Spring Watch

The signs of spring are starting to emerge in the San Francisco Bay Area! The temperature is still cool (highs that are between mid-fifties and mid-sixties F, and cooler at night), and we're having a range of weather including strong breezes, morning fog burning off to full sun, rain, overcast skies, and beautiful mild days. The variety is wonderful and plants are responding to the changes in temperature and conditions.

California buckeye (Aesculus californica)

The California buckeye leaves are starting to unfurl in bright spring green. I've been observing the progress on a tree that is located near the reservoir. It is amazing to see the miniature details of the leaves as they open from their protective sheaths. California buckeye is toxic, but Indigenous people processed the seeds to produce a staple food (roasted the seeds, mashed them, and then leached them to remove the poison). They also used the seeds in streams and waterways to stupefy fish for easy capture.

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

The California poppies are starting to appear along roadsides, in grassy areas, and in highway medians. The little cup of gold is bound to bring you cheer! This one is growing in our yard along with several others (lots of buds are poised to open). This poppy is the California state flower, grows as an annual and a perennial, and is self-seeding in the right conditions. Indigenous people used the seeds and leaves for food, the petals as a hair dressing and yellow dye, the pollen as a cosmetic; and prepared a tea from the chopped plant as a remedy for headache, toothache, and insomnia.

California lilac (Ceanothus spp.)

The California lilac blooms in shades from pale blue to dark blue to deep purple, as well as white. The flowers are fragrant and pollinators love them! This specimen is in the neighborhood and has been in bloom for several weeks now. Native Americans used the dried leaves as an herbal tea, and used Ceanothus integerrimus to ease childbirth. The Miwok people of Northern California make baskets from the branches.

I've enjoyed the days and weeks of winter, hunkering down at home or walking in the neighborhood and Oakland hills, but seeing the new life emerging makes me eager for the beauty and pleasures of spring!