Tag Archives: Flowers

nature, Photography

Okanagan Sunflowers

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The Okanagan sunflower is prolific in the Thompson-Okanagan and in the spring can cover entire mountainsides with its pretty blooms.

The Okanagan sunflower lives mostly in the Thompson-Okanagan, but can be found in Washington State as well.

In spite of the name, it’s a member of the aster family and looks like a yellow daisy. It also doesn’t grow singly as sunflowers do but in clumps or clusters and it prefers very dry conditions. They are so bright and cheery and symbolic of warmth and good weather!

They love to bloom in conifer forest clearings.

Also known as the arrowleaf balsamroot, it is completely edible. Many animals and birds rely on it and indigenous peoples ate the leaves either cooked or raw and used the taproots to make flour. It has the additional advantage of containing many immune-boosting properties, so the Okanagan sunflower is not just a pretty face!

Happy Friday.

nature, Photography

Daffodils and Birds

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In Penticton, spring is a-flutter and a-bloom. The ducks are happily pairing off, the Canada geese couples are arriving and the spring bulbs are blooming.

Daffodils, otherwise known as narcissi, are such an enticing spring yellow.

A goose couple eyes us suspiciously from the water. They can be very aggressive and loud, but if one is cautious and slow, they won’t shout at you too badly.

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to enjoy more of Penticton’s spring until I return five weeks from now.

Happy Friday.