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Vol. 33, No. 2 April 2005 FREMONTIA

A JOURNAL OF THE CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY

IN THIS ISSUE:

CHAPTERS OF THE CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY: INSTALLMENT II 3 NATIVE HORTICULTURE: WHO NEEDS IT? THE CNPS HORTICULTURE PROGRAM by Peigi Duvall 10 THE CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY’S RARE PLANT PROGRAM: 37 YEARS OF PLANT SCIENCE by Misa Ward and Ann Howald 17 SHASTA SNOW-WREATH: NEW OCCURRENCES AND HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS by Len Lindstrand III and Julie K. Nelson 24 GROWING NATIVES: BEACH SALTBUSH by David C. Fross 27 TONI FAUVER: 1937-2004 by Julie Carville 28 DR. ELIZABETH MCCLINTOCK: 1912-2004 by Barbara M. Pitschel 30 VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 FREMONTIA 1

40TH ANNIVERSARY OF CNPS CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY FREMONTIA CNPS, 2707 K Street, Suite 1; Sacramento, CA 95816-5113 (916) 447-CNPS (2677) Fax: (916) 447-2727 VOL. 33, NO. 2, APRIL 2005 [email protected]

Copyright © 2005 MEMBERSHIP California Native Plant Society Membership form located on inside back cover; dues include subscriptions to Fremontia and the Bulletin Linda Ann Vorobik, Editor Mariposa Lily ...... $1,000 Supporting ...... $75 Bob Hass, Copy Editor Benefactor ...... $500 Family, Group, International . . . $45 Beth Hansen-Winter, Designer Patron ...... $250 Individual or Library ...... $35 Justin Holl, Jake Sigg & David Tibor, Plant Lover ...... $100 Student/Retired/Limited Income . $20 Proofreaders STAFF CHAPTER COUNCIL CALIFORNIA NATIVE CALIFORNIA NATIVE Sacramento Office: Alta Peak (Tulare) . . . . Joan Stewart PLANT SOCIETY Executive Director . . . . . Pamela C. Bristlecone (Inyo-Mono) ...... Sherryl Taylor Muick, PhD Channel Islands ...... Lynne Kada Dedicated to the Preservation of Development Director . . . . . vacant Dorothy King Young (Mendocino/ the California Native Flora Membership Assistant . . . Christina Sonoma Coast) . . . Jon Thompson The California Native Plant Society Neifer East Bay ...... Joe Willingham (CNPS) is a statewide nonprofit orga- Finance Manager ...... Lois El Dorado ...... Amy Hoffman Kern County . . . . . Laura Stockton nization dedicated to increasing the Cunningham understanding and appreciation of Los Angeles/Santa Monica Mtns . . . California’s native plants, and to pre- At Large: Betsey Landis Marin County ...... Bob Soost serving them and their natural habi- Fremontia Editor ...... Linda Ann Milo Baker (Sonoma County) . . . . . tats for future generations. Vorobik, PhD Reny Parker CNPS carries out its mission Senior Conservation Botanist ...... Mojave Desert ...... Tim Thomas through science, conservation advo- Ileene Anderson Monterey Bay ...... Robert Hale cacy, education, and horticulture at Rare Plant Botanist . . . . Misa Ward Mount Lassen ...... Jim Bishop the local, state, and federal levels. It Napa Valley ...... Marcie Danner Senior Vegetation Ecologist . . Julie monitors rare and endangered plants North Coast ...... Larry Levine and habitats; acts to save endangered Evens North San Joaquin . . . . Gail Clark areas through publicity, persuasion, Vegetation Ecologist . . . Anne Klein Orange County ...... Sarah Jayne and on occasion, legal action; pro- East Bay Conservation Analyst . . . . . Redbud (Grass Valley/Auburn) . . . . vides expert testimony to government Jessica Jean Olsen Chet Blackburn bodies; supports the establishment of Legislative Advocate ...... Riverside/San Bernardino counties . . Katie Barrows native plant preserves; sponsors work- Vern Goehring days to remove invasive plants; and Sacramento Valley . . Diana Hickson Legal Advisor ...... Sandy McCoy offers a range of educational activities San Diego ...... Dave Flietner including speaker programs, field trips, Website Coordinator ...... San Gabriel Mtns . . . . Lyn McAfee native plant sales, horticultural work- John Donaghue San Luis Obispo . . . . Charles Blair Sanhedrin (Ukiah) . Chuck Williams shops, and demonstration gardens. Bulletin Editor ...... vacant Santa Clara Valley . . . Judy Fenerty Since its founding in 1965, the tra- Santa Cruz County . Janell Hillman ditional strength of CNPS has been BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sequoia (Fresno) . . . . Warren Shaw its dedicated volunteers. CNPS ac- David Diaz, Vern Goehring, Steve Shasta ...... Dave DuBose tivities are organized at the local chap- Hartman, Diana Hickson, Lynn Sierra Foothills (Tuolumne, Cala- ter level where members’ varied in- Houser, Lynne Kada, David L. veras, Mariposa) . . . . Patrick Stone terests influence what is done. Volun- South Coast (Palos Verdes) ...... Magney, Sandy McCoy (Vice Pres- teers from the 32 CNPS chapters an- Barbara Sattler ident), J. Spence McIntyre, Carol nually contribute in excess of 87,000 Tahoe ...... Michael Hogan Witham (President) hours (equivalent to 42 full-time em- Willis L. Jepson (Solano) ...... ployees). Allison Fleck CNPS membership is open to all. PROGRAM DIRECTORS Yerba Buena (San Francisco) . . . . . Mark Heath Members receive the quarterly jour- CNPS Press ...... Holly Forbes nal, Fremontia, the quarterly statewide and Gail Milliken MATERIALS FOR Bulletin, and newsletters from their Conservation . . . . . David Chipping PUBLICATION local CNPS chapter. Horticulture ...... Peigi Duvall CNPS members and others are wel- Fremontia logo (by L.A. Vorobik) re- Posters ...... Bertha McKinley come to contribute materials for pub- printed from The Jepson Manual, J. and Wilma Follette lication in Fremontia. See the inside Hickman, Ed., 1993, with permission Rare Plants ...... Ann Howald back cover for manuscript submission from the Jepson Herbarium, UC. © Re- Vegetation . . . .Todd Keeler-Wolf instructions. gents of the University of California. Printed by Business Point Impressions, Concord, CA

2FREMONTIA FREMONTIA VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 CONTENTS

GUEST EDITORIAL: GARDENING WITH NATIVES ...... 2

CHAPTERS OF THE CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY: INSTALLMENT II...... 3 This second in a series of four articles celebrates members and local chapters which make up our society. Chapters described here are the North San Joaquin, Sierra Foothills, Monterey Bay, Sequoia, Bristlecone, Alta Peak, San Luis Obispo, Northern Santa Barbara (a subchapter), Kern, and Channel Islands, and are located in the middle of the state from the south/central coast east to Nevada. Summaries of the remaining CNPS chapters will appear in the next two issues of Fremontia.

NATIVE HORTICULTURE: WHO NEEDS IT? THE CNPS HORTICULTURE PROGRAM by Peigi Duvall ...... 10 Peigi Duvall, Horticulture and Education Chair, brings with her article about the Horticul- ture Program of CNPS a wealth of information and spirit that should invigorate us all to go out and plant native.

THE CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY’S RARE PLANT PROGRAM: 37 YEARS OF PLANT SCIENCE by Misa Ward and Ann Howald ...... 17 The Rare Plant Program of the California Native Plant Society has accomplished some of the most essential rare plant research in California, setting standards for the rest of the nation. This article provides an overview of this very important CNPS program including an introduction to those who have served as rare plant botanist since the program’s inception.

SHASTA SNOW-WREATH: NEW OCCURRENCES AND HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS by Len Lindstrand III and Julie K. Nelson ...... 24 The Shasta snow-wreath (Neviusia cliftonii) is a shrub in the rose family whose discovery in 1992 represented a new genus for California. Although it has yet to be found outside the vicinity of Shasta Lake in northern California, the authors report that early assumptions about its association with limestone are not supported by their recent discoveries.

GROWING NATIVES: BEACH SALTBUSH by David C. Fross ...... 27

TONI FAUVER: 1937-2004 by Julie Carville ...... 28

DR. ELIZABETH MCCLINTOCK: 1912-2004 by Barbara M. Pitschel ...... 30

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ...... 31

BOOK REVIEW ...... 32

THE COVER: John Nowak planting a tree in memory of San Luis Obispo Chapter member Bud Meyer. Malcolm Bud Meyer came to this area when he retired in 1969. He and his wife, Alice, who edited the chapter newsletter and ran the plant sale for many years, were the first to be made Fellows of the California Native Plant Society from this chapter. Photograph by M. McLeod.

VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 FREMONTIA 1 GUEST EDITORIAL: GARDENING WITH NATIVES USEFUL WEBSITES AND CONTACT INFORMATION remontia will now feature articles on gardening with natives in every Fissue, and what a fine way to honor our roots. After all, the California California Native Plant Society: Native Plant Society (CNPS) was born out of efforts to save a botanic www.cnps.org, with links to garden, and gardening has always been a great way to reach out to new conservation issues, chapters, people. In this issue, Peigi Duvall, director of the CNPS Horticulture and publications, policy, etc. Education Program, provides an overview of the Horticulture Program For updates on conservation (see page 10), Mike Koslosky (see pages 12–13) shares his experience issues: finding local ecotypes of native plants for garden and landscape projects, Audubon Society www.audubon.org and David Fross (see page 27) entertains the idea of cultivating beach Center for Biological Diversity saltbush. It will be interesting to hear readers’ responses to these articles, www.sw-center.org and, as we hope you know, your comments are always welcomed. Native Plant Conservation Campaign www.plantsocieties.org There may be as many motives for gardening with native plants as there Natural Resources Defense are native plant gardeners, ranging from the aesthetic to environmental to Council the purely practical. As profoundly satisfying as gardening can be, native www.nrdc.org plant horticulture is inextricably linked to broader environmental concerns, Sierra Club from wildland restoration to worries about impacts to rare plants. So how www.sierraclub.org we garden and what we choose to put in our gardens may also reflect our Wilderness Society www.wilderness.org values about the world we live in. Of course gardeners who are not members of CNPS have their own For voting information: views on the subject, including the belief that CNPS opposes gardening League of Women Voters www.lwv.org, includes online voter with anything other than indigenous plants; this is, of course, far from the guide with state-specific nonparti- truth. Remembering that many people are new to both native plant san election and candidate gardening and conservation, let’s show our fellow gardeners what a fine information. adventure we are having! Gardening is also about generosity, and more US Senate www.senate.gov specifically, it’s about the sharing of seeds, plant starts, expertise, and most US House of Representatives of all, enthusiasm. Although we are very careful with what we plant so that www.house.gov we do not inadvertently cause damage to natural populations or habitats, California State Senate native plant gardeners are more about sharing than preaching a list of www.sen.ca.gov “thou shalt nots.” California State Assembly While some of us may still cringe at the sight of invasive plants in a www.assembly.ca.gov garden, if we keep reaching out to our friends, family, colleagues at work, To write letters: and acquaintances—many of whom are gardeners and thus potential native President George W. Bush plant gardeners—some of our philosophy will eventually get through. Most The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW importantly, the seeds for this must be carried in our attitude and our Washington, DC 20500 actions, and especially with a generous “spadeful” of humility. Senator Barbara Boxer Our gardens provide the fertile ground for percolation of new ideas and or Senator Dianne Feinstein development of new relationships. If we’re lucky, perhaps the generosity US Senate Washington, DC 20510 that happens among gardeners will expand to include a wider ethic of Your CA Representative “generosity toward the earth.” US House of Representatives —Lori Hubbart Washington, DC 20515 Dorothy King Young Chapter

2 FREMONTIA VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 CHAPTERS OF THE CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY: INSTALLMENT II

This is the second installment of summaries of several CNPS chapters by region, beginning with chapters in the south and proceeding northward. The first installment appeared in Fremontia 33, No. 1, the January 2005 issue, on pages 6-10; the next two installments will appear in Fremontia 33, Nos. 3 and 4, the July and October 2005 issues. As editor, it is my hope that you will be inspired to read the newsletter or attend a meeting or field trip of one of the other chapters, or if you are not already a member of CNPS, that you will join us! (A membership form appears on the inside back cover.)

NORTHERN SAN JOAQUIN CHAPTER

Size of chapter: Approximately 40 members Website address: None

The Northern San Joaquin Chap- ter is symbolized by the valley oak, as this oak is one of the most abun- dant found in the San Joaquin Val- ley. The acorn that was planted and flourished in the Valley nourished the reinvigoration of this small chapter, which covers San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Merced counties and meets quarterly in Modesto. Thanks to the efforts of chapter members in conjunction with oth- ers in the community and the Great Valley Museum, as of November 2003, Modesto acquired its first native plant garden. The garden is Map of the local chapters of the California Native Plant Society. The chapters situated next to the museum, on a summarized in the text include the North San Joaquin (18), Sierra Foothills (19), lot that served for a time as an ad- Monterey Bay (20), Sequoia (21), Bristlecone (22), Alta Peak (23), San Luis Obispo junct parking lot for Modesto Jun- (24), Northern Santa Barbara Subchapter (24a), Kern (25), and Channel Islands (26).

