© Project SOUND

Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden

Gardening with Western L.A. County Native Plants Project SOUND - 2009

© Project SOUND

Gardening on Sand

August 1st & 4th 2009

© Project SOUND http://chiotsrun.com/2009/04/28/the-balance-of-nature-growing-soil/

Our mission: to make this garden more water-wise

© Project SOUND

What is a sandy soil?

Soil: a combination of sand, silt, clay, minerals and organic matter that also contains some air and water.

Clay soils are sometimes referred to as heavy soils and sandy soils are called light.

Sandy soils contain high proportions (60% or more) of larger (sand) particles. Many ‘sandy soils’ are actually sandy loams – wonderful garden soils

http://www.your-healthy-gardens.com/soil.html

http://www.soilsensor.com/soiltypes.aspx

© Project SOUND

Tests for sandy soil: sedimentation test

Fill a quart jar 2/3 full with water

Add dry soil (break up clods) until water is within 1” of top of jar.

Put the lid on the jar and shake it energetically until everything is swirling around. Then set it aside and let it settle, and mark layers until the water clears.

The layers indicate just how much sand, silt and clay make up your soil.

© Project SOUND

The sedimentation

process Sand Layer: settles in 1-2 minutes

Allow suspended soil to settle for about a minute.

Mark the side of the jar at the top of the layer that has settled out.

Silt Layer: settles in 1 hour Set jar aside, being careful not to mix

the sand layer; wait ~ an hour. Mark the top of the Silt Layer on the

side of the jar.

Clay layer: settles in ~24 hours Set jar aside, being careful not to shake

or mix the layers that have settled out. After 24 hours, or when the water is

clear (more or less), mark the jar at the top of the clay layer.

Most of the organic matter will be floating on the top of the water

The percentage of each layer tells you what kind of soil you have.

© Project SOUND

Sandy Soils

Sandy soils are found throughout Southern California, but are very common near the mountain foothills, along rivers and streams, in desert areas and certain coastal areas.

Sandy soils are typically comprised of approximately 80 - 100% sand, 0 - 10% silt and 0 - 10% clay by volume.

Sandy soils are light and typically very free draining, usually holding water very poorly due to very low organic content.

You may want to concentrate on plants that thrive in sandy soils

© Project SOUND

Loam Soils Are also common in Southern

California, particularly in the valleys and flat areas (flood plains) surrounding rivers and streams.

Loam soils are typically comprised of approximately 25 - 50% sand, 30 - 50% silt and 10 - 30% clay by volume.

Loam soils are somewhat heavier than sandy soils

Tend to be fairly free draining, again, due to typically low organic content.

A wide range of plants grow well in loamy soils

1:1:1 soils

© Project SOUND

Challenges of local sandy soils

Poor moisture retention: Because it retains moisture poorly, plants in sandy soil suffer from drying out quickly

Heat stress: Sandy soil does not moderate heat as well as other soils. It heats up quickly during the day and cools rapidly at night, stressing plants and making it difficult for tender seedlings to thrive.

Infertility: Sandy soil usually does not contain much organic matter, and what is there breaks down more quickly than it does in other types of soil, especially in warm climates. Soluble nutrients quickly leach out with rain and irrigation.

pH: coastal and desert sands may be alkali (pH > 8.0)

Rooting: Takes a while for roots to gain enough ‘purchase’ to support larger plants

http://www.self-sufficient-home.com/166-

sandy-garden-soil.html

Fortunately, native plants

from sandy soil regions

are well adapted to all of

these conditions

© Project SOUND

Benefits of sandy soils

Easier to plant in

Harder to overwater; less susceptible to ‘El Nino disasters’

Roots grow easily in loose soils

Some native plants are specifically adapted to sandy or rocky soils – these will thrive in your sandy soil!

© Project SOUND

Keys to succeeding with sandy soils

1. Plant with the rains

2. Use the Water Zone system to group plants

3. Choose appropriate plants

4. Start out with small plants

5. Mulch – with appropriate mulch

6. Water correctly; monitor

7. If fertilizing, low dose & more often

© Project SOUND

1. Plant with the rains in sandy soils

Why plant with the rains?

