Low & Northerly 2012

© Project SOUND

Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden

Gardening with Western L.A. County Native PlantsProject SOUND – 2012 (our 8th year)

© Project SOUND

Low and Northerly: Groundcover Plants from the Northern and Central CA Coast

C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake

CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve

Madrona Marsh PreserveFebruary 4 & 7, 2012

What makes a good groundcover plant?

Low growth habit Evergreen – nice color Dense foliage – few gaps Fast growth to mature size

– then slow Long-lived Flowers, fruits and other

features that make it good habitat

And, for today’s subject, should be woody (or at least half-woody)

© Project SOUNDhttp://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/california/northern-coast

smb://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f4/California_State_Route_1.svg

The California coast has inspired for centuries

© Project SOUNDhttp://www.bon-voyage.co.uk/destinations/california_holidays/itineraries

But the CA coast inspires gardeners for a different reason…

© Project SOUND

http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-photo/ranlo/2/1279124248/northern-california-coast.jpg/tpod.html

© Project SOUND

Some of our best native groundcovers come from the N. & Central California coast

© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College

Central & N. Maritime Chaparral

“within the zone of summer fog incursion”

Features: greater exposure to

summer fog, humidity

mild temps. and moderate drought pressures

adaptations to different disturbance regimes (less frequent fire).

© Project SOUNDhttp://www.elkhornsloughctp.org/reference/subissue_detail.php?SUBISSUE_ID=1

Sunset Zones ZONE 16: Central and Northern

California Coast thermal belts

Thermal belts (slopes from which cold air drains) in a coastal climate

Ocean dominated about 85 % of the time and by inland weather about 15%

A summer afternoon wind More summer heat than Zone 17;

warmer winters than inland Cooler summers than Zones 22-24

ZONE 17: Marine effects in Southern Oregon, Northern and Central California Mild, wet, almost frostless winters;

cool summers w/ frequent fog or wind. Muted sunlight much of the year Summer highs ~ 65-70º F

© Project SOUND

http://www.digitalseed.com/gardener/climate/plantclimate_map_ca.html

Let’s take a road trip up Hwy 1

Central coast

Point Sal/Guadalupe

San Simeon/Arroyo de la Cruz

Big Sur Rocky point Yankee Point/Diamond Heights

Northern coast

Point Reyes

Ft. Bragg

© Project SOUND

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:California_State_Route_1.svg


Our Central and Northern Coastal areas a unique in many ways

© Project SOUND

We share some plants with the Central and Northern Maritime chaparral

Black sage – Salvia mellifera Purple Sage – Salvia leucophylla Sticky Monkeyflower – Diplacus

aurantiacus Blue-eyed Grass – Sisyrinchium

bellum Some grasses - Nassellas Many native wildflowers

© Project SOUND

Manzanitas of the northern maritime

chaparral

Arctostaphylos andersonii A. canescens A. crustacea Arctostaphylos cruzensis A. edmundsii A. glutinosa A. hookeri hearstiorum A. hookeri hookeri A. montaraensis A. montereyensis A. morroensis A. nummularia sensitiva A. ohlone pro. sp. A. pajaroensis A. pumila A. purissima A. silvicola A. tomentosa (all ssp & forms) © Pr SOUND

Many of these species are rare or endangered in the wild, but grown regularly in the garden

Not surprisingly, our local flora has the most in common with that of the Central Coast

The closer the native home of a plant to our own, the more similar are the: Soils Temperatures Rainfall Etc

Plants from nearby coastal areas are easier to grow than those from further up the coast

© Project SOUND

http://coast-santabarbara.org/

California rainfall – quite a range, even along our coasts

© Project SOUND

http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread775456/pg2

Our first stop: Point Sal Located in the northwestern part of

Santa Barbara County, near the city of Guadalupe

Between Vandenberg Air Force Base and the Guadalupe Dunes.

Sandy/rocky promontory

© Project SOUNDhttp://www.localhikes.com/HikeData.ASP?DispType=1&ActiveHike=0&GetHikesStateID=&ID=4266

*

http://www.cityprofile.com/california/photos/36781-guadalupe-point-sal-state-beach1.html


Home to a unique flora Transition zone between N. & S.

CA: unique plant species assemblages.

A mosaic of coastal sage scrub and foothill needle-grass with wildflowers, Giant Corepopsis

Much influenced by ocean breezes, salt spray – like our own immediate coast

© Project SOUND

http://kcbx.net/~bdenneen/

http://soundwaves.usgs.gov/2001/09/fieldwork2.html

http://blogbisogno.wordpress.com/2009/08/page/2/http://www.ryono.net/pointsal/pointsal.html

Salvia leucophylla ‘Pt. Sal Spreader’

Naturally occurring variants from Point Sal

Look like Purple Sage except usually shorter (2-3 ft)

Very variable in size, depending on water, other conditions

Purple Sage cultivars & hybrids may be easier to grow than the species

© Project SOUND

http://www.sm.watersavingplants.com/eplant.php?plantnum=24489&return=l2_aO

We continue our road trip up Hwy 1

Central coast

Point Sal/Guadalupe


© Project SOUND


*

http://www.coastandocean.org/coast_v23_no3_2007/galleries_v23_no3_07/hearst_map_large%20copy.pdf

Hearst Castle – San Simeon

© Project SOUND

http://www.nordicgeospatial.com/about_us

http://www.coastandocean.org/coast_v23_no3_2007/articles/Hiking_Hearst_04.htm

http://www.californiacoastline.org/cgi-bin/image.cgi?image=201006383&mode=big&lastmode=sequential&flags=0&year=current

Hearst/San Simeon Coast/ Arroyo de la Cruz Old ocean beaches and bluffs The soil varies from a near adobe through

red clay on hard pan to a gray sand-rock composite.

