Finley National Wildlife Refuge, OR - May 2024
On my way down to Ashland, I decided to stop at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge after seeing some observations of the Golden Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja levisecta). This rare, hemi-parasitic species was listed as endangered in 1997 and has been on my must-see list for years. As of 2023, it has been removed from the Federal list, indicating healthy, sustaining populations. Despite this, it still exists in only 11 locations across the West, from British Columbia to Oregon, making it a rare occurance.
The Golden Indian Paintbrush taps into other plants' roots to steal nutrients and water, but it can also produce its own energy when needed. At the refuge, it was growing next to slender cinquefoil and rosy checker mallow, along with some other unidentified grasses. I was curious to know which plants it was associated with. Although once thought extinct in the Willamette Valley, these plants have been reintroduced and are being monitored and maintained with controlled fires and invasive plant removal to support their recovery.
It was also great to see other wildflowers common to the Willamette Valley, like Pale Flax, Checker Mallow, Tough-leaf Iris, and Monkeyflowers. The plant community here is amazing and one I absolutely love. Check out these observations and go visit before it’s too late!
Castilleja levisecta
Castilleja levisecta
Castilleja levisecta
Potentilla gracilis
Sidalcea virgata
Sidalcea virgata
Dichelostemma congestum
Bellardia viscosa
Iris tenax
Erythranthe decora
Linum bienne
