Drivers heading up Highway 2 toward Wrightwood are being greeted by sweeping hillsides covered in tall, wispy purple flowers. The striking plant, known as poodle-dog bush, may look beautiful from a distance, but experts warn that touching it can cause severe skin irritation.
Poodle-dog bush, scientifically known as Eriodictyon parryi, is a California mountain shrub that commonly appears in areas disturbed by wildfire. According to plant references, heat from a fire can help trigger germination by breaking the seed coat and allowing water to enter.
The unusual name comes from the way the plant can look as it dries, curled foliage may resemble the tight, curly coat of a poodle. Its colorful blooms and dramatic appearance often attract attention from first-time visitors to the mountains.
Local residents and hikers are urging people to admire the plant with their eyes, not their hands. Poodle-dog bush is known to secrete a strong skin irritant, and reactions can include itching, blistering, and rashes similar to poison oak. For anyone exploring burn areas or trails in the San Gabriel Mountains, the advice is simple: enjoy the view but keep your distance.
