A Self--Guided Tour

SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

A SELF--GUIDED TOUR

School of Social Sciences SONOMA- Department of Environmental Studies and Planning STATE UNIVERSITY . .

A self-guided tour

Written by:

Kenneth M. Stocking Professor ·Emeritus, Environmental Studies and Planning

Robert J. Sherman, Professor of Biology

Karen Tillinghast, Lead Gardener, Landscape Services

1st Revision, 1997, by Brian King and Karen Tillinghast

2nd Revision, 2006, by Katherine Musick and Karen Tillinghast ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS

Our appreciation and thanks to the students, staff, and faculty from Environmental Studies and Planning and Biology who have contributed in many ways toward the development of the garden. Introduction ...... iv Concept of the Garden ...... iv

Special thanks to the following: Layout of the Garden...... v John Bond, Director of Plant Operations, Retired A. Oak Woodland...... 1 William Mabry, Director of Plant Operations, Retired B. Yellow Pine Forest ...... 4 George Smith, Superintendent of Grounds, Retired C. Douglas-Fir Forest ...... 7 Sam Youney, Superintendent of Grounds D. Mixed Evergreen...... 8 E. Grassland ...... 10 Organizations that have contributed time, effort, and plant specimens include: F. Chaparral ...... 12 California Flora Nursery G. Redwood Forest ...... 15 California Native Plant Society, Milo Baker Chapter H. Riparian...... 18

Circuit Rider Productions, Tree Project I. North Coast Coniferous Forest...... 22 Rohnert Park Garden Club J. Closed-Cone Pine Forest ...... 24 Santa Rosa Garden Club K. Wetland ...... 26 Saratoga Horticulture Foundation L. Oak Savannah ...... 29 M. Vernal Pool ...... 30

Organizations that have contributed funding include: Bibliography ...... 31 California Horticultural Society-1996 Butterfly Garden Trail, 1992 Trail Guide Funding

Santa Rosa Women's Garden Club-1994 P.E.T.A.L.S. Grant

SSU Enterprises-1989 Special Planting Section

Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust-1985 Original trail construction and publication of Trail Guide, 1st edition.

iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS

Organizations that have contributed funding include: Bibliography ...... 31 California Horticultural Society-1996 Butterfly Garden Trail, 1992 Trail Guide Funding

Santa Rosa Women's Garden Club-1994 P.E.T.A.L.S. Grant

SSU Enterprises-1989 Special Planting Section

Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust-1985 Original trail construction and publication of Trail Guide, 1st edition.

iii • INTRODUCTION Welcome to our Native Plant Garden. • The Garden is an ongoing project of the students, faculty, and grounds staff of Sonoma State University. When we moved to the campus in 1966, the four acre garden site was an open field bordered on the north by the creek. There were many native arroyo, red, and sandbar willows • and some buckeyes and maples along the creek. Crowding in upon them were masses of the non-native Himalaya blackberries, fennel, and poison hemlock. In the open fields were many weedy species including wild oats, bindweed, bristly ox-tongue, and the occasional coyote • brush, a native species. The garden was started in the winter of 1973- 74. Much of the planting was done on the local • adobe soil but large amounts of specialized rock were trucked in from appropriate sources to help simulate native substrate. The oak woodland, serpentine, and most of the chaparral • communities contain this imported material. Many of our larger trees and shrubs were planted from one-gallon cans during the first winter. • Records of planting and their successes and failures are being kept. • CONCEPT OF THE GARDEN The Native Plant Garden is designed to demonstrate the concept of plant communities and to identify a number of the species found in each. Our garden is grouped into 12 plant communi • ties as identified in A California Flora, Munz, 1968. A plant community is a group of plants, all integrated in a particular ecosystem, and usually • dominated by one or a few species. The dominant species are the most successful competitors for such things as light, nutrients, and water. They are, therefore, usually the most abundant and • generally the tallest plants in the community. All plant communities are products of interacting factors which make up an ecosystem: climate, • soil type, geologic features, depth of groundwater, topography, microorganisms, and animals . Starting with these basic influences, distinct plant communities evolve. The communities you see today in the Garden are in most cases not mature enough to • represent their ultimate development. Use your imagination to project their development in to • the future; then return to the Garden periodically to see how each community has progressed.

iv v • INTRODUCTION Welcome to our Native Plant Garden. • The Garden is an ongoing project of the students, faculty, and grounds staff of Sonoma State University. When we moved to the campus in 1966, the four acre garden site was an open field bordered on the north by the creek. There were many native arroyo, red, and sandbar willows • and some buckeyes and maples along the creek. Crowding in upon them were masses of the non-native Himalaya blackberries, fennel, and poison hemlock. In the open fields were many weedy species including wild oats, bindweed, bristly ox-tongue, and the occasional coyote • brush, a native species. The garden was started in the winter of 1973- 74. Much of the planting was done on the local • adobe soil but large amounts of specialized rock were trucked in from appropriate sources to help simulate native substrate. The oak woodland, serpentine, and most of the chaparral • communities contain this imported material. Many of our larger trees and shrubs were planted from one-gallon cans during the first winter. • Records of planting and their successes and failures are being kept. • CONCEPT OF THE GARDEN The Native Plant Garden is designed to demonstrate the concept of plant communities and to identify a number of the species found in each. Our garden is grouped into 12 plant communi • ties as identified in A California Flora, Munz, 1968. A plant community is a group of plants, all integrated in a particular ecosystem, and usually • dominated by one or a few species. The dominant species are the most successful competitors for such things as light, nutrients, and water. They are, therefore, usually the most abundant and • generally the tallest plants in the community. All plant communities are products of interacting factors which make up an ecosystem: climate, • soil type, geologic features, depth of groundwater, topography, microorganisms, and animals . Starting with these basic influences, distinct plant communities evolve. The communities you see today in the Garden are in most cases not mature enough to • represent their ultimate development. Use your imagination to project their development in to • the future; then return to the Garden periodically to see how each community has progressed.

iv v Pagel LAYOUT OF THE GARDEN • A. OAK WOODLAND As the map indicates, the Garden is located east of the lake and north of the physical education Oak Woodland communities are found in the low and mid elevations of the Coast Ranges and in complex and nearby parking lots. Visitors may start the self-guided tour at the Native Plant the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Munz identifies three Oak Woodlands. The Northern Garden sign, at the southeast comer of the Lake and follow the route indicated on the map on • Oak Woodland (coast ranges from Humboldt to Napa Counties), the Southern Oak Woodland the back cover. (valleys of interior California from L.A. to San Diego counties), and the Foothill Woodland This guide describes the major species within each community as well as some of the other • (foothills and valley borders of the inner Coast Ranges from Trinity to Santa Barbara Counties, commonly associated plants which are listed at the end of each section. Communities are and the western Sierra Nevada foothills). Rainfall varies from 15 to 40" annually. Lower annual indicated by letters on posts. Stops along the trail within each community are marked with rainfall tends to produce a more open woodland. Summers are bot and dry, winters are cool and numbers on posts. Usually the stops are spaced closely enough so that visitors can see from one • wet. The outstanding characteristics of this community include: long growing season, dense post to the next. In some cases, however, there is a great distance between posts. or open woodland with limited under story due to shading, many grasses and herbs, and some scattered low shrubs. Native Americans relied extensively on this community as a source of It takes approximately one to two hours to follow the self-guided tour. • food from acorns as well as from the seeds of herbs and shrubs. Enjoy your walk. Oaks are an integral part of the California landscape. They are found throughout California •••••••• • except on deserts and high mountain slopes. Acom soup or mush was the chief daily food of more than three quarters of all native Californians. One and one half million tons of acorns, including one half million from Blue Oak alone, were produced in California in 1940, according • to a study by Carl Wolf of the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. Acorns are also one of the • most important foods for wildlife, including deer, squirrels, jays, bears, and many others . Al. Buckeye, Aesculus californica • This tree is well adapted to the Mediterranean climate of moist winters and dry summers. It is often the first to leaf out in spring • and the first to drop its leaves in summer. This early shedding ~==~~~~~~~ of leaves makes its attractive white branches and drooping seed pods conspicuous. In late fall, the seed pods open slightly, • resembling the eye of a buck. In spring, long spikes of white flowers emerge. These flowers attract butterflies, but are poisonous to the common Honey Bee. When acorns were in short supply, • Indians used the Buckeye, largest of California's fruits, as food . • Roasting and thorough leaching are required to eliminate bitterness . A2. Coast Live Oak, Quercus agrifolia • This evergreen oak is easily identified by its conspicuously curled and prickly-toothed leaves. The Coast Live Oak is found in both the Foothill Woodland of the Coast Range from Sonoma County southward, and in the Southern Oak Woodland. It is the most common oak on the hills to the east of here and in many other parts of Sonoma County. In fact, Coast Live Oak is the most common native • tree in the Bay Area. Pagel LAYOUT OF THE GARDEN • A. OAK WOODLAND As the map indicates, the Garden is located east of the lake and north of the physical education Oak Woodland communities are found in the low and mid elevations of the Coast Ranges and in complex and nearby parking lots. Visitors may start the self-guided tour at the Native Plant the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Munz identifies three Oak Woodlands. The Northern Garden sign, at the southeast comer of the Lake and follow the route indicated on the map on • Oak Woodland (coast ranges from Humboldt to Napa Counties), the Southern Oak Woodland the back cover. (valleys of interior California from L.A. to San Diego counties), and the Foothill Woodland This guide describes the major species within each community as well as some of the other • (foothills and valley borders of the inner Coast Ranges from Trinity to Santa Barbara Counties, commonly associated plants which are listed at the end of each section. Communities are and the western Sierra Nevada foothills). Rainfall varies from 15 to 40" annually. Lower annual indicated by letters on posts. Stops along the trail within each community are marked with rainfall tends to produce a more open woodland. Summers are bot and dry, winters are cool and numbers on posts. Usually the stops are spaced closely enough so that visitors can see from one • wet. The outstanding characteristics of this community include: long growing season, dense post to the next. In some cases, however, there is a great distance between posts. or open woodland with limited under story due to shading, many grasses and herbs, and some scattered low shrubs. Native Americans relied extensively on this community as a source of It takes approximately one to two hours to follow the self-guided tour. • food from acorns as well as from the seeds of herbs and shrubs. Enjoy your walk. Oaks are an integral part of the California landscape. They are found throughout California •••••••• • except on deserts and high mountain slopes. Acom soup or mush was the chief daily food of more than three quarters of all native Californians. One and one half million tons of acorns, including one half million from Blue Oak alone, were produced in California in 1940, according • to a study by Carl Wolf of the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. Acorns are also one of the • most important foods for wildlife, including deer, squirrels, jays, bears, and many others . Al. Buckeye, Aesculus californica • This tree is well adapted to the Mediterranean climate of moist winters and dry summers. It is often the first to leaf out in spring • and the first to drop its leaves in summer. This early shedding ~==~~~~~~~ of leaves makes its attractive white branches and drooping seed pods conspicuous. In late fall, the seed pods open slightly, • resembling the eye of a buck. In spring, long spikes of white flowers emerge. These flowers attract butterflies, but are poisonous to the common Honey Bee. When acorns were in short supply, • Indians used the Buckeye, largest of California's fruits, as food . • Roasting and thorough leaching are required to eliminate bitterness . A2. Coast Live Oak, Quercus agrifolia • This evergreen oak is easily identified by its conspicuously curled and prickly-toothed leaves. The Coast Live Oak is found in both the Foothill Woodland of the Coast Range from Sonoma County southward, and in the Southern Oak Woodland. It is the most common oak on the hills to the east of here and in many other parts of Sonoma County. In fact, Coast Live Oak is the most common native • tree in the Bay Area. Pagel Page3

