Pete Tillman
Common European vetch, Vicia sativa ssp. nigra?
Photo near Hearst Beach in that state park.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicia_sativa AKA "Hairy Vetch."
Pretty close color-match: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lauterbach_Sickendorf_Hei...
This is the most common color of vetch (at present) in our part of the Central Coast. interestingly, a "Hot Pink" color variety has newly appeared in Estero Bluffs state park near Cayucos, and is spreading rapidly there. A number of insect pollinators can see into the UV, and might find this 'day-glo' color more attractive? Evolution in action? It's a much faster process than people used to think!
Common European vetch, Vicia sativa ssp. nigra?
Photo near Hearst Beach in that state park.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicia_sativa AKA "Hairy Vetch."
Pretty close color-match: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lauterbach_Sickendorf_Hei...
This is the most common color of vetch (at present) in our part of the Central Coast. interestingly, a "Hot Pink" color variety has newly appeared in Estero Bluffs state park near Cayucos, and is spreading rapidly there. A number of insect pollinators can see into the UV, and might find this 'day-glo' color more attractive? Evolution in action? It's a much faster process than people used to think!