Saves water – soils are naturally moist during the critical first few months

Vulnerable plants get the best water possible

Vulnerable plants are not exposed to temperature extremes

Soils are well-saturated – promotes deep/wide root growth

Coincides with native plant’s normal growth cycle; plants are primed to grow at this time

© Project SOUND

2. Group your plants according to Water Zones

© Project SOUND

Gardens in Mediterranean climates

(including S. CA) have three Water Zones

Zone 1 – no supplemental water; soils are dry in summer/fall. May or may not be planted.

Zone 2 – occasional summer water; soil is allowed to dry out between waterings

Zone 3 – regular water; soil is usually moist to soggy, even in summer.

© Project SOUND

The secret of a water-wise garden is to prioritize water

needs and group plants with similar requirements

http://www.taunton.com/finegardening/pages/g00101.asp

Pretty dry drought-tolerant plants

Regular water

‘Water-wise’ ; occasional summer water

© Project SOUND

Your Water Zone plan directs many other

decisions in your garden plan

Choice of plants

Soil amending (if any)

Use/type of mulch

Frequency of watering

Type of ‘irrigation system’

© Project SOUND

This yard has some natural Water Zones

Zone 3 – regularly

watered

© Project SOUND

Amending sandy soils: yes or no?

The best way to amend is with composted organic material

Good/necessary choice for: Vegetable gardens Non-native plants

Problems (for native plants) May change soil pH

Increases nutrient levels – may be too high for many natives

Not needed – many natives are fine with most local sandy soils

© Project SOUND

Selective amendment for special areas

Raised beds for vegetable gardens

Planters & pots

Selective amendment of Zone 3 beds

http://my.kitchengardeners.org/profile/PeterGleason

http://www.floridata.com/tracks/transplantedgardener/composting.cfm

© Project SOUND

3. Choose plants that thrive in sandy soils

© Project SOUND

Areas with plants adapted to sandy soils

Local areas: Coastal strand/sandy

bluffs Coastal Prairie/shrubland

Southern coast (San Diego Co.) & Baja

Northern coast Particularly good for

groundcover plants Plants will need a little

extra water

S. CA deserts

© Project SOUND

Beach Bluffs Restoration Project

© Project SOUND

http://www.tijuanaestuary.com/beaches.asp

Dune Buckwheat Deervetch CA poppy as well as some low-lying plants found mostly quite near the shore:

Red Sand Verbena Silver Beach Burr Pacific Cinquefoil others listed for ‘seaside conditions’

Strand/Bluff plants: Zone 1 with some dry-season fog;

many are OK with Zones 1 to 2 in sandy soils

© Project SOUND

Many unique plants that can tolerate sandy soils, salt spray & saltwater, flooding

Characteristics: short, spreading; mostly herbaceous perennials; can be used alone or as mixed groundcovers

http://www.bcdc.ca.gov/pdf/planning/SPLG.pdf

Coastal Marsh plants are Zone 2 to 3 plants

unique to our low-lying coastal area

© Project SOUND

Contouring for water management and

conservation Small elevation changes (1-3

ft.) in a landscape can work wonders:

Provide a greater range of Water Zones: high areas will be drier – low areas wetter

Allow local native plants to be grown in clay soils – provide better drainage

Allow good use of seasonal rainfall – channel rainwater into depressions (water gardens) or swales

© Project SOUND

This yard has some natural Zone 3 areas

Zone 3 – regularly

watered

Could capture more water from the roof

© Project SOUND

Salty Susan/ Fleshy Jaumea – Jaumea carnosa

http://www.coloradolagoon.org/focl/gallery.html

© Project SOUND

Salty Susan/ Marsh Jaumea – Jaumea carnosa

Coastal region from British Columbia to N. Baja

Always found in marshy or moist places: Margins of coastal salt

marshes and tidal flats where there is protection from wave action

Coastal strand Bases of sea cliffs

Named after Jean Henri Jaume Saint-Hilaire (1772-1845), a French botanist & artist who was interested in practical uses of native plants

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?609,1464,1465

© Project SOUND

Salty Susan is one of several local native

coastal groundcovers

Size: low – generally < 1 ft tall

spreading to 3-5+ ft wide

Growth form: Low, herbaceous perennial

groundcover

Foliage: Fleshy, succulent

gray-green or blue-green color

Leaves narrow – somewhat like some iceplants

Roots: Spreads via rhizomes

Gerald and Buff Corsi © California Academy of Sciences

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3592688234_cc697124da.jpg?v=0

© Project SOUND

The flowers are a surprise!

