May 5, 2005

No picking allowed!

This Saturday’s wildflower scavenger hunt promises fun for all ages

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Maybe you’ve seen them walking through Quicksilver Park. A cornucopia of color covering the ground intertwined and nestled in the vibrant greens of the landscape. They are the wildflowers of California and spring is the best viewing time.

NAQCPA member Doreen Boulland and President Kitty Monahan scouting for wildflowers. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

For an unforgettable experience of nature’s panorama, a visit to any of Santa Clara County Parks is recommended. Almaden Quicksilver Park has taken it a step further and is hosting a first-time event: a wildflower scavenger hunt.

“Almaden Quicksilver displays some of the most spectacular wildflower tapestries in this region,” said Tamara Clark-Shear, public information officer for Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation, “Our wildflower scavenger hunts are always popular with nature and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages because of the unique opportunity they provide to get up close to the colorful landscapes of the area.”

The scenic two-mile exploration begins at the McAbee entrance of the Quicksilver Park. New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association [NAQCPA] President Kitty Monahan, NAQCPA members Doreen Boulland and Bob Clements will greet the adventurers. A map, guide and chart for finding and documenting wildflowers will be given out upon visitors’ arrival. A prize will be awarded to those who can locate all specified flora.

Here is a sampling of some of the plants that are in bloom:

Bluedicks
A tight blue cluster of six-petaled flowers on a long stem is prevalent on the open grassy areas. They have an edible bulb, which can be eaten raw, boiled or roasted. The bulbs were known as Indian onions. The black seeds pop upon roasting, like popcorn. They were eaten in a mix called pinole, similar to trail mix.

Blue witch
A circular delicate violet flower surrounds a yellow center. A woody shrub is also known as blue nightshade. It likes dry rocky slopes. It blooms all spring and summer with grayish-green leaves and makes green berries the size of a hazelnut. The shrub is related to the deadly nightshade but is also associated to the tomato and potato and wild tomatillo.

Blue Fiesta grows on the fences of the McAbee entrance to Quicksilver Park.

California buttercup
This is one of the most common of the spring flowers in the parks. Buttercups like grassy slopes that are wet in spring. The Latin name rununculus, means “little frog” because you can often find the creatures close by. Indians boiled the roots [like potatoes] and roasted the seeds [like popcorn]. The raw seeds are poisonous. The Indians also extracted yellow dye from the flowers. Western settlers pickled the young flowers.

Miner’s lettuce
A hardy round leaf with delicate, tiny flowers at the center provides a thicket wherever it grows. It appears first in sunlit areas but the best stands are under the shade. As the days become hotter, the leaves turn a deep red color as they dry out.

The Indians and Quicksilver mine families did eat it—raw in salads or boiled like spinach, which it tastes like. It is said that the Indians used to place it by ant hills to pick up formic acid as a dressing. Because of its round shape, the leaf was often an accruement on a visit to the outhouse.

Sticky monkey flower
The yellow flowers are seen abundantly in the Santa Clara valley and can bloom all year long. Of the snapdragon family, the flowers have two large petals reminiscent of monkey’s ears. The leaves are sticky. Although quite bitter, the young foliage and stems can be eaten. The Indians crushed the leaves and applied them to wounds.

The wildflower scavenger hunt is on Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Almaden Quicksilver Park—McAbee entrance. All ages are welcome. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. For further information call (408) 268-6541 or (408) 355-2255.