Looking Closely: Finding Beauty in the Small
Prairie Mallow Sidalcea malviflora
The coastal bluffs of Mendocino are beautiful and dramatic, but it is not an easy place to survive. Life on these bluffs have to contend with consistently strong winds, salty air, and constant exposure. Because of this, the plants that thrive here have had to adapt.
To avoid the wind, they grow low to the ground. Some of them have especially adapted leaves, like the California Poppy, which are different from their inland counterparts. Many develop very small blooms, so small that they are easy to miss. But if you stop and look closely, if you walk slowly and with curiosity, you will be delighted to discover the vibrant variety of wildflowers dotting the landscape.
Even while walking the coastal trail, you will see different colors right under your feet.
Why is the ground red here?
Let’s stop.
Let’s look.
Why, it is a beautiful red succulent, Crassula connata, also known as sand pygmy weed.
For many, going on a walk or a hike is about the distance traveled. Instead, we invite you to slow down.
Fewer miles, more marvels.
You never know what you might see when you stop and look closely.
Western pine elfin
