156 Flora of Yo Semite. [ ZOE 
of the State, bearing a profusion of white, overpoweringly fragrant 
flowers early in spring, grows along the north side of Indian Valley — 
near the trail to Indian Cafion. This is about the limit of altitude to 
which the species attains in the central Sierra Nevada. 
Rhamnus Californica, which has been reduced for what seems to 
be good and sufficient reasons to R. Purshiana, is abundant in the 
valley and usually known as “‘ coffee berry’’—much more commonly 
so than as “cascara sagrada.’’ The other species found in the re- 
gion, &. crocea, has very heavy close-grained wood; the bright red 
berries are said in the Botany of California to tinge the veins of the 
Indians red—the Indians of the valley are now so few and so much 
addicted to a more civilized diet that it is to be feared visitors will 
be unable to verify the statement. 
Thelarge-leaved maple ( Acer macrophyllum ) which belongs to the 
coast as well as to the middle elevations of the Sierra Nevada, is 
found in the valley and on the talus two thousand feet above its 
floor. 
The bush maple (Acer glabrum ) grows on the slopes of the Yo 
Semite walls in various places, especially near the trail to the Nevada 
Fall. Its beauty is much enhanced by a bright red fungus-like 
growth (Erineum rubescens Hark.) which often nearly covers the 
upper surface of the leaves. 
The “‘ poison oak’’ (Rhus diversiloba ) is not found in the valley. 
It cannot be expected above four thousand feet and is rare above 
three thousand. Mr. Hutchings reports that there was formerly a 
single clump peering into the valley from below, but he extermi- 
nated it root and branch. 
Chamebatia foliolosa grows so abundantly on the way to the val- 
ley as to attract attention. Though usually much Jower it some- 
times attains a height of two feet, and away from the road is often, 
with its strawberry-like blossoms and broad minutely dissected 
leaves, a very beautiful plant. Its resinous exudation is, however, 
not very agreeable to the smell and is apt to retain all the dust 
which comes in contact with it. The nut-like fruit is said to have — 
an agreeable flavor, but it is scarcely as large as a pea. Various 
not very flattering names have been applied to it by dwellers in the 
mountains. It is often called « tarweed,”’ and in Amador county I 
have heard it called “ mountain misery.” Along the line of the — 
railroad in Placer county it is often called ‘bear clover,’’ perhaps 
