Wild plants in the Gabrielinosp

to know– Native: its always been in

the biome, grows naturally.– Endemic: means

exclusively native to a place or biota/ecosystem

– Invasive: man brought it to th bi d it’ t kithe biome and it’s taking over with a negative impact on the eco-system.

– Compare Monrovia canyon– Compare Monrovia canyon with Eaton canyon?

• Shaded vs sunny

What is the canyon? Where are we?

Biome: Mediterranean Chaparral

• Environment: Canyon

• Ecology: South Western USA

• Ecosystem: Coastal Sage Chaparral Scrub: chaparral foothill, semi id l i f ll l darid, low rain fall, a long dry season.

• Microsystems: ‘Riparian’, stream/dry stream bed bordered by ‘Oak woodland’. Transitions to ‘foothill chaparral’

Chaparralp• Chaparral or Mediterranean forests, woodlands,

and shrub is a temperate biome, characterized by hot-dry summers and mild and rainy winters. Nearly all of the rainfall occurs in the winter and

i ispring rainy season.

• Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and shrub ecoregions occur in the worlds five mediterraneanclimate zones, on the west coast of continents in the mid latitudes: the Mediterranean Basinthe mid-latitudes: the Mediterranean Basin, California, Central Chile, Southwest Australia, the Cape Province of South Africa and as far north as the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island, Canada.

• The five mediterranean-climate regions of theThe five mediterranean-climate regions of the world occupy less than 5% of the earth's surface yet harbour about 48,250 known vascular plant species, almost 20% of the world total. They also have exceptionally high numbers of rare and locally endemic plants, and include some recognized species flocks which are clusters ofrecognized species flocks, which are clusters of numerous closely-related species, especially in Southwest Australia and the Cape Province.

• Much of the woody vegetation in mediterranean-climate regions is sclerophyll which means 'hard-climate regions is sclerophyll, which means hard-leaved' in Greek. Sclerophyll vegetation generally has small, dark leaves covered with a waxy outer layer to retain moisture in the dry summer months.

Chaparral• Chaparral communities are found on several

continents - in the Mediterranean, the African Cape region, central Chile, and southwestern Australia. In California, chaparral communities occur between 200 and 5000 ft. elevation and cover about ten million acres Although their species compositionmillion acres. Although their species composition varies from continent to continent, there are certain characteristics which are universal. The term "chaparral" derives from the Spanish chaparral, which is a thicket of shrubby evergreen oaks or a low-growing type of vegetation. In some

f ti l l ld f ireferences, particularly older ones referring more specifically to the chaparral communities of southern California, chaparral is referred to as "hard chaparral" (vs. "soft chaparral" or coastal scrub). Some references use "brushlands" for both chaparral and coastal scrub. Also called north pslope chaparral, scrub oak chaparral, coastal sage - chaparral scrub, and poison-oak chaparral.

• Chaparral vegetation is typically an impenetrable entanglement of mostly four- to twelve-foot tall evergreen woody shrubs and/or dwarf trees. There is rarely much of an understory save an occasionalis rarely much of an understory save an occasional soap plant or melic grass. A chaparral community is composed mainly of species which are adapted to seasonal and periodic drought by having sclerophylls (hardened leaves). Some of these sclerophyllous plants have reduced, needle-like l ( h i ) d th h lleaves, (chamise), and others have larger ones, like manzanita.

Micro systemsMicro systems• California oak woodland is a plant

community found throughout the California chaparral and woodlands

ieco-region.

• In addition to its wildlife habitat value, the oak woodland ecosystem plays an important y p y prole in soil development, watershed protection and sustaining air and water quality. The resource is also appreciated for its natural woodland beauty, and its availability as a recreational and spiritual retreat as well as for its historic and culturalretreat, as well as for its historic and cultural values. Many consider the oak woodland with its interspersed grassland and stream courses to be the classic California landscape, a perception that contributes to higher land values and improves the quality of our lives Oak woodlands supportof our lives. Oak woodlands support enterprises such as livestock grazing, firewood harvesting and residential land use. Today recreational uses, like hiking, picnicing, camping, wildlife observation and photography further enhance the quality of th k dl dthe oak woodland resource.

Riparian Habitat: ‘the environ’ adjacent to rivers & and streams with a differing density, diversity, and productivity of plant and animal species relative to nearby hillsides. Life around Water!

Fire + rain = regrowthFire + rain regrowth

Beware of Dog: The Little-Known Story of the Poodle-Dog Bush and Its Nasty Bite

• What if you spot it on a trail and there’s no easy way around or through it?

• go to another trail.If you’ve come to an area where you can’t avoid it• If you’ve come to an area where you can’t avoid it and you have to go through it, my best bet would be to do a sweeping motion with your leg. Push down on the main stalk with the sole of your boot and step over and around it. That’s better than pushing through it with your arms.through it with your arms.

