Vol. XIX, No. 4 | Fall 2009

alifornia ative rasslands rasslands ssociation G Published quarterly by the California Native Grasslands Association

Conservation Management of California’s Coastal Prairie 5

A Windblown Garden on a Sea Ranch Bluff 8 FIELD NOTES: Greenhouse Germination of California Oatgrass with Potassium 11 Screening Plant Imports: New USDA Guidelines 11 Summary Notes on Selected Native Grasses as Reported in the 12 Soil Conservation Service Technical Reports: 1944 to 1960 Calendar 18

Mission Statement: From the Keyboard The Mission of the President’s alifornia California Native Grasslands t our 2008 Annual Meeting in Santa Association is to promote, ative preserve, and restore the Rosa, the status and preservation rasslands diversity of California’s Aof California’s coastal prairie was native grasses and grass- a hot topic, spurred on by the Sonoma– ssociation land ecosystems through Marin Coastal Grasslands Working Group. P.O. Box 8327 education, advocacy, Kathleen Kraft and Linda Esposito of the research, and stewardship. Woodland, CA 95776 Ocean Song Farm and Wilderness Center 530-661-2280 a d m i n @CNGA.o r g | h t t p ://w w w .CNGA.o r g joined with Claudia Luke at the UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory to organize Da v i d Am m e CNGA Board of Directors the first Coastal Prairie Workshop on Officers November 6th, 2006, and published the proceedings in June 2007. Last year, David Amme, President Drs. James Bartolome and Peter Hopkinson of UC Berkeley were asked by Randi Paris, Past President Wayne Belew, President-elect the Sonoma County Agriculture Preservation and Open Space District to write Sara Sweet, Secretary a review of coastal prairie management, which is presented in this issue of Jim Hanson, Treasurer Grasslands (see p. 5). At-Large Members Native coastal prairie grasslands once covered much of the terraces and Andrew Fulks JP Marié grassy plains of coastal California from the Del Norte coast, south through Clare Golec Melissa Mooney Sarah Hoskinson Zachary Principe the San Francisco Bay region, and as far south as San Luis Obispo and Santa David Kaplow Kent Reeves Barbara Counties. Prior to the entrance of the white man, elk were the pri- Richard King Bryan Young mary ungulates that grazed in both the forest edges and the adjoining coastal grasslands. The morphology of the mouth of elk is similar to that of cattle, CNGA Administrative Director Judy G-Scott so grazing of cattle in these remnant grasslands can have a similar effect on the habitat if properly managed. The following quote (William Heath Davis, Grasslands Managing Editor Seventy-five Years in California, 1889) gives a glimpse of the past: Mary N. Rodgers “On Mare Island I often saw in the years from [1840] to ’43 as many as two For advertising rates and instructions, or membership and or three thousand elk, it being their habit to cross and recross by swim- other organizational information, contact CNGA Administrative Director: a d m i n @CNGA.o r g . ming between the island and the mainland, and I remember one occasion, For program information related to tours or training work- when on the schooner Isabella, of sailing through a band of these elk, shops, contact CNGA Administrative Director: a d m i n @CNGA.o r g . probably no less than a thousand, which were then crossing from Mare Grasslands is published quarterly by CNGA. Island to the mainland. It was a grand and exciting scene. The captain of the boat wanted to shoot at some of them, but I prevented him from doing ISSN No. 1540-6857 so because we could not stop to get the game on board and I did not like to see the elk wantonly destroyed.” president’s keyboard, continued on page 3 rassSubmissionlands Guidelines GSend submissions to: Editor: m r o d g e r s @m a c n e x u s .o r g . Submissions include peer-reviewed research reports and non-refereed articles, such as progress reports, observations, interviews, book reviews, and opinions. All submissions are reviewed by the Grasslands Editorial Committee for suitability for publication. Submissions are accepted electronically as e-mail attach- ments. Contact the editor for formatting specifications. Submission deadlines for articles: Winter 2010: Nov. 15, 2009; Spring 2010: Feb. 15, 2010 ; Summer 2010: May 15, 2010; Fall 2010: Aug. 15, 2010 Big Sur coastal prairie Photo: David Amme