A3. Blue Oak, Quercus douglasii Other Oak Woodland species found in the Garden include: This small-to medium sized deciduous oak does best in warmer, dryer Bay Laurel, or Pepperwood Umbellu/aria califomica '-...'1!~- places than our campus. In fact, excess water will gradually kill Blue Blue Dicks Brodiaea pulchella Oaks. Its characteristic bluish leaves do not fully open until late Blue Eye-grass Sisyrinchium helium spring and are among the last to drop in the autumn. It is often Bush Anemone Carpenteria ca/ifornica found growing with Digger Pines, forming scattered groves along • California Black Oak Quercus kelloggii ~ dry, rocky slopes of both the Coast and Sierra foothills. Note California Buttercup Ranunculus californicus ~ the Vrrgms Bower, Clematis lasiantha growing up the north Zauschneria californica · side of the Blue Oak, this deciduous vine produces creamy • California Fuchsia white flowers in May which provide food for butterfly larvae. California F ecue Festuca californica California Oak Grass Danthonia californica • California Poppy Eschscholzia californica A4. Canyon Oak, Quercus chrysolepis Channel Island Cypress Cupressus guadalupensis Channel Island Oak Quercus tomentella This evergreen oak, found along mountain canyons and moist ridges, is • Checkerbloom Sidalcaea malvaeftora also called the Maul Oak because its wood has been used in making Rhamnus californica mauls, wooden hammers, and other tools. Its acorns don't mature Coffeeberry until their second season, unlike the Coast Live Oak, Valley Oak, • Coffee Fem Pellaea andromedaefolia Baccharis pilularis var. consanquinea ~~~~~~~~~ and Oregon Oak whose acorns mature in one season. Note the Coyote Brush . yellow veins on the under surface of the leaves. Also note the Digger Pine, Grey Pine Pinus sabiniana variation of leaf margins among the leaves of this tree. This • Dutchmans Pipe Aristolochia californica ~ trait is characteristic of this species of oak. Acorns of this Flannel Bush Fremontodendron californicum ~ and other oaks were not only used for food: some Indian tribes Fiddleneck Amsinckia intermedia allowed acorn meal to accumulate mold, which was then used to treat boils, • Golden Fairy Lanterns Calochortus amabilis sores, and inflammations ... a precursor to today's penicillin-type drugs. Grass Nut Brodiaea laxa • Green Mule's Ears Wyethia glabra Harvest Brodiaea Brodiaea elegans • Hedge Nettle Stachys rigida ssp. quercetorum Hop Tree Ptelea crenulata Hounds Tougue Cynoglossum grande • Iris Iris sp . Kellogg's Yampa Perideridia kelloggii Lupine Lupinus formosus • Narrow-leaf milkweed Ascepias f ascicularis Pestle Lomantium Lomatium nudicaule • Snowdrop Bush Styrax officinalis var. californica Soap Plant Chlorogalum pomeridianum •1 Virgins Bower Clemantis lasiantha • Page4 Pages B. YELLOW PINE FOREST B4. Ponderosa Pine, Yellow Pine, Pinus ponderosa The Yellow Pine, can be identified by its long yellowish-green Yellow Pine Forest occurs in northern California, in the Sierra Nevada range, and in the needles (5" to 10") in bundles of 3 and its egg-shaped mountains of southern California. It ranges in elevation from 2,000 to 8,000'. Many ecologists cones, 3" to 5" long, with sharp outward-pointed prickles. refer to this forested area as the "mixed coniferous forest" and divide it into three subtypes; It has been noted that you can identify this species by the lower elevation Ponderosa Pine Forest (Yellow Pine Forest), the mid-elevation White Fir these prickly cones: the sharp cone when handled will Forest, and the upper elevation Jeffery Pine Forest. The Ponderosa Pine Forest is the subtype cause you to "yell ow." Yellow Pine dominates the lower represented in this part of the garden. Summers are hot winters are cold and snowy. Annual elevation forests at 2000', becoming less prevalent as the precipitation exceeds 25". The dominant lower elevation species are Yellow Pine (Pinus elevation becomes higher. It is noted for its intolerance of ponderosa), White Fir (Abies concolor), and Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens.) • shade, especially in the seedling stage. The thick yellow-orange bark is characteristic. Mature Yellow Pines grow to 200' in height and are considered one of our most important lumber trees. Although drought tolerant, Yellow Pines Bl. Incense Cedar, Calocedrus decurrens often suffer damage from the bark beetle after prolongated drought. Though called a "cedar" the Incense Cedar is not a true cedar (there are no true cedars native to North America) but is called by the name due to its aromatic and rot-resistant wood often used for wooden chests, house walls, and BS. Sugar Pine, Pinus lambertiana ---~..... pencils. Its bark is thick and dark, and its fem-like foliage consists of The Sugar Pine is the largest and often called the most scale-type leaves (not needle-like as are those of the true cedars such as beautiful of all our native pines. It may be the Deodar, Atlas, and Lebanon) that form fiat fans at the tips of their •t identified by its blue-green needles in branches. The shape of these branches made them useful to Native bundles of 5 and by its exceptionally Americans in the acorn leaching process. Bark of this tree was also used ! ·l large cones (12" to 20") which hang by Native Americans for house walls. The Incense Cedar is exceptionally «. · like decorations from the tips of its drought tolerant and may be grown successfully in a wide range of climates. ./ . I .,.. . • 1 r· . branches. It is usually found in the moister • ~'· mid-elevation forests (3500' to 7500'). Sugar Pine nuts were used as food by the B2. White Fir, Abies co_ncolor (behind the Incense Cedar) ive Americans. The sugary resin from its trunk was regarded as a delicacy in small quantities and a laxative in larger doses. Unlike the Ponderosa This Fir is commonly found in the moister mid-elevations of the forests Pine, the Sugar Pine is tolerant of shade and in fact often requires shade for establishing young of the Sierra Nevada and the North Coast between 3500' and seedlings. We have had some difficulty establishing Sugar Pine seedlings. This specimen was 7000', becoming more prevalent as the elevation rises. It can be planted in winter of 1992. identified by the whitish-grey color of both its foliage and bark, and by its stiff, symmetrical appearance. The White Fir, like all true firs, bears its cones erect on the tips of its branches. The cones disintegrate in autumn when ripe and the seeds fall to the ground, if B6. Giant Sequoia, Seq uoiadendron gigante um they have not already been eaten by squirrels or chickaries. This tree The Giant Sequoia is found only in groves along the western slope IS sold extensively as a Christmas tree in California. of the Sierra Nevada at elevations of 4000' to 8000'. It prefers to grow along slopes near the heads of streams and requires year round moisture for healthy growth. The few remaining groves B3. California Nutmeg, Torreya californica of Giant Sequoias are protected in California's National and State Parks. Giant Sequoias can be recognized by their awl Although this coniferous species is widely distributed in the forested • like leaves and by their cones resembling those of a Coastal areas of California it is not well known. It is found in Mixed Evergreen, Redwood only Douglas-fir, Ponderosa Pine, and other forest communities. The Nutmeg, • larger. It is the species with the greatest volume by weight of like willows, poplars, ashes, and silk tassels, is dioecious, that is each plant all trees. (The Coastal Redwood is one of the tallest tree species is either male or female. The females bear large seeds resembling the and Mexico's Taxodium mucronatum, a relative of the Bald Mountain ' tropical species Nutmeg. Though unlike the tropical Nutmeg in taste, the seeds were roasted and eaten by Native Americans. The sharp needles were also used by Native Americans to prick soot into their skin for tattooing. • Page4 Pages B. YELLOW PINE FOREST B4. Ponderosa Pine, Yellow Pine, Pinus ponderosa The Yellow Pine, can be identified by its long yellowish-green Yellow Pine Forest occurs in northern California, in the Sierra Nevada range, and in the needles (5" to 10") in bundles of 3 and its egg-shaped mountains of southern California. It ranges in elevation from 2,000 to 8,000'. Many ecologists cones, 3" to 5" long, with sharp outward-pointed prickles. refer to this forested area as the "mixed coniferous forest" and divide it into three subtypes; It has been noted that you can identify this species by the lower elevation Ponderosa Pine Forest (Yellow Pine Forest), the mid-elevation White Fir these prickly cones: the sharp cone when handled will Forest, and the upper elevation Jeffery Pine Forest. The Ponderosa Pine Forest is the subtype cause you to "yell ow." Yellow Pine dominates the lower represented in this part of the garden. Summers are hot winters are cold and snowy. Annual elevation forests at 2000', becoming less prevalent as the precipitation exceeds 25". The dominant lower elevation species are Yellow Pine (Pinus elevation becomes higher. It is noted for its intolerance of ponderosa), White Fir (Abies concolor), and Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens.) • shade, especially in the seedling stage. The thick yellow-orange bark is characteristic. Mature Yellow Pines grow to 200' in height and are considered one of our most important lumber trees. Although drought tolerant, Yellow Pines Bl. Incense Cedar, Calocedrus decurrens often suffer damage from the bark beetle after prolongated drought. Though called a "cedar" the Incense Cedar is not a true cedar (there are no true cedars native to North America) but is called by the name due to its aromatic and rot-resistant wood often used for wooden chests, house walls, and BS. Sugar Pine, Pinus lambertiana ---~..... pencils. Its bark is thick and dark, and its fem-like foliage consists of The Sugar Pine is the largest and often called the most scale-type leaves (not needle-like as are those of the true cedars such as beautiful of all our native pines. It may be the Deodar, Atlas, and Lebanon) that form fiat fans at the tips of their •t identified by its blue-green needles in branches. The shape of these branches made them useful to Native bundles of 5 and by its exceptionally Americans in the acorn leaching process. Bark of this tree was also used ! ·l large cones (12" to 20") which hang by Native Americans for house walls. The Incense Cedar is exceptionally «. · like decorations from the tips of its drought tolerant and may be grown successfully in a wide range of climates. ./ . I .,.. . • 1 r· . branches. It is usually found in the moister • ~'· mid-elevation forests (3500' to 7500'). Sugar Pine nuts were used as food by the B2. White Fir, Abies co_ncolor (behind the Incense Cedar) ive Americans. The sugary resin from its trunk was regarded as a delicacy in small quantities and a laxative in larger doses. Unlike the Ponderosa This Fir is commonly found in the moister mid-elevations of the forests Pine, the Sugar Pine is tolerant of shade and in fact often requires shade for establishing young of the Sierra Nevada and the North Coast between 3500' and seedlings. We have had some difficulty establishing Sugar Pine seedlings. This specimen was 7000', becoming more prevalent as the elevation rises. It can be planted in winter of 1992. identified by the whitish-grey color of both its foliage and bark, and by its stiff, symmetrical appearance. The White Fir, like all true firs, bears its cones erect on the tips of its branches. The cones disintegrate in autumn when ripe and the seeds fall to the ground, if B6. Giant Sequoia, Seq uoiadendron gigante um they have not already been eaten by squirrels or chickaries. This tree The Giant Sequoia is found only in groves along the western slope IS sold extensively as a Christmas tree in California. of the Sierra Nevada at elevations of 4000' to 8000'. It prefers to grow along slopes near the heads of streams and requires year round moisture for healthy growth. The few remaining groves B3. California Nutmeg, Torreya californica of Giant Sequoias are protected in California's National and State Parks. Giant Sequoias can be recognized by their awl Although this coniferous species is widely distributed in the forested • like leaves and by their cones resembling those of a Coastal areas of California it is not well known. It is found in Mixed Evergreen, Redwood only Douglas-fir, Ponderosa Pine, and other forest communities. The Nutmeg, • larger. It is the species with the greatest volume by weight of like willows, poplars, ashes, and silk tassels, is dioecious, that is each plant all trees. (The Coastal Redwood is one of the tallest tree species is either male or female. The females bear large seeds resembling the and Mexico's Taxodium mucronatum, a relative of the Bald Mountain ' tropical species Nutmeg. Though unlike the tropical Nutmeg in taste, the seeds were roasted and eaten by Native Americans. The sharp needles were also used by Native Americans to prick soot into their skin for tattooing. • Page 6 Page 7 Cypress, has the greatest diameter of all species.) C. DOUGLAS-FIR FOREST