Site of the native plant garden of the Northern San Joaquin Chapter in Modesto. Left: Garden plot in August 2003, before planting. Photograph by B. Barzan. • Right: Garden plot in April 2004, in full glory. Photograph by P. Illick.

VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 FREMONTIA 3 ior College, and had become over- lation of Tuolumne fawn lilies run with invasive, non-native plants. (Erythronium tuolumnense), Peggy Many local gardeners opened their Edwards, Kathy Burnett, and Jennie hearts and gardens to contribute a Haas decided it was time to start a wide variety of plants to this once CNPS chapter. neglected 50 by 80 foot plot of land. At Peggy Edward’s request, Ken Today it is living proof that with a Berg came to Sonora on June 15, limited amount of water you can 1989 to talk about California flora have a garden that is both lovely and help start a CNPS chapter. and low-maintenance. Peggy Edwards was selected to be The garden has given our chap- our first president, and in October ter a wonderful place to hold our 1989 we held our first official meet- annual plant sales. Business is brisk, ing. About that time we started a especially for those natives that monthly newsletter, The Shooting people can see growing right here. Star; this bulletin has remained our In addition to its programs and plant lifeline to the present. sales, the chapter also sponsors field We formed a conservation com- trips. mittee and joined the Clavey River Coalition in the battle to save that untamed waterway. We cooperated SIERRA FOOTHILLS on a project with the Nature Con- CHAPTER servancy in 1992 to monitor the Chinese Camp brodiaea (Brodiaea Size of chapter: Approximately 180 pallida) population, and members members continue to monitor other rare and Our twice-a-year plant sales Website address: None endangered species. Some of our provide us with the funds for our greatest successes in plant protec- many endeavors. These sales also On Rattlesnake Ridge one after- tion have come from working within provide a key source for native noon in April of 1989 the seeds of the system. We have members on plants for our area. Last but not the Sierra Foothills Chapter the Tuolumne and Calaveras County least: our field trip program usually sprouted. After inspecting a popu- Board of Supervisors, two members consists of four to seven hikes each on the Tuolumne County Planning year. Left: Tuolumne fawn lily (Erythronium Commission, and members on other tuolumnense), the plant that inspired three local planning and advisory groups. women to bring CNPS to the Sierra Our education committee was MONTEREY BAY foothills. Photograph by J. Haas. • Below: CHAPTER Sierra Foothills Chapter 1994 T-shirt formed in early 1992. We created design contest winners. Rebecca Stone, our first “Wildflowers by Sierra the girl in the image with the bow in her Foothill Kids” T-shirt later that Size of chapter: Approximately hair, became the chapter’s secretary, the year. Since 1995, at the Calaveras 300 members youngest officer ever! Photograph by P. and Tuolumne County schools sci- Website address: www.mbay.net/ Stone. ence fairs, we have awarded prizes ~cnps to elementary students for the best plant experiments—as judged by The Monterey Bay Chapter was our committee. And, the CNPS in- founded in January 1967 by a group formation kiosk at the Red Hills of energetic individuals with a com- was refurbished in the fall of 2004. mon interest in California’s native From 1996 on, we have selected plants. Our members are drawn books about botany, native plants, from the counties of Monterey and and natural history to donate to el- San Benito (the latter was histori- ementary schools in our chapter cally part of Monterey County). area. In addition, this committee is Located about midway on the completing a video about foothill California coast, our chapter area is wildflowers to be presented to varied in topography, rising abrupt- fourth through sixth grade students ly from sea level on the west and in the four county areas. extending through the Santa Lucia

4 FREMONTIA VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 widely diverse flora. Here are found SEQUOIA CHAPTER plants from almost all parts of Cali- fornia (except the highest moun- Size of chapter: Approximately tains and driest deserts), and many 110 members reach their southern or northern Website address: None distributional limits. Our chapter holds general mem- The Sequoia Chapter of CNPS was bership meetings each month (ex- formed in the mid-1970s as the cept July, August, and December) Southern San Joaquin Valley Chap- which begin with a chance to so- ter. This proved confusing so the cialize and browse the chapter’s name was changed. “Carpenteria” large selection of books for sale, was considered, but “Sequoia” won and with an illustrated program. On out. Several original members are weekends we offer a variety of ac- still active, including Jeanne Larson, tivities such as field trips to unique Howard Latimer, John Stebbins, and special or well-loved common Marian Orvis, Peg Smith, and Paul places. There are also numerous op- Mitchell. portunities for “hands-on” garden- We’re proud of several success- ing at the (Lester) Rowntree Na- ful chapter efforts to protect and tive Plant Garden in Carmel, with preserve valuable habitat in the past. the crew of the Beach Garden These include saving the Roadside Project along the shore of Monterey Bay, or with the CNPS brigade Top: Hank Urbach, land owner and park eradicating the area’s “Ten Least protector in the Sequoia Chapter region, Wanted” weeds. with students, checking the water table in a test well. • Bottom: Sequoia member Conservation and protection of Thelma Valdez standing by a live (though native plants and habitats is an on- leaning) valley oak (Quercus lobata). going process in our chapter, with members providing review, com- ment, and monitoring on land use planning, expert testimony, serving as a resource on scientific (i.e., rar- ity) issues, and maintaining the her- barium at Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. Each fall we hold a plant sale to Top: Serpentine barrens and vegetation increase public understanding of na- of the Clear Creek watershed of eastern San Benito County. The Monterey Bay tives, provide local residents an op- Chapter is actively seeking increased portunity to purchase native plants, protection of the area’s unique flora. and fund chapter activities. The Photograph by J. Delgado. • Bottom: The third week of April finds many of us hot inland valleys of Monterey County collecting for and helping set up host a diverse mix of pines, oaks, chap- arral, and wildflowers as seen here at the annual wildflower show at the Pinnacles National Monument. Photo- Pacific Grove Museum. This is the graph by D. Burych. largest wildflower show in the state, with about 700 taxa represented. Mountains into the Salinas and Throughout the years, the chap- Pajaro/San Benito River valleys, and ter has been instrumental in ensur- through the Gabilan and Diablo ing the protection of places of spe- mountain ranges to the east. Its di- cial botanical interest: the Morse versity of plant habitats—dunes, Botanical Preserve in Pebble Beach, marshes, foggy canyons and ter- nine areas in the maritime chap- races, coastal and inland mountains, arral on former Fort Ord, and a river and delta lands, and arid east- large segment of the dunes along ern ranges and foothills—support a Monterey Bay.

VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 FREMONTIA 5 Botanical Area at Crystal Creek, BRISTLECONE working with Save Our Streams to CHAPTER oppose small hydro projects, and working with The Nature Conser- Size of chapter: Approximately vancy to preserve a section of Table 170 members Mountain. Website address: More recently, John Stebbins, www.bristleconecnps.org/ our rare plant chair, discovered Keck’s checkerbloom (Sidalcea Two major factors motivated the keckii), thought to be extinct, on establishment of the Bristlecone serpentine rangeland in eastern Chapter: interest in preserving the Fresno County. This rare plant is unique floristic environment of the protected in the Sierra Foothill eastern Sierra, and the need to pro- Conservancy’s Tivy Mountain Pre- tect the Owens Valley from the loss serve. of vegetation due to the groundwa- Although our membership is ter pumping activities of the Los 110, our “active” group is more like Angeles Department of Water and 20 or 25, about half of whom do Power. Though the chapter may be most of the actual work. Our situa- small relative to other chapters tion is somewhat exacerbated by our around the state, it is situated in an location, which is both a blessing area that contains certain unique The annual fall plant sale of the Bristle- cone Chapter is popular among Owens and a curse. In about an hour’s drive features, namely its biodiversity and Valley residents, and locally propagated we can be in coniferous forest or geodiversity. Inyo and Mono coun- plants sold bring in thousands of dollars alkali flats, wetlands, blue oak wood- ties sit at the convergence of the to the chapter. Photograph by S. Ingram. lands, or riparian forest. However, northern Mojave Desert, the Great this variety presents many mem- Basin, the montane realm of the siderable acclaim for her discover- bers with imposing distances and Sierra Nevada, and the White and ies of several rare, never before iden- obstacles for travel to meetings and Inyo mountains. tified endemic plants, including July events. The chapter was founded in gold (Dedeckera eurekensis) in the Despite this, we’re a pretty ac- 1982 by the late Mary DeDecker, buckwheat family. tive chapter. We meet for eight var- noted botanist and conservationist A number of professional bota- ied and relevant programs and pub- from Independence. Mary was not nists are counted among the active, lish nine newsletters a year. Our only instrumental in the founding dedicated members who have put editor, Thelma Valdez, not only of the chapter, but she achieved con- diligent effort into creating, design- puts together an attractively infor- ing, and maintaining the Mary mative newsletter, she writes, edits, Bristlecone Chapter field trip to Short DeDecker Native Plant Garden in and illustrates brochures and post- Canyon in the southern Sierra, in May, Independence. Some of the chap- ers. Currently, she is compiling 2004. Trip leader Naomi Fraga, a ter’s other ongoing activities are graduate student at RSA and recipient of material for a booklet on local ed- a DeDecker Botanical Grant from the field trips, a botanical grants pro- ible natives. Bristleceone Chapter, is discussing the gram to facilitate local plant re- A recent success story evolved flowers of Parry beargrass (Nolina parryi). search, and an active conservation recently when three members pre- Photograph by S. Ingram. program. Every other year the chap- sented a chapter program on gar- ter offers a Sierra Spring Sojourn, a dening with natives—timed to at- weekend of field trips and lectures tract people to whom we had sold focusing on native plants of the plants at our annual sale. We hope Eastern Sierra, which is open to to see some real changes in city land- CNPS members statewide. scaping as a result. We are currently The chapter has also promoted involved in a restoration/education an abiding and burgeoning com- project at China Creek, a 120-acre munity interest in native plants for undeveloped Fresno County park home landscaping. Chapter volun- on the Kings River. We’re working teers collect seed from surrounding hard to eliminate the exotics, espe- wildlands, which are then grown at cially yellow star thistle, and to de- a local multi-agency propagation velop an interpretive trail. center and sold at the annual native

6 FREMONTIA VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 plant sale. Bristlecone volunteers sues currently confront us. We work and bought by a land trust. We are have grown over 100 different spe- quietly with agencies, with like- hopeful that the land will be re- cies in the eight-year history of the minded organizations, and with stored in the coming years. sale, and each year new species are county planning staff to interject We offer programs to the sur- offered. our ideas and provide information rounding communities. Field trips about native plants and landscape- begin in February and continue into scale vegetation. We are grateful late summer. The chapter newslet- ALTA PEAK CHAPTER for the support we have received ter is mailed quarterly, and we also from state officers and staff over sponsor native plant gardens. Board Size of chapter: Approximately the years. and members business meetings 80 members Throughout its existence, Alta are held only several times a year, Website address: None Peak Chapter has taken positions as a considerable amount of the on a number of important issues, chapter’s business is conducted via Early in 1991, a group in Three Riv- including setbacks and development email. ers concerned about proposed de- along the Kaweah River, the County velopment along the Kaweah River Foothill Management Plan, and affiliated with CNPS as the Alta Peak sand and gravel mining in or near SAN LUIS OBISPO Chapter (also known as the Tulare river beds. A widely publicized, well CHAPTER County Chapter). Catherine-Elsah attended public workshop, “Living Cort was the first president, and with a River,” rallied growing sup- Size of Chapter: Approximately Brodiaea insignis was chosen as the port for CNPS work. 230 members. chapter logo. This CNPS List 1B As our membership expanded Website address: cnps-slo.org species grows only in the drainages into other areas of the county, wild- of the Kaweah and Tule rivers. land fire and non-native invasive The San Luis Obispo chapter was In many ways we could be cat- species became chapter concerns. formed by Dr. Robert Hoover and egorized as a small, less vigorous We were part of the fight to protect some environmentally-oriented in- chapter. We are rural, dispersed, sycamore alluvial woodland stands dividuals in 1966. From the begin- and in a part of California that from sand and gravel extraction in ning they supported the efforts of strongly supports private property Dry Creek. Although we lost this Kathleen and Gaylord Jones to pre- rights and more often than not op- fight when the permits were given, serve the Nipomo and Guadalupe poses any sort of government regu- recently the property was aban- dunes and surrounding vegetation. lation. No major conservation is- doned by the concrete company, The chapter held its first plant sale in 1968 and continues to do so Alta Peak Chapter members creating a fire-safe demonstration garden, which is used every year. It is the main fundraising to educate locals about how to landscape in a way that would protect their homes from project of the chapter. In 1977 we wildfires. Photograph by M. Keeley. cosponsored a symposium “Native Plants: a Viable Option” concern- ing landscaping with native plants. CNPS Publication #3 reports the event’s proceedings. In the late 1970s we began fur- nishing rare plant data to the Cali- fornia Natural Diversity Database. We sponsored field trips to all parts of the county including Arroyo de la Cruz on the Hearst Ranch, the dunes, and various other places. We also compiled a loose-leaf book con- taining information and photo- graphs of all of the List 1B (rare and endangered) plants in the county. In updating the book, we found it necessary to go back into the field to obtain photos and information on the many species which have

VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 FREMONTIA 7 Early in 1996 our subchapter began scheduling formal programs and fieldtrips. These were well re- ceived, especially by people in the Santa Barbara/Goleta area who found the more regional fieldtrips suited to their needs. In early 2003, attendance at formal programs de- clined; however, an active program of fieldtrips continues. We have also supported public awareness of native plants through joint activities with other organiza- tions, such as the local Sierra Club chapter’s annual wildflower walk. The active participation of CNPS members in conservation concerns NORTHERN SANTA and public forums has also increased BARBARA COUNTY appreciation of the beauty and en- 8C SUBCHAPTER joyment of native plants in this area.

