Poodle-
Dog
Bush
A Stinky "Bark" and a Lot of "Bite!"
Poodle-dog bush (Eriodictyon parryi for the botanically inclined) is a plant native to Southern California which grows heartily in higher elevations centered around that of SRO. It is covered with sticky, hairy fibers that are easily dislodged if touched.
Easily transferred to hikers – and astronomers – who brush up against the bush, they cause severe skin irritation on a par with Poison Oak and perhaps worse.
The bush emits a strong, often unpleasant odor which could discourage the unwary from drawing closer, but the best defense is to be well versed on its appearance. During the summer, its blooms help with identification.
Poodle-dog thrives in areas that have been ravaged by fire and dominate until out competed by other plant life. Even then, its seeds can remain dormant for years until the next disruptive event that removes existing species. Uncontested, the bush begins to flourish once again.
Poodle-dog bush flowers in the summer months, June to August.
Leaves with the visual characteristics that give rise to the “poodle-dog” description.
Media Credit:
Junkyardsparkle
Public Domain,
via Wikimedia Commons
SRO and Poodle-Dog Bush
SRO isn’t immune from infestation – far from it, in fact. As the picture below shows, taken in the months after the most recent fire around the observatory, the bush emerges to establish itself in the absence of other flora.
Work parties are arranged to remove it and everyone is reminded to be vigilant of the threat when venturing too far from the cleared area at the site.
Some vistiors to SRO aren’t welcome…
(far, far, away!!)”