Gentner's fritillary is listed as endangered in the United States and Oregon; recent discoveries of some plants in California have also resulted in a 1B-1 status (Rare in California and elsewhere, seriously threatened) in that state. Normally I wouldn't provide a fairly exact location listing for a rare species, but given that there is a festival in Jacksonville, Oregon for this Fritillaria, a bit of research online or a question at the Jacksonville Visitor Center will yield potential locations to see the plant. The centre of the range of the species is Jacksonville Cemetery, where these photographs were taken; my understanding is that the range extends in a roughly 30km (18.5mi) circle around this hub. Only about two thousand plants are known to exist in the wild.

Fritillaria gentneri has an interesting story, but instead of repeating it, I'll direct you to the exceptional resources that exist for this species:

• Gentner's Fritillary: The Discovery and Protection of a Rare Species (PDF) by Georgie Robinett via Kalmiopsis: The Journal of the Native Plant Society of Oregon (volume 12) provides information about the discovery of Fritillaria gentneri, biographical details of the Gentner family, the disputes as to whether it is a "good species" or simply a hybrid of Fritillaria recurva and Fritillaria affinis, details about the flower morphology and a brief overview of conservation efforts.
• Fritillaria gentneri (from the Native Plant Conservation Program of the Oregon Department of Agriculture) provides an excellent factsheet about the species, including description, distinguishing characteristics, and habitat. On another page, the Native Plant Conservation Program details the recovery efforts for Gentner's fritillary.
• the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Recovery Plan for Fritillaria gentneri (PDF) delves into exacting detail about the species.
• the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC) provides a factsheet on Fritillaria gentneri, with emphasis on the taxonomic questions surrounding the species and the ecological requirements. Careful readers of BPotD will note that the Dr. Edward Guerrant contributed to the factsheet (whose research on Delphinium nudicaule was discussed yesterday).
• a few additional photographs of Gentner's fritillary are available via the Oregon Flora Project.

One note of concern regarding the conservation efforts for this species is that the CPC profile for Fritillaria gentneri lists the Berry Botanic Garden as the "primary custodian for this plant in the CPC (US) National Collection of Endangered Plants". I was very saddened to learn while touring the charming Leach Botanical Garden in Portland that the Berry Botanic Garden is slated to be closed.

One of the species I was hoping to see in California or Oregon last month was this one, Delphinium nudicaule, commonly known as red larkspur, scarlet larkspur or canyon delphinium. As you may note from the second photograph, it is a species of rocky soils; the Flora of North America reports it is only found in moist talus or cliff faces (but at a wide range of elevations, from 0-2600m (to 8500ft)).

With its red tubular flowers, Delphinium nudicaule is most often pollinated by hummingbirds. For this reason, it is a bit of an oddity within the genus, as most Delphinium species are blue or purple-flowered (e.g., Delphinium nuttallianum and Delphinium glaucum) and bumblebee-pollinated. Another oddity is that the mature shape of the Delphinium nudicaule flowers more closely resembles the flower buds (unopened flowers) of other Delphinium species than these other species' opened flowers. For example, in bumblebee-pollinated flowers, the two lower petals are expanded and form a landing platform for the bees; in the hummingbird-pollinated flowers of Delphinium nudicaule, these petals are much reduced (as if they never fully reached maturity) and positioned off to the side to help hummingbirds access the nectar.

These observations spurred Edward O. Guerrant, Jr. to investigate the evolution of the Delphinium nudicaule flower (publication of his findings: Guerrant, Jr., E.O. 1982. Neotenic Evolution of Delphinium nudicaule (Ranunculaceae): A Hummingbird-Pollinated Larkspur. Evolution. 36(4): 699-712.).

On the topic of flower colour, Guerrant Jr. asserted that "the evolution of red flower colour from a blue-purple ancestor requires no explanation beyond a traditional view of selection by hummingbirds acting on existing variation." However, with regard to flower shape, Guerrant Jr. suggests that the morphology of the Delphinium nudicaule flowers are a product of neotenic evolution, in which a developmental process is slowed or delayed such that the species retains traits at maturity that are only seen in the juvenile developmental stages of its ancestors. Guerrant Jr. writes: "In summary, the juvenile appearance of Delphinium nudicaule flowers relative to those of Delphinium decorum [a "typical" Delphinium flower form], can in part be accounted for, and was most likely produced by, the process of neoteny. In other words, although the flowers of both species have comparable times to maturity, those of Delphinium nudicaule do not progress as quickly through their mutual series of shapes, so their flowers end up looking like buds of Delphinium decorum. The resulting tubular flower shapes represents convergent evolution onto a floral form that is commonly visited by hummingbirds."