Blooms: spring/summer; usually May-Sept in W. L.A. County

Flowers: Typical for Sunflower family –

many flowers in heads

Both ray & disk flowers are bright yellow

Plants are dioecious – separate male & female plants

Great nectar & pollen source – attracts many insects

Seeds: Small – Sunflower-like – on

female plants

Eaten by birds

http://www.westernwildflower.com/plant%20index.htm

© Project SOUND

Salty Susan grows on

marsh edges Soils:

Texture: sandy to clay

pH: any local including alkali (pH > 8.0)

Fine with salty soils, seaside conditions; roots exclude salt

Light: full sun

Water: Winter: needs goo winter

water – takes some flooding

Summer: likes a moist soil best – Water Zones 2 to 3

Would be fine with sprinkler overflow, or water from a neighbor’s yard

Fertilizer: none needed; likes poor soils, but light fertilizer won’t kill it

© 2008 R.C. Brody

© Project SOUND

Salty Susan is a true

native groundcover

A replacement for Ice Plant on sandy soils, banks

In naturally wet areas of the garden

Low spots that get very moist in winter

Under birdbath; near ponds

Edges of irrigated areas

As an unusual pot/planter plant

As an excellent addition to a coastal habitat garden

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/2845181216_985fa34707.jpg?v=0

http://www.land8lounge.com/profile/JeremySison

© Project SOUND

Grow Salty Susan with other local natives

associates for a mixed goundcover

Grasses: Saltgrass – Distichlis spicata

Thingrass – Agrostis pallens

Carex (sedge) species

Perennial creepers: Stachys (Woodmints)

Achillea (Yarrow)

Artemisias

Fragaria (strawberry)

And others (see Sandy Soils list)

http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/marshjaumea.html

© Project SOUND

Local native plants from Coastal Prairie/scrublands

are naturals for Zone 1 to 2

Zone 3 – regularly

watered

© Project SOUND

Use the Preserve & gardens as sources

of inspiration

© Project SOUND

Many local native grasses thrive on sandy soils…

Thin grass – Agrostis pallens

© Project SOUND

….and don’t forget our annual wildflowers

Fiddlenecks

Redmaids Blue Dicks

Miniature Lupine

Coastal Tidytips

Goldfields

© Project SOUND

Hairy (Coastal) Gumplant – Grindelia hirsutula

Grindelia hirsutula var. hirsutula

© 2005 Doreen L. Smith

© Project SOUND

Hairy (Coastal) Gumplant – Grindelia hirsutula

Grindelia hirsutula var. maritima

© 2008 Jorg Fleige

http://www.coestatepark.com/grindelia_hirsutula.htm

© 2008 Jorg Fleige

© Project SOUND

Hairy (Coastal) Gumplant – Grindelia hirsutula

Var. hisutula – coastal, including western L.A. Co., coast near Santa Monica Mtns.

Var. maritima – north & central CA coast

Both: Coastal areas; sea bluffs and

slopes Sandy soils

var. hirsutula

var. maritima

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?609,1255,1260,1264 http://www.coestatepark.com/grindelia_hirsutula.htm

© Project SOUND

Hairy Gumplant - an herbaceous perennial

Size: 1-3 ft tall (v. maritima 1-2 ft)

1-3 ft wide

Growth form: Herbaceous perennial; dies

back in fall

Many slender stems from woody rootstock

May be upright or more leaning (maritima)

Foliage: Blue-green, tinged with red,

purple or yellow

More refined-looking than other Grindelia species

© 2000 Joseph Dougherty/ecology.org

© Project SOUND

Flowers are pure gold

Blooms: spring-summer – usually June-Aug in S. Bay

Flowers: Typical sunflower heads with

well-developed ray flowers (maritima has more ray flowers)

Bright golden yellow

Profuse bloomer – even with little summer water

Pollinator magnets!!

Seeds: Small, but edible

Birds love them!