It receives summer fog and rainfall of about 20-30 inches/yr

It is one of the most moderate climates in the world. Every day has a high of 60-65 degrees F. and a low of 50 degrees F.

© Project SOUND

http://www.californiacoastline.org/cgi-bin/location.cgi?flags=0&year=current&latdeg=35.591167&longdeg=121.131667

http://justinsomnia.org/2006/09/driving-down-the-big-sur-coast/

smb://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a3/Ceanothus_hearstiorum_2.jpg

Rainfall: Central Coast

© Project SOUND

Our rainfall

Much cooler summers as well

The Arroyo de la Cruz region: special

© Project SOUND

Mouth of Arroyo de la Cruz, ridge immediately south of creek, east of Hwy 1 (San Luis Obispo County, California, US)

© 2011 Chris Winchell

Arroyo de la Cruz – unique conditions = unique plants

A variety of communities, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, riparian and grassland, mark this unique area. Its importance lies in the number of endemics that are found in this relatively small area; indeed, it has been called the "Cruzian pocket of endemism."

Ten species of plants considered rare or endangered are found here. Most have a restricted range. It is the type locality of at least two species, Arctostaphylos

hookeri ssp. hearstiorum and Ceanothus hearstiorum which are found nowhere else.

Other rare species include Allium hickmanii, Arctostaphylos cruzensis, Bloomeria humilis, Calochortus clavatus ssp. recurvfolius, Campanula obispoensis (?), Ceanothus maritimus, Sanicula hoffmannii and Sanicula maritima.

© Project SOUND

Arroyo de la Cruz has also provided us some wonderful garden cultivars

Sisyrinchium bellum 'Arroyo de la Cruz‘

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. thyrsiflorus 'Arroyo de la Cruz‘

Ceanothus maritimus 'Valley Violet‘

© Project SOUND

http://www.flickriver.com/photos/billbouton/sets/72157603552645540/

© Project SOUND

* Arroyo de la Cruz Manzanita – Arctostaphylos cruzensis


© Project SOUND

* Arroyo de la Cruz Manzanita – Arctostaphylos cruzensis

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/arctostaphylos-cruzensis

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3449,3454,3466


Endemic to coastal areas from northwest San Luis Obispo Co. to Southern Monterey Co.

Grows on old ocean beaches and bluffs Occurs in a variety of habitats, including

maritime chaparral, coastal scrub, conifer forest, and valley-foothill grassland.

Receives summer fog/rainfall of 20-30” per year

smb://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b4/Ceanothus_hearstiorum_1.jpg

© Project SOUND

Low-growing Manzanitas: perfect for your garden?

Attractive, ‘neat-looking’ foliage

Red bark on interesting trunks/branches

Low-maintenance under the right conditions: Needs good drainage Low water in summer - susceptible

to fungal diseases; deep watering (Zone 1/2)

No fertilizer

Coastal varieties will thrive along immediate coast – even right next to beach

©J.S. Peterson

Jo-Ann Ordano © California Academy of Sciences

Flammable: manzanita plants contain volatile compounds, which burn like a torch when ignited – no a good choice for fire-prone areas

© Project SOUND

Ground cover manzanita

Size: 2-3 ft tall 5-10 ft wide

Growth form: Spreading, low : mat-like to

mounded Shreddy red bark Dense – good coverage

Foliage: Leaves bright green, shiny;

may be hairy when young Densely over-lapping on

branch

Roots: no basal burl – so can’t re-sprout


smb://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cd/Arctostaphylos_cruzensis_2.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/3271733542/

© Project SOUND

Who can resist a manzanita in bloom?

Blooms: Winter/early spring Usually Dec-Feb in S. Bay

Flowers: Small, urn-shaped flowers typical

of manzanita Pale pink blush Large clusters – very showy Sweet scent

Fruits: The edible ‘little apples’ Hairy, ½ inch diameter; ripe in

late summer or fall

© 2006 Steve Matson

© Project SOUND

Central coast plant Soils: Texture: adaptable – sandy soils in

nature pH: any local – 6.0-8.0

Light: Full sun only right along coast Afternoon shade in most gardens;

remember, average temperatures cooler (60-65º F. where it’s native)

Water: Winter: good winter rains Summer:

Needs supplemental summer water – Zone 2 to 2-3

Needs leaves washed down during dry summer – remember the summer fogs

Other: shouldn’t need much pruning; sterile technique, after blooming

© 2002 David Graber

© Project SOUND

Good looking evergreen shrub

Used as an evergreen woody ground cover – substitute for ivy

Good for slopes Pair with its native associates

for an evergreen medley:

Ceanothus hearstiorum Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Ceanothus griseus Adenostoma fasciculatum Iris douglasii Baccharis pilularis Salvia mellifera Diplacus aurantiacus


smb://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/Ceanothus_hearstiorum_6.jpg

smb://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2d/Arctostaphylos_cruzensis_1.jpg

Why the variability in growth habit?

