During the first part of spring, visitors can often find the small purple-blue blooms of Fremont phacelia (Phacelia fremontii) around the Visitor Center and throughout the Scenic Drive. If you get on your belly to take a closer look, you’ll notice the yellow center of these small blooms. This plant is named after John C. Fremont, an American explorer and soldier who spent a lot of time navigating the western United States. Fremont phacelia grows no taller than 12” off the ground and features tiny lobed leaves.

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