2 | G R A S S L A N D S Fall 2009 president’s keyboard, continued from page 2 (5) poor or no management (permanent (California canarygrass), Phleum alpinum The California coastal prairie plant rest). The proper management of this (alpine timothy), Poa unilateralis (sea- community shares many of the same plant valuable plant community is extremely bluff bluegrass), P. confinis (beach blue- species of the mid- to higher-elevation important. grass), P. douglasii (Douglas’s bluegrass), slopes of the Sierra Nevada. The same gen- The coastal prairie includes an incredi- P. macrantha (seashore bluegrass), and era and species of grasses, sedges, shrubs, bly rich assortment of 28 perennial grasses: Trisetum canescens (nodding trisetum). and trees found on Tuolumne Meadows in Agrostis blasdalei (Blasdale’s bentgrass), The growing list and rapidly expand- Yosemite National Park are found on the A. densiflora (California bentgrass), A. ing populations of naturalized perennial Fort Bragg coast. The prairie grassland and pallens (Seashore bentgrass), Alopecurus and annual exotic grasses constitute a associated forest, wetlands, and slack-dune aequalis var. sonomensis (Sonoma short- major threat to the survival of this precious vegetation are representative of northern awn foxtail), Bromus maritimus (maritime resource, including: Ammophila arenaria Arcto-Tertiay flora. Examples include brome), Calamagrostis nutkaensis (sand (European dunegrass), Agrostis capillaris California oatgrass, tufted hairgrass, red reedgrass), Calamagrostis stricta inex- (browntop), Anthoxanthum odoratum fescue, fir, spruce, lodgepole pine, corn lily, pansa (Thurber’s reedgrass), Danthonia (sweet vernalgrass), Arrhenatherum Labrador tea, manzanita, ceanothus, and californica (California oatgrass), Des- elatius (tall oatgrass), Brachypodium oso berry, to name a few. champsia caespitosa holciformis (tufted distachyon (annual false brome), Briza California oatgrass (Danthonia hairgrass), D. caespitosa beringensis maxima (rattlesnake grass), Bromus californica) epitomizes the coastal prairie (Bering hairgrass), Elymus glaucus (Blue diandrus (ripgut), B. hordeaceus (soft- grassland as far inland as the cool, foggy wildrye), E. virescens (maritime wildrye), chess), Cortaderia jubata (Pampas grass), coastal environment from the bald hills Festuca idahoensis roemeri (Roemer’s Ehrharta erecta (panic veldtgrass), E. of Northern California to Rio Vista in the fescue), Festuca rubra (red fescue), calycina (perennial veldtgrass), Festuca Sacramento River Delta and south to Hordeum brachyantherum (meadow arundinacea (tall fescue), Holcus lanatus coastal prairies of San Simeon in San Luis barley), Koeleria macrantha (junegrass), (velvetgrass), Lolium multiflorum (annual Obispo County. Danthonia is perhaps the Leymus mollis (dune wildrye), L. paci- ryegrass), Nassella manicata (South only native perennial bunchgrass that has ficus (Pacific wildrye),Nassella lepida American needlegrass), and Pennisetum seed that lives for many years in the soil (foothill needlegrass), N. pulchra (purple clandestinum (Kikuyu grass). Perhaps seed bank. Soil compaction, periodic close needlegrass), Panicum acuminatum the most endangering exotic grass to the grazing, disturbance, and fire are processes (Pacific panicgrass),Phalaris californica coastal prairie is velvetgrass (H. lanatus). that encourage the establishment and vigor of turf-like stands of this tasty grass (Amme Field Notes and Micallef, Grasslands, Summer 2008). ecently, we received an interesting begun a native grass research project There has been an alarming loss of short note from Marsha Sleeth of driven by the need for a turf replacement diversity in key coastal grasslands over the RSeaside, California, that fits in our (Amen, that). She is expecting that water last 30 years. Few extensive coastal prairies Grasslands “Field Notes” category: experi- rationing will begin to hit the Monterey still exist. But more and more “postage- mental trials and layman efforts to figure Peninsula and is hoping to identify native stamp”-sized prairies are the norm, out how grasses and grasslands tick (see grasses that will be effective for replacing islanded by development with their original p. 11). This kind of article wouldn’t stand the water-guzzling lawn. (Marsha Sleeth at crucial soil profile still intact. up to the rigor of scientific scrutiny but Water-Wise Garden Design & All Organic It is important to note that coastal nonetheless makes one take notice and try Pest Management can be reached at prairie has no legal protection status in new techniques. sleethdesign @a t t .n e t.) —DA California. Intact prairie areas may be wan- Since moving to the Monterey Penin- Grazing California Grasslands— tonly disrupted by agriculture expansion or sula, Marsha has become impassioned Take Two: Mountain Meadows development with only a token, if any, offer about the restoration of natives, the organic In the last issue of Grasslands I wrote of limited mitigation, which may or may management of pests, and incensed about about the proper management of California not be carried out. Primary threats to the the wastefulness of water. She began study- grasslands, particularly the low- and mid- coastal prairies are (1) invasive European ing horticulture and landscape design and elevation grasslands of California, where perennial grasses, (2) land development, recently launched a business: Water-Wise properly timed grazing can be beneficial if (3) erosion, (4) non-grass invasive species Garden Design. She is developing a nursery not required to maintain grassland health such as gorse and French broom, and that will focus on native plants and has grassland notes, continued on page 4

