Japanese snowbell (Styrax japonicus) at Mormon Ravine

Neither of these two flowering shrubs are native to the areas where I found them; the snowbells originate in China, Korea, and Japan, so I can’t help wondering how this one came to be in bloom above the shores of Folsom Lake. The Pipevine Swallowtails don’t seem to mind the taste of something exotic!

Although these shrubs are actually native to Australia, it’s not quite as surprising to find Red bottlebrush (genus Callistemon) at Lake Berryessa’s Steele Canyon Campground. I have a special fondness for these plants because we had some growing in the front yard when I was growing up. They are a huge favorite of bees and hummingbirds, although I didn’t manage any photos of the hovering bees on this day,