The Douglas-fir Forest occurs in the California Coast Ranges and valleys east of the Redwood Other Yellow Pine Forest species in this garden include: Forest. It expands north into Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Remnants exist in Sonoma and Marin Counties, usually on the cooler north or east facing slopes where it is Buck Brush Ceanothus cuneatus protected from dry westerly winds. This community requires moderately wet, cool, low eleva California Snowdrop Styrax officinalis tions, similar in many respects to the climate of the Mixed Evergreen Forest. Pure stands of Canyon Oak Quercus chrysolepis Douglas-fir often dominate the landscape, sometimes towering to heights over 200' and creating a dark, fem-covered, forest floor. Much of this forest has been heavily logged. California Dogwood Cornus califomica Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii Hop Tree Ptelea crenulata Cl. Tanbark Oak, Lithocarpus densiflora Mock Orange Philadelphus lewisii Common names of species are often misleading. Mountain Misery Chamaebatio arbutifolia In this case Tanbark Oak is not a true oak (not in the genus Quercus ). The erect clusters of staminate Nine Bark Physocarpus capitatus (pollen producing) flowers and long, curved scales Toyon Heteromeles arbutifolia on acorn cups distinguish these species from the true Viburnum Viburnum ellipticum • ~~~~~~~~rlr-j7J oaks. The high oil content of the acorns made this pecies the most preferred by the southwestern Pomo Indians. For many years the bark of the Tan oak was of • major importance in California's tanning industry. Although this species is found in the garden in the Douglas-fir Forest, it is also very important as a component of the Mixed • Evergreen Forest, and in the early succession of the Redwood Forest Community. • C2. Douglas-Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii of the biggest and most common forest trees of the Pacific Northwest, Doug-firs are members of more different forest communities than any other coniferous species. • They may be found in the North Coast Coniferous Forest, Redwood Forest, Mixed Evergreen Forest, and other forested area, as well as in pure stands . • Although the needles of the Douglas-fir look very much like those of other firs, this tree is not a true fir (not in the genus Abies). This may be • seen from the distinctive cones which hang from the branches, rather then sit upright, and have unique 3-lobed bracts extending beyond the scales. When there are no cones, it may be distinguished from the true firs by the very • . sharp pointed light brown buds on the branch tips. Douglas-fir is the "'. most important timber tree in the Untied States. It is also widely used for Christmas Trees. Indians used the fresh needles as a tea and the • pencil sized roots, up to ten feet long, were split and used in baskets .

• Other Douglas-fir Forest species found in the Garden: California Lilac Ceanothus thysiflorus • California Nutmeg Torreya californica • Clematis Clematis lasiantha • Page 6 Page 7 Cypress, has the greatest diameter of all species.) C. DOUGLAS-FIR FOREST

• Other Douglas-fir Forest species found in the Garden: California Lilac Ceanothus thysiflorus • California Nutmeg Torreya californica • Clematis Clematis lasiantha • Page8 .Page 9 D.MIXEDEVERGREENFOREST Other Mixed Evergreen Forest species found in the Garden:

This species-diverse community is widespread in California, occurring along the inner edge Canyon Oak Quercus chrysolepis of the Redwood Forest and spreading south in the North Coast Ranges to the Santa Cruz Douglas-fir Pseudotsuga menziesii Mountains. Many members of this community also occur in other forests. Fog is often Dutchman's Pipe Aristolochia californica present, along with moderation to heavy winter rains, creating a moist environment with Incense Cedar Calocedrus decurrens a long growing season. The summers are hot but interrupted by the cooling fog. Typical • trees include: Madrone (Arbutus menziesii), Tanbark Oak (Lithocarpus densiflora), and Penstemon Penstemon newberryi sonomensis Big-leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum). Sticky Monkey Flower Diplacus aurantiacus Sun Cup ()enothera ovata Virgin's Bower Clematis lasiantha Dl. Madrone, Arbutus menziesii Madrone has a scattered distribution, in the foothills of the Sierra but it occurs widely in the Coastal Ranges, gradually becoming restricted more to .----..... the coast at its northern limits in British Colombia. It grows into a beautiful tree with a reddish peeling bark that suggests a close relationship to the manzanitas. The seeds are eaten by birds, • deer, and sometimes people. It is an important component of second growth on logged land. • D2. Big-Leaf Maple, Acer macrophyllum u Is a common tree in much of the Pacific Northwest, the Big leaf Maple is restricted to moist canyons in the drier climate of California. It is easily recognized by its large deciduous leaves (8 to 12" across when mature) which • j'/..t;l"'~r~ are 5-lobed and occur in pairs opposite each other along the branches. Native Americans used the bark of this species to make rope and the wood to make utensils and boat paddles.

D3. Black Oak, Quercus kelloggii It is difficult to place the Black Oak in any one community since it ranges from sea level to 8,000'. It has the widest range of any '-Jl~~!W-" California Oak. The acorns are nearly as rich in oil as those of the Tanoak, making it the second most popular species for making ~:S':d~~~r- bread and soups.

D4. Toyon, Holly Berry, Heteromeles arbutifolia Hollywood, California was named after this species. Indians ate Toyon ---cF::.~=l&'!" berries by baking them in hot ovens and grinding them into meal. They are also an attractive edible to birds and wildlife. The bright red berries ripen right around Christmas time. Page 10 Page 11 E. GRASSLAND • E3. Lupine, Lupinus formosus Grasslands occur today in the Central Valley and in some low-lying, hot valleys of the Inner - This deep-rooted perennial is well established in our Grassland meadow. Coast Ranges where rainfall isn't sufficient to support the growth of trees. This community's -t ' 1J It represents one of more then eighty species of Lupine native to California, • fifty of which are perennial, and the rest annual. Members of the Pea family, distribution, which once covered 3 5% of the state, has been greatly reduced over the past I 00 years because of four factors: agriculture, overgrazing, suppression of fires, and the rapid spread lupines have the ability to fix nitrogen, thereby enhancing soil fertility. of European weeds and grasses. The grassland climate consists of hot summers and wet winters • though total annual rainfall is low (6 to 20'). The growing season is long, 7 to 11 months. The ' original Valley Grassland ecosystem included the perennial bunch grass as the dominant species E4. Coyote Brush, Baccharis pilularis and an abundance of wildflowers, both annual and perennial. Original bunch grasses included • The attractive leaves of this shrub are oval, light green, and thick. One of the plants distinctive species of Stipa, Poa, and Aristida.These have been replaced by non-native species of Bromas, characteristics is that the leaves are usually slightly sticky and become very sticky and fragrant Festu~a, and Avena. They differ from the bunch grasses in their structure, in that bunch grasses on hot summer days. It is dioecious and individual plants will produce small clumps of either grow m clumps and annual grasses grow as single stemmed plants. Outstanding characteristics • male or female white flowers so that in order to reproduce there must be one plant of each of this community include the absence of trees, the colorful and changing display of wildflowers gender nearby. The fruit is a small seed that is attached to fibers designed to catch the wind to disperse. When this shrub is producing seeds it looks like it is covered in tufts of white hair. It in the spring, and the lush green hulls of winter changing to the golden hills of summer. • is found in dunes, headlands, coastlines, oak woodlands, and sometimes on serpentine. Coyote Grasslands today are highly valued for their ability to support food crops and cattle, a fact that Brush is a pioneer species meaning that it is one of the first plants to colonize land after it has threatens the future of our remaining grasslands. been disturbed. Once it has colonized an area it provides a shady protected habitat in which • other plant species can become established. El. California Oat grass, Danthonia californica A native perennial bunchgrass, once widely distributed in dry places. Seeds ES. California Poppy, Eschscholzia californica of this and other grasses were an important part of Pinole, Indian "granola." Our California State flower grows naturally here on campus. Indians placed Pinole was made of parched ground seeds from many kinds of plants such fresh root material fro~ the Poppy in cavities to stop tooth-aches. It wa~ also as sunflowers, buttercups, and fringe pods. It was a basic food long *' used to stupefy gamblmg opponents. These uses suggest that the cheffilstry before acorns were used. Grasshopper or other animal parts were of our poppy may be similar to that of the Opium Poppy. sometimes added to Pinole. In the garden the California Oat Grass is distinctive in the spring, but is harder to identify in late summer r and fall when the field is dominated by Tarweed. • E6. Deer Grass, M uhlenburgia rigens This coarse perennial bunchgrass native to Southern California is densely tufted and likes full sun. It is usually found on dry or open hillsides, valleys, and always in well drained soils. It E2. Purple Needle Grass, Stipa pulchra grows up to 3' tall and 6' wide with flower stalks rising 2 to 3' above that. The older courser • clumps are barely palatable to foraging animals, but the new shoots can be grazed. It is Our California State Grass. One of the major species of the Grassland commu identifiable by its large size and whip like flowering stalk. The Native Americans used it ~j nity, it is most commonly found in the Central Valley and surrounding foothills, • in basket weaving. 'f.:L and along the central coast as far south as San Diego. Well adapted to summer ,~~=:x-, ~~ drought, most Stipa species will tum brown in summer, but green up quite early 'J~ ~th~ rainy s~ason, pm~iding forage for grazing animals. Stipa pulchra can be Other Grassland species found in the Garden include: • identified by its bunch-like structure, and its long, pointed, twice bent floret. Blue Dicks Brodiaea pulchella This latter characteristic allows the dispersed seed to establish itself as the sharp California Buttercup Ranunculus californicus floret twists itself in the soil. Strong root systems make Stipa species valuable in Dwarf Plantain Plantago erecta controlling erosion. Harvest Brodiaea Brodiaea elegans Hedge Nettle Stachys rigida lthuriel's Spear Brodiaea laxa Perennial Rye Grass Elymus glaucus Soap Plant Chlorogalum pomeridianum Yellow Mariposa Lily Calochortus luteus Page 10 Page 11 E. GRASSLAND • E3. Lupine, Lupinus formosus Grasslands occur today in the Central Valley and in some low-lying, hot valleys of the Inner - This deep-rooted perennial is well established in our Grassland meadow. Coast Ranges where rainfall isn't sufficient to support the growth of trees. This community's -t ' 1J It represents one of more then eighty species of Lupine native to California, • fifty of which are perennial, and the rest annual. Members of the Pea family, distribution, which once covered 3 5% of the state, has been greatly reduced over the past I 00 years because of four factors: agriculture, overgrazing, suppression of fires, and the rapid spread lupines have the ability to fix nitrogen, thereby enhancing soil fertility. of European weeds and grasses. The grassland climate consists of hot summers and wet winters • though total annual rainfall is low (6 to 20'). The growing season is long, 7 to 11 months. The ' original Valley Grassland ecosystem included the perennial bunch grass as the dominant species E4. Coyote Brush, Baccharis pilularis and an abundance of wildflowers, both annual and perennial. Original bunch grasses included • The attractive leaves of this shrub are oval, light green, and thick. One of the plants distinctive species of Stipa, Poa, and Aristida.These have been replaced by non-native species of Bromas, characteristics is that the leaves are usually slightly sticky and become very sticky and fragrant Festu~a, and Avena. They differ from the bunch grasses in their structure, in that bunch grasses on hot summer days. It is dioecious and individual plants will produce small clumps of either grow m clumps and annual grasses grow as single stemmed plants. Outstanding characteristics • male or female white flowers so that in order to reproduce there must be one plant of each of this community include the absence of trees, the colorful and changing display of wildflowers gender nearby. The fruit is a small seed that is attached to fibers designed to catch the wind to disperse. When this shrub is producing seeds it looks like it is covered in tufts of white hair. It in the spring, and the lush green hulls of winter changing to the golden hills of summer. • is found in dunes, headlands, coastlines, oak woodlands, and sometimes on serpentine. Coyote Grasslands today are highly valued for their ability to support food crops and cattle, a fact that Brush is a pioneer species meaning that it is one of the first plants to colonize land after it has threatens the future of our remaining grasslands. been disturbed. Once it has colonized an area it provides a shady protected habitat in which • other plant species can become established. El. California Oat grass, Danthonia californica A native perennial bunchgrass, once widely distributed in dry places. Seeds ES. California Poppy, Eschscholzia californica of this and other grasses were an important part of Pinole, Indian "granola." Our California State flower grows naturally here on campus. Indians placed Pinole was made of parched ground seeds from many kinds of plants such fresh root material fro~ the Poppy in cavities to stop tooth-aches. It wa~ also as sunflowers, buttercups, and fringe pods. It was a basic food long *' used to stupefy gamblmg opponents. These uses suggest that the cheffilstry before acorns were used. Grasshopper or other animal parts were of our poppy may be similar to that of the Opium Poppy. sometimes added to Pinole. In the garden the California Oat Grass is distinctive in the spring, but is harder to identify in late summer r and fall when the field is dominated by Tarweed. • E6. Deer Grass, M uhlenburgia rigens This coarse perennial bunchgrass native to Southern California is densely tufted and likes full sun. It is usually found on dry or open hillsides, valleys, and always in well drained soils. It E2. Purple Needle Grass, Stipa pulchra grows up to 3' tall and 6' wide with flower stalks rising 2 to 3' above that. The older courser • clumps are barely palatable to foraging animals, but the new shoots can be grazed. It is Our California State Grass. One of the major species of the Grassland commu identifiable by its large size and whip like flowering stalk. The Native Americans used it ~j nity, it is most commonly found in the Central Valley and surrounding foothills, • in basket weaving. 'f.:L and along the central coast as far south as San Diego. Well adapted to summer ,~~=:x-, ~~ drought, most Stipa species will tum brown in summer, but green up quite early 'J~ ~th~ rainy s~ason, pm~iding forage for grazing animals. Stipa pulchra can be Other Grassland species found in the Garden include: • identified by its bunch-like structure, and its long, pointed, twice bent floret. Blue Dicks Brodiaea pulchella This latter characteristic allows the dispersed seed to establish itself as the sharp California Buttercup Ranunculus californicus floret twists itself in the soil. Strong root systems make Stipa species valuable in Dwarf Plantain Plantago erecta controlling erosion. Harvest Brodiaea Brodiaea elegans Hedge Nettle Stachys rigida lthuriel's Spear Brodiaea laxa Perennial Rye Grass Elymus glaucus Soap Plant Chlorogalum pomeridianum Yellow Mariposa Lily Calochortus luteus Page 12 Page 13 F. CHAPARRAL F5. Chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum This shrub, a member of the Rose family, is the most abundant and characteristic This community is found scattered along the dry slopes and ridges of the inner Coast Ranges - member of the Chaparral community. It often occurs in nearly pure stands. and on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Winters are unusually wet and mild (14" to 24" if!" As it matures, it forms a large crown at the base. It is quick to catch fire due of rainfall), while summers are characteristically hot and dry. Dominant species of the Chaparral to its resinous leaves. However, after being subjected to fire, as often occurs in include: Chamise (Adenostomafasciculatum), Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), and Manzanita the Chaparral, the Chamise (as well as other fire adapted species) will sprout up (Arctostaphylos spp.). The rocky, nutrient-deficient soils hold little water and are incapable • again from this crown. of supporting many trees. They are suited, however, to hard-leaved, drought-resistant shrubs. Chaparral communities are often dense, almost impenetrable, and subject to naturally occurring fires for which they are especially adapted and which help maintain survival of the community. Following fire, most chaparral specie.s will stump sprout. F6. Manzanita, Arctostaphylos manzanita Common to both woodland and chaparral, this evergreen flowering shrub produces berries in fall which were of high food value to Native Americans. They were cooked or ground into meal, as well as mixed with water to make a nutritious cider. Like the Chamise, many species of Manzanitas are adapted to fire by their ability to stump spout.