Vegetative reproduction: not a real spreader

© 2008 Jorg Fleige

https://www.anniesannuals.com/signs/d%20-%20g/grindelia_hirsutula.htm

© Project SOUND

Grindelias are useful

plants as well

Native American kids chewed the ‘gum’ – latex probably protects young flower buds from predation

Tea from flowers/leaves used for coughs – don’t over-use

Tincture (in alcohol) for skin itches, poison oak

Flowers for green or yellow natural dyes

http://www.westernwildflower.com/plant%20index.htm

http://www.backyardnature.net/sierras/wildflow.htm

© Project SOUND

Hairy Gumplant – a natural

for the perennial bed

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/grindella-hirsutula

At back of mixed flowers beds

Along walls, fences

Fine on slopes

Easy, adaptable & hardy

http://sfcompact.blogspot.com/2009/06/mmmmm-food.html

© Project SOUND

Coastal Groundcover Gum Plant

- Grindelia stricta venulosa

A.K.A Grindelia arenicola, G.a. pachyphylla, G.s. procumbens

Coastal bluff plant from the bay area.

Low growing - < 1 ft.; spreads nicely as a ground cover

Mix with Baccharis Pigeon Point and Penstemon Margarita BOP on coastal slopes

Likes some summer water – Zone 2 to 2-3; good near Zone 3 areas

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/grindelia-stricta-venulosa

© Project SOUND

California/Big Gum Plant Grindelia camporum var. bracteosa

© Project SOUND

Include Gumplants in your garden

because of..

Attractive flowers Mar-Oct

Balsamic aroma

Tolerates any soil – well-drained is best

Drought tolerance; but can take some extra water

Easy to grow

Highly attractive for

Bees Butterflies Other insects (beetles; other

unusual insects) Birds (seeds)

© Project SOUND

Managing Gum Plants is easy

Requires little water while blooming – Zone 1-2 to 2

Cut back in fall to shape – can tolerate heavy pruning

Some species are self-incompatible – so plant more than one plant for seed production

Other than that, require little care https://www.anniesannuals.com/signs/d%20-%20g/grindelia_hirsutula.htm

© Project SOUND

Watering in sandy soils is different

1. Know your soil’s drainage properties (the perc test)

2. Use appropriate mulch (organic or inorganic) to: 1. Decrease water loss 2. Minimize soil heating

3. Water for longer periods & less often 1. Use droplet type sprinklers, drip,

trickle, soaker hose 2. Aim for 45 min-1 hr per session

(to 1 inch water) 3. Encourage deep rooting

4. Monitor your soil moisture, particularly in hot, windy weather

© Project SOUND

Soil texture/Drainage

Soil type Approximate time

to drain

Hard-pan or sodic soils

days

Clay 3-12 hours

Loam 20-60 minutes

Sandy Loam 10-30 minutes

Sand can't fill the hole, drains too fast

dig hole 1 ft x 1 ft

fill with water and let drain

fill hole again, measure

time for water to drain

How fast is the drainage in your sandy

soil? – conduct a ‘perc test’

© Project SOUND

Some areas are naturals for Zone 1

Hot, dry & difficult to water

There are a wide range of local, S. coast & desert perennials/shrubs

© Project SOUND

Desert Mallow – Sphaeralcea ambigua

© Project SOUND

Desert Mallow – Sphaeralcea ambigua

Southwestern U.S. including CA, Nevada, Utah, Arizona to Mexico

Dry, rocky slopes, canyon walls & sandy wash edges

Creosote bush scrub, pinyon-juniper woodland, both deserts (Mojave & Sonoran)

http://www.swsbm.com/Maps/Sphaeralcea_ambigua.gif

© Project SOUND

Desert Mallow is really an attractive sub-shrub

Size: to 3 ft tall (to 5 ft. with water)

to 3 ft wide

Growth form: Sub-shrub – partly woody

Mounded to slightly sprawling form – many thin, wand-like branches

Short-lived – but will reseed

Foliage: Gray-green; velvety soft

Leaf shape is typical mallow.

Many people are allergic to the Desert Mallow; often called "Hierba Muy Mala" in Spanish

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36764294@N00/13295740

Foliage is good Desert Tortoise food

© Project SOUND

Flowers remind one of

Hollyhocks

Blooms: Spring is usual bloom season

(Mar-May), following rains

May bloom off and on throughout year in garden

Flowers: Showy mallow blooms along

the stems

Color- usually ‘apricot’ (another name is Apricot Mallow), but differs with variety

Nectar & pollen attract butterflies, hummingbirds, any other insects

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/149/430082786_0b30a88eee.jpg?v=0

© Project SOUND

Flowers of many colors….

http://www.fireflyforest.com/flowers/reds/red05.html

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/Sphaeralcea_ambigua_11.jpg

var. rosacea vars ambigua & monticola

© Project SOUND

Desert Mallow is easy… Soils: Texture: sandy or rocky –

needs good drainage

pH: any local, including alkali

Light: full sun

Water: Winter: plant in winter; be

sure it gets adequate winter water

Summer: Zone 2-3 for first year; Zone 1-2 to 2 thereafter. Blooms more with water.