Size of chapter: Approximately 50 members KERN COUNTY Website address: None CHAPTER

The subchapter concept can meet Size of chapter: Approximately the special needs of CNPS mem- 80 members bers, especially in regions where Website address: www.cnps.org/ chapters cover large areas, making chapters/kern/index.htm active participation in chapter ac- tivities difficult. Subchapters allow Kern County has a long history of people in outlying areas to form a botanist-conservationists who have Happy botanizers: San Luis Obispo new chapter or restart a chapter been actively cataloging, monitor- Chapter members who climbed Cerro Hill last spring (top) and who were first that has lapsed. Subchapters also ing, and preserving unique plants to climb Coreopsis Hill (bottom). offer chapter activities such as pro- and plant communities, well before Photographs by M. McLeod. grams and field trips in their imme- CNPS was organized. The Kern diate area so members do not have County Chapter of CNPS was been added to the list since our pre- to travel long distances to partici- formed in 1982, primarily to con- vious effort. pate. By working with a parent chap- tinue conservation efforts begun We have an active conservation ter, interested members can mar- decades earlier. Our chapter was group that watchdogs meetings of shal the resources and interest to pleased to have facilitated the re- various organizations, and a very form the new chapter. printing of the invaluable A Flora able rare plant coordinator. The of Kern County by the late Ernest chapter has booths at the local Northern Santa Barbara Subchapter Twisselmann. The updated manual farmer’s market and various other kids “manning” the CNPS table at the was published by CNPS in 1995 functions. We have had a series of Wildflower Weekend held in 1998 at and incorporated a key to the Kern the Pozo Fire Station. Photograph by C. very interesting speakers at our Blair. County Flora authored by Dr. monthly meetings and also offer a Maynard Moe. variety of field trips. Increasingly, issues of concern Recent publications of the chap- to our chapter are becoming more ter include; Dune Mother’s Wild- complex and difficult to address. flower Guide (2001), Wildflowers of Members are actively involved in Highway 58 (2004), and Wildflowers the management and preservation of the Carrizo Plain Area (2005), all of riparian habitat along the Kern by Malcolm McLeod. River. This includes working with

8 FREMONTIA VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 gered species from the area and al- that focus on Spanish and Scotch ways provide rewarding experiences broom, castor bean, and giant reed. for participants at all levels of bo- Our annual member banquet in late tanical expertise. summer generally includes a speaker, art display, auction, and great socializing. We also publish a CHANNEL ISLANDS quarterly newsletter, Matilija Copy. CHAPTER The chapter has been largely suc- cessful in challenging various types Size of chapter: Approximately of development projects in the area 250 members that would have significantly im- Website address: www.cnpsci.org pacted native plants, rare plant com- Two rare plants enjoyed by members of munities, and rare plants. These the Kern County Chapter: Bakersfield cactus (Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei) (left) Founded in 1975 by Ruth Krasner, projects include the Camarillo Re- and striped adobe lily (Fritillaria striata) Cynthia Leake, and a few others, gional Park golf course and amphi- (right). Photographs by E. Cypher. the Channel Islands Chapter serves theater, Ahmanson Ranch, and the Ventura County and most of Santa North Shore developments. While the Kern River Parkway Founda- Barbara County. Our chapter has we haven’t won on every issue, we tion to promote the planting of been active at the state CNPS level have succeeded in obtaining sub- native species in the Kern River since the 1980s by having one or stantial modifications to various corridor. Chapter members also more members serving on the projects. participated in the development of CNPS Executive Committee, State Through chapter outreach ef- the Bakersfield and Kern Coun- Board of Directors, or statewide forts, the CNPS mission is now ties Habitat Conservation Plans committees. David Magney has known to most politicians in (HCPs). In spite of the HCPs, how- served as CNPS president, board Ventura and Santa Barbara coun- ever, plant community monitoring member, and in three vice-presi- ties. In addition, our chapter is em- and preservation is more critical dent positions. Lynne Kada serves barking on the development of a than ever due to the increasingly as CNPS Chapter Council Chair large native plant nursery that will rapid and still poorly planned local and on the Board. Patt McDaniel grow local natives for revegetation development. has long served on the CNPS projects, especially for wetland/ri- The California Living Museum, Board. parian habitats. In the coming years which opened in the early 1980s, The chapter holds plant sales in we hope to increase our member- continues to provide the chapter the fall and spring, and presents ship to 500, and to attract more with an opportunity to promote monthly evening programs that al- active members in Santa Barbara CNPS educational goals. The mu- ternate between Ventura and Santa County so that we can address con- seum, which includes a zoo and Barbara. The chapter typically of- servation issues there. botanical garden, uses native plants fers about one hike each month. to represent major California habi- We also regularly organize or par- Each chapter summary was authored by one tat types. Chapter volunteers help ticipate in weed eradication events or more representatives from that chapter. maintain the native landscaping, and the chapter provides funds for in- Channel Islands Chapter art show at September 2004 annual dinner, Ojai Valley. terpretive signs. In addition, we hold Photograph by D. Magney. our annual plant sale at the mu- seum as part of a successful part- nership in promoting the native flora of California. In 2003 the chapter offered its first spring garden tour featuring the homes of several members that make use of California natives in their landscaping. It proved to be an exciting addition to our chapter’s activities. Annual field trips often include searching for and monitor- ing 14 rare, threatened, or endan-

VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 FREMONTIA 9 Wild ginger (Asarum caudatum) with yerba buena (Satureja douglasii) in the shade of a brick patio. Photographs by P. Duvall unless otherwise noted. NATIVE HORTICULTURE: WHO NEEDS IT? THE CNPS HORTICULTURE PROGRAM by Peigi Duvall

ative horticulture has al- Today California native plants agencies. Clearly our work is cut Nways been and probably are strangers in their own land, out for us. will always be an integral largely due to the introduction of Although people join CNPS for part of our work as a native plant non-native species (sometimes re- differing reasons, generally many society. As stated in our mission, ferred to as “exotics”) during the are interested in the horticulture of the California Native Plant Society Western Expansion of the mid- native plants. Some hope they will (CNPS) will increase the under- 1800s. Many of these non-natives learn more about how to garden standing and appreciation of proved highly invasive, and over with plants other than the tradi- California’s native plants through time have crowded out the local tional cultivars, others are simply horticulture—together with other native plants in many parts of the happy to attend a wildflower walk vital efforts. To accomplish this end, state, both in wilderness areas and each spring. Others become more goal four of the latest strategic plan in more populated regions. Educa- involved in CNPS volunteer activi- clarifies that we will “Promote, sup- tion is key to any horticultural pro- ties at the chapter or state levels. port, and encourage the appropri- gram promoting the value and use Regardless of motivation, CNPS ate horticultural use of California of natives. One indication that we easily accommodates all interests native plants in gardens and land- need to do a better job of educating and levels of involvement, from the scapes.” In the most practical terms, the public is the lack of native plants casual home gardener asking a ques- this means that CNPS will promote in nurseries, in residential and cor- tion on the CNPS “Growing Na- the cultivation, or growing and porate landscapes, and in public tive Plants Discussion Board” tending, of native plants. sites managed by municipalities or (found at www.cnps.org under Pro-

10 FREMONTIA VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 grams; click on Education), to an experienced professional speaking at an industry seminar regarding the proper planting and mainte- nance procedures for large installa- tions of natives. The CNPS Horticulture Pro- gram offers something for every- one. It provides education on na- tive plant horticulture, information on the availability of plants, and opportunities to gain experience with and enjoy native plants. The Program provides information on nurseries that sell native plants, re- sources for home gardeners and the landscape industry, informa- tion to facilitate coordinated ef- forts with municipalities and gov- ernment agencies, publications about the CNPS goals of promot- Enthusiastic crowds at the Santa Clara ing the appropriate use of natives Valley Chapter Spring Plant Sale. Photo- graph courtesy of A. Kumar. • Going through horticulture, and is work- Native Garden Tour ad reflects the ing to post all of this and other beauty of native blossoms. Photograph easily accessed horticultural re- courtesy of A. Kehoe. sources on the CNPS website. In coordination with the Education methods of native plant propaga- Program of CNPS, the Horticul- tion, they provide the stock that the ture Program is also developing rest of us happily bring home or content for schools at the K plant at job sites. Many CNPS chap- through 12 and community col- ters have nurseries, or work closely lege level. with local specialty nurseries, and Licensed nurseries and ethical hold annual or semi-annual plant program. In addition to providing growers of native plants are the sales. These activities often consti- stock and expertise, they often pro- foundation of native horticulture. tute the major source of revenue vide educational programs. Santa As knowledgeable experts who col- for a chapter and provide the com- Barbara Botanic Garden, as an ex- lect seeds correctly, and who know munity-at-large with an excellent ample, is home to the Center for the various and often challenging source of local and reliable native Teaching California Ecology that plants. Local chapters also have in- offers various horticultural certifi- California grape (Vitis californica ‘Rogers’ formation available about true local cation programs. Often nurseries Red’) is mirrored in the gate design of a and endemic species, and can offer have demonstration gardens that private landscape in Woodside. Photo- advice regarding appropriate plant- make it possible to view examples graph courtesy of landscape architects and The Garden Route, San Francisco. ings in locations where urban areas of various types of native plant gar- meet wildlands. Chapter sales also den designs, and are also a wonder- help to increase the availability of ful way to observe and appreciate native plants overall. Without sup- the seasonal changes that occur in ply, the demand for California na- such gardens. tive plants cannot be met, and the state nursery industry’s annual re- Logo of Tree of Life ceipts of $3.13 billion will be gen- Nursery, a specialty erated exclusively from the sales of nursery. These nurseries exotics. are one of the primary sources for “garden Specialty nurseries, including worthy” and restoration botanic gardens, are important part- plants. Image courtesy ners in any chapter’s horticulture of TOL Nursery.

VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 FREMONTIA 11 A CASE FOR HOW LOCAL IS LOCAL

hen I first moved here 25 florum), I began to see tight clusters “Wyears ago there was all kinds of natives peeking here and there of wildlife!” Sound familiar? We’ve all through the sea of invaders. Knowing heard, or lamented ourselves, at the what to look for in flowering culms changes that have come over our local made it a little easier, and once my landscapes. New home construction, search image was activated, the invad- mini-malls, big box retailers, schools, ers blended into obscurity and the na- highways, and industrial parks have tives popped out of the landscape like crept over the land, gradually obliter- stars in the night sky. ating what was there before. I located 14 species of native grasses How could native plant popula- in that first season of searching. Large tions survive faced with this scenario? but scattered stands of purple needle- What open space is left is quickly colo- grass (Nassella pulchra) topped the list. nized by invasive non-native weeds of Relieved from cattle grazing when ag- every description. Even the hardiest ricultural lands in the hills were con- poppy has a tough time making it verted to single-family home develop- through the dense thatch of wild oats, ment, this grass flourished even amidst poison hemlock forests, and tangled heavy competition from non-native mustard stalks. If you want to land- annuals. Native grasses such as oat- scape or restore an area to locally-ap- grass (Danthonia californica) and brome propriate natives but lack a specialty Above: Slender needlegrass (Bromus carinatus) showed up sporadi- nursery, what chance do you have of (Nassella lepida; habit and top cally as did wild barley (Hordeum brachy- spikelet), and purple needle- finding anything to draw from? grass (N. pulchra; bottom antherum) where soil moisture was Faced with this conundrum myself spikelet). All drawings by L.A. higher. but knowing there were a few undevel- Vorobik, from Junak et al, A Less numerous but common in oped areas near my home, I devised a Flora of Santa Cruz Island. • the right habitat was slender needle- plan to search for native plants. Within Below: Melicgrass (Melica im- grass (Nassella lepida). I found the perfecta). Alameda County, from my location on melicgrasses Melica imperfecta and M. the city street map I drew concentric torreyana in shady canyons and an oc- circles for every one half mile out to casional M. californica on the more ex- two miles from my home. Scouring the posed slopes adjacent to the wood- map for any sort of open land where lands. Fallow park-lands that a year vestiges of native plants might be eking prior underwent brush removal yielded out a living produced an array of sites. beautiful stands of slender hairgrass Historic cemeteries, utility corridors, (Deschampsia elongata) which now arose numerous watersheds, buffer zones be- from an exposed seed bank. Roadcuts tween developments and open park- too steep for cattle to negotiate sup- lands, government property held for ported clusters of California fescue future use, and abandoned quarries all (Festuca californica) and the bluegrass produced results. Even the borders of Poa secunda. Other fields, purchased railway rights-of-way and junk-laden decades ago by Caltrans to secure land industrial sites held promise. for a proposed expressway, supported Since my focus at the time was species of needlegrass (Nassella pulchra native grasses, I began searching in and N. lepida), slender wheatgrass April, because I knew that most of the (Elymus trachycaulus), blue wildrye (Ely- cool season species would be at their mus glaucus), and a few wispy plants of peak from then until June. Even amid the bluegrass Poa tenerrima clinging to acres of non-native wild oats (Avena serpentine outcrops. barbata), ripgut brome (Bromus dian- There was an added benefit to my drus), and Italian rye (Lolium multi- habitat surveys that I hadn’t anticipated.