© Project SOUND


Tilden Botanical GardenRegional Parks Botanic Garden is a botanical garden in Tilden Park, Berkeley CA USA


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

http://www.callutheran.edu/Academic_Programs/Departments/Biology/Wildflowers/gf/images/picts/gar-1670.jpg

Some species occur along the entire CA coast

© Project SOUND

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mechanoid_dolly/5682527020/

Western Blue-eyed Grass - Sisyrinchium bellum

Western Blue-eyed Grass - Sisyrinchium bellum

Not a grass at all – a member of the Iris family (smallest member of the Iris family)

Distribution: Much of CA, OR

Habitat: Open, generally moist,

grassy areas Woodlands

North/Central coast areas have produced some attractive variants – now available as cultivars for the garden

Sisyrinchium bellum 'Arroyo de la Cruz'

Dwarf selection - ~ 6 inches tall

Unusually large--1 1/2 inch wide--purple flowers in spring

Flowers a vivid purple flowers are held a bit above the 6 inch high foliage clump.

Useful in a dry border, on a bank, and in a rock garden.

© Project SOUND

http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=1292

http://www.flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/5712113309/

Other sisyrinchium cultivars

‘Rocky Point’ Dwarf habit, with

broader leaves and violet blossoms

‘Ft. Bragg’ Dwarf habit, with

broader leaves Soft lavender in

color, with violet centers

© Project SOUND

http://nativeson.typepad.com/plants/2010/05/sisyrinchium-bellum-rocky-point.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dreedyphoto/page6/

Rocky Point, Big Sur

Cliffs near Ft. Bragg

http://www.city-data.com/picfilesv/picv20278.php

© Project SOUND

Seaside Daisy - Erigeron glaucus

© Project SOUND

Two California Daisys

E. foliosus (Leafy): Mountain ranges & hills of C.

& western S. CA Dry, sunny, rocky, brushy or

wooded or grassy slopes coastal sage scrub, chaparral

and southern oak woodland

E. glaucus (Seaside) Central to N. Coast (into OR) Coastal bluffs, dunes,

beaches Coastal Strand, Coastal Sage

Scrub, Northern Coastal Scrub

Erigeron foliosus

Erigeron glaucus

© Project SOUND

Seaside Daisy – Erigeron glaucus

Compact growth habit: < 1 ft Leaves:

Thicker, fleshier Larger: spatula shaped More basal

Roots: Rhizomes Plant spreads into dense

mat-like colony

Flowers: no differences

http://www.calhortsociety.org/seed-exchange/seed-exchange-2002/seed-list-pages/large/Erigeron-glaucus-2.jpg

Much more “lush appearing” than leafy fleabane

© Project SOUND

Using Erigeron glaucus

Borders

Edges & low hedges

Accent plant

In a rock garden

Near pools & ponds

Ground cover

http://www.laspilitas.com/plants/pictures/a269.jpg

Great addition to a North coast themed garden

© Project SOUND

Horticultural cultivars of Seaside Daisy

Variable in size and number of flowers and plant

Choose the one you like best

‘Cape Sebastian’ cultivar

http://www.mostlynatives.com/notes/erigeronglaucuscs.jpg

http://www.callutheran.edu/Academic_Programs/Departments/Biology/Wildflowers/gf/plants/category/gar-1670.htm

‘Olga’ cultivar ‘Bountiful’ cultivarhttp://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=2213

‘Sea Breeze’ cultivar

http://www.elnativogrowers.com/Photographs_page/eriglasb.htm

Ceanothus of the northern maritime chaparral

Ceanothus cuneatus var. fascicularis

Ceanothus cuneatus var. rigidus Ceanothus gloriosus var. gloriosus Ceanothus gloriosus var. exaltatus Ceanothus gloriosus var.

porrectus Ceanothus hearstiorum Ceanothus maritimus

© Pr SOUND

© Project SOUND

Ceanothus – California Lilacs

Some 55 species Common names: California Lilac, Mountain lilac, Wild lilac, Buckbrush, Blueblossum Quite variable in habit:

evergreen and deciduous prostrate to erect shrubs and small trees.

Flowers small, in clusters, showy en masse Flower color: white through many shades of blue, deep violet. Range: southern Canada to Guatemala

Mainly in California (over 40 species) Some also in the eastern US and Rocky Mountains.

Have the ability to fix large amounts of nitrogen via root-inhabiting microbes (actinomycetes).

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. thyrsiflorus 'Arroyo de la Cruz'

Bright shiny leaves

Medium-blue flowers

Large mounding shrub or groundcover, great for erosion control or a low, broad hedge.