For a gardening account of this species, read Paghat's Garden's Delphinium nudicaule. Additional photographs are again found via CalPhotos: Delphinium nudicaule.

I thought I'd share a few photographs from recent trips before getting back to some of the series we had planned. I didn't have an opportunity to plan out the urban biodiversity series last month, so that'll occur sometime later this month along with a series on biodiversity and botanical gardens. For now, though, here is a species from the Siskiyous of southwest Oregon (and also occurring in parts of California).

Known as brownies or (my preference) purple mouse ears, Mimulus douglasii is a diminutive annual species growing no more than 5cm (2in.) in height. These photographs were taken on April 26 -- the second cluttered image is to show habitat and context, since I know some BPotD readers appreciate that. It is also a species of serpentine or granitic soils.

The word Mimulus means "little mime" or "comic actor"; with very little imagination, you can see the resemblance to clowns and mimes by browsing through the various species in the Mimulus images on Flickr. Additional photographs of Mimulus douglasii are available from CalPhotos and Karen Phillips' Flickr set from Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside.

Eric La Fountaine wrote today's entry and took the photo.

This species was previously featured on BPotD and again here. Today's photo is undoubtedly from a different specimen. Daphniphyllum macropodum is dioecious. The magenta buds in this image will open into male flowers—berries will not form on this plant. The bright yellow-green emergence of new leaves contrasted with the magenta bracts and flower buds makes for a striking spring show.

This large evergreen shrub is native to China, Japan and Korea. It is not common in cultivation, but makes a good structural evergreen for shade. The plants are varied and can grow as tall as 20 metres, but heights of 3 to 6 metres are what we see here at UBC Botanical Garden. Several need to be planted close together if the beautiful blue fruit is desired.

According to the Flora of China and the Plants for a Future Website, the wood of Daphniphyllum macropodum is used for furniture and decorative woodwork.

Eric La Fountaine wrote today's entry, as well as contributing today's photograph:

This Moroccan native is a vision of cheerfulness. The bright daisy flowers appear in great abundance from late winter to summer on mounded plants to 25 cm tall and 60 cm wide. The silver-grey foliage is finely lobed, giving a lacy effect. The species prefers well drained soil and dislikes winter wet. The fact that this plant is still alive in this wet Vancouver garden is a tribute to curator, Brent Hine.

I use the term daisy to describe the "flower", a compound flower form commonly seen in the Asteraceae. What appears to be a single flower is actually made up of many small individual flowers sharing the same receptacle. As in many Astereaceae, yellow disc florets make up the centre of the Rhodanthemum flowers and these are surrounded by ray florets with white petals. The morphology of Asteraceae flowers is illustrated in photos by Brian Johnston on Microscopy UK, using a familiar member of the family, Gerbera jamesonii.

Of the hundreds, if not thousands, of plants of cobra lily that I observed a few weeks ago, only a few were in bloom (at one of the 4 or 5 sites that I visited). I'm hoping that many more will be in bloom when I revisit these areas in two day's time, so that I can get a close-up shot of the intriguing flowers.

More information on this species (and a flowerless photograph) available in a previous BPotD: Darlingtonia californica.

Before getting to today's entry, I wanted to communicate that I have not been able to keep up with many emails with photographs for or questions about BPotD recently (so, my apologies). The late March / early April vacation was in part a scouting expedition for a field trip that I'm helping lead, so I'm off again to southwestern Oregon and northwestern California as of tomorrow (I wonder if any BPotD readers would be interested in field trips next year?). I'll try my best to keep up with BPotD while away, but no promises, as the days will be long.

Eric La Fountaine noticed my busy-ness today, and he provided both today's photograph and write-up (thank you very much, Eric). Eric writes:

I saw these young trees outside the window of our office building at UBCBG, still in their pots waiting to be planted. The rains had weighted them down turning over the leaves to reveal the lovely reddish glow highlighted by glistening water droplets. The star-shaped leaves are those of Acer serrulatum, closely related to Acer oliverianum and often listed as Acer oliverianum subsp. formosanum. The Flora of China gives it species status, based primarily on more abundant flowers and different flavonoid patterns.

Acer serrulatum is endemic to Taiwan, where it is common in forests between 1000 and 2000 metres elevation. It is the largest maple native to Taiwan, growing to 20 metres. The species is rare in cultivation, perhaps because it lacks hardiness. The species may be a good replacement for Acer palmatum and Acer japonicum in warm climates. Fall colour of the five-lobed leaves at UBCBG has been disappointing, but is described as variable. Plants here are grown in the understorey to protect them from potential frost and the heavy shade may limit fall colouration.