12 FREMONTIA VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 Weekly field forays to check on with the non-native culti- the status of the rediscovered vars Pittosporum, Calendula, bunchgrass populations uncov- and six packs of Impatiens. ered many species of native Seed collecting, cut- shrubs, trees, vines, and annual tings, layering, and divisions and perennial wildflowers grow- have given me all the stock ing in the same areas. Some I need and at the same time populations were reduced to a have increased the num- few plants, while others were bers of the populations that thriving. But these were all lo- were struggling to survive. cal ecotypes, so what could be What’s more, local genetic more appropriate? diversity is both preserved It became second nature to and enhanced by planting check on the state of the seed- seedlings in the local land- ripening of these plants, too. scape in close proximity to These trips were rewarded: fa- the parent stock. Reintro- miliar poppies, blue-eyed grass, ducing these plants into ar- and lupines were soon joined eas from which they were by more obscure plants such once present but have been as hop tree (Ptelea crenulata), a extirpated over the years species of Rupert’s scurf-pea may be a long, slow process, (Rupertia), two species of Clema- but it can be done. Unfor- tis climbing happily next to a tunately, some of these corral, and a lush patch of west- struggling plants are the last ern goldenrod (Euthamia occi- local representatives of their dentalis) that I found thriving in species. A rescue mission is a soggy ditch next to a rough- just what is needed. Keen shod truck storage yard. Its eyes, weekly patrolling, and golden display provided a veri- careful protection can result table feast for hundreds of pol- in a salvage harvest that linators for miles around. may insure these struggling Eventually I could see the plants a future. pattern of native plants scattered We all know the tenac- throughout a landscape that I ity of plants is legendary; had previously written off as they grow where they do blanketed and smothered by because they can. Lone non-native weeds. True, the conifers clinging to gran- balance was tipped heavily in ite cliffs, desert shrubs sur- favor of the invaders and prob- viving on mere inches of ably would remain that way for rain a year, and chaparral many years. But these remnant plants emerging from the survivors are out there. They blackened moonscape of are the hope for the future. summer fires are all com- Finding them, collecting their mon examples. But don’t seed, and propagating them for disregard the less dramat- eventual return to their right- ic. Give it a try. Draw a few ful place in the environment can circles emanating from your happen. Even the simple act home on a street map and of preserving and promoting start exploring. I predict you them in neighborhood gardens will be surprised by what can increase pollinator popula- turns up. tions that are trying to make do Blue wildrye (Elymus glaucus). Mike Koslosky

VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 FREMONTIA 13 find the native plant you are look- world can you grow just about any- ing for if it is not in stock. thing at just about any time of year? While there may be concerns A large part of California has a about mass, commercial production mediterranean climate known for of “garden quality” natives, there is its dry summers and shorter wet at least a ray of hope that the gar- winters—conditions found on just dening public will not always be two percent of the world’s land mass sold a bill of goods denouncing na- and in only four other areas on our tives as simply brown and ugly. planet. Unable to escape close prox- Thank you to the native growers, imity to this milder climate and promoters, and chapter members California’s expanding populations, who are helping make these inroads. our deserts are becoming land- A key concept in landscape de- scaped to death and there are roses sign is creating a “sense of place,” in Tahoe. At different times, every an environment that allows the body, decade or so, California native California grape (Vitis californica ‘Roger’s mind, and spirit to know where we plants become the “plant du jour”— Red’) beautifully draping over a garden are—to feel authentic, in harmony, in fashion to have in the garden. trellis. and at home in our surroundings. California natives were confidently While this may be achieved Commercial nurseries, both by planting a garden of large and small, are now includ- tropical specimens or a ing native plants as part of their public site with parterres inventory. The current popularity and heritage roses, garden- of California natives combined ing with natives is a choice with the glaring need for sustain- that is becoming increas- able landscape practices has opened ingly popular since natural up shelf space where none existed habitats of California are even a few years ago. For instance, among the world’s most Armstrong Garden Centers in spectacular and beautiful. southern California carries a nice We can grow and tend selection of natives and provides according to our unique printed material advising garden- plant communities and mi- ers on the care and feeding of these croclimates. Indeed there plants. Smaller local nurseries such is something extraordinary as Ladera Garden Center in Portola that happens when plant Valley will bend over backwards to species that have evolved Hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea) and prostrate Ceanothus are part of a berm planted with native symbiotically are planted species at the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Desert species create high drama at together in a landscape. Plant in Van Nuys, administered by the City of Los Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. Many homeowners for Angeles Bureau of Sanitation. whom a native garden has been installed express a feeling of heralded as the “right plant in the peace, release, and return—a wak- right place” since they are inher- ing of senses, a coming alive where ently “drought tolerant” and surely numbness had encroached. Much “low maintenance”—not true in has also been claimed regarding the every case, of course, but that’s a benefits of native plants to encour- topic for another discussion. The age an ecosystem where butterflies, marketing rhetoric works well—es- bugs, and other fauna can partici- pecially in El Niño years or when, pate in the rendering of good health as now, water issues can no longer above and below the soil’s surface. be shoved under the turf. This is all true. The web of native Because California native plants life is vibrant and has great powers have not undergone extensive hor- of rejuvenation. ticultural study or experimentation The landscape industry is huge in the landscape compared with in California. Where else in the more common industry selections,

14 FREMONTIA VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 SPRING 2005 NATIVE GARDEN TOURS THROUGHOUT THE STATE

THEODORE PAYNE GOING NATIVE FOUNDATION GARDEN TOUR

Date/Time: April 2–3, 2005, Date/Time: Sunday, April 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 2005, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: Greater Los Angeles Location: Various locations area throughout Santa Clara Valley Looking for inspiration for your Visit home gardens that are water- springtime planting? Come out wise, low maintenance, low on to our Second Annual Native chemical use, bird and butterfly Plant Garden Tour (self-guided) friendly, and attractive. A variety and bring home some great ideas of home gardens landscaped with on how to save water, eliminate Native plantings form a natural look- California native plants will be fertilizers and pesticides, and turn ing meadow in the Gerda Isenberg open to the public. Free admis- your garden into a wildlife sanc- Native Plant Garden at Yerba Buena sion. Registration required at Nursery, Woodside, California. This tuary. You’ll have the opportu- demonstration garden is open to the www.GoingNativeGardenTour.com nity to visit more than 20 dif- public at any time the nursery is open. before April 16, 11 a.m. or until ferent beautiful home gardens Photograph by S. Wilcomer. the tour reaches capacity, which- throughout the Los Angeles area ever comes first. Space is limited; that are predominantly planted with California na- register early to ensure a place. For more informa- tive plants. Garden styles range from formal and tion, email [email protected]. manicured to cottage gardens to true restorations, so there is something for everyone. Homeowners and docents will be at each garden to answer questions and to share their experiences. Many plants will also BRINGING BACK be labeled so that you can write down your favorites THE NATIVES to plant in your own garden later! Tickets are $20 GARDEN TOUR each and can be purchased at the foundation or by calling (818) 768-1802. More information about the Date/Time: Sunday, May 1, tour is also available at www.theodorepayne.org. 2005, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: Various locations throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties CALIFORNIA GLORY GARDEN TOUR Registrants will receive a A path through native printed garden guide to 50 wildflowers and shrubs in the demonstration Date/Time: Sunday, April 3, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. gardens, and garden talks will garden at Yerba Buena be scheduled throughout the Location: Claremont area, Upland and environs Nursery. Photograph day. A variety of bird- and by S. Wilcomer. This will encompass a number of different sites: a butterfly-friendly, pesticide- church garden, a private home within a retirement free, water-conserving, low-maintenance gardens center, small home gardens, large area gardens, and that contain 30% or more native plants will be open a water facility home demonstration garden. These for viewing. Free admission; registration required will all have an assortment of native and drought at www.BringingBackTheNatives.net. Space is lim- tolerant plants. Some have been in place for 20 to 30 ited, so register early to ensure a place. Sponsored years and some are newly landscaped. For further by Kathy Kramer Consulting and the Urban Creeks information call the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gar- Council. For more information, email Kathy@ den at (909) 625-8767 or visit their website at www. KathyKramerConsulting.net or call (510) 236-9558 rsabg.org. between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 FREMONTIA 15 rials with the help of local chapters. help contribute to this most im- One example is the full color bro- portant worldwide initiative. The chure, Why Use Natives in Your Gar- CNPS Horticulture Program wel- den?, originally produced by the comes your comments and sugges- Orange County Chapter and then tions, and hopes that you will feel adapted to the state as a whole, which free to contact us about them at will be available this spring for use [email protected]. We all need at plant sales, garden tours, industry native horticulture—who better shows, and anywhere native plants than CNPS to help provide it? can be introduced. The CNPS Hor- ticulture Program, in tandem with efforts by local chapters, can pro- REFERENCES vide municipalities and government with native horticulture informa- For general reading on the subject, see tion, inform them about sensitive the Fremontia special issue on garden- horticultural issues, and collaborate ing with natives, Volume 29, No. 1 with them on projects of mutual (January 2001). The CNPS Strategic concern. Many CNPS members Plan 2001–2003, including policy re- An urban hillside garden well planted with hold day jobs in the restoration field, garding horticulture, is available at: flannel bush (Fremontodendron californi- cum), Cleveland’s sage (Salvia clevelandii), are involved in development issues, www.cnps.org/archives. matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri), and or work in other areas related to Other great resources are the re- Cal-ifornia fuchsia (Epilobium canum). native horticulture and public ser- cordings by Kate Wolf and the Wild- vice. From water districts to Cal- wood Flower, especially the 1976 re- many natives are accused of being trans, town halls to federal pro- cording The Redtail Hawk by Back finicky, hard to establish, or unreli- grams, CNPS members knowledge- Roads, Rhino Records, and MAD: able. They’ve not had their life and able about horticulture should al- Move, Adjust, or Die—How Cali- sensitivity bred out of them to be, ways have a presence at the table to fornia Native Plants Do It, an el- as it is called in the trade, “bullet- advocate for the appropriate use of ementary school program developed by proof.” Large commercial plantings California native plants. CNPS Orange County Chapter in of natives have been lost and many Last but certainly not least, the 2004. thousands of dollars wasted often CNPS state website has been lack- because planting and maintenance ing in horticultural content. I hope Alameda County Waste Management guidelines were not known, or be- that by the time this article is pub- Authority and Alameda County cause guidelines for popular land- lished, you will be able to access Source Reduction and Recycling scape plants such as Rhaphiolepis and some useful information at the site. Board. 2003. Bay-Friendly Landscape Guidelines. ACWMA and AMSRRB. Photinia were used to care for na- We know that people who are curi- San Leandro, CA. 62 pp. tives. This is not good business. ous about native plants or have re- Carmen, H. 2004. The California Nurs- There is a need at the state level cently heard about the California ery Industry, 2002–2003: Value, of CNPS to develop a readily ac- Native Plant Society will find their Growth, and Economic Impacts. Avail- cessible set of resources and useable way to the CNPS website through able at: www.agecon.ucdavis.edu/ guidelines that can begin to move an Internet search engine. We are ARELibrary/WP/04-005.pdf gardeners from the inexperienced working hard to make CNPS hor- Clugston, R. 2004. The UN Decade or misinformed to the well-in- ticultural information abundant, ac- of Education for Sustainable Devel- formed or expert. Our state curate, and readily available on the opment. Soka Gakkai International speaker’s bureau (coming to the Internet Quarterly 38:2. CNPS website soon) is an excellent The United Nations has de- East Bay Municipal Utilities District. 2004. Plants and Landscapes for Sum- resource, as are various knowledge- clared the ten-year period begin- mer-Dry Climates of the San Francisco able people within each chapter who ning in 2005 as the “Decade of Edu- Bay Region. Oakland, CA. 336 pp. can offer horticultural presentations cation for Sustainable Develop- Francis, M. and A. Reimann. 1999. The or participate in horticultural or ment” in recognition of the urgent California Landscape Garden. Univer- landscape industry seminars to edu- social and ecological need for all sity of California Press. Berkeley, cate those interested in designing people to live in a more sustainable CA. 234 pp. landscapes using native plants. manner. Promoting, supporting, The state Horticulture Program and encouraging the appropriate Peigi Duvall, PO Box 620146, Woodside, is also developing additional mate- horticultural use of native plants can CA 94062. [email protected]

16 FREMONTIA VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 Clockwise from top left: Purdy’s fritillary (Fritillaria purdyi) in Calistoga, Napa County. Despite its relatively broad range in California, this CNPS List 4 species is known from only a single site in Oregon. Photograph R. Parker. • Serpentine milkweed (Asclepias solanoana) at The Geysers in Sonoma County. Photograph by R. York. • Siskiyou inside-out-flower (Vancouveria chrysantha) at Pine Flat Mountain in Del Norte County. This species is endemic to northwestern California and adjacent Oregon. Photograph by R. York. • Tiburon mariposa lily (Calochortus tiburonensis) is a listed species known only from a single occurrence at Ring Mountain Preserve in Marin County. Photograph by R. York. THE CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY’S RARE PLANT PROGRAM: 37 YEARS OF PLANT SCIENCE by Misa Ward and Ann Howald

are plants have been a funda- identify California’s rarest plants on rare plants has constantly evolved R mental concern of the and to designate those that, due to to keep pace with changes in tax- California Native Plant collecting, habitat loss, and other onomy and technology, and with Society (CNPS) since its inception. threats, were endangered. These the increasing number of plants in Forward-thinking CNPS members early efforts supported the enact- California that qualify as rare and recognized early on that attempts ment of state and federal laws that threatened. to protect California’s many unique protect our state’s rare plants to- According to the oft-told tale, and beautiful rare plants could suc- day, and the official listing of more it all began with a box full of file ceed only if accurate information than 200 species of California plants cards on the desk of Dr. G. Ledyard on their status was freely available. as threatened or endangered. Over Stebbins. By the early 1960s many CNPS was the first organization to its 40-year history, CNPS’s focus in California, including Dr.

VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 FREMONTIA 17 Stebbins, the renowned professor TABLE 1. NUMBER OF TAXA IN EACH of evolutionary plant genetics at UC RARITY CATEGORY WITHIN THE Davis and the first president of CNPS, had become alarmed that INVENTORY EDITIONS California’s rare plants were every- LIST OR APPENDIX NUMBER OF TAXA where being lost. Realizing that knowledge is the key to protection, 1974, 1st edition in 1968 Dr. Stebbins compiled a 1. Very Rare & Rare and Endangered 704 list of the most rare plants of Cali- Appendix I— Rare and Not Endangered 554 fornia by combing through P.A. Appendix II— Mostly of Limited Distribution 135 Munz’s A Flora of California and TOTAL 1,393 extracting information on all of the 1980, 2nd Edition native plant species that were lim- 1. Presumed Extinct in California 44 ited in distribution and restricted 2. Rare and Endangered 656 to California. The names and loca- 3. Rare, But Not Endangered 446 tions of these plants were typed on 4. Rare in California, But Not Elsewhere 237 cards, and information on their sta- TOTAL 1,383 tus was gathered from botanists 1984, 3rd Edition throughout California. 1A. Presumed Extinct in California 34 Roman Gankin, then of the UC 1B. Rare or Endangered in California and Elsewhere 604 Davis Arboretum, led this effort. 2. R/E in California, More Common Elsewhere 198 More species were added, the in- 3. Need More Information 114 formation base grew, and in 1971 4. Plants of Limited Distribution 449 Mr. Gankin produced CNPS’s first TOTAL 1,399 rare plant list, with 520 plants. Soon 1988, 4th Edition after, Bob Powell volunteered to 1A. Presumed Extinct in California 39 manage the rare plant records, and 1B. Rare or Endangered in California and Elsewhere 675 became chairman of CNPS’s Rare 2. R/E in California, More Common Elsewhere 177 Plant Committee of one. Mr. Powell 3. Need More Information 149 expanded the Committee into the 4. Plants of Limited Distribution 508 Rare Plant Project, staffed by vol- TOTAL 1,548 unteers, and eventually, with the hiring of a full-time staff botanist, 1994, 5th Edition the Rare Plant Program, as we know 1A. Presumed Extinct in California 34 it today, was born. 1B. Rare or Endangered in California and Elsewhere 857 Throughout its history, the 2. R/E in California, More Common Elsewhere 272 program’s primary focus has been 3. Need More Information 47 4. Plants of Limited Distribution 532 to ensure that up-to-date, credible TOTAL 1,742 information on rare plants is avail- able to support conservation and 2001, 6th Edition education. Guided by the Rare Plant 1A. Presumed Extinct in California 29 Scientific Advisory Committee for 1B. Rare or Endangered in California and Elsewhere 1021 many years, the program now relies 2. R/E in California, More Common Elsewhere 417 on a statewide network of botanists, 3. Need More Information 52 organized into seven regional 4. Plants of Limited Distribution 554 groups, to contribute new informa- TOTAL 2,073 tion and to comment on status re- 2005, January Online Version views for rare plants. 1A. Presumed Extinct in California 28 The Program’s information on 1B. Rare or Endangered in California and Elsewhere 1033 rare plants is organized in a com- 2. R/E in California, More Common Elsewhere 420 puter database and is distributed as 3. Need More Information 53 the CNPS Inventory of Rare and En- 4. Plants of Limited Distribution 556 dangered Plants of California. This is TOTAL 2,090 used throughout the state for con- servation and planning purposes.

18 FREMONTIA VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 There are also other sources of rare science-based plant conservation in plants. The number of plants in the plant information, so why is the In- California. CNPS is the state’s Inventory has since grown to 2,090 ventory so often cited as the most leader in scientific efforts focused at the time of this writing, and the valuable single source? Perhaps be- on identifying rare plants, assessing CNPS List categories have under- cause it includes all of the most their endangerment, and creating gone modifications through the important facts in one place—name, rare plant lists based on these ef- years (see Table 1 and Smith 1990 status, quad-level distribution, forts. The first public CNPS rare for more information). blooming time, threats, The Inventory com- and references—all for a puter database was made modest cost in the case of possible by Rick York’s the book, and as a free efforts to digitize the Rare service through the online Plant Program’s paper Inventory. files in the early 1980s The Inventory alone is (York et al. 1982). This an enormously valuable work was necessary not contribution, but the pro- only to remain current gram’s achievements go with technology advances, far beyond that. Over the but also to cope with an years, all of CNPS’s rare increasing number of in- plant botanists have trav- formation requests as well eled throughout the state as increased incoming to assist CNPS chapters, data. However, the Pro- state and federal agencies, gram continues to main- and many others with tain paper files of biologi- countless projects and ini- cal information on Inven- tiatives. These range from tory taxa for use by re- documenting the redis- searchers and other bota- covery of Humboldt nists. milk-vetch (Astragalus As is the case with agnicidus), once thought many books, Inventory to be extinct, to analyz- editions became outdated ing our rare plant data to soon after printing due to answer specialized ques- the dynamic nature of the tions from agencies, to data. In 1994, thanks to Cover of the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of supplying essential back- California, 6th edition, with illustration of Stebbins’s lewisia the work of Mark Skinner ground information in (Lewisia stebbinsii; illustration by L. Vorobik). Published in 2001 and others, CNPS en- support of state or fed- with David P. Tibor as convening editor. tered the world of elec- eral listings. tronic publication by re- The rare plant botanists have plant list, from 1971, pre-dated fed- leasing a computer application, the also been active in CNPS outreach, eral and state listing of threatened Electronic Inventory. Suddenly rare giving talks at agency meetings, for and endangered species. plant data became more accessible garden clubs and service organiza- In 1974, CNPS published the to those who needed it, and no tions, and at state and national sym- first edition of the Inventory, which longer depended on the costly pub- posia. In the years to come, the included 1,393 plants. In addition lication of a revised paper copy of Rare Plant Program looks forward to rarity rankings, the first edition the Inventory to be kept current. to serving CNPS members and the included distribution and flower- The subsequent online version of public even more effectively than it ing period for the state’s plants of the Inventory is now updated quar- has over the last 37 years. primary concern. This required a terly, and provides an efficient and massive amount of work by volun- inexpensive means of disseminat- teers, both professional botanist and ing data to those involved in envi- THE INVENTORY amateur plant enthusiast alike. ronmental and conservation plan- Their work represented a major step ning. For many, it has become an The fundamental purpose of the in the conservation of our flora and indispensable tool in their work. Inventory is to disseminate accurate was rewarded by an even greater The subsequent online version, biological information to facilitate public awareness of California’s rare developed in 2001 by Larry Levine

VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 FREMONTIA 19 RARE PLANT BOTANISTS OF THE CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY

NPS hired Rick York as its first rare plant ciently share rare plant C botanist in 1980, and he served until 1986. data; and working with To this day, Rick recalls his time at CNPS with Jim Nelson at DFG to fondness. Top among the things he enjoyed was develop rare plant field having the freedom to learn survey guidelines en- on the job and the satisfac- dorsed by DFG and tion of doing his best for rare CNPS (CNPS adopted species and the CNPS Rare the latest version of Plant Program. Among his these in 2001). He also numerous accomplishments worked with CNPS of- were establishing a rare plant ficers to establish a fair coordinator in each chapter; salary for the position, computerizing and publish- and encouraged partici- ing the 2nd edition of the pation in Interagency Mark Skinner served as CNPS Inventory; establishing a close Botanist meetings. botanist from 1989-1996. He working relationship with Ken Berg, who is seen here with a queenfish The Nature Conservancy served as rare plant bota- from Queensland. Mark is the and the California Natural nist from 1987 to 1989, national botanist for the Natural Heritage Program (which most enjoyed the job’s Resources Conservation Ser- vice (NRCS) and works at the later became the Department range of activities and USDA-NRCS National Plant of Fish and Game’s (DFG’s) the opportunity to work Data Center. Photograph by D. California Natural Diversity with so many dedicated Donald. Database (CNDDB); creating a positive framework plant conservationists. in which CNPS and agency botanists could effi- Whether researching the status of some obscure native plant or helping to influence a state legislator, he always Above: Rick York, first CNPS botanist, serving from 1980- marveled at the expertise and commitment of CNPS 1986. Rick now works as staff botanist in the Environmental volunteers. When he gave rare plant slide shows to Protection office at the California Energy Commission in chapters, the members “showered me with their gener- Sacramento. Photograph by L. York. • Below: Ken Berg, CNPS botanist from 1987-1989, here fishing for king salmon osity by inviting me into their homes to keep travel rather than rare plants at Neah Bay, Washington, in July, costs down. Sometimes this support and appreciation 2004. Cape Flattery and Tatoosh Island lighthouse can be left me feeling like the Society’s mascot. It was a good seen in the background. Ken is currently the manager of feeling.” While in the position, Ken converted the the Western Washington Fish and Wildlife Office, US Fish CNPS database to a more versatile software program, and Wildlife Service, in Olympia, Washington. Photograph by B. Turner. which allowed more complex searches and analyses and facilitated electronic data sharing. Dr. Mark Skinner was CNPS’s next rare plant botanist, and held the position from 1989 to 1996. He cherished the many volunteers who helped him with the rare plant work of the Society, and the graciousness of those who hosted him and shared their botanical trea- sures afield. Mark enjoyed working with many of California’s dedicated botanists and conservationists, and in particular, Mary Dedecker, who he characterized as a dignified and tenacious fighter for California’s flora. Foremost among Mark’s accomplishments was the pub- lication of the fifth edition of the Inventory which con- tained new, useful information such as life form and hundreds of new rare plants. Mark also developed the

20 FREMONTIA VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 Electronic Inventory, a query and suits, which led to the final reporting application that simpli- federal listing of over a hun- fied conservation planning. He dred plants. In addition, David served as the technical lead in the edited and supported several effort to identify and propose over successful state listing peti- a hundred rare plants for the Fed- tions. The most gratifying part eral Endangered Species Act of his job was the “chance to (FESA) listing process. That work work with so many dedicated was fulfilling to him because it volunteers to protect our represented “a monumental step beautiful and declining flora.” toward preservation for the tiny, The most recent CNPS the fragmented, and the forgot- rare plant botanist, Misa ten.” Ward, joined the program in Misa Ward, here watching winter birds along David Tibor, the Society’s the Sacramento River, began her tenure as March of 2004. Following a fourth rare plant botanist, serv- CNPS rare plant botanist in 2004. Photograph whirlwind, one-month train- ing from 1993 through 2004, as- by C. Ward. ing period with David Tibor, sisted Mark Skinner until 1996, she began coordinating a com- and then completed most of the research for the sub- prehensive reevaluation and planning process for sequent sixth edition of the Inventory, published in the program, which resulted in the formation of 2001. Decisions on plant status and ranking were ar- six ad-hoc working groups. The long-term vision rived at through consensus decision-making during a arrived at is very inclusive and emphasizes science- series of 12 regional review meetings held around the based activities, credibility, outreach, and collab- state, which David oration with other programs, agencies, and the chaired in collabora- public-at-large. Misa remains grateful for the tion with Roxanne opportunity to work for CNPS, with committed Bittman, lead botanist volunteers, and with the program’s director, Ann at CNDDB. Recog- Howald, to actualize the important goals out- nizing the need for a lined in the Program vision and continue the ex- more inclusive, cost- cellent work of her effective and timely predecessors. What review system for the she enjoys most in Inventory, he helped her new job is help- develop a continuous ing people get the review process that is information they in use today. Also in need to protect rare 2001, David served as plants, and having convening editor for the opportunity to the rare plant conser- talk botany—her vation double issue of enduring passion— Fremontia. Carrying every day. on previous efforts under FESA, he pro- Ann Howald, CNPS vided oversight on Rare Plant Program several listing law- director, during the November foray of the David Tibor was with CNPS from 1993 through 2004 starting Sonoma Mycological as an assistant to Mark Skinner and later becoming rare plant Society, a joint outing botanist. He is currently working part-time in Sacramento for with CNPS. Ann was the California Natural Diversity Database on a contract from helping the mushroom NatureServe. He left CNPS to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, and dye expert collect is seen here sitting on the US/Canada border monument at the specimens for the dye end of the 2,650 mile journey by foot, on September 29, 2004. pot. Photograph by G. Photograph by J. Manning. Hundt.

VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 FREMONTIA 21 of the North Coast Chapter, is now state, and federal agency staff, other Chapters also contribute data from updated quarterly. It provides and nonprofit organizations, conserva- their monitoring work to the In- efficient and inexpensive means of tionists, private consultants, plan- ventory. Some examples include the disseminating data to those involved ners, researchers, and resource man- Periodic Plant Watches, the Rare in environmental and conservation agers. Consultants and planners pre- Plant-a-thon at Point Reyes Na- planning. This Web version in- paring environmental documents tional Seashore, and the chapter rare cludes several useful features, in- review our data to determine the plant monitoring field trips. In ad- cluding photos, maps, search tools, potential for resource conflicts and dition, the rare plant botanist tracks and links to additional websites. develop potentials lists for botani- a variety of sources for rare plant Each quarter, the CNPS Rare Plant cal surveys. Potentials lists that can information, including scientific Program produces an updated rare be generated from the Inventory in- journals, floras, herbarium records, plant dataset, which is “published” clude rare plants likely to be found chapter rare plant coordinators’ re- on the Internet (i.e., the existing in a given region, and botanists use ports in newsletters, chapter field version is replaced with the new these lists to target rare plants in trip notes, and miscellaneous flo- one). This past spring, the Rare their surveys. Conservationists and ristic inventories. Plant Program queried users on resource managers can use the same their Inventory usage, and found that information to review these docu- all three formats—book, CD, and ments and prepare public comments THE RARE PLANT online—are actively used today. for influencing decision makers, as BOTANIST The users of Inventory data are well as to guide protection efforts varied, and include city, county, and land preserve acquisition and CNPS has long dedicated its management. efforts to developing and maintain- Below: Pygmy poppy (Canbya candida) is Plant enthusiasts use the Inven- ing information resources on Cali- a CNPS List 4 plant that is around one tory in their floristic or general field fornia’s statewide rare plants. The inch tall. This individual was photo- work, and compile region-specific maintenance of well-documented, graphed at an occurrence located west of Walker Pass in Kern County. • Bottom: sensitive plant lists. Others use it to accurate distribution information Coast yellow-linanthus (Leptosiphon find information on rare plant dis- quickly became a challenging task croceus) is known from only this one extant tribution, ecology, taxonomy, and for program volunteers to manage occurrence at Moss Beach, San Mateo blooming period. The Inventory also due to the state’s exceptionally di- County. Photographs by B. Patterson. serves the mission of CNPS by in- verse flora, the pace of develop- cluding educational materials on ment, and increased data collection rare plant protection such as state efforts. In 1980, CNPS recognized and federal plant policy guidelines the need to hire staff in order to (See CNPS 2001, Introduction). meet the demand for rare plant in- Not surprisingly, data updates formation and respond to Inven- to the Inventory are often submitted tory queries in a reasonable time by the users. CNPS members con- frame, and funded its first full-time duct botanical surveys and send their botanist. rare plant data to the program. The Rare Plant Botanist is the lead staff member responsible for implementing the priorities of the CNPS Rare Plant Program and promoting the use of plant science data in the protection of California rare plants. While the duties per- formed by this staff member have been incredibly diverse through the years (Berg and Skinner 1990), work related to the Inventory has re- mained the foremost priority of the program. This work includes the challenging task of maintaining the Inventory dataset, which now re- quires processing nearly 3,000 data sources per year—a figure that has

22 FREMONTIA VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 ing as a channel for information Plant Program’s role in compiling exchange and collaboration among and disseminating information on volunteers, agencies, conservation- rare plants is more important than ists, researchers, and other bota- ever. Not surprisingly, our 2004 nists with complementary goals or planning process identified the task useful expertise for rare plant pro- of maintaining up-to-date, scien- tection efforts. tifically credible Inventory data as Through its botanist, the Rare the number one priority for the pro- Plant Program performs outreach gram. The Inventory data will be using a variety of methods, includ- made even more valuable through ing presentations at chapter and the addition of quad-level data for professional meetings, reports to List 3 and 4 plants, a task we hope the Chapter Council on program to complete over the next two years. work, publications on CNPS ac- Improvements are also planned tivities relating to rare plants, and in how the Inventory is made avail- communication with the media. able to users, such as updating the The rare plant botanist also repre- book and computer application sents CNPS at agency meetings and forms of the Inventory more fre- Tiburon jewel-flower (Streptanthus niger) workshops, and provides support quently, and improving the search is a CNPS List 1B plant that is state and federally listed. Like many other of its for state and federal listing actions capabilities and other functions of rare congeners, this species is a serpen- and rare plant monitoring through the online Inventory. There will also tine endemic. Photograph by R. York. data contributions, testimony, or be chapter outreach activities, in- coordination (Berg and Skinner cluding regional meetings for rare more than doubled in the last 20 1990). The program also reviews plant enthusiasts that feature work- years, thanks to the efforts of bota- current and new initiatives through shops and field trips. If funding and nists throughout the state! Rare the work of committees. support become available, also on plant sites are mapped to quads, our “to do” list are a statewide sym- and incoming data are reviewed and posium on rare plants, increased verified. FUTURE DIRECTIONS support for rare plant monitoring, Other responsibilities include and the distribution of a manual on answering questions on and fulfill- As CNPS enters its fifth decade, locally rare plants. ing custom requests for Inventory California’s rare plants face new data as well as sharing CNPS rare challenges, including political and plant data files with chapters, agen- global environmental threats that REFERENCES cies, conservation staff, and local were inconceivable 40 years ago. activists. Proposed major changes Will the Endangered Species Acts Berg, K. and M. Skinner. 1990. The to the Inventory, such as adding a be gutted? How many more rare CNPS botanist is a reflection of the new species or making a nomencla- plants will global warming push to- Society. Fremontia 18(4):13–15. ture change, must be researched ward extinction? CNPS. 2001. Inventory of Rare and through literature, herbaria, and in The program’s future direction Endangered Plants of California. 6th ed. Rare Plant Scientific Advisory some cases field investigations. The is to gather and make available in- Committee, David P. Tibor, Con- botanist coordinates reviews of these formation needed to assess the im- vening Editor. Sacramento, CA. changes by collaborating with re- pacts of these changes, and plan Smith, J.P., Jr. 1990. A history of the gional review groups of botanists and implement effective responses. rare plant program and Inventory. and local experts. The program re- This means the program will strive Fremontia 18(4):9–12. lies on the excellent work of CNPS to expand its rare plant-related ini- York, R., J.P. Smith, Jr., and S. members and botanists to fill the tiatives, while continuing to pro- Cochrane. 1982. New develop- data gaps in Inventory data. vide the high quality, science-based ments in the rare plant program. In addition to Inventory-related rare plant information that so many Fremontia 9(4):11–13. work, other services provided by people rely on to protect a growing the botanist include assisting rare number of rare plants—now one- Misa Ward, California Native Plant So- plant coordinators in chapters and third of California’s native flora. ciety, 2707 K Street, Suite 1, Sacramento, any CNPS members who need help In this era of shrinking budgets CA 95816. [email protected]. Ann with rare plant work. Another im- and staff cuts for state and federal Howald, 210 Chestnut Avenue, Sonoma, portant role of this position is act- resource agencies, the CNPS Rare CA 95476. [email protected]

VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 FREMONTIA 23 Len Lindstrand III looking at Shasta snow-wreath habitat at Stein Creek, Shasta County. Photograph by J. Nelson.

SHASTA SNOW-WREATH: NEW OCCURRENCES AND HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS by Len Lindstrand III and Julie K. Nelson

hasta snow-wreath (Neviusia occurrence of a closely related plant alabamensis, of the southeastern Scliftonii) is a recently discov- in a Pacific Northwest Eocene flora United States, commonly occurs on ered shrub in the rose family. supports this hypothesis (Moore et limestone, but is also found on sand- Its discovery was first recorded in al. 2002). stone and shale substrates. Fremontia (22(3):3-10, 1993) by The initial species discovery and The California Department of Taylor, Ertter, and Shevock. The the subsequent two populations Fish and Game’s California Natu- species is endemic to northern Cali- found were on limestone substrates ral Diversity Database and the In- fornia, occurring in the vicinity of (Shevock et al. 1992). Shasta snow- ventory of Rare and Endangered Plants Lake Shasta, Shasta County. The wreath was therefore thought to rep- of California contain records of ten environmental conditions and geo- resent a limestone endemic species, known Shasta snow-wreath loca- graphic isolation of the species sug- and is described in The Jepson Manual tions (excluding the new locations gest that it is a remnant plant of an as a species occurring in habitats discussed in this article). Habitat old, formerly more widespread ge- associated with limestone rock for- information reported for these ten nus (Shevock et al. 1992). A fossil mations. Its closest relative, Neviusia previously known locations indi-

24 FREMONTIA VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 The result was a map of the distri- bution of Shasta snow-wreath oc- currences by geo- logic map unit and general geologic type (Figure 1). Similarly, we in- tersected the same Shasta snow- wreath location shapefile with a digital Order 3 soil survey of the area,

Above right: Lime- stone outcrop Shasta Non-limestone Shasta snow-wreath habitat at Blue Ridge, Shasta County. Photograph snow-wreath habitat by L. Lindstrand III. near Low Pass Creek, Shasta County. Right cates that eight (80%) occur within forests, but also in foothill pine- and below: Shasta habitats associated with limestone blue oak woodland habitat. The snow wreath speci- rock formations. plant occurrences range in size from men and photo- graph from Low Most of those initial ten dis- several plants in a relatively small Pass Creek, Shasta coveries occurred during the year area, to dense stands consisting of County. Photographs following the initial type locality thousands of plants blanketing both by J. Nelson. discovery and publication of the sides of a stream corridor for at species name, when a group explo- least a quarter mile. Of these seven ration effort to find more Shasta new localities, only one appeared to snow-wreath occurrences started represent limestone substrate, typi- by selecting other limestone areas cal of limestone outcrop areas where near Lake Shasta as potentially suit- Shasta snow-wreath has previously able habitat for the search parties been found. It became apparent that to visit. Given that starting assump- Shasta snow-wreath was not the tion, it’s not surprising that the limestone endemic, or near en- Shasta snow-wreath occurrences demic, once thought. found during this effort were on limestone or near limestone. LOCATION ANALYSIS

NEW DISCOVERIES To confirm our theory, we per- formed an analysis using Geo- Subsequent observations of graphic Information System (GIS) Neviusia cliftonii in the Lake Shasta of all known Shasta snow-wreath area have shown that this Califor- occurrences in order to quantify the nia species, like its southeastern rela- distribution of occurrences on lime- tive N. alabamensis, regularly occurs stone and non-limestone substrates. on soils of non-limestone origin. We extracted all ten previously During field investigations in 2003 documented occurrences to a GIS and 2004, we discovered seven new shapefile (which is like a digital map Shasta snow-wreath locations in the overlay) as point data. Then, we vicinity of Lake Shasta. These loca- added our seven new locations to tions occur primarily along drain- this shapefile. The shapefile was ages in dense, shady montane hard- then intersected with a digital geol- wood-conifer and ponderosa pine ogy map of the Lake Shasta area.

VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 FREMONTIA 25 ring in non-limestone habitats (Fig- ure 2). These seven new Shasta snow-wreath discoveries have nearly doubled the number of known lo- cations. Additionally, these new Shasta snow-wreath discoveries show that nearly one-half (47%) of the known species locations occur in habitats not associated with lime- stone rock formations.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank the US Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region office for their support. We also thank North State Resources, Inc. staff members Fred Levitan, who conducted the GIS analysis, and biologists Heather Kelly and Karen Youngblood for their assistance in the field.

