Resources
FLORA OF THE SOUTH OKANAGAN SIMILKAMEEN
Sagebrush Buttercup (Ranunculus glaberrimus)
BLOOM TIME
March-April
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DESCRIPTION
A tiny wildflower, with a maximum height of 15 cm. The flowers are bright yellow.
Upland Larkspur (Delphinium nuttallianum)
BLOOM TIME
April
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DESCRIPTION
A perennial herb that can reach 40 cm in height. Its leaves are mostly basal and the flowers are blue to violet. Upland larkspur are known to be poisonous to cows and should be handled with care.
Flora of the South Okanagan Similkameen
Antelope Brush
(Purshia tridentata)
BLOOM TIME
April-May
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DESCRIPTION
The dominant shrub species at the Osoyoos Desert Centre can grow to up to three metres tall. Its flowers are small, shiny and yellow and while in bloom the plant emits a very pleasant cinnamon fragrance. The seeds of the antelope brush provide for many species in the area.
Arrow-leaved Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata)
BLOOM TIME
April-May
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DESCRIPTION
The arrow-leaved balsamroot as its name suggests, has large arrow shaped leaves growing at the base of the plant. The flowers are bright yellow, grow in large clusters and can reach 80 cm long.
Bitterroot
(Lewisia rediviva)
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BLOOM TIME
May
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DESCRIPTION
The bitterroot grows very close to the ground and reaches up to three centimetres. Its deep pink flowers make it easy to spot. First Nations used the plant as a source of food. The root is very bitter and was mixed with meat or berries.
Brittle Prickly Pear
(Opuntia fragilis)
BLOOM TIME
June
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DESCRIPTION
The only native cactus to the area, this tiny cactus grows up to 20 centimetres tall. Flower blooming period is very short, and the flowers are beautiful bright yellow. The brittle prickly pear is unique in its ability to withstand extreme cold and hot weather conditions.
Sagebrush Mariposa Lily (Calochortus macrocarpus Douglas)
BLOOM TIME
June-July
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DESCRIPTION
The flowers of the sagebrush mariposa lily are large, three petaled and have a strong purple to pink colour. Buttercup, bitter root and mariposa lily seem to come from nowhere: Before blossoming, foliage is sparse and often missed. After seed is set buttercup and bitterroot simply return to the soil, dormant until the next spring. The single stem of mariposa lily bears its seed head with nothing to suggest how lovely the flower was.
Long-Leaved Phlox
(Phlox longifolia)
BLOOM TIME
June-July
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DESCRIPTION
As the name suggests the long leaved phlox has leaves that are much longer than most phlox species. The flowers of this phlox can be purple, pink or white.
Common Rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa)
BLOOM TIME
August-September
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DESCRIPTION
A late bloomer at the Osoyoos Desert Center, stems are densely stacked beside or on top of each other. Flowers are densely clustered along the stem ending with a mound of golden flowers, giving the appearance of a large, golden crown.