here's a link to see what the leaves looked like in spring. http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/04/08/fringed-corn-lily-leaves-a-rare-mendonoma-plant/
We had a lot of rain from yesterday's storm, three inches recorded at our house. I don't think it will be long before the Gualala River opens to the Pacific Ocean. Stay tuned!