John Day Fossil Beds National Monument - Wildflowers

During the spring and early summer months a great variety of wild flowers are in bloom at the monument. Despite the rugged conditions and poor soil, many of these plants flourish, if only for a few weeks. The Painted Hills unit of the park is a favorite for photographers during this season, because the yellow flowers of both chenactis ( Chenactis nevii ) and golden bee plant ( Cleome platycarpa ) make for a stunning contrast of color against the deep red of the Painted Hills. Also found at the Painted Hills are large patches of purple monkey flower ( Mimulus nanus ) and a scattering of mariposa lilies ( Calochortus macrocarpus ). In the other two units of the park, the Clarno and Sheep Rock units, common wild flower sightings might include; orange globe-mallow ( Sphaeralcea munroana ), tail cup lupine ( Lupinus caudatus ), yellow bells ( Fritillaria pudica ), hedgehog cactus ( Pediocactus simpsonii ), and the fiery orange of mountain paintbrush ( Castilleja applegatei ).