Grass Widows (Olsynium douglasii, formerly Sisyrinchium douglasii var. douglasii) are the earliest showy spring flower in the eastern Columbia River Gorge. In fact, it might be more accurate to call Grass Widows winter wildflowers. In 2005, I found a few of them blooming as early as January 15th at Catherine Creek. The main bloom happens from the middle of February to the beginning of March.
Grass Widows (known as Satin Flowers in British Columbia) grow in many parts of the gorge, but they put on a special show at Catherine Creek where they grow in profusion.
