Southern California Plant Identification

[bearthedog]

I realized that I know more about the plants and trees of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest than my own state of California. I have been working between 3-4 books and slowly learning a couple at a time while hiking.


Creosote Bush dominates the desert landscape and much of the southwest.

Mule Fat has long straight, dry stalks that are good for use doing a hand drill. Found near dry creek beds.

White Alder is easy to ID, just look for the eye balls. Alder trees are a good indication of water.

White Alders and Sycamore trees.

California Bay Leaf

White Sage

Mojave Yucca

Desert Willow is great for making traps, grills, and fishing rods. Found along side creeks and rivers.

Rye Grass

Interior Live Oak

Birch leaf mountain mahogany

Sycamore Trees are also a good indication of water. They grow in creek beds and along side them. The leaves look like maple leaves, but there is no mistaking the camouflage bark.

Something was hungry

Mountain Lion Scat

MORA #2/0
I’ve had this Mora for a while and the tang goes all the way through to the end. It has a 3” blade.

-RB

 

[Hawkeye5]

Good pictures RB. I thought Mountion Lions covered up there poo.

 

[bearthedog]

Good pictures RB. I thought Mountion Lions covered up there poo.

These ones have no discipline.

-RB

 

[Hawkeye5]

Yea, No I read some where that they leave a pile that's covered up like a house cat. That they leave it on ridges or some place like that.
We have a few here in East Texas I have seen 2 in 56 years. So was just wondering.

 

[Hawkeye5]

Hey RB I did not mean to kill your thread man. I really like the plant pictures. I need to learn more about them myself. Never know when you might need to use them.
Thanks for posting.
Jeff

 

[bikerider]

Thanks for the info. Looks like we are on some of the same trails. Are some of those pics in the Santa Ana's? I ride MTB through them all the time and need to up my plant knowledge. Are there any edibles in local hills?