Best with a little summer water and afternoon shade in our climate

© Project SOUND

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/ceanothus-thyrsiflorus-big-sur-california-lilac

http://plantayflor.blogspot.com/2010/09/ceanothus-thyrsiflorus-var-repens.html

© Project SOUND

* Hearst’s (San Simeon) Ceanothus – Ceanothus hearstiorum

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ceanothus_hearstiorum

Central coast endemic – San Luis Obispo & Monterrey counties – near Arroyo de la Cruz; very rare in nature

Coastal, low, grassy hills Receives summer fog/rainfall of 20-

30” per year

© Project SOUND

* Hearst’s Ceanothus – Ceanothus hearstiorum


© Project SOUND

Hearst’s Ceanothus – low grower

Size: generally < 1 ft tall 3-6 ft wide

Growth form: Evergreen woody (half-woody)

shrub Prostrate habit; radiates out from

central stem like a star Slow-growing but long-lived

Foliage: Leaves bright to medium green Small, narrow and glandular; unique Has a nice scent when wet


Picture from Rob Rizzardi

© Project SOUND

Heavenly, old-fashioned flowers

Blooms: in spring – usually Mar-Apr in our area

Flowers: Small with prominent anthers

– typical of ceanothus species Lavender to medium blue In dense clusters – very showy Sweet scented; old-fashioned Can be used to make a mild

soap –as can the foliage

Fruits: hard knobby fruits – birds eat the seeds


© Project SOUND

Hearst’s Ceanothus likes clay

Soils: Texture: clays best, loams/rocky

fine – not for sandy soils pH: any local

Light: Full sun on immediate coast Afternoon shade in hotter inland

gardens

Water: In the wild: summer fog and

rainfall of about 20-30 inches. Every day has a high of 60-65º F. and a low of 50º F.

In your garden: Water Zone 2 or 2-3 (occasional summer water); rinse off leaves every few weeks in dry summer periods

Other: organic mulch; prune after blooming or to remove diseased

http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Ceanothus-hearstiorum/

Picture from Rob Rizzardi

© Project SOUND

Low-growing Ceanothus Ground covers – slopes In large planters To hide retaining walls

http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3107

http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/may.htm

http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=1249

http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Ceanothus-hearstiorum/

Coastal ground covers conquer slopes

© Project SOUND

Artemisia californica Canyon Gray Canyon , Ceanothus hearstiorum, Ceanothus Yankee Point, and Salvia sonomensis Mrs. Beard Mrs. Beard.

http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/howto/slope.html

© Project SOUND

Using ground covers with different characteristics adds interest

© Project SOUND

Salvia ‘Bee’s Bliss’ with Dwarf Coyote Bush (Baccharis pilularis) cultivar

http://www.intermountainnursery.com/demonstration_garden_list.htm

© Project SOUND

Lower-growing Coyote Bush cultivars

‘Pigeon Point' – low groundcover 1-2 ft tall Up to 12 ft wide Very bright green foliage; larger leaves

than species Most common dwarf form for coastal

areas

‘Twin Peaks 2’ – low groundcover or hedge Usually 1 – 3 ft tall; will mound to 5 ft

if not regularly sheared 6 ft wide Dense growth; can be shaped Leaves smaller, darker gray-green &

more deeply toothed than species

On our way to Big Sur, we enjoy the coast near Morro Bay

Central coast

Point Sal/Guadalupe


© Project SOUND


Maritime chaparral at the Los Osos Elfin Forest Preserve on Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo

*

California’s famous ‘Elfin Forests’

Elfin forest is a nickname given to several similar dwarfed plants ecosystems, mainly in coastal Temperate Californian and montane Tropical regions

Include communities of dwarfed/tiny plants.

Some CA Elfin Forests: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

(N/ CA coast) El Moro Elfin Forest Natural Area

(Morro Bay) San Luis Obispo Elfin Forest

(Higher up on Cuesta Ridge in SLO county).

© Project SOUND

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32661-d2169512-Reviews-Elfin_Forest_Preserve-Los_Osos_San_Luis_Obispo_County_California.html

California’s famous ‘Elfin Forests’

Unusual areas: chaparral that can be waterlogged in the winter, and arid and nearly desert-like in the summer

Plants have adapted accordingly, and are generally much shorter, smaller, and compact than related plants elsewhere.

Even trees and shrubs, such as Cypress (Cupressus), Oak (Quercus), and Madrone (Arbutus menziesii) rarely grow more than 20 ft (7 m) tall in these plant communities.

© Project SOUND

http://blog.slocountyhomes.com/2009/03/elfin-forest-boardwalk-trail.html/

http://www.kayharden.com/galy16b.html

© Project SOUND

Maritime Ceanothus – Ceanothus maritimus


© Project SOUND

Maritime Ceanothus – Ceanothus maritimus

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/ceanothus-maritimus



Endemic to San Luis Obispo County California, where it is known from only a few occurrences in the vicinity of Hearst Ranch.

Grows on old ocean beaches and bluffs < 500 ft; soil varies from a near adobe through red clay on hard pan to a gray sand-rock composite

High precipitation (20-30”); summer fog; temperate climate

© Project SOUND

Low-growing Maritime Manzanita

Size: 1-3 ft tall 5-6 ft wide

Growth form: Evergreen woody shrub; moderate to

slow growth rate Low, spreading or more mounded

habit Reddish gray bark aging to gray Stems stiff-looking

Foliage: Leaves small, wedge-shaped, shiny

medium green above; hairy beneath

Roots: support nitrogen-fixing bacteria


© Project SOUND

Who can resist ‘em?

