Fringed Corn Lilies are blooming on the Mendonoma Coast

Fringed Corn Lilies are only found in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. They are rare and special. Growing near water, their huge leaves amaze us in the spring. By the time the flower stalk with white flowers appears, the leaves have been munched on by insects. But the lovely flower rises above the mangy leaves and is a beautiful sight.

John Sperry recently photographed one blooming near Timber Cove.

Actually, the leaves in John's photo don't look very eaten. If you'd like to see some of these endemic flowers,
there are several growing along the pathway to Cooks Beach just north of Gualala.

Thanks to John for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

Here's a link to see the leaves in the springtime: http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2011/04/fringed-corn-lily-leaves-rare-mendonoma.html