Searching for Dutchman's Breeches - April/May 2013

 For the last few weeks, I have been searching in vain for Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria).
It is uncommon, I have seen it once before (in 2009).  I went to the Eagle Creek area and found another flower on the list - Rosy Plectritis (Plectritis congesta) - one point - pictured here with one of the Blue-eyed Marys.

Also found this big garter snake (Thamnophis species)

And Cliff Paintbrush - Castilleja rupicola - two points

I went to the Twin Tunnels trail - part of the Scenic Highway turned into a trail from Hood River to Mosier.  Did not see a cougar.  Did not see Dutchman's Breeches.





I have started using the iPhone app
Washington Wildflowers available from http://www.highcountryapps.com - very handy and doesn't require web access to use it.

Did see Red Columbine (Aquilegia formosa) - 2 points

Went back to Catharine Creek where the flower meadows are drying up
and found Bitterroot - two points - (Lewisia rediviva), but no breeches.

I have found 21 of the flowers on the list so far.  And a total of 38 points.
I will keep searching . . .