Blooms: In spring – usually Feb to April

in our part of the world

Flowers: Dense clusters of typical 5-

part pattern of ceanothus Deep blue to violet to almost

white Sweet scented – good for

insect pollinators Native Californians used to

make mild soap

Fruits: dry capsule, usually horned at top; birds eat seeds

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

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ceanothus+maritimus

© Project SOUND

A plant for the coast – and beyond

Soils: Texture: adaptable – best in

clays, fine in sandy soils pH: any local

Light: Full sun on coast, to part shade

inland (morning sun fine) Good under tall trees

Water: In wild: 2x our annual rainfall;

summer fogs Summer: needs water at least

several times a month in inland gardens – Zone 2 to 2-3

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

Other: dislikes being moved and pruning – leave it alone if possible


http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Ceanothus-maritimus/

© Project SOUND

Maritime Ceanothus in the garden

Good choice for fire-prone areas, with summer water

Slopes Groundcover – neat-looking Parking strips Pair with other low coastal

groundcovers: Salvia leucophylla ‘Pt. Sal’, Ceanothus maritimus, and Lessingia filaginifolia ‘Silver Carpet’

http://www.vcstar.com/photos/2010/feb/08/86887/

Ceanothus maritimus ‘Frosty Dawn’

Selection of Ceanothus maritimus from the hills south of Arroyo de la Cruz in San Luis Obispo County

2 feet tall by up to 5 feet wide Performs best in coastal climates but has

also proved successful in inland gardens. Lovely and tough

© Project SOUND

http://www.flickriver.com/photos/eastbaywilds/sets/72157625418384199/

http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Ceanothus_maritimus_'Frosty_dawn'http://greenlifestudios.com/gallery-detail.php?id=15&cat_id=2&keywords=Frosty_Dawn_California_Lilac

Ceanothus maritimus ‘Point Sierra’

This selection of the Maritime ceanothus has smaller leaves than most. With its stiff branching the effect is similar to Cotoneaster.

Denser and lower than the species, this maritimus selection is tolerant of interior heat if given modest shade

2 to 3 feet tall by up to 5 feet wide with thick leathery 1/4 to 1/2 inch long leaves

Lavender blue flowers appear in early spring.

The blue violet flowers emerge from dusty white buds in late winter.

© Project SOUND

Ceanothus maritimus ‘Popcorn’

A tidy groundcover that requires little maintenance. Heavy bloomer. Compact, thick leaves. Best on coast. Good substitute for cotoneaster. 3' H x 6' W. Moderate to slow.

White flowers in spring

© Project SOUNDhttp://www.calfloranursery.com/pages_plants/pages_c/ceamarpop.htmlhttp://cascadiannurseries.blogspot.com/2011/07/first-look-monrovias-new-introductions.html

http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Ceanothus_maritimus_'Popcorn'

Ceanothus maritimus ‘Valley Violet’

UC Davis Arboretum All-Star selection, 2010.

3 ft tall; 3-4 ft wide performs well in a variety

of settings. It can take full sun or part shade, requires very little water once established, develops into an attractive mound that needs no pruning

Super-showy violet colored flowers on long flowering stalks – really different

© Project SOUND

http://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/allstars_detail_57.aspx

Onward & upward to Big Sur

Central coast

Point Sal/Guadalupe



© Project SOUND


Point Sur

*

© Project SOUND

Little Sur Manzanita – Arctostaphylos edmundsii

© 2007 Penny DeWind

© Project SOUND

Little Sur Manzanita – Arctostaphylos edmundsii

Many of the low-growing manzanitas grow in sandy coastal areas, suggesting that well-drained soils are important

http://slosson.ucdavis.edu/documents/2005-200610653.pdf

© Project SOUND

* Hooker’s Manzanita – Arctostaphylos hookeri

Beatrice F. Howitt © California Academy of Sciences

Native range extends from the coastal San Francisco Bay Area to the Central Coast

Sandy, coastal pine or oak woods, coastal scrub < 1000 ft

© Project SOUND

* Hooker’s Manzanita – Arctostaphylos hookeri

© 1991 David Graber

http://www.elkhornsloughctp.org/factsheet/factsheet.php?SPECIES_ID=1

© Project SOUND

Hooker’s Manzanita is a natural groundcover

Under trees On slopes In front yards - evergreen

http://absbonsai.org/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=834

http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=173http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/arctostaphylos-hookeri-wayside-manzanita

http://128.253.177.181/imgs/dws/r/Ericaceae_Arctostaphylos_hookeri_18909.html

Rainfall: Big Sur area

© Project SOUND

Our rainfall

Much cooler summers as well – summer highs in the 70’s

Hurricane Point near Big Sur

The many climates of Big Sur result in an astonishing biodiversity, including many rare and endangered species

Arid, dusty chaparral-covered hills exist within easy walking distance of lush riparian woodland.

The mountains trap most of the moisture out of the clouds; fog in summer, rain and snow in winter.

This creates a favorable environment for coniferous forests, including the southernmost habitat of the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), which grows only on lower coastal slopes that are routinely fogged in at night.

© Project SOUND

http://xasauantoday.com/2011/09/16/serra-hill/

Big Sur Coastline from Hurricane Point

http://www.cs.berkeley.edu/~karthik/pics/2005-06-1-BigSur/web/html/dscf0076.html

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

© Project SOUND

* Carmel Creeper – Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis

Northern & Central CA coast (var. horizontalis from Monterey Co.)