F2. Scrub Oak, Quercus dumosa F7.Silk-Tassel Bush, Garrya elliptica , . ,.

F4. Mountain Mahogany, Cercocarpus betuloides This evergreen shrub reaches a height of 15 to 20" in maturity. FlO. Catalina Cherry, Prunus lyonii It is widespread throughout the Chaparral foothills and is both The bright red cherry-like fruits of this tree are tasty to birds but not humans. This extremely drought resilient and tolerant of various soil types, species germinates readily. Note the many seedlings. Just behind it is the Holly-leaf including our adobe soil. Seeds (feathered achenes) of this shrub/ Cherry, Prunus illicifolia, whose leaves are smaller but have more serrated margins. tree are very beautiful and unusual. The hardwood was used for digging tools, arrow tips, spears, and clubs. Page 14 Page 15 Other Chaparral plants found in the garden include: G. REDWOOD FOREST Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi var. coactilis Once widespread across the western hemisphere, the Coastal Redwood Forest now has only Black Sage Salvia mellifera • limited distribution in the Western United States. This indicates that the climate has become California Fuchsia Zauschneria californica hotter and drier over thousands of years. The present range of the Redwood extends along the California Gooseberry Ribus victoris California coast from Monterey County northward to the southern-most comer of Oregon. Its habitat is limited to the fog belt on the seaward side of the mountains from about 2500' in California Lilac Ceanothus thrysi.fiorus elevation down to sea level. It never occurs naturally more than about 20 miles from the coast. Chaparral Pea Pickeringia montana Average rainfall in the Redwood Forest is 35 to 100", but members of this community rely California Snowdrop Styrax officinalis var. californica heavily on coastal fog for additional moisture in the dry season. The Redwood itself, Sequoia Cuyamaca Cypress Cupressus stephensonii sempervirens, is both the dominant and climax species of the community, occurring in dense continuous forests. Other species typical of this community are Tanbark Oak (Lithocarpus Dutchman's Pipe Aristolochia californica densiflora), Sword Fern (polystichum munitum), and the ground cover Redwood Sorrel (Oxalis Knobcone Pine Pinus attenuata oregano). The shade of the Redwoods and the volume of organic debris they create, results in a Lemonade Berry Rhus integrifolia characteristically open forest floor. Redwoods are unique in many respects. They are physiologi Lupine Lupinus formosus cally adapted to resist damage from fires and floods. These adaptations ensure the survival of this plant community. Redwood Forests are extremely beautiful. The age and height that these Modoc Cypress Cupressus bakeri trees are capable of attaining produces an awesome and inspiring sight. Unfortunately, due to Macnab Cypress Cupressus macnabiana logging practices over the last 100 years, few virgin Redwood Forests are left. Oso Berry Osmaronia cerasiformis Pitcher Sage Lepechinia fragrans Snake Root, Pacific Sanicle Sanicula crassicaulis Gl. Coast Redwood, Sequoia sempervirerns Soap Plant Chlorogalum pomeridianum A beautiful, rapidly growing evergreen tree, the Coastal Redwood is Sonoma Sage Salvia sonomensis among the tallest trees in the world, reaching over 350' in height. Its cones are small and mature in one season, opening their cones and Sugar Bush · Rhus ovata slowly shedding their seeds starting in September. They live to be over Tree Anemone Carpenteria californica 2000 years old, but are often harvested long before maturity because of Virgin's Bower Clematis lasiantha the desirable quality of their wood for building, notably their resistance to Wayside Manzanita Arctostaphylos hookeri both insects and fungus. Indians used the Redwood to construct houses and canoes. Most of the Redwoods in our garden were planted along the creek in the White Sage Salvia apiana winter of 1973-74. Woodland Manzanita Arctostaphylos manzanita

G2. Pink Flowering Current, Ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum ,~ A ~eciduous shrub w~o~e l~ge pink flower cl~sters are among our earliest f.~~~ spnng blooms. Its frmt is edible by humans, brrds and small mammals. · ~~ . Currents and gooseberries, though both in the same genus, Ribes, can be distinguished from each other by the absence of prickly stems on the currants and the presence of prickly stems on the gooseberries. Page 14 Page 15 Other Chaparral plants found in the garden include: G. REDWOOD FOREST Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi var. coactilis Once widespread across the western hemisphere, the Coastal Redwood Forest now has only Black Sage Salvia mellifera • limited distribution in the Western United States. This indicates that the climate has become California Fuchsia Zauschneria californica hotter and drier over thousands of years. The present range of the Redwood extends along the California Gooseberry Ribus victoris California coast from Monterey County northward to the southern-most comer of Oregon. Its habitat is limited to the fog belt on the seaward side of the mountains from about 2500' in California Lilac Ceanothus thrysi.fiorus elevation down to sea level. It never occurs naturally more than about 20 miles from the coast. Chaparral Pea Pickeringia montana Average rainfall in the Redwood Forest is 35 to 100", but members of this community rely California Snowdrop Styrax officinalis var. californica heavily on coastal fog for additional moisture in the dry season. The Redwood itself, Sequoia Cuyamaca Cypress Cupressus stephensonii sempervirens, is both the dominant and climax species of the community, occurring in dense continuous forests. Other species typical of this community are Tanbark Oak (Lithocarpus Dutchman's Pipe Aristolochia californica densiflora), Sword Fern (polystichum munitum), and the ground cover Redwood Sorrel (Oxalis Knobcone Pine Pinus attenuata oregano). The shade of the Redwoods and the volume of organic debris they create, results in a Lemonade Berry Rhus integrifolia characteristically open forest floor. Redwoods are unique in many respects. They are physiologi Lupine Lupinus formosus cally adapted to resist damage from fires and floods. These adaptations ensure the survival of this plant community. Redwood Forests are extremely beautiful. The age and height that these Modoc Cypress Cupressus bakeri trees are capable of attaining produces an awesome and inspiring sight. Unfortunately, due to Macnab Cypress Cupressus macnabiana logging practices over the last 100 years, few virgin Redwood Forests are left. Oso Berry Osmaronia cerasiformis Pitcher Sage Lepechinia fragrans Snake Root, Pacific Sanicle Sanicula crassicaulis Gl. Coast Redwood, Sequoia sempervirerns Soap Plant Chlorogalum pomeridianum A beautiful, rapidly growing evergreen tree, the Coastal Redwood is Sonoma Sage Salvia sonomensis among the tallest trees in the world, reaching over 350' in height. Its cones are small and mature in one season, opening their cones and Sugar Bush · Rhus ovata slowly shedding their seeds starting in September. They live to be over Tree Anemone Carpenteria californica 2000 years old, but are often harvested long before maturity because of Virgin's Bower Clematis lasiantha the desirable quality of their wood for building, notably their resistance to Wayside Manzanita Arctostaphylos hookeri both insects and fungus. Indians used the Redwood to construct houses and canoes. Most of the Redwoods in our garden were planted along the creek in the White Sage Salvia apiana winter of 1973-74. Woodland Manzanita Arctostaphylos manzanita