REFERENCES

CNPS. 2001. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California. 6th ed. Rare Plant Scientific Advisory Committee, David P. Tibor, Con- vening Editor. Sacramento, CA. Ertter, B. 1993. What is snow-wreath doing in California? Fremontia 22(3): 4–7. Shevock, J.R. 1993. How rare is the Shasta snow-wreath? Fremontia 22(3):7–10. Shevock, J.R., B. Ertter, and D.W. Taylor. 1992. Neviusia cliftonii (Ro- Top: Distribution of Shasta snow-wreath occurrences by general geologic type. Bottom: Relative Shasta snow-wreath occurrence, population size, and distribution on and off saceae: Kerriae), An intriguing new limestone. Maps courtesy of North State Resources, Inc. species from California. Novon 2: 285-289. and produced a map of the distri- rock. In fact, after adding these new Taylor, D.W. 1993. A new discovery in California. Fremontia 22(3):3–4. bution of Shasta snow-wreath oc- sites, the now seventeen known Moore, S.M., M.L. DeVore, K.B. currences by Order 3 soil type. Shasta snow-wreath occurrences Pigg, and W.C. Wehr. 2002. Fossil include just nine intersecting the Neviusia (Rosaceae) from the mapped extent of limestone bed- Middle Eocene of Princton, BC, WHAT WE KNOW rock or immediately adjacent to or Canada. Georgia Journal of Science NOW downstream of limestone outcrops, 60(1). where there is a high likelihood that The GIS analysis confirmed gravity or water transported lime- Len Lindstrand III, 5000 Bechelli Lane, what we suspected. Of our seven stone substrate is present. That Suite 203 Redding, CA 96002. lindstrand new Shasta snow-wreath discovery leaves eight Shasta snow-wreath lo- @nsrnet.com • Julie Kierstead Nelson, locations, only one intersected the cations, including four of the five 3644 Avtech Parkway, Redding, CA mapped extent of limestone bed- most extensive populations, occur- 96002. [email protected]

26 FREMONTIA VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 GROWING NATIVES: BEACH SALTBUSH by David C. Fross

or a number of years some of dular stems of Atriplex leucophylla. Horticultural information in The Fmy work required hours of Flood and surf-fractured mounds Jepson Manual recommends we “try” walking in California’s largest remained in place of the large hum- this perennial. Their elegant gray remaining coastal dune complex, the mocks, exposing tangled webs of forms certainly suggest a place in Guadalupe-Pismo Dunes. Much of taproots and stems. These broken the garden. Yet my attempts at this time was spent searching for forms revealed the intricate inter- growing it in both the garden and seeds or cuttings of different spe- nal structure of this maritime en- nursery have not been promising. cies required to satisfy contract ob- demic found the length of the Cali- Perhaps the delicate rose-colored ligations for the restoration efforts fornia coast. Gathering sand as they stems and cascading habit could that still continue in many areas of creep along the surface of the beach, be featured falling over the edge the dunes. These collecting trips saltbush and other foredune spe- of a dark colored container. Salty had specific purpose and were usu- cies such as beach sand verbena soils, beach homes, and succulent ally physically demanding, but in (Abronia maritima), beach-bur (Am- borders might offer other garden such a wildly sensual landscape both brosia chamissonis), and beach evening possibilities, but I doubt beach salt- physical demand and purpose are primrose (Camissonia cheiranthifolia) bush will be finding its way to local easily forgotten. form the pioneer dune complexes retail nurseries. Some of our most The intention of a walk one win- that break and channel the wind. enduring native species refuse the ter morning was the seed of surf Combined with a remarkable envi- garden with what seems like deter- saltbush (Atriplex leucophylla), grow- ronmental tolerance of salt spray, mination, as if our attention and ing in gray hummocks just beyond wind and recurring inundation by care were an insult. the high tide line. I had planned to seawater, these plants are able to arrive before the winds, high tide, hold a place, form small hillocks, David C. Fross, 379 El Campo Rd., and heavy rain forecast that after- and begin the process necessary for Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. dfross@ noon had removed the seed found a stable dune complex. nativeson.com in sand pockets at the base of the hummocks. Crossing the dunes to- Beach saltbush in its native habitat at Pismo Beach. Photograph by D. Fross. Inset: ward the beach, the horizon to the Close-up of beach salt bush. Photograph by D. Myrick, courtesy of the UC Regents west was unsettling, almost fright- and the University and Jepson Herbaria, UC, Berkeley. ening in its darkness. Gulls, strug- gling in the wind, appeared as if catapulted across the sky. Dropping off the seaward face of the dunes it became difficult to walk or see, sand and salt spray flying across the ex- posed beach. As I moved toward the large group of Atriplex growing near the mouth of Oso Flaco creek, a strong storm tide washed up the beach and took a portion of the hummocks in a few powerful surges. The seaward plants first appeared to melt and were then torn apart in successive waves. Oso Flaco creek turned north in a flooding storm some weeks later and in its new channel took most of the remaining Atriplex with it to the sea. Among the flood debris scattered on the beach were the dense white-scaly leaves and glan-

VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 FREMONTIA 27 TONI FAUVER: 1937-2004 by Julie Carville

e are sad to report that the Northern Sierra Toni Fauver, our friend opened up the won- Wand gentle lover of wild- ders of the back- flowers, passed away in August. country wildflowers Toni inspired so many as she shared to many. her passion for wildflowers through Toni was born her teaching, writing and the hikes into a family with she led to the magical places in the deep roots in Cali- Bay Area, the Swiss Alps, and here fornia—her ances- in the Sierra foothills and high coun- try can be traced all try. Toni had long loved wildflow- the way back to Juan ers and, after receiving a degree Bautista de Anza, the from UC Berkeley in the Conser- Spanish explorer and vation of Natural Resources, went founder of the San on to lecture, lead walks, and vol- Francisco Presidio. unteer at countless garden clubs. Her great uncle, Her books, Wildflower Walks and Gustav Eisen, suc- Roads of the Sierra Gold Country and cessfully advocated Wildflower Walking in Lakes Basin of the creation of Se- quoia National Park and was honored by having 12,160-foot Mt. Eisen, located in Sequoia National Park, named after him. She continued with the family tra- dition in her work and as an active sup- porter of the Cali- fornia Native Plant Society and other environmental orga- Toni Fauver enjoying one of her favorite activites, back- nizations. packing in the Sierra Nevada. Most recently she designed and supervised the She is survived by her husband native plant landscaping at the of 34 years, Richard, her son, Rich- Thunderbird Lodge, an historic ard, her daughter, Jeanne, and three landmark mansion on the east shore grandsons. All who knew Toni will of Lake Tahoe. In 1994 she re- always remember and cherish her ceived the Horticultural Award beauty and grace and the gifts she from the Garden Clubs of America, gave to us all through her love of and 2002 she was honored with the wildflowers. William Penn Mott, Jr. Environ- mental Award for her fine work over Julie Carville, (530) 265-4741. mtngypsy the years. @infostations.com

Left: Toni Fauver with Susan D’Alcamo, identifying plants for the annual Oakland Wildflower show, 1998. • Opposite page: Toni Fauver with Roy West at the 1993 Oakland Wildflower show. Photographs courtesy of R. Fauver.

28 FREMONTIA VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 MEMORIES OF TONI

Toni gave flower chasers a sion to discern that life was good, Big Springs Garden when sud- lasting gift when she wrote her Toni would soon pull out a wadded denly the entire group broke into book Wildflower Walks and Roads paper or bag and gently unfold it to song, their voices echoing of the Sierra Gold Country. This present one of her most recent wild- through the woods. A little fur- friendly guidebook introduced flower finds from her journey. As ther along one of her friends us to dozens of natural areas in we poured over the sample, we stopped by the rushing stream the Sierra foothills. Drum Pow- would compare our experiences and said to us all “now we’ll lis- erhouse Road was one of those with the plant. She shared her bo- ten to the symphony.” gems. Toni described the road tanical information and I com- Still further, a sunlit glade as “seven florific miles.” I drove mented on its horticultural applica- where spring water nourishes the there with a friend for the first tions or response to captivity. moss we all had a great laugh time in early spring, clutching In this world it is rare to con- when Toni “discovered” a rare Toni’s book, following the di- nect so freely with others on emo- wild orchid that had been planted rections from Dutch Flat, and tional levels that we do not under- there to trick her. No one ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the stand nor can we explain. Toni was laughed harder at the hoax than masses of Dicentra formosa one of those free spirits who Toni. And then, at Paradise (“What was that? Stop!!!”). We touched many this way. I have Pond, the group dangled their spent the whole day admiring missed her visits, but I am content feet in the cold spring pond, ser- the flower-strewn cliffs, the to hold their memories. I have com- enading each other and nature views of the Bear River below, fort in knowing it will be a good with their joy. and following Toni’s footsteps day in paradise because Toni has When I heard of Toni’s pass- along the road. arrived. ing, it was to these places that I Karen Callahan Marcia Braga returned. The spirit of Toni was Photographer Sierra College Instructor and there and always will be. When owner of Far Star Nursery we walk these trails Toni will be I knew it would be a good walking with us and showing us day at the nursery whenever All walks with Toni were spe- ways to feel the joy of nature. Toni Fauver arrived. She occa- cial, but there was one I shall always Don Phillips sionally stopped by on her way remember. Toni was leading a Big Springs Gardens home to the Bay Area from her group up along Founders Way in research treks in the Among my memo- mountains. Her visits ries of time with Toni is often found Melanie a sunny spring day in and I in the midst of our Bidwell Park, near containerized, green Chico, on a wildflower and wild charges. The hike led by Toni. The breaks from weeding, California native flowers watering, or potting were putting on a show were most welcome. and everyone in the She would approach group was sharing their with a broad smile, her enthusiasm. Toni asked bright eyes twinkling, for a few moments of si- and gift us with a warm lence and then invited hug. As we’d saunter to us to listen with her to a shaded resting spot I’d the song of a Canyon anticipate the camarade- Wren reaching us from rie and laughter we’d below the trail. Thank share for the next few you, Toni. hours. Nancy Bascom After a short discus- Redbud Chapter

VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 FREMONTIA 29 DR. ELIZABETH MCCLINTOCK: 1912-2004 by Barbara M. Pitschel

e are sad to report the ing the literature on the relative tions, Elizabeth co-authored two Wloss of one of our most toxicity of poisonous plants culti- editions of A Flora of the San Bruno respected Yerba Buena vated in the state. Mountains. She was awarded the Sil- Chapter members and one of the Elizabeth relocated to the Bay ver Medal of the Massachusetts great luminaries of the botany of Area around 1949 to work as a cu- Horticultural Society in 1977, the California and beyond, Dr. Eliza- rator in the Botany Department of Liberty Hyde Bailey Gold Medal beth McClintock. On October 19, the California Academy of Sciences by the American Horticultural So- at the age of 92, Elizabeth died until her retirement in 1977. After ciety in 1986, and the prestigious peacefully at Hanna House in Santa her retirement, she continued her Gold Veitch Memorial Medal in Rosa, where she has lived near her work as a research associate at the 2000. This highest award issued to beloved Sebastopol relatives for the Herbaria of the University of Cali- a non-British citizen by the Royal past few years. fornia, Berkeley. Elizabeth was a Horticultural Society recognizes in- Elizabeth was born in Los An- founding board member of the dividuals who have worked to ad- geles in 1912, and grew up in the Strybing Arboretum Society, served vance the science and practice of vicinity of San Jacinto Mountain, as editor of the Journal of the Cali- horticulture. Elizabeth was a long- where she had her first opportunity fornia Horticultural Society from time member of the Society of to observe and appreciate nature. 1945 to 1975, and was associate Women Geographers and the In- (Her mother’s and sister’s paint- editor of Pacific Horticulture from ternational Dendrology Society, as ings of the area reveal its obvious 1976 until 2000. Her 25 years of well as numerous other organiza- appeal.) Elizabeth earned her BA Pacific Horticulture columns about tions. She was named a CNPS Fel- and MA from UCLA, and received the trees of Golden Gate Park were low in 1980. Elizabeth’s contacts in a PhD in botany from the Univer- compiled into a book published in the botanical world were legion. sity of Michigan. She was one of a 2001. Among her many publica- Among her most significant local minority of women who victories we can count sought a doctorate in the Elizabeth McClintock, author of A Flora of the San Bruno her successful 1960s field of botany, and she Mountains. She is seen here speaking at a rally to stop massive battle to defeat the Pan- was an inspiration to the development of the saddle area of San Bruno Mountain in the handle Freeway and her early 1970s. The campaign was successful and the saddle became many young women who the heart of the present-day State and County Park. Photograph efforts to defend the rare have followed in her foot- courtesy of San Bruno Mountain Watch. dune tansy. steps. Her thesis was a We will miss the well-respected mono- friendship, the expertise, graph of the genus Hy- the support, and the com- drangea. Elizabeth special- panionship of our dear ized in the taxonomy of friend Elizabeth, but I seed plants and the distri- think we can say, without bution of flowering plants, reservation, that she fully especially California na- lived and completed her tives. She was particularly exemplary life. Now she recognized for her untir- is due for a well-earned ing efforts to legitimize rest. We will always re- the botany, botanical no- member her with affec- menclature, and cultivar tion. She leaves a gap in registration of mediter- our lives, but her signifi- ranean climate plants cul- cant work will ensure her tivated in California. She immortality. worked tirelessly for the conservation of native Barbara M. Pitschel, 99 species, documenting the Ellsworth Street, San Fran- spread of invasive plants cisco, CA 94110. bpandrp in California, and compil- @peoplepc.com

