Botanical Specimens - Cat's Ears - 1928

I've always called this wildflower Cat's Ears, because that's what Gramps called them.  They "hide" really well before they bloom - a narrow grass-like stem - very fine - blends in well with the other grasses. 

Cat's Ears - 1928

Cat's Ears - Plant Description - 1928

We have a small sunny meadow at Clos du Bois with "Calochortus tolmiei".  That's the botanical name for Cat's Ears!  They are so lovely - something that the closer you look, the more details you see - the more delighted you are.

The Bulb Society says "Calochortus tolmiei is one of the Star tulips (also called Cats ears or Pussy ears) from section Calochortus. It is found on dry open grassy slopes and woodlands, often in poor soil, throughout the Coast Ranges of California to Santa Cruz County, extending into Washington and Idaho. It grows 4 to 15 inches high and has white to pale purple flowers that are bearded inside with purple hairs. 

Cat's Ears - May 2010