Clarkia (Clarkia williamsonii)
Also Known As: Fort Miller Clarkia
Family: Evening Primrose (Onagraceae)
Clarkia williamsonii is one of the largest and showiest members of the Clarkia genus in the Yosemite area, standing out from the crowd in sunny meadows and other grassy areas from the foothills up to around 6,000 feet. You can find it scattered along the north side of Wawona Meadow - though not in nearly such profusion as its relative Farewell to Spring, which by rights should have its own congressman.
Blooms: May - August
Clarkia williamsonii etymology: The Clarkia genus is named for William Clark (1770 - 1838) of Lewis & Clark (1804 - 1806) fame. Williamsonii is homage to Robert Stockton Williamson (1825 - 1882), an engineer (μ∇2v - ∇p + f) who conducted surveys in Oregon and California to plot possible transcontinental railroad routes.
This Photo: Along the Wawona Meadow trail, July 12, 2009
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