30 FREMONTIA VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

COPYING UNCOMMON NAMES? Finally, some delightful common FREMONTIA names have regrettably fallen into dis- TO FRIENDS In the club moss (not club-moss) use. Escobita (little brush or little article in the October 2004 [Fremontia beard) has been replaced by purple Earlier this month I returned a tele- Volume 32, No. 4] issue you follow owl’s clover and, although California phone message a Berkeley gardening The Jepson Manual (TJM) usage on poppy is a good name for our state cooperative had left and discovered common names, which is plain mis- flower, the loss of copa de oro should that Fremontia has gained a reputation guided and at variance with other or- be lamented. beyond the membership of CNPS. I ganizations and publications. Com- Jake Sigg assumed the call was for the chapter’s mon names are not imposed from Yerba Buena Chapter field trip information, since I usually above; they are names that are com- receive one or two such calls per monly used, whether they are appro- From the Editor: Selecting a common month. Instead, the woman on the priate or not, and they vary from one name is a challenge for many reasons, some telephone told me she had heard of place to another. TJM is an authority elucidated by Jake in his letter. As editor I articles and lists of native plant spe- on scientific names only, not common defer to the author’s choice of common cies visited by pollinating insects names, for which you consult the dic- name, and try to use that name consis- [Fremontia special double issue on tionary. TJM usage is also a little silly; tently throughout their article. If I don’t plants and insects, Volume 30, Nos. 3 for example, besides hyphenating club know the common name and none is pro- & 4], and she wanted to locate the in- moss, TJM insists on hyphenating vided, I may use the common name from formation so that her cooperative Douglas fir and Cape ivy. (I’m unsure The Jepson Manual or other state flora. could try planting one or more of the of the reason, but I think it’s some- species near their garden rows. I di- thing like signaling the fact that the rected her (correctly, I hope) to the plant not a true moss, fir, or ivy.) The REVEGETATION publications link on the state chap- compulsion to standardize and ho- ter website, where she was going to mogenize everything should be re- It is so good to have “feel good” ar- request that back issue, and maybe sisted; by its nature, common name ticles like Pete Holloran’s, “Finding a more. usage is slightly chaotic. Sense of Place,” [Fremontia special is- After I read my own copies of Fre- Two related matters are the coin- sue on stewardship, Volume 32, No. montia, I forwarded issues with articles ing of “common names” for plants that 3] but it might have been a very ap- on Phytopthora (sudden oak death) don’t have any, and the coining of propriate place to mention or discuss [Fremontia Volume 30, No. 1] and li- names for plants that already have when planting isn’t appropriate. I am chens to my sister in Massachusetts, long-accepted common names. In the thinking about Inspiration Point in the who likes to have the information on latter category: Bromus tectorum has Presidio, where perhaps two acres of hand when she visits California. I must been known as cheat grass all over the top soil were removed in order to re- also confess to some small-time piracy, west for well over a century, and that plant the area with natives, and then since I photocopied several of the ar- name is colorful and redolent of his- the serpentine rock surface was ticles in the taxonomy update [Fre- tory. For some reason, academics have planted with Presidio nursery plants. montia Volume 30, No. 2], and sent coined the “common name” downy It now looks nothing like the rich them to interested layfolks who, like brome, and it has found its way into grassland habitat where Clarkia me, try to follow the voluminous name the literature. This is not helpful, can franciscana once grew. To add to the changes. lead to confusion, and, worse, is col- impact on the native ecosystem, a plas- Thanks for putting all of this infor- orless and un-resonant. Similarly, tic drain was put in to shunt water off mation that is either missed or mis- Lawson cypress was coined to supplant the serpentine area. The high water reported in the general press. the historical and popular Port Orford table and seeps with wetland plants are Janet Gawthrop cedar, Garry oak for Oregon oak, and an essential element of the unique bulb East Bay Chapter so on. and rare plant community at Inspira- Examples of assigning vernacular tion Point. Researchers at UC Davis From the Editor: I highly encourage copy- names to plants lacking them are such have been studying richly diverse ser- ing Fremontia issues and spreading the tortured absurdities as caper-fruited pentine sites in the north bay and else- information to anyone you think might tropidocarpum for Tropidocarpum where and have found that year-round be interested. Issues through 2004 are capparideum, intermediate platycarpos water resources, no matter how small, being posted to the cnps website: for Lupinus subvexus. These occur in are always found at such sites. www.cnps.org, under “Publication,” the CNPS Inventory of rare plants, pre- I also would be very encouraged to then “Fremontia.” Or, consider giving a sumably because the US Fish and see all revegetation projects take into gift subscription (membership form is on Wildlife Service requires a “common consideration the ideas presented by the inside back cover). name.” Ugh. Bart O’Brien regarding the possible

VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 FREMONTIA 31 contamination of soils and ecosys- of California plants, I found Michelle follow-up article indicating which tems when nursery plantings are in- Steven’s two articles in the October uses are supported by current medi- troduced into natural areas [Fremontia Fremontia [Volume 32, No. 4] of great cal practice. Volume 29 No. 1: “Conservation and interest. Kenneth M. Stocking gardening: An overview of the conse- However, I believe that unfortu- Emeritus Professor of Botany quences of growing California native nately the wetland plants article con- Sonoma State University plants”]. tains one serious flaw: in the discus- Sue Smith sion on pages 12 and 13 statements From the Editor: The material Professor Yerba Buena Chapter about uses of some of these plants are Stocking refers to is prefaced with “The based on fact and some are apparently following information is a generalized based on traditions which extend from synthesis . . . ” and is not intended as a CONSUME WITH 16th century herbalists to 21st cen- guide for using any of the plants for medi- CARE tury curanderos and witch doctors. cine or food. I would welcome any more Poorly informed people might be se- in-depth articles about this subject, and As one who has taught hundreds of riously misled by some of these state- thank Professor Stocking for his impor- students about Native American uses ments. I suggest that you do a short tant warning.

BOOK REVIEW

Theodore Payne in His Own Modjeska Ranch in the Gay Nineties. “Who’s Who” in his profession. A few Words: A Voice for California Na- This portion of the book chronicles mentioned in the text are Frederick tive Plants, compiled and edited by his youth as groundskeeper at the Law Olmsted, Ralph Cornell, Hugh Elizabeth Pomeroy. 2004. Many home of Polish actress and opera Evans, Kate Sessions, Susanna Bixby Moons Press, Pasadena, California. singer, Helen Modjeska, who resided Bryant, Dr. Carl Wolfe, and Dr. 224 pages. Paperback. Price $16.95. in what is now “bustling” Orange Francesco Franceschi. “When I first came to California, County, California. Payne, for the Payne’s influence on those around what impressed me perhaps more than most part, is a rather formal tale-teller him clearly inspired further efforts anything else was the wonderful na- who objectively documents the harsh toward conservation and education. tive flora. But as the years went by it existence for those living during that Some of Payne’s original native land- was with deep regret that I saw the period. However, Payne engages the scapes—which he designed as well as wild flowers so rapidly disappearing reader with his colorful depictions of propagated plants for—include many from the landscape. I made up my the characters that “. . . would just as prominent educational facilities still in mind that I would try to do something soon kill you as not,” who parade existence today, including the Santa to awaken a greater interest in the na- through Modjeska Ranch and Barbara Botanic Garden, Rancho tive flora. Thus it was that I began to through his life. Payne’s inherent in- Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Exposition specialize in the growing of wild flow- terest in the natural surroundings Park, Cal Tech, Descanso Gardens, ers and native plants.” along with plant descriptions and To rrey Pines State Park, Pomona Col- Just before the turn of the century, identifications add another wonder- lege, and Occidental College. His pri- the 19th century that is, Theodore ful level of interest as well as a re- vate landscapes were scattered widely Payne arrived in southern California, minder of southern California’s hum- through the San Fernando Valley in having been apprenticed in England ble beginnings. Pasadena, Hollywood, and Beverly in the nursery and seed trade. Early “Adventures Among the Southern Hills, and north to Ojai and Santa on in his career here he recognized the California Plants,” the following sec- Barbara. Concluding this section, in value of California’s botanical bounty, tion, primarily features descriptions of his own words, Payne summarizes the and made an impassioned commit- his post-Modjeska experience as he highlights of his professional life with ment to promote and preserve native tours Santa Barbara south to the bor- a listing of enviable awards and com- flora. Payne campaigned to bring na- der. Once again, Payne’s characteriza- mendations. The book fittingly ends tive plants into gardens, and became tion of early southern California land- with a lovely acknowledgement to an expert at cultivating and propagat- scapes stand in shocking contrast to Payne by Frances Liau, past-president ing approximately 400 native species. today’s urban visions—how much has of the Theodore Payne Foundation Even in the early 1900s he realized changed in this short lifetime. and Nursery, an organization dedi- that land development was critically “A Brief History in Horticulture” cated to fulfilling its namesake’s last- hastening the demise of wilderness. documents Payne’s involvement with ing legacy to “. . . promote, preserve Theodore Payne in His Own Words: A celebrated botanists, horticulturists, and restore California native land- Voice for California Native Plants is a and landscape architects of the day, scapes and habitats.” compilation of Payne’s writings, in- along with details of several notable Melanie Keeley cluding the out-of-print Life on the projects. His associates are a veritable Alta Peak Chapter

32 FREMONTIA VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 Please Join Today! CNPS member gifts allows us to promote and protect California’s native plants and their habitats. Gifts are tax-deductible minus the $12 of the total gift which goes toward publication of Fremontia and the CNPS Bulletin.

❏ $20 Limited Income ❏ $35 Individual ❏ $45 Family/International ❏ $75 Supporting ❏ $100 Plant Lover ❏ $250 Patron ❏ $500 Benefactor ❏ $1,000 Mariposa Lily

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MATERIALS FOR PUBLICATION Members and others are invited to submit material for publication in Fremontia. Instructions for contributors can be found on the CNPS website, www.cnps.org, or can be requested from Fremontia Editor, Linda Ann Vorobik, [email protected], or c/o University and Jepson Herbaria, 1001 Valley Life Sciences Bldg. #2465, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-2465. 2005 Jepson Herbarium Weekend Workshops Still Have Space! Painting Coastal Wildflowers (Bodega Bay): April 28–May 1 Taxonomy: Boraginaceae (Owen’s Valley): May 6–8 FREMONTIA EDITORIAL Taxonomy: Poaceae (Berkeley): May 14–15 ADVISORY BOARD Flora of Eureka Dunes/Inyo Mtns (Northern Death Valley): May 12–15 Susan D’Alcamo, Ellen Dean, Flora of Spring Mountains (S. Nevada): June 2–5 Kathleen Dickey, Phyllis M. Taxonomy: Salix (Sequoia/Kings Cyn NP): July 15–17 or 19–21 Faber, Holly Forbes, Pam Introduction to Sierran Wildflowers: July 28–31 Muick, Bart O’Brien, John Saw- Taxonomy: Aquatic Plants: August 20–21 yer, Jim Shevock, Teresa Sholars, Taxonomy: Compositae: August 27–28 Nevin Smith, Dieter Wilken, Workshop detailed descriptions and registration can be found at: John Willoughby, Carol W. http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/jepwkshp.html Witham, Darrell Wright Contact: Cynthia Perrine, [email protected] or (510) 643-7008

VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005 FREMONTIAFREMONTIA 3 FROM THE EDITOR

pring is here, the coast, valleys, ity at the state level. Peigi Duvall, by Len Lindstrand III and Julie K. Sfoothills, and deserts are in author of the Horticulture Program Nelson. Thoughts on gardening bloom, and California Native article, is the new director of this with beach salt-bush are eloquently Plant Society members are explor- Program, and has enough inspira- presented by David Fross, and trib- ing the delights of nature renewed. tion and energy to make great things utes to Toni Fauver and Elizabeth After a day in field or garden, enjoy happen. Misa Ward (rare plant McClintock are provided by Julie some armchair botanical treats with botanist) and Ann Howald (Rare Carville and Barbara M. Pitschel, this Fremontia issue, the second of Plant Program director) are equally respectively. four in a series which celebrate the enthused and energized. They pro- Here’s hoping that you, the Society’s 40th year. As in the Janu- vide an overview of this program, as reader, can pay the best tribute to ary 2005 Fremontia, this issue be- well as a history and look at those Toni and Elizabeth by taking plenty gins with a series on local chapters, botanists who built the program into of time to enjoy this spring’s splen- this time sampled from the middle- one of the best in the nation. dors, and while there, passing a smile south part of the state. The issue also includes an up- to all fellow wildflower lovers that The next two articles, on the date of the endemic Shasta snow- have gone before. Horticulture and Rare Plant pro- wreath (Neviusia cliftonii), once Linda Ann Vorobik grams respectively, highlight activ- thought to be a limestone endemic, Fremontia Editor CONTRIBUTORS

Julie Carville is the author of Hiking Tahoe’s Wildflower Trails. Peigi Duvall is a certified horticulturalist and with her own

native landscape design business and director of the Cali-

Address Service Requested Service Address

Sacramento, CA 95816-5113 CA Sacramento, 2707 K Street, Suite 1 Suite Street, K 2707 fornia Native Plant Society (CNPS) Horticulture Program. Society Plant Native California David C. Fross teaches horticulture at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and is president of Native Sons Wholesale Nurs- ery. Ann Howald is the Rare Plant Program director for CNPS and senior botanist for Garcia and Associates, an environ- mental consulting firm. Lori Hubbart worked at the Yerba Buena native plant nur- sery for seven years, was CNPS state president from 1996- 1998, and now resides on the Mendocino coast, where she is conservation chair for the Dorothy King Young Chapter. Julie Kierstead Nelson is the forest botanist for the Shasta- Trinity National Forest in northern California and co-edi- tor of Selected Rare Plants of Northern California. Mike Koslosky is supervising naturalist for the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District. He manages Sulphur Creek Nature Center and Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center. Len Lindstrand III is a fisheries/wildlife biologist and project manager for North State Resources, Inc., in

Redding. Postage U.S.

Nonprofit Org. Nonprofit

Permit # 3729 # Permit Oakland, CA Oakland,

Barbara M. Pitschel is the CNPS Yerba Buena Chapter PAID newsletter editor and program co-chair, and head librarian of San Francisco Botanical Garden Society’s Helen Crocker Russell Library. Misa Ward is CNPS rare plant botanist and a member of the Sacramento Valley Chapter.

4 FREMONTIA VOLUME 33:2, APRIL 2005