Today's photograph was taken last weekend near Merritt, British Columbia. It was an unexpected find, as much of the hillsides were covered in dead vegetation from last year. In most places, small carpets of a tiny Ranunculus were in bloom -- this is the earliest flowering plant in the area, and typically a sign that not much else would be found anywhere. However, additional backroads exploration eventually revealed a few Fritillaria pudica and Claytonia -- and I would have been satisfied with just finding those, given the conditions. My friend Chris and I had almost decided to turn back when he suggested continuing along the road to see the next open vista. There, we found not only a good view, but south-facing slopes with Fritillaria pudica blooming en masse, the first few Balsamorhiza sagittata in bloom, and Delphinium nuttallianum a few days from blooming -- a small micro-climate easily two to three weeks in advance of other similar areas.
Arrowleaf balsamroot is native to much of western North America (east of the Coast-Cascades-Sierras), reaching its eastern extent in South Dakota. The Flora of North America provides a scientific treatment of Balsamorhiza sagittata, and notes that it is versatile in its habitats: "Openings, banks, flats, meadows, ridges, sagebrush scrub, [and] conifer forests". Thayne Tuason's Flora of the Inland Pacific Northwest has a more approachable summary of this species: Balsamorhiza sagittata. I'd be remiss to not point you in the direction of the Burke Museum's entry on Balsamorhiza sagittata as well, particularly for its excellent compilation of images: arrowleaf balsamroot.
Lastly, I'm sad to inform you that I'm going to be on leave for the next three months. Due to the short notice regarding my leave, the decisions and mechanics of how to keep BPotD running in the interim are presently being considered.
we will miss you daniel
great picture and a lovely find
never can tell where the path may take you
we will miss you and look forward to your return. I am sure some way will be figured out for this daily site to continue. it is the bright spot of so many peoples day. My Mom and I talk about it every day and we look forward to it each day. It is very important to us and I am sure to many. take good care of yourself. another note. I have always loved balsamroot. in all the tramping around outside it is also a welcome site, and in an emergency it is good toylet paper
This is just a beautiful photograph and your text captures the magic of finding this small spot in spring bloom.
The photo is extraordinary!! You will be missed! You really are a BRIGHT spot in my day both visually and intellectually!
I'm a newcomer to the delights of BPotD, and in the week or so that I've been receiving the photos, they've become something special in each day. Today's photo is breathtaking -- the wisps above the yellow blossoms, and the motion of grasses against the blue sky. Come back soon and safely, Daniel, and thank you for this gift.
I am not sure how I can handle the days with out my daily botannical hit. I love it. So peaceful. So latin. So far out on the globe. Please find a replacement and come back to this soon.
Thanks for posting the great plant photos, I look forward to their return.
wonderful photo!
You'll be missed, Daniel. Take care, and 'see' you in three months (or less, hopefully?)
This is a splendid photo!
I love the daily photos, and I'll miss them.
A sudden leave sounds a little ominous -- I wish you a safe journey, and a safe and early and happy return.
Oh Daniel. I don't like the sound of this. I hope you are ok. I hope you will be back. And I hope this isn't about budget cutbacks because this is a valued and much loved site.
What a picture !!! Splendid ! Thank-you again, and I hope you have a productive leave.
I am seriously going to miss my daily fix of botany 'round the world. I hope that your leave is not due to health problems nor budget cuts and that you have good summer.
Stunning beautiful photo. Like others have said, the BPoD has rapidly become an important part of my day. I love the mix of local and cosmopolitan, and the links to interesting botanical sites and blogs. I hope you will be back refreshed after a productive leave.
'See' you in three months, and thank you for the efforts to maintain this site.
Daniel,
This site has become an important part of my day and the first thing I view whenever I turn on my computer in the morning. Thank you for the beauty and knowledge you bring to your world wide audience.
I trust all is well with you and look forward to your return.
Dear Daniel, So very DITTO!
Keep the wind at your back and safe journey.
I hope your 3-month journey brings you many more delightful hort finds. You have given so much joy to so many. Thank you. Be well!
I add my good wishes to the rest and hope that this short-notice leave of absence is for the best reasons and that the wonderful pictures of plants with their accompanying information will continue.
Best wishes and thanks.
This POTD is a site I visit daily, and enjoy immensely, being a plant lover. I usually learn something new every day and hope the site can be continued during your leave. I also pray that this is not due to a serious health issue. Recently Rick Slaven (azcolt POTD) succumbed to cancer. Be well and hurry back!
Thank you for all you have done, even if someone covers during your absence, you will be missed. Be well; we look forward to your return!
Enjoy your leave time. I've only joined recently but love what I see...beautiful photos and enriching knowledge. Stay happy and healthy!
Fritillaria pudica en masse to you, Daniel. A safe and speedy return.
