Ceanothus cuneatus

The blue beauties of the Ceanothus genus attract much of the attention this time of year, but with its graceful arching structure, smooth and appealingly rounded foliage, and showstopping snow-white blossoms, Ceanothus cuneatus has a claim to being the best of the bunch. They are at their peak in the hills of San Mateo County, in this case at Pulgas Ridge.

From Pulgas Ridge, March 10, 2012

Up close...

From Pulgas Ridge, March 10, 2012

And an unusual plant with not just one, but two fantastic popular names: fetid adder's tongue, or slinkpod (Scoliopus bigelovii):

From Pulgas Ridge, March 10, 2012