In search of California Fetid Adderstongue
On a crisp sunny day in February, I set out in search of the late-winter flower California Fetid Adderstongue (Scoliopus bigelovii). According to iNaturalist, February is the peak time for observations. Last year in late March, I saw many plants at the end of their bloom along the Bolinas Ridge Trail so that’s where I headed. This time, it was not so easy.
I expected to see the bright green, high-contrast leaves easily, so I walked quickly, scanning the sides of the trail for its telltale leopard spots. Mile after mile I hiked, getting increasingly bothered that I had made this trip too early in the season — nothing was yet in bloom and not a single Adderstongue to be found. I was running out of time and the light was starting to fade from the forest. I stopped, had a drink of water and looked down. There it was — a very small California Fetid Adderstongue in gorgeous bloom! I was elated. Most of all, it was a reminder to slow down and observe carefully.
About California Fetid Adderstongue
California Fetid Adderstongue is a perennial herb in the lily family. It’s a California native plant, where it is known from San Luis Obispo County, parts of the San Francisco Bay Area and North Coast Ranges. It grows in old-growth forest in the understory of redwoods. It grows in mossy, moist places, often in shade. This flowering plant sprouts from an underground rhizome and has two large leaves, sometimes even 3 or 4, up to 24 cm × 10 cm (9.4 in × 3.9 in). The flower is pollinated by fungus gnats and the seeds are dispersed by ants. The flowers are said to have a foul odor but it was too faint for me to detect. Learn more about the California Fetid Adderstongue on iNaturalist.
Where and when to find them
In early February, these plants are just starting to emerge and bloom on the Bolinas Ridge Trail. I spotted two small plants (shown in the first four photos below.) The larger plants are from late March the year before on the same trail. Only a few withered flowers remained that late in the season.
You’ll find these intriguing, late-winter lilies just south of the McCurdy Trail on the Bolinas Ridge Trail in a section of the trail shaded by redwoods. The fastest access to the deeply-forested south section of the Bolinas Ridge Trail is to hike the McCurdy Trail, however, it’s a strenuous ascent with uneven footing in some sections (a knee killer). The Randall Trail is a gentler ascent. Hike the Randall Trail for 1.7 miles to the Bolinas Ridge Trail, then another 1.6 miles to the intersection with the McCurdy Trail. Hike another mile or so south through the forest to have plenty of chances to see California Fetid Adderstongue. Round trip is about 7-8 miles, depending on how far you hike. If you find other great spots in Point Reyes to find Adderstongue, let me know!
My recommendation is to aim for mid-March when you will find not only California Fetid Adderstongue but also the spectacular and prolific Pacific Trillium (Trillium ovatum) in shades ranging from white to purple as well as the Checker Lily (Fritillaria affinis) and abundant Milkmaids (Cardamine californica) lining the trail.
Savor the journey
You will be treated to many discoveries when you take your time and immerse yourself in your surroundings. My narrowly-focused, desperate quest for the California Fetid Adderstongue had diminished my experience. I had lost the pleasure of the forest — the rejuvenating smell of fir and earth, the bright green moss blanketing logs and stumps and dripping in long strands from branches, and the winter light filtering through the trees. I refocused and moved more slowly on my return trip, savoring the journey.