Oh, boy,
good luck and be well. Concentrate on whatever adventure this is that you are embarking on.
Could you maybe arrange for someone to let us know how you fare? Preferably, you yourself. It's not really any of my business, but I know I'll worry about you, and I'm sure so will many of us.
Meanwhile, about the pictures, maybe they could just resend the older ones, like from years ago? Selfish, I know, but these pictures really cheer me up...
Daniel.....we will miss you and we look forward to your return. Thank you again for this wonderful site.
Botanical Artist
Williamburg, VA
http://lindacmiller.blogspot.com
Really gonna miss you & your BPotD. All best thoughts for you over the next 3 months & look forward to your return.
Daniel,
I hope the circumstances of your leave are positive, or at the very least that something positive comes of it! Be well, and I will be looking forward to your return to BPotD, along with many others!
I can only echo the voices of appreciation and concern for you and for this site. Godspeed.
Daniel, Will miss you and BPotD immensely, but I will take the time to revisit and organize some of the info in the many flagged days that are still in my Inbox. Each day is a treat, but some are really keepers. Thanks. Wishing you well and awaiting a timely return.
I echo the above though am sad you will not be here. Four angels to guard the corners of your fomm till you are back.
Hi Daniel, I agree with everything every one has said. I am a U.k., visitor to your site, it has increased my plant knowledge, and language and photograpically as well as botanically. Thank you very much, I will miss you. We say here, "Be good, and if you can't be good, be carefull". Love, marge.
Daniel, this news is making me fret. I will miss your wonderful photos, sure, but I hope your leave is to do something you want to do and will enjoy. Please take care and come back soon. We will hear from you later in the summer, yes?
Daniel, I can only echo all the other kind and thoughtful comments. I will however think of you daily as I enjoy many previous favourite posts! Please take care and come back as soon as you are able.
Daniel;
I have nothing new to say, but certainly wish you well, and don't worry about us! We will be here when you return even if you have to suspend publication for awhile!
Daniel, you will be very missed in the coming months. Wishing you the best of days ~ take care!!
Hi Daniel, so many of the above comments have said it all but I had to add my two cents worth. Please come back soon, even here in little old NZ I check out the photos and write-ups often and it's so true they really brighten my day and I learn so much.
Absolutely love the website, please pretty please, keep it up.
Daniel- I am sorry to hear about the unexpected leave. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. Best wishes.
You will be dearly missed. Godspeed, Daniel. Please find your way back to us all.
Thank you for all your efforts. May you be well!
Daniel, Be well and be safe, wherever you will be. You make so many of us happy every day; we all wish it back on you.
I echo all the thoughts of the other lovers of this marvelous offering you share with us every day. I feel alarmed by the use of "sad to inform" and "short notice" and sincerely hope this is a welcome leave and not something else! Travel safely!
Hey Daniel
Does this have to do with the canucks? Don't worry their are plenty of games to be played in the future. Thanks for the great BOPD and I look forward to reading more in a couple of months.
kk
Thank you for the well-wishes, all. I'm in good hands, so please don't worry too much.
I hope BPotD will be stewarded in my absence, as I know how much it means to so many of you -- and particularly in these difficult times around the world.
Daniel,
Best wishes all the way from Paris, where daily I visit and learn from this best of tools, this excellent site. I hope it keeps on and I hope all is well.
Harriss
Can't add more than has already been said.
Be well.
You're in our thoughts.
Willy
Hey Daniel, I am really sorry to hear you will not be around for a few months. I will miss the BPotD as will many of the folk here in the Botany Department....and of course I will miss seeing you down at the garden when I visit. Take care and I look forward to having you back in a few months!
Cheerio, Shona
Dear Daniel,
I just wanted to add my name to others who appreciate what you do here. You will be in my thoughts. And we'll all look forward to seeing you back here in a few months.
Be well.
Daniel..the invite is still open if you get back to the great southwest...we all will miss you and your works...thank you...
...............phillip..........
These glorious daily photos remind me of an old Welsh proverb - "One gets the truth from the simple." Like everyone else, I confess my addiction to this site. Go safely, be well and come back soon!
Daniel, thanks so much for all the delightful images and information over the past years. Your site inspired my husband and I to come visit your arboretum -- which is even better in 3-D and with Smellovision! If you wind up in central North Carolina, we'd be delighted to help you visit the gardens here, as I'm sure so many of your readers would if they knew you were in their areas. Best of luck. We'll miss you.
God Bless You Daniel, and come back soon!
This has to be one of the most amazing photographs I have seen in a long time! I would definitely have this framed and placed up on the wall! All the best Daniel and major props on the photo. Hope to see more when you get back
Many thanks and look forward to reconnecting in 3 months, all best, Michael
Just a short note to add to the ones above. God speed and grand adventure. We will be waiting.