What is This?

Post by **Uncle Rico** » Sun Feb 24, 2013 7:05 pm

Any botanists out there that can ID this plant for me?

Muchas gracias.

mattmaxon · Post by **mattmaxon** » Mon Feb 25, 2013 5:37 am

Cannot say for sure but it loots like a thistle of some sort.

Plumeless thistle

Looks like a good match

Since it is not fully developed it is hard to identify. But judging from the old stalks it seems to be a good guess

Post by **Uncle Rico** » Mon Feb 25, 2013 6:08 am

Think I may have answered my own question. Appears to be Indian Warrior (Pedicularis densiflora).

Link to CalFlora: http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species ... ecnum=6103

According to pedicularisdensiflora.com: "Indian Warrior was used medicinally as a muscle relaxant and is thought to be smoked by at least one Native American tribe for its narcotic effects and is reported to produce a delightful smoke."

mattmaxon · Post by **mattmaxon** » Mon Feb 25, 2013 9:11 am

Yeah looks good... Where did you see it?

Post by **Uncle Rico** » Mon Feb 25, 2013 10:06 am

North side of the Simi Hills between Long Canyon and the Albertson Fire Road.