California Christmas Cards

If I were ever to get off my lazy butt and send out real Christmas cards again to all my wonderful family & friends, here are some of my California native plant pics that might make the cover.

What do you think? Which one(s) do you want on your card?


Indian Warrior, Pedicularis densiflora, that blooms as early as January


Fresh new spring leaves of deciduous Black Oak, Quercus kelloggii


Snow Plant, Sarcodes sanguinea, a parasite that comes up with snow melt


Red Elderberry, Sambucus racemosa, good for Christmas color and wine!


California Indian Pink, Silene laciniata ssp. californica, a lovely native carnation


Spice Bush, Calycanthus occidentalis, an endemic and relic shrub from dinosaur days


A Rose Gall Wasp gall on Ground Rose, Rosa spithamea (yes, that's a gall!)


Scarlet Beardtongue, Keckiella corymbosa, a shrub that's a hummingbird favorite


Live Manzanita wood - aka "refrigerator bush" :)


California Gooseberries, Ribes californicum, still on after leaf drop like ornaments


The red male flowers on an ancient Bristlecone Pine, Pinus longaeva


And, of course, Christmasberry, Heteromeles arbutifolia, a classic December treat

Merry Christmas everyone. May safe travels, warm fireplaces and the laughter of friends and family be overflowing for you this season, and for many years to come.

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