Driving past McMenamins Kennedy School last week a blur of yellow caught my attention. I knew immediately what it was; their huge Fremontodendron californicum. I pulled over.
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I planted one of these in my front garden years ago, it died. Oh well, I can admire this one so it's almost as good as having my own. Maybe better!
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While out on walks I like to pick up leaves, moss, sticks, seed pods, and the like. A few years ago I put a couple Fremontodendron seed pods from this shrub in a coat pocket. That's a mistake I'll only make once, they're just as prickly as the leaves can be. From the L.A. Times: "Fremontodendrons come armored. While a USDA Forest Service information sheet identifies the leaves as edible by ruminants, they are highly irritating to humans. Under the microscope, tiny hairs look like medieval maces, said O’Brien. “Think of them as having projecting spines in every direction. If you’re doing any maintenance or raking up dead flowers or leaves, do that last and go take a shower and put those clothes into the laundry as soon as possible.” San Marcos Growers advises wearing goggles."
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The whole article is interesting, read it here: The Dry Garden: Stunning flannel bush comes with prickly problems. Meanwhile I'll just be standing here admiring this dangerous beauty.
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Weather Diary, May 22: Hi 74, Low 51/ Precip .11
All material © 2009-2019 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
I planted one of these in my front garden years ago, it died. Oh well, I can admire this one so it's almost as good as having my own. Maybe better!
While out on walks I like to pick up leaves, moss, sticks, seed pods, and the like. A few years ago I put a couple Fremontodendron seed pods from this shrub in a coat pocket. That's a mistake I'll only make once, they're just as prickly as the leaves can be. From the L.A. Times: "Fremontodendrons come armored. While a USDA Forest Service information sheet identifies the leaves as edible by ruminants, they are highly irritating to humans. Under the microscope, tiny hairs look like medieval maces, said O’Brien. “Think of them as having projecting spines in every direction. If you’re doing any maintenance or raking up dead flowers or leaves, do that last and go take a shower and put those clothes into the laundry as soon as possible.” San Marcos Growers advises wearing goggles."
The whole article is interesting, read it here: The Dry Garden: Stunning flannel bush comes with prickly problems. Meanwhile I'll just be standing here admiring this dangerous beauty.
Weather Diary, May 22: Hi 74, Low 51/ Precip .11
All material © 2009-2019 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.