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils; use inorganic mulch

Other: Cut back to 6” every year or so – wear protection!

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sphaeralcea_ambigua_10.jpg

© Project SOUND

Desert Mallow is

versatile in the garden

Lovely addition to mixed beds – place appropriate for size

Excellent for water-wise garden, particularly in sandy/rocky soils; most drought-tolerant Sphaeralcea

Good for desert-themed gardens

Good choice for containers

Great on dry slopes, hot gardens; not for very foggy areas

Protect roots from gophers (cage) if present

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/sphaeralcea-ambigua

http://www.bridgerlandaudubon.org/wildaboututah/090407xeri-garden.htm

© Project SOUND

Considerations when choosing

Globemallows (Sphaeralceas)

& other Mallows

Choose when in bloom; wide variety of flower color, leaf characteristics

Hybridization can be an issue; deadhead if you don’t want seedlings

Use of local species/ varieties when appropriate

http://www.calisolearning.com/wildflowers2005.htm

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sphaeralcea-ambigua-20080327.JPG

© Project SOUND

Cultivar ‘Louis Hamilton’

Beautiful rose colored blooms.

Great in dry garden or on slope.

Stops traffic when in full bloom.

‘Louis Hamilton’

http://www.calflora.net/losangelesarboretum/whatsbloomingmar07E.html

© Project SOUND

Other perennials for sandy/rocky soils: Penstemons Asclepias (Milkweeds) Eriogonum (Buckwheats) Erysimum (Wallflowers) And many, many more

http://www.shadyway.com/Newsletters/Bits%20and%20Briefs%20March%202002.htm

© Project SOUND

Perhaps some local native shrubs might be nice…

© Project SOUND

San Clemente Island Bush Mallow - Malacothamnus

clementinus

© Project SOUND

Succeeding with San Clemente Mallow

Light: full sun to part-shade

Soils: any

Water: little needed once established; don’t over-water

Nutrients: little needed – pioneer species

The shrub is a vigorous resprouter, sending runners up to 3 meters from a parent shrub

Cut back when starts to look raggedy

© Project SOUND

Chaparral Mallow – Malacothamnus fasciculatus

http://www.coepark.org/wildflowers/purple/malacothamnus-fasciculatus.html

© Project SOUND

Chaparral Mallow – Malacothamnus fasciculatus

Coastal ranges and desert mtn. ranges from N. CA to Baja

Common shrub throughout chaparral and coastal sage scrub

Dry slopes and fans to about 2500‘; also on disturbed ground

AKA ‘Mendocino Mallow’

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?5042,5073,5079

© Project SOUND

Chaparral Mallow

in the wild

Large shrub of the foothills

Locally on Catalina Isl, Griffith Park, Santa Monica Mountains

http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/bushmallow.html

© Project SOUND

Chaparral Mallow is a mounding large shrub

Size: 4-12 ft tall depending on site

Usually 4-6 ft wide; spreading to 12 ft on optimal sites

Growth form: Mounded woody shrub

Quick to moderate growth

Long, wand-like branches

Somewhat drought-deciduous

Foliage: Blue-green to gray-green;

fuzzy hairs

Typical mallow leaves

Roots: spreads via rhizomes

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3080/2716215190_fbc8ca7d8e.jpg?v=0

http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/plants/sdpls/plants/chap049.html

© Project SOUND

Flowers a lovely lavender-pink

Blooms: Long and variable bloom season; mostly

in warm weather

Usually May-Aug in S. Bay; can be longer with summer water

Flowers: Typical mallow flowers

Color: pale pink, lavender

Very showy

Attracts wide range of insects, hummingbirds; excellent habitat plant

Note: foliage is larval food for West Coast Lady,Western checkered skipper, Large White Skipper and Gray Hairstreak

