Pussy’s-Paws
Spraguea Umbellata, Torr. Purslane Family
Radical-leaves.—Spatulate or oblanceolate; six lines to four inches long. Stem-leaves.—Similar, but smaller, often reduced to a few bracts. Scapes.—Several; two to twelve inches high. Flowers.—In dense spikes. Sepals.—Two; orbicular; thin; papery; two to four lines across; whitish; equaling the petals. Petals.—Four; rose-color. Stamens.—Three. Ovary.—One-celled. Style bifid. Hab.—The Sierras, from the Yosemite to British Columbia.
Pussy’s-paws is a very plentiful plant in the Sierras, usually growing upon dry, rocky soil. It varies much in aspect, sometimes sending up a stout, erect flower-scape, and again growing low and matlike with its prostrate flower-stems radiating from the center. It blooms from early summer onward, often almost covering the ground with its blossoms. The flower-clusters grow in a bunch, much like the pink cushions on pussy’s feet, whence the pretty common name.