A Botanical Look at Howell Mountain

The top of Howell Mountain is a rolling upland about three miles wide, of volcanic origin. Conn Creek flows through the village on its way to nearby Lake Hennessey. The lower slopes of Howell Mountain are open savannas interspersed with blue oaks and life oak trees. On the higher slopes are chapparal and scrubby trees. Much of the plateau and flanks are clothed with yellow pine, black oak and Douglas fir.

Countless other trees, flowering shrubs and herbaceous plants flourish. Redwood trees thrive in some of the damper areas. This is one of the most diverse botanical regions of the West. More than 125 species of birds have been identified here.

The flower shown on this page is affectionately thought of as Angwin’s flower and features on our sign. It is calochortus amabilis, locally called Diogenes Lantern or Golden Fairy Lantern. Pacific Union College’s student annual is entitled Diogenes Lantern.

[Read about wine grapes grown on Howell Mountain.]