Amador County, CA

Frying Pans

(Eschscholzia lobbii)

Vernal pool ecosystems are fascinating and ephemeral wetland habitats that undergo seasonal fluctuations in water availability. The vernal pools of the Central Valley are dry and dusty for most of the year, but during the rainy season they fill and provide a unique environment for a variety of specially adapted plant and animal species. These ecosystems support a diverse array of life including amphibians, invertebrates, and plants that have evolved to thrive in the dynamic conditions of vernal pools. The conservation of vernal pool ecosystems is crucial, as they face threats from urban development, agriculture, and climate change, emphasizing the need to protect these biodiverse and ecologically significant habitats.

Frying Pans are endemic to California and are found throughout the Central Valley. Though not a vernal pool specialist (the other species on this page are) I thought I would include a brief write up about vernal pools since I found a lovely field of Frying Pans while sampling some pools for rare species.