| Figwort Family
Purple Owl's Clover March-May Open Grasslands |
Scrophulariaceae
Castilleja exserta "Castillejo; a Spanish botanist" "Latin: exserted, i. e. projecting or sticking out" |
There are at least three species of owl's clover in the park. This one has a beautiful color and was called escobita (little broom) by the Spanish. Castilleja densiflorus is lighter in color and, as the species name suggests, the flower head is rather dense. C. attenuata is another species that looks quite similar to the others in form but, due to its duller color and smaller size often goes unnoticed. C. attenuata is found in open grasslands on the east side of Jackass Peak. The name owl's clover is due to the "owl-like" face of each individual flower and the fact that the flower head resembles clover (though unrelated). The flower stem stands 2-3" tall looking like a small ice cream cone.
Owl's clover is usually found in open grasslands. Look for it at Poverty Flat and the east side of Jackass Peak.