Seeds: eaten by birds; also good cover

http://www.cactusjungle.com/blog/category/california-native-plants/page/2/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malacothamnus

© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: any from sandy to

clay

pH: any local; not really alkali

Light: Full sun to part shade; fine

with some afternoon shade

Water: Winter: needs good water

Summer: none to little once established (Zone 1-2 to 2)

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

Other: can be lightly sheared to shape; but will attain large size

http://www.calflora.net/losangelesarboretum/whatsbloomingnov07C.html

© Project SOUND

Chaparral Mallow

makes a good screen

Great for large blooming hedge or screen; best semi-formal to informal

As a large foundation plant or over walls/fences

At backs of large beds

Great on dry hillsides, along roadways, other neglected plances

Great with natural companions: Baccharis pilularis, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Heteromeles arbutifolia, Diplicus aurantiacus, Salvia apiana and Yucca whipplei.

http://biology.csusb.edu/PlantGuideFolder/CSUSBplants.htm

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Malacothamnus_fasciculatus_1.jpg

© Project SOUND

Cultivar ‘Casitas’

An upright habit - 6-8’ tall and wide.

Soft gray-green foliage and whitish pink/lavender flowers in profusion in the summer.

Ever-green

Selected for garden use

http://www.malooffoundation.org/GardenRoot/Garden_Plant_Slideshow/Pic_Plant_A_F_7-02-

05_046.html

http://www.theodorepayne.org/gallery/pages/M/malacothamnus_fasciculatus_ca

sitas.htm

© Project SOUND

Jones' (Slender) Bush Mallow - Malacothamnus jonesii

© Project SOUND

Can we use a narrow living screen to

break the yard up a little?

© Project SOUND

* Southern Flannelbush – Fremontodendron mexicanum

http://www.magicoflife.org/flower_photos/Freemontodendron_mexicanum.html

© Project SOUND

* Southern Flannelbush – Fremontodendron mexicanum

Current range: Sand Diego Co & Baja

Former range: to Los Angeles Co

Locally present in dry canyons

Chaparral, southern oak woodland, around 1500‘

Always within ~ 15 mi. of the ocean

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?7705,7708,7712

© Project SOUND

Southern Flannelbush: a large shrub

Size: 6-20 ft tall – usually 15-20

ft. at maturity

10-15+ ft wide

Growth form: Stout woody shrub

Upright to sprawly; can be shaped, espaliered but will attain large size

Fast-growing

Branches have dark gray bark

Foliage: Gray-green; very hairy

(irritating to skin)

Roots: resent moving

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=FRME2

© Project SOUND

* CA Flannelbush – Fremontodendron californicum ssp.

californicum

http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/forums/showthread.php?t=38718

© Project SOUND

* CA Flannelbush – Fremontodendron californicum ssp.

californicum

Widespread: western CA from AZ to Baja

Locally in San Gabriel Mtns

Dry, mostly granitic slopes, rocky ridges to 6000-7000'

In chaparral, oak and yellow pine woodland, pinyon-juniper woodland

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?7705,7708,7709

J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

© Project SOUND

Flowers are well-

known favorites

F. californicum has more showy flowers

Blooms: in spring - usually Apr/May in our area, but varies with temperature, rains.

Flowers: Large and showy

Golden-yellow with orange

Just cover the plant

Seeds: Abundant seeds in hairy

cabpules

http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/forums/showthread.php?t=38718

© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements Soils:

Texture: must be very well-drained – prone to root-rots

pH: any local

Light: Full sun to light shade (F.

mexicanum takes more shade)

Water: Winter: needs good winter rains

Summer: no or very little (only in sandy soils); Zone 1 or 1-2

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

Other: once established it will do well in sandy soils with proper watering; F. mexicanum X F. californica hybrids are best adapted for garden life

http://coolexotics.com/plant-558.html#

© Project SOUND

‘California Glory’

Size: to 20 ft tall & wide

Large, lemon-yellow flowers of F. californicum

Fast-growing; early flowering

Longest history of garden use

http://montereybaynsy.com/F/fremontodendron_california_glory1.jpg

© Project SOUND

‘Pacific Sunset’

Typical large size

Does a little better in clays

Very showy

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/fremontodendron-pacific-sunset

© Project SOUND

‘San Gabriel’