Fall 2009 G R A S S L A N D S | 3

grassland notes, continued from page 3 summer sheep and cattle grazing, and by time, erosion and gullies begin to form, and diversity. The rules change when one the 1930s there was a call to stop this type the meadows begin to dry out, impacting climbs into the higher elevation grasslands of grazing, when clouds of dust (soil) on the riparian vegetation, water quality, and and alpine meadows from 7,000 to 10,000 the mountaintops could be seen for miles the structure of the bogs and fens. This is feet, such as exists at Highland Lakes during drought years. not good, especially on wilderness areas or where CNGA has been hosting our summer Today, our National Forests are still sensitive sites that do not have wilderness Sierran retreats. At these elevations, the running high meadow grazing allotments status. meadows and grasslands have not been in these sensitive high mountain meadows. This type of livestock grazing is taking subject to grazing by large ungulates since Grazing for 3½ months from July to early place on and off wilderness lands where the last ice age. The lush meadows stay October can certainly result in deleterious grazing allotments have been grandfa- green late into the summer and rarely are effects to these grassland meadows, espe- thered into the landscape. The Wilder- grazed by more than an occasional small, cially if they are not deferred from grazing ness Act of 1964 states: “A wilderness, in traveling deer herd. Many of the meadows every 2 or 3 years to give the meadows time contrast to those areas where man and his are de-facto bogs and fens where the soil to recover and regenerate. works dominate the landscape, is hereby has turned into peat, the result of thou- Twenty cows and their calves on a 30- recognized as an area where the earth and sands of years of carbon sequestration. acre allotment at 8,000 feet for 3½ months its community of life are untrammeled by This is really sensitive habitat. can significantly impact these wet meadows man, where man himself is a visitor and Many of these areas had been severely and the dryer surrounding forest mead- does not remain.” Unfortunately, this does impacted in the late 1800s by uncontrolled ows. Salt licks become ground zero. Over not apply to man’s livestock. —DA

