Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: What In The World Are They? (Read 164 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
What In The World Are They?
Ok, so I'm at Serrano Campground this week. Nothing out of the ordinary. Three LD's hanging out in one of the loops. Nothing to strange about that. Pretty cool though.

The strange thing is these odd Flower looking plants about six inches tall. They just popped up out of the pine needles. I've seen them before but I'm not sure if I've asked the group what they are. Selective memory I suppose.

There are no green parts to the plants and they appear to be grouped like mushrooms. I haven't seen them anywhere else as of yet, but they make me wonder. Alien invasion perhaps?

Here are a few pics to offer as evidence that I didn't make this strange plant up.

Just wondering,

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: What In The World Are They?
Reply #1 –
A very rare event and you should be appreciative that not many folks get to see this show.

What you have is "Snow Flowers" or "Snow Plants". They typically bloom through a thinning snow bank where the red color is in stark contrast to the white of the snow. If the snow has already melted, as in your case, they are not quite as spectacular in the pine needles, but still a rare treat.   ;D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: What In The World Are They?
Reply #2 –
They're snow flowers, I've seen them before at Table Mountain where we're staying this weekend, it's in Wrightwood so similar location to Big Bear. I'm hoping to see some when were there, I was already planning a scouting trip to see if I find any.
98 MB
Re: What In The World Are They?
Reply #3 –
Very cool! Had to look those up as well since I've never seen them before:

Snow Plant (Sarcodes sanguinea)
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: What In The World Are They?
Reply #4 –
Greg,

Great link. Thanks for your super sleuthing. What's interesting about these little marvels is that I always find them in the same spot.

Last year there was a lone Snow Plant staking a claim right behind site #101 in Serrano Campground. Now it has brought its fellow travels from Mars.

They come in peace for our pure amazement.

Kent

Thanks to all who have taken the time to answer my inquiry. I do feel fortunate to have seen them again. I imagine next season may very well be a bumper crop.
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: What In The World Are They?
Reply #5 –
What elevation are you at Kent? I'm wondering if they might grow in our area?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: What In The World Are They?
Reply #6 –
Greg,

The elevation at Serrano is about 6500 feet give or take. Very nice weather here this week. CG is pretty empty until this weekend.

I hope our little Martian friends don't get eaten by some four legged Earthling Beast. They can be so savage.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
 
Re: What In The World Are They?
Reply #7 –
We just returned from Lake Davis outside of Portola, 5800+ feet (Sierra).  Some snow remaining, and these were all over the place.  We see them a lot in late spring up there and elsewhere in the region.  Nice pix!
2017 RB