G3. Pipevine, Dutchmans Pipe, Aristolochia californica Other Redwood Forest species found in the Garden: Pipevine can be identified by its velvety narrow heart shaped leaves that grow on a semi woody Alum Root Heuchera micrantha vine. It will climb to a height of 6' to 12' or it will act as groundcover. It is usually found in Black Nightshade Solanum nigrum chaparral and forest communities. This deciduous vine gets its name from its distinctive green Bleeding Heart Dicentra formosa and purple pipe shaped flowers formed by three fused sepals that hang pendant from the vine. Bracken Fem Pteridium aquilinum var. lanuginosum The flower when mature gives off a foul odor that attracts gnats and small flies. When insects Burning Bush Euonymus occidentalis enter the flower tiny hairs constrict, trapping the insect, but the plant is not insectivorous. California Bay Umbel/ularia californica Instead the insects are covered in pollen and released after a couple of hours to pollinate the California Huckleberry Vaccinium ovatum next flower it visits. Pipevine is also habitat for the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly which lays its California Mugwort Artemisia douglasiana eggs exclusively on the plant. Pipevine is toxic to most animals but the larva of the butterfly can California Polypody Fem Polypodium californicum digest it. California Shield Fem Polystichum californicum California Strawberry Fragaria californica Cream Bush Holodiscus discolor Creek Dogwood Cornus occidentalis Colombia Lily Lilium columbianum This common deciduous shrub of the Rose family has large 5-lobed simple leaves, Columbine Arbutus menziesii >~ - .· no prickles, and a sweet edible berry. It occurs in both the Coastal Redwoods and Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii ·: Sierra Forests. Douglas Iris Iris douglosiana """' Giant Trillium Trillium ch/oropetalum Hedge Nettle Stachys rigida Horehound Marrubium vulgare GS. Wild Ginger, Asarum caudatum Jimson Weed Datura stramonium Lemon Balm Melissa officiana This low-growing herb has an unusual spring-blooming flower, which is Evergreen Violet Viola sempervirens difficult to see as it often grows close to the ground under the leaves. False Lily of the Valley Maianthemum dilatatum The rootstock may be used as a substitute for commercial ginger. Nettle Urtica ho/osericea Red-stemmed Dogwood Cornus glabrata Redwood Ivy, Inside Out Flower Vancouveria planipetala Redwood Sorrel Oxalis oregano Sal al Gaultheria shallon Serviceberry Amelanchier pa/Iida Spiraea Spiraea sp. Sword Fem Polystichum munitum Violet Viola adunca Western Coltsfoot Petasites palmatus Western Trillium Trillium ovatum Wood Fem Dryopteris arguta Yerba Buena Satureja douglasii • • • Page 16 Page 17

H. RIPARIAN H4. California Walnut, Juglans hindsii Riparian communities are located throughout California and are restricted to the areas This tree is native to the warmer borders between the valleys and the foothills. surrounding the banks of streams and rivers, or sometimes banks of lakes or tidewaters. Individual specimens are often found in former Indian campsites to Temperature, rainfall, and elevation vary according to location of each Riparian corridor. Both the north and the east of the San Francisco Bay region, due to the practice of the California Indians of carrying edible nuts of this tree the size of the water course and the character of the surrounding topography often determine the character of the individual community. Sometimes Riparian communities follow • ri1~~~~~~ from place to place. It is commonly used today as a rootstock upon which the English walnut is grafted because its roots are water courses into drainage basins in valleys and expand outward where the soil moisture is adequate, at other times, in deeply-cut narrow mountain streams, they may be limited to within better adapted to local soils. a few feet of the bank. Typically, Willows, Maples, and Alders are good indicators of a Riparian Common along streams and ravines, this species has a colorful community. Riparian tree species are almost always deciduous. Our Riparian community occurs and beautifully shaped crown, and dark, almost black, bark. Its leaves are compound, with 11 naturally along Copeland Creek, a seasonal creek originating at Sonoma Mountain. It is also fed or more leaflets, occurring alternately along the stem. Like the Box Elder, it is often found by runoff from various road drainage systems. Willows and non-native Himalayan Blackberry further from the stream bank than other Riparian species. dominated the vegetation along this section of Copeland Creek when the garden was started. Other Riparian species were planted along the banks as willows and berries were cleared. II HS. California Bay, Laurel, Umbellularia californica The California Bay is found in various communities in both Hl. Big Leaf Maple, Acer macrophyllum the Coast Ranges and Sierra Foothills along moist canyons The only large-sized maple of the Pacific region, this deciduous tree is and slopes. Its dense dark green foliage is evergreen and easily distinguished by its giant leaves, 8" to 12" across, with 5 deep lobes . • very aromatic. The leaves, used as a medicinal herb and insect Note the way its twigs, leaves, buds, and winged fruit always occur opposite ~ repellant by Native Americans, are much stronger than the each other in pairs, a trait common to all maples. The Maple depends on ~ common culinary bay leaf, derived from the European Bay, insects for fertilization, and its seeds provide food and for squirrels and • Laurus nobilis. Both species may be used for cooking but the European Laurel numerous birds. Indians used the bark for making ropes and for carving is one most often sold in grocery stores. Native Americans roasted and ate the nuts from they bowls and utensils. Its hardwood is also of commercial value. Maples are more I Bay. Oil from the leaves was used to cure a variety of diseases (including rheumatism), for prevalent along streams than along rivers. H I headaches, and as an insect repellant. H2. Sycamore, Platanus racemosa H6. Oregon Ash, Fraxinus latifola Though not as obvious on our small specimen, planted in 1990, Sycamore has Ill Although predominantly found in Oregon and Washington along wet a characteristically smooth, whitish-grey bark that peels off in patches, exposing meadows and swamps in the lowland areas, Oregon Ash can also be found splotches of contrasting green bark beneath. Like the Maple, its leaves are large growing along mountain streams as far south as central California. and 5-lobed, but unlike the Maple, it has a hairy texture, especially on the Because of the hardness of its wood, Ash was used by the Indians for undersides. The flowers grow in clusters which form small fuzzy balls that • canoe handles and digging sticks. break apart and disperse the seed in autumn. • H7. Fremont Cottonwood, Populus fremontii H3. Box Elder, Acer negundo ssp. californicum The leaves of this deciduous species, which tum bright yellow in the fall, This member of the Maple family is often found on the higher, and consequently can be set into motion by the slightest autumn breeze. The seeds are also drier, land above the stream. notable as they are covered with white cottony hairs that can literally carpet an area when dispersed. Though rapid growers, they are short lived trees. Beavers feed on their sweet bark and build dams with their branches. Page 18 Page 19

HS. Wild Rose, Rosa californica •• Other Riparian Species found in the Garden: This common perennial shrub often forms thickets along streams. Its thorns are curved and its Aroyo Willow Salix lasiolepis leaves have fine teeth along the edges. It is drought tolerant, but likes water and will usually Beeplant Scrophularia califomica grow in areas with some moisture. The flowers of the wild rose resemble those of the cultivated Bleeding Heart Dicentra formosa rose, but are smaller only 1" to 2" in diameter and have five petals. The flowers of the Wild California Bay Umbellularia californica Rose range from white to dark pink in color and it blooms from May to August with fruit following. The fruit called the rose hip remains on the shrub through the winter providing California Buckeye Aesculus californica good forage in times of scarcity. Rose hips are said to contain more vitamin C, calcium, and California Maidenhair Fem Adiantum jordani phosphorus than an orange and may be eaten raw, stewed, candied, or as a tea. The Natives California Mugwort Artemisia douglasiana Americans ate rose hip and used the wood for arrow shafts. Cascara Sagrada Rhamnus purshiana Coastal Redwood Sequoia sempervirens H9.Cow Parsnip, Heracleum lanatum Deer Fem Blechnum spicant Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii This perennial herb of the Carrot family grows to a height of 3' to 1O '. Its young leaves and stems are sweet and were eaten by Indians. Roots were also cooked Fringe Cups Tellima grandiflora and eaten. Golden Current Ribes aureum • Hazel Nut Cory/us comuta Hedge Nettle Stachys rigida HlO. Blue Elderberry, Sambucus mexicana • Indian Tobacco Nicotiana bigelovii Indians called it the tree of music, as its hollowed branches were used to make flutes. Long Nine Bark Psysocarpus capita/us shoots were also used for arrow shafts. The blue berries are tasty and edible when fresh, dried Poison Hemlock Conium maculatum or made into a drink. In contrast to the Red Elderberry, Sambucus callicarpa fruit, though not • very tasty when raw, can be made into wine. The two Elderberries can be distinguished by their Poison Oak Rhus diversiloba inflorescence: Red elderberry has a dome-shaped inflorescence and tends to grow along streams; • Red Alder A/nus oregona blue elderberry has a flat-topped inflorescence and tends to grow along the Coast and inner Red Elderberry Sambucus callicarpa Coast Ranges. Birds find fruits of both species edible. Red Willow Salix laevigata • Sandbar Willow Salix hindiana Hll. Native Blackberry, Rubus ursinus Snowberry Symphoricarpos rivularis • Spicebush Calycanthus occidentalis Native Blackberry grows as either a trailing vine or a low mound and can form impenetrable thickets. It likes semi open to shady areas. White flowers grow in clusters of 2 to 15 and bloom Sticky Monkey Flower Diplacus aurantiacus in March and April with berries following in June. The berries were pounded by the Native • Stinging Nettle Urtica holosericea Americans to form cakes or were used to make tea. 'Today the fruit is used in jams, jellies, Sugar Scoop Tiarella unifoliata and pies. The Native Blackberry has many distinctive characteristics that separate it from the Wood Fem Polystichum munitum non-native invasive Himalayan Blackberry such as its light green leaves that grow in groupings • of three, its small strait thorns, and round stem. The Himalayan Blackberry has much larger Wood Rose Rosa gymnocarpa thorns that are hooked and grow from a thick base. Its leaves grow in clusters of five, are dark Yellow Willow Salix lasiandra green with white undersides, and grow on a five sided stem. • Yerba de Selva Whipp/ea modesta • • • • Page 20 Page 21