Letter to the CNGA President Dave, ecosystem conditions.” Our early European for Californian grassland preservation It occurs to me that a lot of people, history shows a diversity of native grazers and biodiversity and aesthetic values than such as the woman who quit CNGA over (pronghorn, elk, deer) in large herds with simply saner and sounder grazing on a disagreement on grazing policies (see plenty of grizzlies and mountain lions to agricultural lands and wise management of “From the President’s Keyboard,” Grass- keep them alert and on the move. Any grazing and browsing on preserves. lands, summer 2009), don’t understand California grassland without herds of graz- It has saddened me to see areas for- the conditions that typically prevail in what ing ungulates is aberrant—an extremely merly grazed “preserved” without grazing, we would call pristine, intact grassland eco- recent “unnatural” phenomenon. soon losing some of their native species systems: namely, herds of ungulates that An understanding of healthful grassland cohort, which was, naturally, species that stay tightly together, always on the watch dynamics, especially ungulate grazing and did well with grazing (even of the all-too- for large carnivores, quickly eating much of browsing impacts, is so important that it common poorer sort). the forage in a given spot and moving on, might be worth a place of some honor on David Theodoropoulos (author of Inva- only to return after the area recovers from the CNGA Web site. sion Biology: Critique of a Pseudoscience) the grazing event. This understanding could also be a bridge points out, in his critique of our criticizing Stephen W. Edwards has painted for relating to people who are not environmen- feral wild pig impacts, that the California an instructive picture of such pristine talists. The vision of a bio-diverse world that grizzlies dug up far more extensive areas California grassland conditions in some we can live in and on, with mutual benefits than the pigs do now—an historic dis- of his articles, such as “Observations on for humankind and animal and plant life, is turbance regime that promoted biological the Prehistory and Ecology of Grazing in a hopeful one. diversity and productivity. We forget about California” (Fremontia, Vol. 20, No. 1, The super-overgrazed hills of Stanford, things that are gone—grizzlies and badgers January 1992). down to a few tough and utterly depauperate and before them even things like giant California grasslands of the most recent annuals, or the ungrazed long-dead standing ground sloths and mammoths and saber- fossil record are comparable in diversity of annual grass in non-serpentine corners of toothed tigers and camels and horses that megafauna with present-day East African Jasper Ridge—I find both extremes equally went extinct. grasslands—and, for the vegetation, holis- repulsive and dull! Best regards, tic grazing mimics such “pristine grassland I suppose that nothing would do more Jeffrey Caldwell

4 | G R A S S L A N D S Fall 2009 Conservation Management of California’s Coastal Prairie

Pe t e r Ho p k i n s o n , [email protected], and Ja m e s W. Ba r t o l o m e , [email protected] ESPM-Ecosystem Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, 137 Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-3114 State of the Coastal Prairie in­volves site-specific control of intensity, California’s coastal prairie is patchily distributed from Humboldt County in the north to San Luis timing, and distribution (Jackson and Obispo County in the south, generally within several kilometers of the coast. Native perennial grasses Bartolome 2007). This complexity has re- are often the dominant form of plant life, with forbs making up a significant proportion of the spe- duced the generality of results from grazing cies richness (Hayes and Holl 2003a). Compared to other Californian grassland types, coastal prairie experiments. An evaluation of 30 grazing contains more native species and more perennials and should, therefore, exhibit a more predictable studies in California grasslands showed response to protection and management under its wetter and more temperate climate (Bartolome et that results were primarily dependent on al. 2009). Coastal prairie vegetation needs better descriptions to determine the variations among sites soil properties and weather, with variable (Ford and Hayes 2007). Until quite recently, the coastal prairie received less basic and applied research and probably