Chaparral, coastal scrub, closed-cone-pine forests.

© Project SOUND

* Carmel Creeper – Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis


http://www.sb.watersavingplants.com/listplants.php?index=9http://www.flickriver.com/photos/80651083@N00/tags/montereycounty/

© Project SOUND

Carmel Creeper: it creeps Size:

2-3 ft tall 6-15 ft wide

Growth form: Woody (half-woody) evergreen

groundcover; fast-growing May be flat or slightly mounded

Foliage: Shiny, medium/dark green leaves –

almost unreal looking Dense foliage – hardly see

branches Neat, attractive appearance

Roots: Symbiotic relationship with N-

fixing bacteria

© Project SOUND

Flowers: ooh la-la

Blooms: winter through spring: any time from Dec. to April

Flowers: Usually a bright medium

blue, but may be lighter Dense clusters of tiny

flowers – really showy in a good year (many years)

Sweet scent attracts bees and other insect pollinators

Seeds: In strange dry capsules that

split open; birds eat them

© Project SOUND

Extraordinarily adaptable

Soils: Texture: any, from sand to heavy

clay pH: any local

Light: Full sun only along coast Part-shade (afternoon shade)

best in most situations – good under trees

Water: Winter: supplement in dry winters Summer: Occasional summer

water – Zone 2 for species and cultivars

Fertilizer: none needed, but light fertilizer won’t kill it

© Project SOUND

Garden uses for Carmel Creeper

As an attractive ground cover:

Under trees On slopes Mounded over walls/retaining walls

Ceanothus griseus ‘Diamond Heights’

Variegated leaves 3 - 4 ft. wide; low Scant, light blue flowers in spring Best with light shade in hot regions.

© Project SOUND

http://blog.jannelsonlandscapedesign.com/?cat=78

http://www.bambooandmore.info/2012_01_09_archive.htmlhttp://thehumanfootprint.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/california-natives-part-3-groundcovers-manzanitas-ceanothus/

Ceanothus griseus‘Hurricane Point’

2-3 ft. tall x 20 ft wide in many years

Slower growth but give it room to spread

Flowers light blue

'Yankee Point' has been called a more restrained version of this cultivar.

© Project SOUND

‘Kurt Zadnick’ Ceanothus

2 to 3 feet tall, spreading or trailing 6 feet or more

Bright indigo blue flowers in spring

More garden tolerant than Yankee Point

© Project SOUNDhttp://www.landscaperesource.com/plants/ceanothus-kurt-zadnik.htm

‘Yankee Point’ – Carmel Heights

Ever wonder where ‘Yankee Point’ ceanothus originated?

© Project SOUND

http://www.sawbuck.com/property/California/93923_Carmel/7659172-98-Yankee-Point

http://www.carmelrealtycompany.com/index.cfm/person-Barbara_Ehrenpreis_11.htm

http://www.sammcleod.com/properties/111YANKEEPOINT.html

Ceanothus griseus ‘Yankee Point’

© Project SOUND

Old garden standard – 30+ years 2-3 ft tall and 10 ft wide; fast Darker leaves than species Great groundcover, slopes, etc.

http://www.fresno.watersavingplants.com/eplant.php?plantnum=24194&return=l5_aS

© Project SOUND

Management of low-growing Ceanothus

Proper watering is key: Overwatering is often the cause of

death; make sure they are in well-drained soil.

Once established, apply deep infrequent irrigation in the dry season.

Do not fertilize; like slightly acidic soils so use organic mulch

Only minimal pruning Pinch back tips during the growing

season to shape – unless you have deer Prune branches only if they are less

than 1” in diameter, and only after the spring bloom when flowers have faded.

Use sterile technique

Ceanothus tend to be short-lived (5-15 years) often due to disease (too much water, fertilizer, pruning)

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

http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/cegrhyp3.htm

‘Yankee Point’

Ceanothus: a hit in European gardens “Ceanothus thyrisflorus, blueblossom,

was the first California species to receive both botanical and horticultural recognition . . . when it was collected by botanist Adelbert von Chamisso on the Russian ship Rurik’s expedition to California in 1816.

“The Royal Horticultural Society received seeds of Ceanothus thyrisflorus from Richard Brinsley Hinds from the 1837 expedition of HMS Sulphur, making it the first California species introduced into European gardens “

Even today, it is not uncommon in Britain to see Ceanothus espaliered against a south-facing brick wall.

© Project SOUND

http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/plantfinder/ceanothus-california-lilac_1.asp

Our trip takes us to the San Francisco Bay

Central coast

Point Sal/Guadalupe



Northern coast

Point Reyes

Ft. Bragg

© Project SOUND


http://swr.nmfs.noaa.gov/recovery/mapped93/index.php?p=dom-NCCC

© Project SOUND

* Glossyleaf Manzanita – Arctostaphylos nummularia

http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Arctostaphylos-nummularia/

North Coast, Outer North Coast Ranges, w San Francisco Bay Area (Mount Tamalpais, Santa Cruz Mtns)

Rocky sites, woodland, coniferous forest, < 1500 ft

AKA ‘Fort Bragg Manzanita’

© Project SOUND

* Glossyleaf Manzanita – Arctostaphylos nummularia


http://www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/mount-tamalpais.htmlhttp://www.thevoiceofalliant.com/FunSun.html