I. NORTH COAST CONIFERIOUS FOREST 14.Douglas Fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii The Douglas fir is a very important tree species in the North Coast Coniferous North Coast Coniferous Forests are found near sea level up to 1000' in elevation in the North Forest. For a full description of the Douglas Fir please see the description in C2 Coast Ranges from Mendocino County northward into Oregon and Washington. Rainfall is high (page?). averaging 40 to 110" annually. Fog is commonplace, creating a moderate climate, with both winters and summers being quite mild. The forests are dense and continuous, and the trees often reach heights of 100' with much undergrowth. Conifers outnumber hardwoods in this commu 1 nity 1000 to 1. Trees in this community are often logged and used as building materials. In 15. Oregon Grape, Berberis aq uifolium fact, it is estimated that less than 10% of our old growth forests in the Pacific Northwest remain • _ ,...,...... ,. ., This shrub with holly-like leaves has an attractive yellow flower standing. Dominant species include confers such as Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis), Canoe which is the state flower of Oregon. It produces sour berries which Cedar, (Thuja p/icata), Western Hemlock (Thuja heterophylla), and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga are eaten by wildlife and can be used to make jelly, jam, or wine. menziesii). • Indians made a yellow dye from the roots and bark. They also used the roots and bark for a tonic for various sores and ills. The Oregon Grape has been widely used as an ornamental, and is quite hardy, 11. Lawson Cypress, Port Orford Cedar, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana • especially in somewhat shady, moist places. The Lawson Cyprus is found at low to mid elevations along the coasts of Northern California and Oregon. Highly valued as a lumber harvest tree it is also well known as a beautiful • ornamental evergreen whose fernlik:e branches droop as the tree ages, forming an attractive 16. Sitka Spruce, Picea sitchensis shape. Small purple berries become green, then mature into brown cones in one season. Sitka Spruce is most abundant near the ocean. It can be found growing • along the entire Pacific Coast from orthern California to Alaska, but rarely grows more than 30 miles from the Coast itself. Named after the town of 12. Red Cedar, Canoe Cedar, Thuja plicata Sitka, Alaska, where it is the most important timber harvest species, the • Sitka Spruce is often a favorite roost for the Bald Eagle. Sitka Spruce can The Red Cedar, also called Canoe Cedar because of its use by Native Americans in be recognized by its sharp needles which are dark green below, whitish the making of larger cones, grows along the North Coast from California to Alaska above, grow in spirals, and are attached to the branch with a woody peg. and also inland as far as Idaho. It is most common in areas of abundant moisture . • It is an extremely fast growing tree, often reaching heights of 175' in 100 It can be distinguished by its reddish brown wood and tiny scale-like leaves. years. It is the main conifer in what is called the temperate zone rainforest Through called "cedar," this tree is not a true cedar, and actually belongs to a group of the sheltered valleys of western Washington and Oregon. Wood of the of evergreens with scale-like leaves known as Arbor Vitae. • Sitka Spruce is light but still. In addition to its value as lumber, it was a prime source of wood for airplanes during World Wars I and II, hence the • "Spruce Goose," the largest airplane ever made, built by Howard Hughes. It 13. Western Hemlock, Tsuga heterophylla has also been used for making musical instruments. (this species is located along the north side Though a smaller and slower growing member of the North Coast of the access road directly across from the entrance to the Close Cone Pine Forest) Community, the longevity of this species can insure its eventual dominance • in an undisturbed coniferous forest. Unlike other associated species, Western Hemolock can germinate in deep shade. In maturity these trees are so Other North Coast Coniferous Forest species found in the Garden: dense; little under story vegetation can grow beneath them. Western • California Polypody Polystichum munitum Hemlock can be recognized by its drooping central leader, its small Cascara Sagrada Rhamnus purshiana ...... _.,, . ..- delicate needles of unequal length, and the two conspicuous silver lines on the • Chain Fern Woodwardia fimbriata underside of the needles. The cones are small and papery, and quite prolific, each cone housing 30 to 40 seeds. It depends on adequate moisture for survival. Elk Clover Aralia califomica Originally regarded as a "weed tree, ' Western Hemlock is now thought to be of • Grand Fir Abies grandis commercial value. This small specimen was planted in 1992. Mountain Dogwood Cornus nuttalli Sword Fern Polypodium californicum • Vine Maple Acer circinatum • Western Azalea Rododendron occidentale • Page 24 Page 25 J. CLOSED-CONE PINE FOREST J4. Monterey Pine, Pinus radiata Some believe this to be the world's fastest growing pine. In fertile Closed-cone Pine Forests are found scattered along the coast from Mendocino County south ~911!\lrJg~h. soil it can reach a height of 125' in about 60 years. Though widely to Santa Barbara County. These forests generally grow in the seaward side of Redwood planted as a timber tree in Australia, New Zealand, and Africa, in groves in the more barren soils. The climate is cool and damp, with 20 to 60" of rainfall California it is mainly planted as a windbreak or ornamental. Its annually, and is. generally quite similar to the climate of the Redwood Forest. The trees grow native range is actually quite Limited. It grows naturally on the to 100' tall or more and allow enough light to filter through their branches to support a dense Monterey Peninsula, in Santa Cruz County, in San Luis Obispo growth of the under story. Typical Closed Cone Pine Forest species include Bishop Pine and on the Santa Barbara Channel Islands. Note the dark green (Pinus muricata), Shore Pine (Pinus contorta), Monterey Pine (Pinus radiate), and Monterey • needles, 4" Long, in bundles of 2 or 3 and the candle like tips of the Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa). The cones of these trees usually stay closed for many years branches. and open following fires or other unusual conditions. This adaptation aids in the community survival by insuring the establishment of seedlings after periods of drought, fire, and other • disruptions to the environment. JS. Monterey Cypress, Cupressus macrocarpa The Monterey Cypress has the most restricted distribution of any Jl. Shore Pine, Pinus contorta California tree, growing naturally only on the Monterey Peninsula. Like Monterey Pine, however, it is cultivated as a windbreak, particularly along The Shore Pine grows along the coast from Mendocino to Alaska, often inhabiting • the coast. Note the scale-like leaves and cones attached to the branches . cliffs and sites with poor soil. Individual trees vary as to when they shed their seeds, some opening their cones and shedding seeds each fall, others holding their cones closed for years before shedding seed. In either case, cones themselves • remain on the tree for many years. Indians chewed the buds of this species for relief of sore throat, and used the pitch for open sores. This cluster of Other Closed-Cone Pine Forest Species in the Garden: Shore Pines was planted in 1974. Needles are about 2" long and come in • bundles of 2. Bearberry, Sand Berry Arctostaphy/os uva-ursi var. coactilis • Buckwheat Erigonum /atifolium Point Reyes Ceanothus Ceanothus g/oriosus var. porrecturs J2. Bishop pine, Pinus muricata ~ Wax Myrtle Myrica ca/ifornica Large stands of Bishop Pine can be found growing along the coast Yankee Point Ceanothus Ceanothus griseus var. horizonta/is from Santa Barbara County to Humboldt County. It typically has a dense crown of deeply furrowed bark. Its needles grow in bundles of 2. Compare its needle length with that • of a Shore Pine. • J3. Pygmy Cypress, Cupressus pygmaea On poor soil above hardpan, as along the Monterey Peninsula and the Mendocino • Coast, this species grows to a height of only 3 to 7' in "pygmy forests." On good soil it can grow to 150'. It is generally found in this taller form scattered among • the Bishop Pines along the coast of Mendocino. Our specimen, planted in the fall of 1983 in rich adobe soil is definitely non-pygmy. • • • • Page 24 Page 25 J. CLOSED-CONE PINE FOREST J4. Monterey Pine, Pinus radiata Some believe this to be the world's fastest growing pine. In fertile Closed-cone Pine Forests are found scattered along the coast from Mendocino County south ~911!\lrJg~h. soil it can reach a height of 125' in about 60 years. Though widely to Santa Barbara County. These forests generally grow in the seaward side of Redwood planted as a timber tree in Australia, New Zealand, and Africa, in groves in the more barren soils. The climate is cool and damp, with 20 to 60" of rainfall California it is mainly planted as a windbreak or ornamental. Its annually, and is. generally quite similar to the climate of the Redwood Forest. The trees grow native range is actually quite Limited. It grows naturally on the to 100' tall or more and allow enough light to filter through their branches to support a dense Monterey Peninsula, in Santa Cruz County, in San Luis Obispo growth of the under story. Typical Closed Cone Pine Forest species include Bishop Pine and on the Santa Barbara Channel Islands. Note the dark green (Pinus muricata), Shore Pine (Pinus contorta), Monterey Pine (Pinus radiate), and Monterey • needles, 4" Long, in bundles of 2 or 3 and the candle like tips of the Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa). The cones of these trees usually stay closed for many years branches. and open following fires or other unusual conditions. This adaptation aids in the community survival by insuring the establishment of seedlings after periods of drought, fire, and other • disruptions to the environment. JS. Monterey Cypress, Cupressus macrocarpa The Monterey Cypress has the most restricted distribution of any Jl. Shore Pine, Pinus contorta California tree, growing naturally only on the Monterey Peninsula. Like Monterey Pine, however, it is cultivated as a windbreak, particularly along The Shore Pine grows along the coast from Mendocino to Alaska, often inhabiting • the coast. Note the scale-like leaves and cones attached to the branches . cliffs and sites with poor soil. Individual trees vary as to when they shed their seeds, some opening their cones and shedding seeds each fall, others holding their cones closed for years before shedding seed. In either case, cones themselves • remain on the tree for many years. Indians chewed the buds of this species for relief of sore throat, and used the pitch for open sores. This cluster of Other Closed-Cone Pine Forest Species in the Garden: Shore Pines was planted in 1974. Needles are about 2" long and come in • bundles of 2. Bearberry, Sand Berry Arctostaphy/os uva-ursi var. coactilis • Buckwheat Erigonum /atifolium Point Reyes Ceanothus Ceanothus g/oriosus var. porrecturs J2. Bishop pine, Pinus muricata ~ Wax Myrtle Myrica ca/ifornica Large stands of Bishop Pine can be found growing along the coast Yankee Point Ceanothus Ceanothus griseus var. horizonta/is from Santa Barbara County to Humboldt County. It typically has a dense crown of deeply furrowed bark. Its needles grow in bundles of 2. Compare its needle length with that • of a Shore Pine. • J3. Pygmy Cypress, Cupressus pygmaea On poor soil above hardpan, as along the Monterey Peninsula and the Mendocino • Coast, this species grows to a height of only 3 to 7' in "pygmy forests." On good soil it can grow to 150'. It is generally found in this taller form scattered among • the Bishop Pines along the coast of Mendocino. Our specimen, planted in the fall of 1983 in rich adobe soil is definitely non-pygmy. • • • • Page 26 Page 27 K. WETLAND • K4. Red Willow, Salix laevigata Willows as a group share certain characteristics. They are deciduous with simple, narrow There are two wetland types represented here - the swamp and the fresh water marsh. The leaves, arranged alternately on their branches. In winter their leaf buds are covered with swamp appears in much the same locations as freshwater marshes. The water level in swamps, • a cap-like scale. They are among the first trees to bloom in the spring, as their catkins, however, is generally lower than the level in marshes. The outstanding feature of the wetland known as "pussy willows," begin to swell. Later in the spring, the cottony seeds blow community is tlie combination of tree, shrub, and herbaceous vegetation adapted to saturated in the wind or float downstream in great quantities. The Red Willow, distinguished by or poorly aerated soil. The following species represent the most commonly occurring wetland • its reddish-brown deeply furrowed bark, is among the largest of our native willows. It vegetation. grows rapidly, but is short lived. Marsh and swamp communities provide important habitat for wildlife. In addition, migrating • birds often depend on these and other wetland areas for food. However, wetlands are often threatened by agricultural development, as the water of many wetlands is removed for irriga KS. Basket Sedge, Santa Barbara Sedge, Carex barbarae tion or as the land itself is filled and used for cropland. We must protect what is left of this • ' valuable resource. The Basket Sedge likes wetlands and open moist areas. This grass-like sedge has bright green leaves and it grows in mats more often than clumps. It blooms in March and April. It is known • as the basket sedge because the Native Americans used the long fibrous roots of this sedge in basket weaving. . Kl. Spicebush, Calycanthus occidentalis . With its many similar sepals. and petals in severa~ s~~es and its man~ sta~ens • and pistils, Spice Bush is one of the most pnm1t1ve plants descnbed m ~ K6. Pacific Rush, Juncus effuses var. pacificus ~ . ~ ..... (.f})' Munz. Spicy aroma of bark and leaves give the plant its name. Also 7 \ .