Lindsay Bourque again wrote today's entry:

Thank-you to beranekp@Flickr for submitting today's image for Botany Photo of the Day (original image | Botany Photo of the Day Flickr Pool).

Commonly known as bladder campion, this species native to most of Europe is recognized by its balloon-like pale green calyx (veined with dark green or red) and its hairless leaves. Silene vulgaris was eaten as a starvation crop--the tender new leaves are similar to spinach and were eaten raw, boiled or fried. In the La Mancha region of Spain, bladder campion was used to prepare a dish called "gazpacho viudo" (or widower's gazpacho). This dish was eaten when meat was scarce, and so named because this essential ingredient was missing.

This is one of several campions introduced to North America from Europe, where it has subsequently become invasive in some areas. However, Silene vulgaris is quickly gaining status in Europe as a plant used in mine reclamation, as populations in parts of Wales have evolved with high copper polluted mining operations and can now process high levels of heavy metal in its soils. Researchers have found that the tolerance is retained in propagated plants and are now assessing the potential to use Silene vulgaris in other parts of Europe where mining has polluted the soil.

Lindsay B. wrote today's entry:

Thank you to marcella2@Flickr for submitting today's photo (original image | Botany Photo of the Day Flickr Pool)!

Oxalis acetosella is a cleistogamous perennial herb common throughout most of Europe and parts of Asia. Oxalis acetosella, commonly known as wood sorrel, grows in clonal stands typical of self-pollinating plants. The leaves of wood sorrel are clover-like, and for that reason it is sometimes referred to as a shamrock (though shamrocks also often refer to true clovers, Trifolium spp.) and given as a gift on St. Patrick's Day.

Wood sorrel, like spinach and broccoli, contains oxalic acid, a common ingredient in cleaning products and rustproofing treatments. When ingested, oxalic acid interferes with food digestion and the absorption of some trace minerals--part of what makes it such an effective cleaning agent. The Latin "oxalis" is derived from the Greek "oxus", or sour, which is indicative of its taste. However, research has indicated that the level of oxalic acid present in wood sorrel (as well as spinach and broccoli) is not harmful to humans in small amounts.

I mentioned in a previous Cercis entry a couple years ago about regretting not photographing Cercis occidentalis while in northern California, so I made sure to do so on this past trip.

Western redbud is native to southwest USA, including California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. Like other Cercis species, it exhibits cauliflory, i.e., flowers emerge from the woody tissue of branches and stems (see previous entry for additional links on this phenomenon).

Despite there being two Cercis species in North America (the other being the eastern North American Cercis canadensis), these two taxa are not as closely related to each other as Cercis canadensis is to Cercis siliquastrum, a native of southern Europe and western Asia. An examination of the evolutionary relationships and biogeography within Cercis was done by Charles C. Davis et al. in 2002 (Phylogeny and Biogeography of Cercis (Fabaceae): Evidence from Nuclear Ribosomal ITS and Chloroplast ndhF Sequence Data in Systematic Botany 27(2):289-302). The precise reason for the close relationship between Cercis canadensis (a species of temperate climates) and Cercis siliquastrum (a species of dry Mediterranean climates) remains unknown, but most theories suggest a common arid-growing ancestor with later evolution in the Cercis canadensis lineage to become the temperate climate species observed today.

Lindsay Bourque wrote today's entry:

Thank you to Claire Woods aka buildingadesert@Flickr for submitting today's photo, very much appreciated (original image | Botany Photo of the Day Flickr Pool)!

Gladiolus contains about 260 species with about 250 native to sub-Saharan Africa. The species featured today is endemic to the northwestern Cape region of South Africa, where it can be found growing on rocky sandstone slopes near Nieuwoudtville or on top of the Gifberg. Gladiolus can be commonly known in English as sword lily, but it is more often referred to simply as gladiolus. The common name sword lily is an acknowledgement of the Latin gladius (a sword) -- and a diminutive sword was therefore a gladiolus. Consequently, the gladiolus has become a symbol for "strength of character" by its close relationship to "gladiator". Gladiolus watermeyeri is described as one of the most fragrant species of the genus (in South Africa, it is known as "sweet kalkoentjie").

Frequent BPotD contributor Jim in San Francisco (aka J.G. in S.F.@Flickr) submitted today's photograph (original image via the Botany Photo of the Day Flickr Pool). Thank you, as always!