© Project SOUND

Glossyleaf Manzanita: variable habit Size:

2-6 ft tall; usually 2-3 in nature 4-6 ft wide

Growth form: Dense evergreen shrub Habit varies from low and spreading

(rocky, exposed sites), mounded to larger upright shrub (forest sites)

Red bark

Foliage: Leaves rounded, tidy looking Dark shiny green above; lighter

beneath

Roots: no burl – don’t coppice!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Arctostaphylos_nummularia_1.jpg


© Project SOUND

Manzanita flowers

Blooms: In winter; usually Dec-Feb

locally, tho’ may be a few blooms at other times

Flowers: Small, urn-shaped flowers

typical of the genus Pale pink; sweetly scented Flower clusters slightly more

open and other species Flowers pollinated by large

bees – ‘buzz pollination’

Fruits: Edible ‘apples’ in summer/fall


http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Arctostaphylos-nummularia/

© Project SOUND

Grows under rage of conditions

Soils: Texture: well-drained – sandy or

rocky best pH: slightly acidic; may want to

amend with peat moss

Light: Best with afternoon shade Good choice for under trees

(pines; oaks)

Water: Winter: gets a lot in its native

habitat – supplement if needed Summer: gets summer rain and

fog – Zone 2-3 and wash-downs

Fertilizer: light applications of acid fertilizer

Other: best near the coast

© 2004 Aaron Schusteff

© Project SOUND

Garden uses for Glossyleaf Manzanita

Mounded groundcover under pines and similar tall trees

Along coast, with other species for a north coast themed garden: Allium unifolium, Diplicus aurantiacus, Baccharis pilularis, Pinus attenuata, Fragaria vesca, Satureja douglasii

© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College

© 2004 Aaron Schusteff

Arctostaphylos nummularia ‘Small Change’

Selected for its small leaves which are bronze when young.

2-3' H x 3-4' W; mounding or spreading

Coast: full sun; Inland: part shade

Well-draining, acidic soils - good choice for planting under pines.

Provide afternoon sun and extra water in inland gardens.

© Project SOUNDhttp://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Arctostaphylos_nummularia_'Small_Change'

Versatile ‘Emerald Carpet’ hybrid is garden friendly

and low Hybrid between Arctostaphylos

uva-ursi and A. nummularia – best traits of both parents

groundcover to very low hedge

© Project SOUND

http://www.pasadena.watersavingplants.com/eplant.php?plantnum=243&return=l8_aK

The climate above San Francisco Bay is quite different from ours

© Project SOUND

http://angrylambie-landscapes.buzznet.com/user/photos/wildflowers-northern-california-coast/?id=66160771

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

Point Reyes ~ 30 miles (50 km) north of San

Francisco on Highway 1

A prominent cape

The Point Reyes Peninsula is bounded by Tomales Bay on the northeast and Bolinas Lagoon on the southeast.

The headland is protected as part of Point Reyes National Seashore.

© Project SOUND



Point Reyes: northern maritime chaparral Maritime chaparral at Point Reyes

intergrades with mixed evergreen forest and is bordered by coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) groves and riparian woodlands

Common maritime chaparral species at Point Reyes include Eastwood's manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa), glossyleaf manzanita (Arctostaphylos nummularia), chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), giant chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla), buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus), and chaparral pea (Pickeringia montana). Also of importance in this vegetation type are the rare species Bolinas Manzanita (Arctostaphylos virgata), Point Reyes ceanothus (Ceanothus gloriosus var. exaltatus), and Mason's ceanothus (Ceanothus masonii).

© Project SOUND

http://www.meetup.com/bay-areakayakers/events/12581031/

http://www.math.cmu.edu/~pikhurko/Gallery/110320PointReyes/33.html http://roadjournals.viamagazine.com/2012/01/17/point-reyes-national-seashore-hiking-tamales-point-trail/

North Coast (Marin, Sonoma Counties), San Francisco Bay, north Central Coast

var. porrectus (Mt. Vision ceanothus) - rare variety endemic to Marin County in the vicinity of Point Reyes

var. gloriosus (glory mat) - smaller mat-forming variety known mainly from Marin County

Seaside bluffs and the slopes of the coastal mountains

Coastal Bluff scrub, closed cone conifer forest, coastal dunes, coastal scrub below 1700'

© Project SOUND

* Point Reyes Ceanothus – Ceanothus gloriosus


http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8u9p--NTHGj834b-n31gzg

© Project SOUND

Ceanothus gloriosus: varieties differ in height, habit

Size: 2-6 ft tall (depends on var.) 6-12+ ft wide

Growth form: Var exaltatus: large shrub Var. gloriosus: low, almost

mat-like groundcover, but may be mounded

Bark red aging to gray Evergreen; fairly fast growth

Foliage: Leaves bright, fresh to

medium green, shiny on top May be toothed like holly

Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

http://beling.net/articles/about/Ceanothus_gloriosus

© Project SOUND

Flowers: prolific

Blooms: in spring, usually Mar-Apr in western L.A. County

Flowers: Cluster of small flowers typical of

the ceanothus Medium blue color – gives a nice

pastel look to spring garden Loaded with blooms Pollinated by bumblebees and

other large bees

Fruits: knobby, dry capsule – birds eat the seeds

Vegetative reproduction: stems root where they touch ground

http://www.easybloom.com/plantlibrary/plant/point-reyes-creeper

http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/cegl2a.htm

© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements Soils:

Texture: sandy or rocky best pH: any local

Light: Full sun only on immediate coast Afternoon shade needed in most

gardens

Water: Winter: supplement it needed;

gets 30”/year or so in nature Summer: likes some summer

water – Zone 2 or 2-3 best in local gardens

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

Other: organic mulch

http://atlantis.mendocino.edu/jxerogeanes/Plant%20ID2/Forms/DispForm.aspx?ID=301&RootFolder=%2Fjxerogeanes%2FPlant%20ID2%2FWeek%207

© Project SOUND

Ceanothus gloriosus: Ground cover for: Under trees Parking strips Side yards Front yard: with natural

associates Baccharis pilularis, Diplacus aurantiacus, Frangula californica, Sedum spathulifolium, Rhamnus californica

http://www.metrofieldguide.com/portfolio/flowering/ceanothusgloriosus/ceanothusgloriosus.htm

http://www.wallyhood.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_1727.jpg

Ceanothus gloriosus 'Anchor Bay'

Very dense, low-growing and spreading selection

More compact than species: ~ 2 ft tall and spreads 6-8 feet.

Darker blue flowers than the species.

More adaptable to a range of garden soils

© Project SOUND

http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=1755

http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/images/new_botimages/large/0102_j.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/70207652@N00/page8/

‘Anchor Bay’, Mendecino County Anchor Bay lies in the heart of the

"banana belt", because of its unique microclimate; a warm column of air from inland spills over the protective coastal mountains, making the area warmer, with less fog and wind than the surrounding areas.

© Project SOUND

http://www.california-blog.com/photos-information-places/tag/anchor-bay-ca

Ceanothus gloriosus

‘Heart’s Desire’ Dense groundcover 6"-12"

high x 5' wide Very adaptable to garden

soils, watering, being trampled, etc.

© Project SOUND

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/ceanothus-gloriosus-hearts-desire

http://thehumanfootprint.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/california-natives-part-3-groundcovers-manzanitas-ceanothus/

Planting and spacing: be sure you check the ultimate size before you plant

Many woody groundcovers get very big – give them the room they need to grow

Hard to contain them by pruning

Will become more mounded if they interact with other plants

Choose fast-growing cultivars if quick coverage is needed

Mulch, mulch, mulch – and re-new mulch

© Project SOUND

http://tmousecmouse.blogspot.com/2011/10/planting-time-plant-sale-time.html

Why did my groundcover plant grow so tall? It was supposed to be short!!!!@@@

© Project SOUND

Genetic dwarfs

Plants stunted by environmental conditions Wind Salt spray/salty soils Sandy soils Low soil fertility - serpentine Acidic soils ‘shallow soils’ – close to bedrock or

hardpan Herbivory – ‘animal pruning’

A combination of genetic and environmental causes

Jug Handle State Park provides some answers

S. of Ft. Bragg

Each of five ancient terraces represents one stage in a progression of successional environments.

Terraces formed at intervals of approximately 100,000 years and involved about 100 feet of uplift to form each of the terraces.

Provides a rare opportunity to view ecological succession and landscape evolution in a CA coastal environment.

© Project SOUND

http://www.fire.ca.gov/resource_mgt/downloads/reports/FinalReportDescriptionAndInterpretation.pdf

Some terraces include pygmy forest communities – right next to the same species that are of normal size

This allows us to see the effect of specific aspects of the environment that are associated with stunted growth

In this case, there are several factors: Shallow soils Low pH Nutrient depletion High levels of Aluminum

© Project SOUND

But there’s more…..

Soil chemistry and effect on plant growth

Analyses of pygmy forest soils show low levels of macro— and micro—nutrients, and high levels of exchangeable aluminum, which limits the ability of plants to grow. Low pH conditions support formation of an iron hardpan, preventing the trees from setting deep roots and preventing internal drainage of soil water.

As a result, the pine trees in the area are rarely more than three or four feet high, in a sort of natural bonsai effect. Many of the tree trunks, though only an inch thick, contain 80 or more growth rings. Only yards away, but with younger soils, the same species of tree grows many dozens of feet high.

© Project SOUND

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

http://www.everystockphoto.com/photo.php?imageId=3410677

Lessons from the Central & N. Coast

Plants tend to be shorter; growth habit

Overall moisture requirements

Moisture patterns

Soils

© Project SOUND

http://www.mrfs.net/trips/2005/Northern_California/Redwood_Coast/Redwood_Coast.html

Summary: Envi stresses

Decreased mineral nutrition Nutrient-poor soils

Leached/sandy Just poor nutrient value – sepentine Competition (with weeds and other

plants) Factors effecting root growth

Shallow soils Soils at pH extremes Soil water extremes

Other stresses Repeated injury:

Herbivory Disease Pruning/bonsai Wind/blowing sand Salt Air pollution

© Project SOUND

© Project SOUNDhttp://www.bon-voyage.co.uk/destinations/california_holidays/itineraries

We hope you’ve enjoyed our trip up the coast

Low & Northerly 2012

Education

Transcript of Low & Northerly 2012