site-dependent effects of graz- attention than California’s inland grassland type, Valley grassland. ing treatments (Huntsinger et al. 2007). Like most of California’s grasslands, the coastal prairie has been altered through conversion to Two recent studies examined the effects agriculture, development, invasion by non-native plant species, and human-caused changes in of grazing in the coastal prairie. One evalu- nutrient and hydrological cycles and in disturbance regimes (e.g., fire, soil movement, herbivory). ated cattle grazing in 25 locations along the Nonetheless, a comparison of coastal prairie to other grassland types in the western U.S. found that coast from Mendocino to San Luis Obispo coastal prairie has almost double the number of species of any other type (Stromberg et al. 2001), (Hayes and Holl 2003a), the other tule elk and generally the coastal prairie’s cover of native plants is greater than that of Valley grassland. A grazing at Tomales Point in Marin (Johnson 2008 survey of California State Parks grassland properties found that five of seven coastal prairie and Cushman 2007). Both studies came units had high levels of native cover (>50%) (Hopkinson et al. 2009). In addition, sensitive wildlife to similar conclusions: grazed areas had species rely on coastal prairie habitat, including several butterfly species (Ford and Hayes 2007). Given greater abundance and species richness of its exceptionally high level of biodiversity and the development pressure facing California’s coastal native annual forb and non-native annual region, the coastal prairie deserves protection. grass and forb species. Native annual forbs Primary management problems facing the coastal prairie include: (1) invasion by non-native are an important component of the coastal perennial grasses and other weeds, (2) the encroachment of native and non-native trees and shrubs prairie’s species richness, and an increas- into the grassland (Ford and Hayes 2007), and (3) the disruption of grazing and fire regimes and other ing number of them are considered rare ecosystem processes. These problems can result in reduced cover of native grassland plants, local loss and endangered (Ford and Hayes 2007). of species, altered ecosystem processes, and reduced wildlife habitat values. Several conservation The findings fit with theoretical predictions management tools are available to address these problems: livestock grazing, prescribed burning, that grazing removes biomass and opens herbicide application, and mowing and hand or mechanical removal; however, formal tests of their up microsites favorable to annual, short- effectiveness in the coastal prairie are few. statured plants. In contrast to the annual plants, peren- Management Tools: Grazing history (Hayes and Holl 2003a). Although nial forbs, especially native species, had Grazing is one of several tools that the large native herbivores were extirpated greater abundance and species richness grassland managers can employ to combat over millennia, culminating with market in ungrazed sites. Hayes and Holl (2003a) weed invasion, encroachment by trees and hunting during the Gold Rush, small native note that some of the native perennial shrubs, and the disruption of ecosystem grazers like voles, ground squirrels, and forbs in their study were tall species that do processes in the coastal prairie. Grazing pocket gophers continue to have a strong not reproduce when clipped. has received the greatest research focus, influence on community structure (Schiff- Both studies found that native peren- probably because it is the management tool man 2007). The most important large nial grass abundance and species richness most easily implemented over large areas. native grazer, tule elk, which has behavior did not differ between grazed and ungrazed In addition, grazing may cost less per unit and grazing preferences similar to cattle sites. However, other studies have shown area to implement than other management (Jackson and Bartolome 2007), has been that grazing may have effects on the abun- techniques. successfully reintroduced to portions of the dance of specific perennial native grass Grazing by native herbivores is an coastal prairie. species. Frustratingly for the development important and complex coastal prairie Livestock grazing is a complex ecosys­ of simple management prescriptions, these ecosystem process with a long evolutionary tem process for which management Coastal prairie, continued on page 6

