Plant identification is not always easy. Many species have similar appearances, and I need to combine flower shapes, leaves, and descriptions of habitats for my tentative identifications. Let's take a closer look at some plants here in the Pacific Northwest! This should be a palate cleanser after the dance with culinary danger and the more dangerous dance with politics.
I am reasonably sure this first photo is of a species called ocean spray. However, similar in appearance are snowbrush and deer brush. They have vaguely comparable white flower clusters, but different leaves.
Next, I suspect this is common yarrow and sulphur cinquefoil, but I am uncertain. Unfortunately, I also see either Russian knapweed or its equally-nefarious cousin spotted knapweed preparing to bloom soon in the background, too.
There are a surprising number of plants with tall stems surrounded by clusters of small flowers. I think this plant below is a variety of penstemon, but I am open to alternative identifications.
Up next, this yellow flower may be Idaho Gumweed. Whatever it is, that bumblebee was buzzing around from flower to flower, only staying briefly at each, and making itself very difficult to photograph.
Very much a white and yellow color palette today. I will save any other flower photos for when I can find more variety.