• Any hints for dealing with it?• Don’t go hiking in shorts or flip-flops. Wear long

pants and long sleeves. Those will help quite a bit.• I typically don’t wash my field gear with my other• I typically don t wash my field gear with my other

clothing. I have a family with children. Sometimes I’ll come home and they’ll say "Mommy, mommy!" and want to do is hug my legs. I have to stop them. My 4-year-old even knows Turricula. She’ll say, “Poodle-bog bush! Oh, no!” She’s seen me itch.g ,

• Rangers carry Tecnu in their field backpacks, just in case. It’s a topical solution for poison oak or poison ivy. It’s useful for poodle-dog. It helps wash away anything before it gets established.a ay a yt g be o e t gets estab s ed

PoodleDogBushPoodleDogBush• Like many species in the forget-me-not

family, Poodle-dog bush causes severe irritation if touched, akin to poison oak or stinging nettle. It can raise blisters lasting as long as two weeks. This contact dermatitis is due to prenylated phenolics exuded by hairs of the plant.[2] The principal irritants areof the plant. The principal irritants are derivatives of farnesyl hydroquinone and 3-farnesyl-P-hydroxybenzoic acid.

• Presumably because of its irritant properties, y p ppoodle-dog bush is rarely grown in gardens despite its attractive flowers, and it is difficult to grow in garden conditions. Native Americans used it medicinally, the Kawaiisupeople used an infusion of the leaves topeople used an infusion of the leaves to relieve swellings or rheumatism, and the Luiseño people used it medicinally.

Poisonous Plants! (to the touch)Poisonous Plants! (to the touch)

• What poisonous plants are there in the canyon?poison ivypoison ivy – Nope (east of the Rockies!) poison oakpoison oak - Erect shrub, not climbing; leaves alternate, with 3 leaflets, pp geach shallowly lobed; flowers small in axillary clusters; leaves can have a reddish color in drier months. poison sumac – Nope, see poison ivy

Dangerous Plants• Dangerous Plantsstinging nettlestinging nettle - Perennial, erect herb with stinging hairs; leaves opposite, simple, coarsely toothed, narrowly heart-shaped; flowers small, greenish, in axillary clusters.

• How can a dog run through poison ivy and not get irritated? Should you pet your dog after it ran through poison ivy?

– a dog's coat keeps the poison from reaching its skin, – but the poison is still there and will get on your hand if you touch it.

Name: Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum)a e o so Oa ( o code d o d e s obu )• Flowering Season: March thru

May• Notes: A native, it can assume

the form of a shrub or vine. Both the leaves and stems contain a toxin which can cause severetoxin which can cause severe skin rash in many people, although other animals are immune to its effects. It has

d l d fcompound leaves made up of three leaflets, giving rise to the memory device, "Leaflets three, let it be." Can reach 4-5 feet inlet it be. Can reach 4 5 feet in height as a shrub, but can also climb trees as a vine. Leaves are not always red!

Poison oak

• Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are allergic skin rashes caused by the plants. All three plants secrete a potent, irritating oil known as urushiol that causes blistering and intense itching once it penetrates the skin.

• The allergic rash of poison oak is characterized by red, weeping blisters and severe itching. The rash usually appears within one day of initial contact with the plant oil and lasts from one to three weeks It starts as itchy inflamed red patches or streaks and as the oilinitial contact with the plant oil and lasts from one to three weeks. It starts as itchy, inflamed red patches or streaks, and as the oil penetrates into the skin, blisters and small papules form.

• Poison plant rash cannot be spread from person to person by contact with the rash itself or fluid from the blisters, and scratching does not spread the rash. Only urushiol oil can cause the rash.

• Any clothing that has been exposed to poisonous plants should be handled carefully and laundered immediately. The same goes for shoes. Use latex or other disposable gloves to handle contaminated items and throw them away immediately afterwards.

• Pet fur can also carry urushiol oil into the home People should make sure outdoor pet areas are free of poisonous plants and never let a• Pet fur can also carry urushiol oil into the home. People should make sure outdoor pet areas are free of poisonous plants and never let a dog run unleashed in the woods or other areas with dense vegetation. Pets are typically not sensitive to urushiol.

• Dead plants still contain urushiol and must be handled carefully during removal. Never compost or burn poison plants because of the potential of spreading the oil through the garden or air.

Treatment• First Aid: If exposure does occur, washing with soap and cool water within the first 30 minutes of contact

can sometimes prevent a rash. If soap is not available, rinse with water alone. A full body shower is best p p , yto eliminate all traces of the urushiol and prevent re-exposure from undetected oil remaining on other parts of the body. Again, water should be cool, as warm water will open pores and allow urushiol to penetrate the skin more quickly.

Name: White (Douglas') Nightshade - (Solanum douglasii)

• Family: Nightshade

Flowering Season: February thru JuneJune

• A native sub-shrub, it has white flowers. Grows to 6 feet. All t f th l t t i• All parts of the plant are toxic.

Purple Nightshade(Solanum xanti)( )

• Family: Nightshad(S l )e (Solanaceae)

Flowering Season: JanuarySeason: January thru May

• Notes: A native sub-shrub it hassub-shrub, it has pentagonal purple flowers. All parts of the plant are ptoxic. Grows to 5 feet.