Eric La Fountaine wrote today's entry:

Salvia is the largest genus of the Lamiaceae or mint family with over 900 species. The name, given by Pliny the Elder, means to heal or save and refers to the medicinal qualities attributed to some species. Most have aromatic compounds and give off strong herbal fragances from the leaves. Salvia hierosolymitana or Jerusalem sage (hierosolymitana = sacred Jerusalem) lacks this quality. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean.

The plant forms a 60 cm (2 ft.) wide mound of basal leaves with tall branched inflorescences 30 cm (1 ft.) long held above. The wine-red flowers are borne in whorls loosely spaced along the stem. The leaves, stems and floral bracts are covered with small hairs. The stems and bracts are often strongly tinged red. A perennial species, Salvia hierosolymitana blooms for several weeks in early spring and is suitable for cultivation in warm climates.

Jerusalem sage is not used medicinally or as an herb like some other members of the genus—notably Salvia officinalis, culinary sage. It is used for cooking by Palestinian Arabs, as a wrapper similar to the way grape leaves are stuffed in the Mediteranean.

Another thank you to beranekp@Flickr for contributing to Botany Photo of the Day with a photograph (original image | Botany Photo of the Day Flickr Pool). Thanks!

Lindsay Bourque wrote today's entry:

Astragalus glycyphyllos, commonly known as liquorice milkvetch, is a perennial herb widespread throughout Europe and temperate Asia. European farmer's almanacs suggested sowing Astragalus glycyphyllos because not only does it fix nitrogen in the soil, but it is also good for early spring and fall grazing when it is often the only green plant in the pasture. The Latin glycophyllos means sweet leaves, which could explain why it is a favorite grazing species (I've never tasted it but apparently it doesn't taste like liquorice at all—please post if anyone has any first hand experience). There are several North American species of Astragalus commonly known as locoweed that produce a phytotoxin, swainsonine, which can be harmful to cattle in large quantities. Recognizing the milkvetch from their pastures, European settlers in North America were quick to use the seed of the North American species—the first case of cattle poisoning from locoweed was recorded in 1844.

NOTE: Although liquorice vetch is sometimes used in tea, it is Astragalus membranaceus that is used as an immune enhancer and is on the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine.

A nod of appreciation to egschiller@Flickr for contributing today's image (Botany Photo of the Day Flickr Pool | original image). Thank you!

Lindsay Bourque wrote today's entry:

Pulmonaria, commonly known as lungwort, has a long history as a garden plant as a fixture in the medieval physic garden. Believing that the spotted leaves of Pulmonaria represented diseased lungs (pulmo - Latin for lung), lungwort was used for centuries to treat ulcerated and diseased lungs based on the idea of sympathetic magic, which became formalized in the Doctrine of Signatures. Now primarily grown for its ornamental value, one of the charms of this shade-loving plant is the change in floral color from pink to blue. The cultivar in today's photo, 'Roy Davidson', a hybrid between European species Pulmonaria saccharata and Pulmonaria longifolia, has a more consistent flowering color and is also cultivated to be mildew resistant as powdery mildew can be a problem in both of the parent plants.

The change in floral color is thought to be a pollination indicator to bees (who are the primary pollinators of lungwort) and who are also very sensitive to the ultraviolet light spectrum—the change of floral color indicates to the pollinator when the pollen and nectar are ripe for the taking. If you've ever looked closely at the species, you may have also noticed that some stamens extend beyond styles and some that don't—this isn't random variation but rather what is termed heterostyly—a characteristic that ensures cross-pollination of the pin flowers and thrum flowers.

Thanks once again to marcella2@Flickr of The Netherlands for sharing a photograph with Botany Photo of the Day (original image submitted via the Botany Photo of the Day Flickr Pool). Much appreciated!

Eric La Fountaine wrote today's entry:

The cheery flowers of the wood anemone or European thimbleweed are a welcoming sign of spring. Also called wind flowers, the European native was associated with the spring winds and some suggest that the genus was named for the Greek anemos, meaning wind, but it is more likely a corruption of the Phoenician name for the Sumerian god of food and vegetation (Nea'man).

Anemone nemorosa is a small plant, 10-15 cm (4-6 in.) tall. Strong rhizomes just below the soil surface spread the plants, which can form large colonies in woodland settings, an impressive sight despite the plant's diminutive size. Like all anemones the flowers have no petals, but rather sport petal-like sepals, generally of white, but sometimes of blue or pink shades.

Wind flowers were known to the ancients. The plant was cited in verse and its properties were listed in herbals. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Modern gardeners can choose from many cultivars in several colour shades as well as double forms.