~) ' ~· :··, _-_.' r note the vinegar-like odor of the red flowers, which ~ook like smal.l • L Rushes can be identified by their thin rounded, dark green stalks. These stalks /"'(- '/:?Ji . \., water lilies. ~hoots o.f this deciduous plant were used m basket making :\J were used by the Indians for tying and making temporary baskets. Clusters of -;~ ·' and were also highly pnzed as arrow shafts. Rushes in fields are indicators of wet spots. Note the roundness of the stem of • the Rush, compared to the angular stem of the Sedge. Remember "Sedges have edges, rushes are round." K2. Common Thie, Scirpus acutus • It is estimated that in the 19th century there were 250,000 acres of Tule land K7. Arroyo Willow, Salix lasiolepis in California. The plants had many uses for the Native Americans. The under • Note that both sexes of this deciduous species are in this area. This is the ground part of the tule were ground into meal. The seeds were ground into most numerous of our campus willows. It often grows in a bush-like manner. flower and used as mush. The young shoots were eaten both raw and cooked. Note the relatively smooth grey bark. Native Americans found many uses for The large round stems were used as matting, bedding, roofing, and in making • willows. They boiled or chewed the bark for medicinal purposes (it contains a boats and rafts. Some of these stems grew to more than twenty feet tall. substance similar to aspirin). They used the strong flexible twigs for basketry and • furniture. A twine was made from the bark. K3. Horsetail, Equisetum hyemale The outer layer of the segmented stems of this species contains silica and • KS. Hawthorn, Thorn-apple, Crataegus douglasii was used for polishing hardwoods as well as for scouring pots. The young The stems of this deciduous shrub bare stout brown thorns Yz to %' long and leaves with sharply heads were boiled and eaten like asparagus. A species of ancient origin, toothed margins. It likes moist areas and is usually found in woods and thickets. Near the coast horsetails reaching their zenith in the Paleozoic. Many horsetails have two • the flowers bloom May through June and are small, creamy white with five petals. The fruit is growth forms: a vegetative growth with photosynthetic branches, and a edible and ranges from dark red to black when ripe and can be made into jams or jellies, The reproductive shoot topped with a spore-bearing strobilis. · • Native Americans dried them. They also used the strong hardwood twigs for making tools. The Hawthorn is a hard plant to grow from seeds because they must be stratified and it may take up • to a year to germinate • • Page 26 Page 27 K. WETLAND • K4. Red Willow, Salix laevigata Willows as a group share certain characteristics. They are deciduous with simple, narrow There are two wetland types represented here - the swamp and the fresh water marsh. The leaves, arranged alternately on their branches. In winter their leaf buds are covered with swamp appears in much the same locations as freshwater marshes. The water level in swamps, • a cap-like scale. They are among the first trees to bloom in the spring, as their catkins, however, is generally lower than the level in marshes. The outstanding feature of the wetland known as "pussy willows," begin to swell. Later in the spring, the cottony seeds blow community is tlie combination of tree, shrub, and herbaceous vegetation adapted to saturated in the wind or float downstream in great quantities. The Red Willow, distinguished by or poorly aerated soil. The following species represent the most commonly occurring wetland • its reddish-brown deeply furrowed bark, is among the largest of our native willows. It vegetation. grows rapidly, but is short lived. Marsh and swamp communities provide important habitat for wildlife. In addition, migrating • birds often depend on these and other wetland areas for food. However, wetlands are often threatened by agricultural development, as the water of many wetlands is removed for irriga KS. Basket Sedge, Santa Barbara Sedge, Carex barbarae tion or as the land itself is filled and used for cropland. We must protect what is left of this • ' valuable resource. The Basket Sedge likes wetlands and open moist areas. This grass-like sedge has bright green leaves and it grows in mats more often than clumps. It blooms in March and April. It is known • as the basket sedge because the Native Americans used the long fibrous roots of this sedge in basket weaving. . Kl. Spicebush, Calycanthus occidentalis . With its many similar sepals. and petals in severa~ s~~es and its man~ sta~ens • and pistils, Spice Bush is one of the most pnm1t1ve plants descnbed m ~ K6. Pacific Rush, Juncus effuses var. pacificus ~ . ~ ..... (.f})' Munz. Spicy aroma of bark and leaves give the plant its name. Also 7 \ .~) ' ~· :··, _-_.' r note the vinegar-like odor of the red flowers, which ~ook like smal.l • L Rushes can be identified by their thin rounded, dark green stalks. These stalks /"'(- '/:?Ji . \., water lilies. ~hoots o.f this deciduous plant were used m basket making :\J were used by the Indians for tying and making temporary baskets. Clusters of -;~ ·' and were also highly pnzed as arrow shafts. Rushes in fields are indicators of wet spots. Note the roundness of the stem of • the Rush, compared to the angular stem of the Sedge. Remember "Sedges have edges, rushes are round." K2. Common Thie, Scirpus acutus • It is estimated that in the 19th century there were 250,000 acres of Tule land K7. Arroyo Willow, Salix lasiolepis in California. The plants had many uses for the Native Americans. The under • Note that both sexes of this deciduous species are in this area. This is the ground part of the tule were ground into meal. The seeds were ground into most numerous of our campus willows. It often grows in a bush-like manner. flower and used as mush. The young shoots were eaten both raw and cooked. Note the relatively smooth grey bark. Native Americans found many uses for The large round stems were used as matting, bedding, roofing, and in making • willows. They boiled or chewed the bark for medicinal purposes (it contains a boats and rafts. Some of these stems grew to more than twenty feet tall. substance similar to aspirin). They used the strong flexible twigs for basketry and • furniture. A twine was made from the bark. K3. Horsetail, Equisetum hyemale The outer layer of the segmented stems of this species contains silica and • KS. Hawthorn, Thorn-apple, Crataegus douglasii was used for polishing hardwoods as well as for scouring pots. The young The stems of this deciduous shrub bare stout brown thorns Yz to %' long and leaves with sharply heads were boiled and eaten like asparagus. A species of ancient origin, toothed margins. It likes moist areas and is usually found in woods and thickets. Near the coast horsetails reaching their zenith in the Paleozoic. Many horsetails have two • the flowers bloom May through June and are small, creamy white with five petals. The fruit is growth forms: a vegetative growth with photosynthetic branches, and a edible and ranges from dark red to black when ripe and can be made into jams or jellies, The reproductive shoot topped with a spore-bearing strobilis. · • Native Americans dried them. They also used the strong hardwood twigs for making tools. The Hawthorn is a hard plant to grow from seeds because they must be stratified and it may take up • to a year to germinate • • Page 28 Page 29 K9. Cattail, Typha latifolia L. OAK SAVANNAH The creeping rhizomes (underground stems) of the cattails were roasted or dried The Oak Savannah community is structurally similar to the Oak Woodland Community and ground into meal by Native Americans. The young shoots were eaten fresh. described in section A, but the main difference is the spacing of the trees. In the Oak Savannah The pollen from above the familiar tufts was eaten as a kind of bread. Stems were Community individual oaks are much more widely spaced than in the Oak Woodland used as floor rpats and roofing material. The down from the tufts was used to Community and the under story consists mostly of grasses. Historically the under story was some extent for beds and disposable diapers. • native perennial bunch grasses. The oak species that most commonly form Oak Savannahs are • those that are predisposed to grow as individual species instead of stands of trees. Other wetland species found in the Garden: Blue Elderbeny Sambucus caerule Ll. Valley Oak, Quercus lobata • The largest of our western oaks the Valley Oak: is found in the Button Willow Cephalanthus occidentalis moist hot valleys and foothill woodlands between the Sierra Douglas Hawthorn Crataegus douglasii and the Coast Ranges. This deciduous oak: prefers a deep Douglas Iris Iris douglasii alluvial soil. Valley Oaks often occur in pure stands or Golden-eyed Grass Sisyrinchium califomicum scattered about as individual species rather than grouped with other species. As the botanical name suggests, the Valley Oak Kenwood Checkerbloom Sidalcia malvaefiora spp. purpurea • can be identified by the deeply lobed leaves. Unfortunately, due Lizard-tail (Yerba Marzsa) Anemopsis ca/ifomica •"<:_,l!!ellill:--.....~ to larg~ scale clearing for agri.culture flood control and de elop Milkmaids, Toothwort Dentaria califomica • - -- ment its range has been drastically reduced in the last 100 years . The remaining Valley Oaks ha e not been reproducing well. ote Oregon Ash Fraxinus latifolia the large galls or ' oak balls" hanging from the branches. They are caused by small wasps Scarlet Monkey Flower Mimulus cardinalus • which lay their eggs under the bark of twigs. The juice inside these galls, when allowed to react Twin berry Lonicera invo/ucrate with rusty iron, was once u ed to make ink. In fact the U.S. Declaration of Independence was signed using oak-gall ink. Common Rush Juncus patens • • L2. California Fescue, Festuca californica This perennial bunch grass, also known as "Blue Fountain Grass" is most commonly found growing under Oak trees. It is of medium size with blue • green foliage and a purplish base. It clumps tightly at its base and its foliage grows up to 2' with flower stalks rising 2' to 3' above that. California Fescue grows in chaparral, open woodlands woodland borders, and open areas. It • grows in full or partial sun and in a variety of soils. Like most bunch grasses • it is fire adapted and helps add stability to hillsides . • • • • • Page 28 Page 29 K9. Cattail, Typha latifolia L. OAK SAVANNAH The creeping rhizomes (underground stems) of the cattails were roasted or dried The Oak Savannah community is structurally similar to the Oak Woodland Community and ground into meal by Native Americans. The young shoots were eaten fresh. described in section A, but the main difference is the spacing of the trees. In the Oak Savannah The pollen from above the familiar tufts was eaten as a kind of bread. Stems were Community individual oaks are much more widely spaced than in the Oak Woodland used as floor rpats and roofing material. The down from the tufts was used to Community and the under story consists mostly of grasses. Historically the under story was some extent for beds and disposable diapers. • native perennial bunch grasses. The oak species that most commonly form Oak Savannahs are • those that are predisposed to grow as individual species instead of stands of trees. Other wetland species found in the Garden: Blue Elderbeny Sambucus caerule Ll. Valley Oak, Quercus lobata • The largest of our western oaks the Valley Oak: is found in the Button Willow Cephalanthus occidentalis moist hot valleys and foothill woodlands between the Sierra Douglas Hawthorn Crataegus douglasii and the Coast Ranges. This deciduous oak: prefers a deep Douglas Iris Iris douglasii alluvial soil. Valley Oaks often occur in pure stands or Golden-eyed Grass Sisyrinchium califomicum scattered about as individual species rather than grouped with other species. As the botanical name suggests, the Valley Oak Kenwood Checkerbloom Sidalcia malvaefiora spp. purpurea • can be identified by the deeply lobed leaves. Unfortunately, due Lizard-tail (Yerba Marzsa) Anemopsis ca/ifomica •"<:_,l!!ellill:--.....