Name: Tree Tobacco (Nicotiana glauca)

• Family: Nightshade (Solanaceae)Flowering Season: spring & summer

• Notes: An introduced tree or shrub, it has white-coated leaves and trumpet-shapedNotes: An introduced tree or shrub, it has white coated leaves and trumpet shaped yellow flowers. It has been smoked as tobacco, but not safely, as all parts of the plant are toxic. Grows to 20 feet.

Name: Dodder (Witch's Hair) • Family: Dodder

(Cuscutaceae)• Flowering Season:

August thru OctoberAugust thru October

• Notes: The name "witch's hair" comes from its stringy appearance. Because itappearance. Because it does not contain chlorophyll, it is a yellowish- orange in color. The dodder sprouts f d i th il If itfrom a seed in the soil. If it touches a green plant within a few days, it drops its roots and forms haustoria at the contacthaustoria at the contact points. The haustoria invade the green plant to obtain nutrition. It’s poisonous to eat (toxic).

Wild Cucumber (Manroot) (Marah macrocarpus)( a a ac oca pus)

• Family: Gourd (C bit )(Cucurbitaceae)

Flowering Season: January thruSeason: January thru June

• Notes: A native perennial vine whichperennial vine which somewhat resembles an edible cucumber, its fruit and some parts of the pplant are toxic. There is a Wild Cucumber that grows in the East & North

t th t’ dibleast that’s edible: confusing?

Stinging nettles h!!!ouch!!!

• Nettles are the exclusive larval food plant for several species of butterflyfor several species of butterfly

• Stinging Nettle has a flavor similar to spinach when cooked and is rich in vitamins A, C, D, iron, potassium, manganese, and calcium. Young plants were harvested by native Americans andwere harvested by native Americans and used as a cooked plant in spring when other food plants were scarce. Soaking nettles in water or cooking will remove the stinging chemicals from the plant, which allows them to be handled andwhich allows them to be handled and eaten without incidence of stinging.

• Extracts can be used to treat arthritis, anemia, hay fever, kidney problems, and pain.

• Nettle leaf is a herb that has a long tradition of use as a remedy in the treatment of arthritis.

Castor BeanCastor Bean Name: Castor Bean

Notes: An introduced shrub, this plant takes over wherever it exists, crowding out other species. It has deep roots which exists, crowding out other species. It has deep roots which are hard to remove, and hand-shaped leaves with usually eight "fingers". Used in the old days to make Castor Oil, which was used as a medicine, all parts of the plant are toxic. Grows to over 8 feet.Although it is native to the Ethiopian region of tropical east Africa, the castor bean or castor plant has become naturalized in tropical and warm temperate regions throughout the world, and is becoming an increasingly abundant weed in theand is becoming an increasingly abundant weed in the southwestern United States. Castor plants are very common along stream banks, river beds, bottom lands, and just about any hot area where the soil is well drained and with sufficient nutrients and moisture to sustain the vigorous growth. Although the seeds or beans are extremely poisonous, they are the source of numerous economically important products and are one of earliest commercial products. Castor beans have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back tohave been found in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to 4000 B.C., and the oil was used thousands of years ago in wick lamps for lighting. To many people the castor plant is just an overgrown, undesirable weed, and yet it produces one of nature's finest natural oils.

The active poison in castor seeds is ricin (RYE-sin), a very deadly protein called a lectin. Ricin is found in the meal or

k ft th il h b t t d Th h i llcake after the oil has been extracted. Those who occasionally take castor oil may be assured that ricin does not occur in the pure oil. When a gram of ricin is compared with equivalent weights of other toxic substances, it turns out to be one of our deadliest natural poisons. It has been estimated that, gram for gram, ricin is 6,000 times more poisonous than cyanide and 12,000 times more poisonous than rattlesnake venom. Ricin mixed with food and used as bait is highly toxic to certain pest

i l h d t d i tanimals, such as some rodents and insects.

Since many towns in the southwestern United States have wild castor plants growing near residential areas, children should be taught to recognize its very dangerous seeds.

Castor Oil and Ricin• Castor oil has been used medicinally in the

United States since the days of the pioneers. As Americans moved west after the Civil War,As Americans moved west after the Civil War, settlers were very attracted to Indian medicines and popular "cure-all" remedies. The stronger smelling and the more vile tasting the concoction, the better, and some medical historians have described the latter part of the 1800's as the "age of heroic cures " Traveling1800 s as the age of heroic cures. Traveling medicine men peddled their elixirs throughout towns of the west, and often their products contained up to 40 percent (80 proof) alcohol. Castor oil was one of the old-fashioned remedies for everything from constipation to h tb It i i d d ff ti th tiheartburn. It is indeed a very effective cathartic or purgative (laxative) and is still used to this day; however, there are milder, less drastic methods of inducing regularity. Castor oil is also used as personal lubricant: It is sometimes applied externally as a soothing emollient for pp y gdry skin, dermatitis, other skin diseases, sunburn, open sores, and it is the primary ingredient of several brand name medications. Several additional little-known uses for castor oil include hair tonics, ointments, cosmetics, and contraception creams and jellies. Oneand contraception creams and jellies. One remarkable old remedy mentions administering castor oil to induce labor during pregnancy.

# Don’t end# Don t end up here!p