California flannelbush
Fremontodendron californicum
Malvaceae

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The leaves have a leathery and fuzzy texture reminiscent of flannel.

Named for John Charles Fremont, 19th century Army officer,
politician and plant collector in the western U.S.

Other flora in the area bear his name, such as Fremont's Cottonwood tree (Populus fremontii),
where a beautiful specimen greets visitors to the Kern River Preserve (Audubon)
in Weldon on Hwy 178.

Fremontedendron flowers

Attractive Seed Pod

All photographed along Mtn99