~ to larg~ scale clearing for agri.culture flood control and de elop Milkmaids, Toothwort Dentaria califomica • - -- ment its range has been drastically reduced in the last 100 years . The remaining Valley Oaks ha e not been reproducing well. ote Oregon Ash Fraxinus latifolia the large galls or ' oak balls" hanging from the branches. They are caused by small wasps Scarlet Monkey Flower Mimulus cardinalus • which lay their eggs under the bark of twigs. The juice inside these galls, when allowed to react Twin berry Lonicera invo/ucrate with rusty iron, was once u ed to make ink. In fact the U.S. Declaration of Independence was signed using oak-gall ink. Common Rush Juncus patens • • L2. California Fescue, Festuca californica This perennial bunch grass, also known as "Blue Fountain Grass" is most commonly found growing under Oak trees. It is of medium size with blue • green foliage and a purplish base. It clumps tightly at its base and its foliage grows up to 2' with flower stalks rising 2' to 3' above that. California Fescue grows in chaparral, open woodlands woodland borders, and open areas. It • grows in full or partial sun and in a variety of soils. Like most bunch grasses • it is fire adapted and helps add stability to hillsides . • • • • • Page 30 Page 31 M. VERNAL POOL BIBLIOGRAPHY Alexander, Martin, Herbert Zim, and Arnold Nelson. American Wildlife and Plants. Dover Vernal Pools once occurred through out the Great Valley Grasslands of Central California. Press. 1961. Valley Grasslands were thought to have existed intact for 10,000 years, until human influences • (including agricultural and development, introduction of non-native species, and over grazing Arno, Stephen. Discovering Sierra Trees. Yosemite Natural Hisotry Assoc. and Sequoia Natural practices led to-their demise in a short period ohime. Vernal pools are a unique habitat usually History Assoc. in cooperation with the National Park Service. 1973 located within the Grassland Community. Most occur when clay deposits beneath the soil • Arno Stephen, and Ramona Hammerly. Northwest Trees. The Mountaineers, Seattle. 1977. surface form and impervious hardpan. The accumulated winter rains form puddles, or pools, that remain until they evaporate into the atmosphere rather than drain into the soil. During the dry • Baerg, Harry J. How to Know the Western Trees. W.C. Brown, Co. 1955. season, Vernal Pools may resemble only a slight depression in the soil level. Such conditions Balls, Edward K. Early Uses of California Plants. U.C. Press.1962. create habitat for unique species of animal and plant life. Most of the plants and animal in and surrounding Vernal Pools are restricted to this habitat. The representative plant species of this • Chestmut V.K. Plants Used by the Indians ofRound Valley. Reprinted by Mendocino County community include Meadow Foam, Limnanthes Douglasii, Downingia spp., and Goldfields, Historical Society. 1974. Lasthenia spp. Crittenden, Mabel. Trees of the West. Celestial Arts, Millbrae, CA. 1977 . Vernal Pools are very difficult to establish artificially. In 1980 we re-graded this area to create • Crampton, Beecher. Grasses in California. U.S. Press 1974. a depression in the soil resembling a Vernal Pool. It was then lined with bentonite clay to simulate a hardpan that would hold water during the rainy season. We have had great difficulty • Crittenden, Mabel. Trees of the West. Celestial Arts, Millbrae, CA. 1977. introducing plant species in this community, with the exception of Meadow Foam, which Ferris, Roxana. Native Shrubs of the San Fransisco Bay Region. U.C. Press. 1968. successfully reseeds itself annually. • Gunther, Erna. Ethnobotany of Western Washington. Univ. of Washington Press. 1973 . Btdt~M~Trd Heiser, Robert F. editor. Handbook ofNorth American Indians. Vol. 8. California. 1978. Hitchcock. A.S. Manual of the Grasses of the United States. U.S.D.A. 1950 . You have now completed the tour of the plant communities portion of the garden. • Just ahead to the east is another section of the garden: The Butterfly Meadow Trail. Funded Hitchcock, C. Leo, Arthur Cronquist, Marion Ownbey, and J.W. Thompson. Vascular Plants of through grants and maintained with the help of the Santa Rosa Women's Garden Club, this • the Pacific Northwest. Univ. Washington Press. 1969. area is dedicated to the cultivation of native perennial and annual flowers vital to the survival Jepson, Willis L. A Manual of the Flowering Plants of California. U.C. Press. 1923- 1925. of California's native butterfly species in all stages of their life cycle. More information about the Butterfly Garden is available in the mailbox located on the back of the Bird and Butterfly • Jepson, Willis L. The Trees of California. U.C. Press. 1923. Garden sign or at the Landscape Services office. Kirk, Donald. Wild Edible Plants of Western United States. Naturegraph Publishers. 1970. We hope you have enjoyed your tour of the garden. Please come back at different times of the Kroeber, Alfred L. Handbook of California Indians. U.C. Press. 1953 . year to follow seasonal changes. • Little, Elbert L. The Audobon Society Field Guide to North American Trees, Western Region. • Alfred A. Knopf. 1980 . McMinn, Howard, and Evelyn Maino. Illustrated Manual ofPacific Coast Trees. U.C. Press. • 1973 . Metcalf, Woodbridge. Native Trees of the San Francisco Bay Region. U.C. Press. 1959. • Munz, Philip A. A California Flora. U.C. Press. 1968 . Niehaus, Theodore. Sierra Wildflowers: Mt. Lassen to Kern Canyon. U.C. Press. 1974. Neihais, Theodore, and Charles Ripper. A Field Guide to Pacific States Wildflowers. Houghton • Mifflin Co. 1976. • Orn.duff, Robert. An Introduction to California Plant Life. U.C. Press. 1974 . Peterson, P. Victor, and P. Victor Peterson, Jr. Native Trees of the Sierra Nevada. U.C. Press. • 1975 . • Page 30 Page 31 M. VERNAL POOL BIBLIOGRAPHY Alexander, Martin, Herbert Zim, and Arnold Nelson. American Wildlife and Plants. Dover Vernal Pools once occurred through out the Great Valley Grasslands of Central California. Press. 1961. Valley Grasslands were thought to have existed intact for 10,000 years, until human influences • (including agricultural and development, introduction of non-native species, and over grazing Arno, Stephen. Discovering Sierra Trees. Yosemite Natural Hisotry Assoc. and Sequoia Natural practices led to-their demise in a short period ohime. Vernal pools are a unique habitat usually History Assoc. in cooperation with the National Park Service. 1973 located within the Grassland Community. Most occur when clay deposits beneath the soil • Arno Stephen, and Ramona Hammerly. Northwest Trees. The Mountaineers, Seattle. 1977. surface form and impervious hardpan. The accumulated winter rains form puddles, or pools, that remain until they evaporate into the atmosphere rather than drain into the soil. During the dry • Baerg, Harry J. How to Know the Western Trees. W.C. Brown, Co. 1955. season, Vernal Pools may resemble only a slight depression in the soil level. Such conditions Balls, Edward K. Early Uses of California Plants. U.C. Press.1962. create habitat for unique species of animal and plant life. Most of the plants and animal in and surrounding Vernal Pools are restricted to this habitat. The representative plant species of this • Chestmut V.K. Plants Used by the Indians ofRound Valley. Reprinted by Mendocino County community include Meadow Foam, Limnanthes Douglasii, Downingia spp., and Goldfields, Historical Society. 1974. Lasthenia spp. Crittenden, Mabel. Trees of the West. Celestial Arts, Millbrae, CA. 1977 . Vernal Pools are very difficult to establish artificially. In 1980 we re-graded this area to create • Crampton, Beecher. Grasses in California. U.S. Press 1974. a depression in the soil resembling a Vernal Pool. It was then lined with bentonite clay to simulate a hardpan that would hold water during the rainy season. We have had great difficulty • Crittenden, Mabel. Trees of the West. Celestial Arts, Millbrae, CA. 1977. introducing plant species in this community, with the exception of Meadow Foam, which Ferris, Roxana. Native Shrubs of the San Fransisco Bay Region. U.C. Press. 1968. successfully reseeds itself annually. • Gunther, Erna. Ethnobotany of Western Washington. Univ. of Washington Press. 1973 . Btdt~M~Trd Heiser, Robert F. editor. Handbook ofNorth American Indians. Vol. 8. California. 1978. Hitchcock. A.S. Manual of the Grasses of the United States. U.S.D.A. 1950 . You have now completed the tour of the plant communities portion of the garden. • Just ahead to the east is another section of the garden: The Butterfly Meadow Trail. Funded Hitchcock, C. Leo, Arthur Cronquist, Marion Ownbey, and J.W. Thompson. Vascular Plants of through grants and maintained with the help of the Santa Rosa Women's Garden Club, this • the Pacific Northwest. Univ. Washington Press. 1969. area is dedicated to the cultivation of native perennial and annual flowers vital to the survival Jepson, Willis L. A Manual of the Flowering Plants of California. U.C. Press. 1923- 1925. of California's native butterfly species in all stages of their life cycle. More information about the Butterfly Garden is available in the mailbox located on the back of the Bird and Butterfly • Jepson, Willis L. The Trees of California. U.C. Press. 1923. Garden sign or at the Landscape Services office. Kirk, Donald. Wild Edible Plants of Western United States. Naturegraph Publishers. 1970. We hope you have enjoyed your tour of the garden. Please come back at different times of the Kroeber, Alfred L. Handbook of California Indians. U.C. Press. 1953 . year to follow seasonal changes. • Little, Elbert L. The Audobon Society Field Guide to North American Trees, Western Region. • Alfred A. Knopf. 1980 . McMinn, Howard, and Evelyn Maino. Illustrated Manual ofPacific Coast Trees. U.C. Press. • 1973 . Metcalf, Woodbridge. Native Trees of the San Francisco Bay Region. U.C. Press. 1959. • Munz, Philip A. A California Flora. U.C. Press. 1968 . Niehaus, Theodore. Sierra Wildflowers: Mt. Lassen to Kern Canyon. U.C. Press. 1974. Neihais, Theodore, and Charles Ripper. A Field Guide to Pacific States Wildflowers. Houghton • Mifflin Co. 1976. • Orn.duff, Robert. An Introduction to California Plant Life. U.C. Press. 1974 . Peterson, P. Victor, and P. Victor Peterson, Jr. Native Trees of the Sierra Nevada. U.C. Press. • 1975 . • Raven, Peter. Native Shrubs of Southern California. U.C. Press. 1966.Schmidt, Marjorie G. and Beth Merrick. Growing California Native Plants. U.C. Press. 1980. • Sharsmith, Helen K. Spring Wildflowers of the San Francisco Bay Region. U.C. Press. 1965. • Stocking, Steve. A Botanical Trail Guide. San Joaquin Delta College. 1982. Storer, Tracy t, and Robert Usinger. Sierra Nevada Natural History. U.C. Press. 1963. • Sudworth, George B. Forest Trees of the Pacific Slope. Dover Publications. 1967. Sweet, Muriel. Common Edible and Useful Plants of the West. Naturegraph Publishers. 1976. • Thomas, John H., and Dennis R. Parnell. Native Shrubs of the Sierra Nevada. U.C. Press. Whitney, Stephen. Western Forests. Alfred A. Knopf. 1985. • Wolf, Carl. California Wild Tree Crops. Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. 1945. • • • • • • • • • • • • .,.•