At the end of April, we hiked a large loop on the Barnes Lake Trails in dry but windy conditions.   The lower end of the trails winds through the grasslands where we spotted a number of small-flowered woodland stars (lithophragma parviflorum).

In sheltered spots, were some distinctive few-flowered shooting stars (dodecatheon pulchellum).

Low growing pussytoes (possibly antennaria mycrophylla)  were starting to flower.   The pussytoes are abundant in these types of areas.

We can see 8 different desert parsley varieties growing in our area, some of which are easy to identify and some are more of a challenge.   This is probably swale desert parsley (lomatium ambiguum) with its bright yellow flowers.   Lomatium triternatum is very similar and distinguishing them requires a careful examination of the leaves.

The first desert parsley to emerge is usually Geyer’s lomatium (geyeri) with its carrot-like foliage.

A close up of the pussytoes shows its resemblance to pearly everlastings.

We hiked into the forest where wildflowers were not yet out, but we spotted some new pine cone growth on young trees.

In these posts we can provide detail on the plant growth, leaves, flowers, seeds, ecology, and so on, but there are many botanical sources online for this information.   Sometimes it is just nice to enjoy the moment, the wildflowers encountered in an area on a single day, in this case a hike in the Barnhartvale hills.