Probably the largest cultivar

Very showy, large flowers

http://www.wildscaping.com/plants/plantprofiles/Fremont_SanGabriel.htm

© Project SOUND

Fremontia californium var.decumbens X F.

californicum ‘Ken Taylor’

Smaller size (8 ft x 8 ft)

Shape: more sprawling – like a tall groundcover

A bit more garden tolerant

Fewer flowers – but still showy

http://www.calfloranursery.com/pages_plants/pages_f/frekentay.html http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gcg6zKY-sww/SNUsfzN-3xI/AAAAAAAAC0o/9qJU6Qi6p4U/DSC01849.JPG

© Project SOUND

F. californicum ssp. decumbens

Quite low-growing; < 2 ft tall

Flowers more orange, less showy

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fremontodendron_californicum_ssp_decumbens_1.jpg

© Project SOUND

Managing Fremontias

Light prune in summer to encourage blooming

Can prune and shape in Fall/winter

Remember to wear long sleeves, gloves & eye protection

Remember: will grow to ultimate size – so place accordingly

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarleys/3612540169/

http://www.calown.com/nativegarden_plants.html

© Project SOUND

Garden uses for

Fremontias

As a large accent shrub Trained as a small tree – looks

nice all year Espaliered along a wall or

fence Hard-to-water places For erosion control on slopes Wonderful paired with

Ceanothus Inner bark powder used to

treat wounds, sore throats Remember: it gets big

http://coolexotics.com/plant-558.html#

http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?strLetter=F&plant_id=655&page=

© Project SOUND

Evergreen plants from the Northern CA coast are good

choices for sandy front yards

The front yard needs a makeover as

well…

© Project SOUND

Chaparral Whitethorn – Ceanothus leucodermis

© 2004 Michelle Cloud-Hughes

© Project SOUND

Chaparral Whitethorn – Ceanothus leucodermis

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?6586,6589,6624

Foothills of the Coastal Ranges and Sierra Nevadas from Mexico the N. CA

an important component of many chaparral, coastal sage, and oak (Quercus spp.) woodlands of southern California.

Generally found on dry,

rocky or sandy slopes below 5,500 to 6,000 feet

http://oregonstate.edu/dept/botany/herbarium/projects/ceanothus/CeLeu/maps.html

© Project SOUND

The genus Ceanothus

~50–60 species of shrubs (most common) or small trees

In buckthorn family Rhamnaceae.

Mostly in North America, the center of its distribution in California (some species in the eastern United States/Canada, and others extending as far south as Guatemala).

The majority of species are evergreen

Ceanothus species are easily identified by their unique leaf-vein structure. Leaves have three very prominent parallel veins extending from the leaf base to the outer margins of the leaf tips and the leaves are ovate in shape.

The roots of most species have red inner root bark

http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Ceanothus_leucodermis.htm

http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/plants/sdpls/plants/Ceanothus_leucodermis.html

© Project SOUND

Genus Ceanothus

The flowers are tiny, in large, dense clusters that are reported to be intensely fragant (said to resemble the odor of "boiling honey in an enclosed area”.

The seeds can lie dormant for hundreds of years, and Ceanothus species are typically dependent on forest fires to trigger germination of its seeds

http://biology.csusb.edu/PlantGuideFolder/CeanothusLeuc/CeanothusLeucPage.htm

http://www.smmtc.org/plant_of_the_month_200603_Ceanothus.htm

© Project SOUND

Chaparral

Whitethorn – really?

© 2003 BonTerra Consulting

© Project SOUND

Chaparal Whitethorn –

large & shrubby

Size: 6-12 ft tall

6-10 ft wide

Growth form: Dense, mounded shrub

Stiffly erect, evergreen

Twigs white, thorn-tipped

Foliage: Leaves gray-green, attractive &

neat-looking

Highly flammable

Roots: To 21+ ft deep

Sprouts from stem after a fire

© 2004 Michelle Cloud-Hughes

© 2005 Steven Perkins

http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/chaparralwhitethorn.html

