Western Coltsfoot, Petasites Sp.

Day 173: There has been much to-do in taxonomic circles regarding Petasites. Once separated into four separate species in the US, now all four are considered varieties of P. frigidus. If this by itself wasn't confusing enough, the varieties intergrade where their ranges overlap. P. frigidus var. palmatus (shown here) is commonly found in the lowlands of western Washington, but does intergrade with P. frigidus var. alpinus in the Olympics and Cascades. The inflorescence emerges in early spring, followed by true leaf development as the heads begin to turn to fluff. Although plants in the genus are called Coltsfoot commonly, any member of Petasites may also be mentioned as a "Butterbur" (Tolkien fans take note: Barliman Butterbur is the name of the Prancing Pony's absent-minded proprietor). Almost 20 species of Petasites are recognized world-wide.

The Old Forest

Day 361: The Pacific Northwest is hobbit country. I walk through the old forest on a daily basis, following its twisting paths, scrambling among its verdure for mushrooms in the autumn, my hair tangled with moss and lichen. It is a homey place, this woods of oxalis and fern; fir and hemlock and vine maple are interlaced in a canopy which only the strongest sunlight pierces. I love walking here, surrounded by the hues most pleasing to my mind and eyes. If Tolkien did not set his hobbits here, I have yet to see a more likely place.