Fall 2009 G R A S S L A N D S | 5

Coastal prairie, continued from page 5

effects can vary from site to site (Hayes and Holl 2003b). Nassella pulchra, the most intensively studied native grass species, has shown inconsistent responses to grazing: increas- ing in abundance in some areas, decreas- ing in others, or exhibiting no change (D’Antonio et al. 2002). These studies were conducted variously in coastal prairie and Valley grassland. Inconsistent results probably reflect site- or time-specific factors often not evaluated in the studies. D’Antonio et al. (2002) make it clear that carefully controlled, manipulative experi- ments replicated across the state and over at least several years are necessary to establish the relationship between grazing and N. pulchra. And of course, this level of Point Molate coastal prairie Photo: David Amme research effort is almost certainly necessary to elucidate the effects of grazing on other grazing survey also found significantly Other Management Tools native grass and forb species. reduced H. lanatus cover on grazed coastal Little research has been conducted In most studies, Danthonia californica prairie sites (Hayes and Holl 2003a), on the efficacy of other management tools (California oatgrass), one of the dominant which confirms findings from Europe that are practical for large-scale applica- coastal prairie species, has increased in and Australia, although there is some tion. Prescribed burning can be applied abundance with livestock grazing (Hatch evidence from Europe and Canada that on a large scale, but evidence suggests et al. 1999; Hayes and Holl 2003a). In a low-intensity grazing can encourage the that burning does not reliably halt shrub survey of 17­–25 coastal prairie sites, Hayes spread of H. lanatus (Pitcher and Russo encroachment because many shrubs, and Holl (2003a) found that D. californica 1988). Livestock trampling also reduces H. including Baccharis pilularis, are able was twice as abundant in grazed sites as lanatus cover (Pitcher and Russo 1988). to resprout following a fire and quickly ungrazed sites. In a recent update of their Based on evidence from the United King- reestablish pre-burn cover (Ford and Hayes experimental work, Hayes (pers. comm., dom, Anthoxanthum odoratum (sweet 2007). However, limited evidence suggests fall 2008) and Holl found that at a site vernalgrass), another non-native perennial that fire in two consecutive years killsB. pi- with initial 18 percent relative cover of D. grass invading the coastal prairie, may be lularis (Havlik 1984); high shrub mortality californica, the bunchgrass dramatically controlled with grazing before seed devel- would likely inhibit rapid reestablishment declined in plots that were released from opment, although the grass is considered of shrub cover. Havlik’s (1984) observa- grazing. After nine years, D. californica poor forage (DiTomaso and Healy 2007). tions need to be confirmed. A University was reduced to less than 2 percent in Grazing can help maintain open of California, Berkeley–East Bay Regional undisturbed plots, whereas disturbed grassland, free of shrubs and trees. Coastal Park District multiyear study desgined to plots (mowed or grazed) maintained or prairie intergrades with several shrub evaluate the effect of consecutive burns on increased D. californica cover. and forest community types, all of which B. pilularis was initiated in spring 2009. Grazing has proven an effective method tend to encroach upon open grassland in Prescribed burning also does not of reducing cover of invasive weeds and the absence of fire or grazing. The native consistently increase cover of the dominant slowing or preventing encroachment shrub Baccharis pilularis (coyotebrush) native perennial bunchgrasses (Bartolome of shrubs and trees. Elk grazing greatly is a primary offender in this regard, and et al. 2004; Hatch et al. 1999). There are reduced the cover of Holcus lanatus grazing animals significantly reduce cover conflicting results for the dominant species (velvetgrass), one of the most troublesome of B. pilularis in open grasslands (Johnson at different sites (Fehmi and Bartolome perennial grass weeds in the coastal prairie and Cushman 2007; Ford and Hayes 2007; (Johnson and Cushman 2007). The cattle McBride 1974). Coastal prairie, continued on page 7