© Project SOUND

A cloud of blooms in

spring

Blooms: in spring, Apr-June

Flowers: Many tiny flowers, in

clusters typical for Ceanothus

Color: usually very light blue or white

Showy, sweet scent

Attract numerous pollinators

Fruits: usual small, sticky fruits of genus – birds like them & the seeds

Dense foliage provides good cover and nesting sites for birds

http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/chaparralwhitethorn.html

http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Ceanothus_leucodermis.htm

http://biology.csusb.edu/PlantGuideFolder/CeanothusLeuc/CeanothusLeucPage.htm

© Project SOUND

Whitethorn thrives in sandy soils

Soils: Texture: sandy or rocky; needs

well-drained soil

pH: any local

Light: full sun

Water: Winter: regular winter rain; plant

needs ~ 15 inches of rain per year

Summer: can be tricky; Zone 2 for first year, then Zone 1 or 1-2

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils; low nitrogen mulch (oak leaves, redwood

bark, pine or oak shreddings)

Other: if happy, it will live many years – if not, 2-4.

© 2003 Christopher L. Christie

© Project SOUND

Garden uses for

Chaparral Whitethorn

Good choice for large screen, hedgerow

Showy specimen plant – year-round

Excellent choice for habitat

Great for slopes, hillsides, erosion control on steep slopes

Anywhere else you’d like a shrub Ceanothus

© 2005 Steven Perkins

© 2003 Christopher L. Christie

© Project SOUND

‘L.T. Blue’ hybrid may be easier in garden

setting L.T. stands for leucodermis X

thyrsiflorus

8' tall, 4' wide.

Gets most of its characteristics from Ceanothus leucodermis white bark medium blue flower, glossy rounded leaves extremely drought tolerant

and smells good.

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus parent contributes uniformity and garden tolerance.

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/ceanothus-l-t-blue

© Project SOUND

Torrey Pine – Pinus torreyana

© Project SOUND

Torrey Pine – Pinus torreyana

Current distribution: two small popuations - the coast at Del Mar in San Diego County, and the E end of Santa Rosa Island; rarest U.S. pine

Former distribution: probably along much of CA coast into OR

The only southern California coastal pine forest

Forests merge with coastal sage scrub, chaparral, dune scrub, and coastal salt marsh

Torrey pine has adapted to a harsh environment of poor soils and little moisture. The climate is maritime with low winter rainfall and frequent fog

http://www.nearctica.com/trees/conifer/pinekey/mtorrey.jpg

Torrey Pine has been cultivated in California since 1858-59

© Project SOUND

Torrey Pine – an opportunist

Size: 30-40 ft tall in nature; to 100+

ft. in garden setting 15-20 ft wide

Growth form: Shape depends on conditions Fast or slow growing depending

on water Long-lived (to 150 years in wild);

evergreen Excellent habitat plant

Foliage: Long, gray-green needles – like

Canary Isl. Pine Fairly ‘open’ – not dense

Roots: extensive & deep

http://www.cuyamaca.edu/oh170/Thumbnail_Pages/Pinus_torreyana.asp

http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/plants/sdpls/plants/Pinus_torreyana.html © 2003 BonTerra Consulting

© Project SOUND

Cones are large

Blooms: Jan-Feb in S. CA

Flowers: Fairly insignificant

Male flowers produce wind-blown pollen

Cones: On trees at least 12-15

years age

Fairly large

Slow release of seeds (over years)

Birds (jays) disperse seeds in wild

http://www.cuyamaca.edu/oh170/Thumbnail_Pages/Pinus_torreyana.asp

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_G7DZHnRhMCE/Rngey4H4DpI/AAAAAAAAAS8/y0U1sqEetSg/IMGP2238.jpg

© Project SOUND

Torrey Pine is

undemanding Soils:

Texture: sandy or rocky; well-drained

pH: any local except very alkali

Light: Full sun along coast

Part-shade is ok, particularly for young trees

Water: Winter: needs good winter

rains

Summer: quite adaptable; Zone 1-2 to 2. In nature gets fog drip, so best along coast

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

http://www.cuyamaca.edu/oh170/Thumbnail_Pages/Pinus_torreyana.asp

© Project SOUND

Torrey Pine is great

choice for sandy soils

As an alternative to Canary Island & Italian Stone Pines

Canary Island Pine

http://www.geocities.com/billyimiller/images/PinusCanariensis.jpg

Italian Stone Pine

Just remember, it’s large

© Project SOUND

If you live in a sandy soil area, get out and see what’s thriving

© Project SOUND

Remember: your sandy soil is an asset!