J20160729-0029—Sidalcea setosa—RPBG (28707261775)

Description:

Sidalcea setosa—Bristly checkerbloom. What is one to do when references disagree upon the existence of a taxon? Answer: go with the sign in the garden. The plant itself doesn't care if the label reads Sidalcea oregana ssp. spicata or plain Sidalcea spicata or Sidelcea setosa, the bloom will be as beautiful. I believe the insect to be a syrphid fly. Photographed at Regional Parks Botanic Garden located in Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley, CA