Another early sign of spring is the blooming of Cynoglossum grande.

Image courstesy of Jeff Brooks.

It was accidentally introduced to to the United States from Europe and in some places is considered an invasive species. It has blue pinwheel like flowers with a white ring around the center.  The leaves are large, broad and dark green.  Folklore considered it a protection against dogs if it was worn in your shoe, hence its common name of Hound's Tongue.  Or if could be that the shape of the leaves resemble a hound's tongue?

These were seen in the Blithedale Canyon on the Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Trail near Mill Valley.

The Library has books to help you find interesting trails to hike and locate wildflowers.

Hiking Marin : 141 great hikes in Marin County

Wildflowers of northern California's wine country & North Coast ranges : a photographic guide to native plants of Marin, Sonoma, Napa & Mendocino Counties