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John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Wildflowers
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![Image of yellow bell flowers Image of yellow bell flowers](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090512112426im_/http://www.nps.gov/joda/naturescience/images/yellowbell285wide.jpg) |
Yellow bells ( Fritillaria pudica ) |
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During the spring and early summer months a great variety of wild flowers are in bloom at the monument. Despite the rugged conditions and poor soil, many of these plants flourish, if only for a few weeks.
The Painted Hills unit of the park is a favorite for photographers during this season, because the yellow flowers of both chenactis (Chenactis nevii) and golden bee plant (Cleome platycarpa) make for a stunning contrast of color against the deep red of the Painted Hills.
Also found at the Painted Hills are large patches of purple monkey flower (Mimulus nanus) and a scattering of mariposa lilies (Calochortus macrocarpus).
In the other two units of the park, the Clarno and Sheep Rock units, common wild flower sightings might include; orange globe-mallow (Sphaeralcea munroana), tail cup lupine (Lupinus caudatus), yellow bells (Fritillaria pudica), hedgehog cactus (Pediocactus simpsonii), and the fiery orange of mountain paintbrush (Castilleja applegatei).
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| ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090512112426im_/http://www.nps.gov/commonspot/images/clear.gif) | ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090512112426im_/http://www.nps.gov/commonspot/images/clear.gif) |
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![Image of delphinium flowers Image of delphinium flowers](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090512112426im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/JODA_delphinhighlight65x652.jpg) Wildflowers at the Painted Hills Wildflowers are a popular attraction during the spring and summer months at the Painted Hills more... | |
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![Image of an artistic rendition of a brontothere, Image of an artistic rendition of a brontothere,](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090512112426im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/JODA_JODA_dykbrontos130x65.jpg) |
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Did You Know?
Brontotheres, large relatives of the horse and rhinoceros, once lived on the North American continent.
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Last Updated: April 13, 2008 at 17:34 EST |