6 | G R A S S L A N D S Fall 2009 Coastal prairie, continued from page 6 References ———. 2003b. Site-specific responses of 2003; D’Antonio et al. 2002). For weed Bartolome, J.W., J.S. Fehmi, R.D. Jackson, and native and exotic species to disturbances control, research from Europe indicates B. Allen-Diaz. 2004. Response of a native in a mesic grassland community. Applied vegetation science 6:235–244. that prescribed burning may control perennial grass stand to disturbance in Holcus lanatus, especially when combined California’s Coast Range grassland. Resto- Hopkinson, P., M. Hammond, S. Spiegal, ration ecology 12:279–289. and J.W. Bartolome. 2009. Quantitative with grazing (Pitcher and Russo 1988). assessment and characterization of Bartolome, J.W., R.D. Jackson, and B. Allen- Other management tools are also used selected State Park grasslands—Final Diaz. 2009. Developing data-driven to control weeds, shrubs, and trees in the report. Unpublished report. Department descriptive models for California of Environmental Science, Policy, and coastal prairie. Research conducted in the grassland. Chapter 9 in R.J. Hobbs and K. Management, University of California, United Kingdom and New Zealand demon- Suding, eds., New models for ecosystem Berkeley. strates that several herbicides are effective dynamics and restoration. Island Press, in the control of Holcus lanatus. Of course, Washington, D.C. Huntsinger, L., J.W. Bartolome, and C.M. D’Antonio. 2007. Grazing management unless precisely applied, many herbicides D’Antonio, C., S. Bainbridge, C. Kennedy, J. Bar- on California’s Mediterranean grasslands. tolome, and S. Reynolds. 2002. Ecology will kill non-target species, including native Pages 233–253 in M.R. Stromberg, and restoration of California grasslands grasses and forbs. Herbicides are com- J.D. Corbin, and C.M. D’Antonio, eds., with special emphasis on the influence of monly used in the control of Baccharis California grasslands: ecology and fire and grazing on native grassland spe- management. University of California pilularis; several State Park units use cies. Unpublished report prepared for the Press, Berkeley. herbicide as the primary method of shrub David and Lucille Packard Foundation. control in their coastal prairie (Hopkinson University of California, Berkeley. Jackson, R.D., and J.W. Bartolome. 2007. et al. 2009). Mowing and hand-removal Grazing ecology of California’s grasslands. DiTomaso, J.M., and E.A. Healy. 2007. Weeds of Pages 197–206 in M.R. Stromberg, (Dremann and Shaw 2002) have also been California and other western states. Uni- J.D. Corbin, and C.M. D’Antonio, eds., used to control weeds in the coastal prairie; versity of California, Division of Agricul- California grasslands: ecology and however, both techniques are labor- ture and Natural Resources, Oakland. management. University of California intensive and unstudied for long-term Dremann, C.C., and M. Shaw. 2002. Releas- Press, Berkeley. effectiveness. ing the native seedbank: an innovative Johnson, B.E., and J.H. Cushman. 2007. approach to restoring a coastal Califor- Conclusion Influence of a large herbivore nia ecosystem. Ecological restoration reintroduction on plant invasions and The coastal prairie remaining in Califor- 20:103–107. community composition in a California nia has been significantly altered by human Fehmi, J.S., and J.W. Bartolome. 2003. Impacts grassland. Conservation Biology activities and is threatened by development. of livestock and burning on spatial 21:515–516. Maintaining healthy native grasslands patterns of the grass Nassella pulchra McBride, J.R. 1974. Plant succession in the requires some degree of management (Poaceae). Madroño 50:8–14. Berkeley hills, California. Madroño intervention to combat invasions by non- Ford, L.D., and G.F. Hayes. 2007. Northern 2:317–329. native perennial grasses and other weeds coastal scrub and coastal prairie. Pages Pitcher, D., and M.J. Russo. 1988. Element and encroachment by trees and shrubs, 180–207 in M.G. Barbour, T. Keeler-Wolf, stewardship abstract for Holcus lanatus. and A.A. Schoenherr, eds., Terrestrial and to reduce biomass for the benefit of The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, vegetation of California. University of Virginia. some native grasses and forbs. Research California Press, Berkeley. has shown that grazing and other manage- Reever Morghan, K.J., R.L. Sheley, and T.J. Hatch, D.A., J.W. Bartolome, J.S. Fehmi, and Svejcar. 2006. Successful adaptive ment practices can be effective but that the D.S. Hillyard. 1999. Effects of burning and management—the integration of effects are likely to be highly site-specific. grazing on a coastal California grassland. research and management. Rangeland This means that management for conserva- Restoration ecology 7:376–381. Ecology and Management 59:126–219. tion objectives will likely need to be adap- Havlik, N.A. 1984. Effects of urban-industrial Schiffman, P.M. 2007. Ecology of native tive and developed for specific goals with land use on vegetation and flora in the animals in California grasslands. Pages long-term, rigorous monitoring procedures Potrero Hills, Richmond, California. Ph.D. 180–190 in M.R. Stromberg, J.D. Corbin, in place (Bartolome et al. 2009; Reever dissertation, University of California, and C.M. D’Antonio, eds., California Berkeley. Morghan et al. 2006). grasslands: ecology and management. Hayes, G.F., and K.D. Holl. 2003a. Cattle grazing University of California Press, Berkeley. Acknowledgments impacts on annual forbs and vegetation Stromberg, M.R., P. Kephart, and V. Yadon. We gratefully acknowledge the Sonoma composition of mesic grasslands 2001. Composition, invasibility, and Land Trust and Anthony Nelson for their in California. Conservation Biology diversity in coastal California grasslands. support of this review. 17:1694–1702. Madroño 48:236–252.

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A Wind-blown Garden on a Sea Ranch Bluff All photos by author

Ru s s e l l A. Be a t t y incessant winds that sweep down the coast. on the bluff and one in the lee of the exist- A few straggly cypresses grew atop the bluff. ing screen of small cypresses on the west This article has been excerpted and adapted, The original structure was torn down side. The Sea Ranch Association requires with permission, from the July 2009 issue of and replaced with a new house and garage. that any plants outside fenced areas be Pacific Horticulture. The new, two-story house was located in native plants that relate to the region’s he elements of wind, wave, and salt roughly the same position as the previous four landscape zones: bluff top, meadow, that lash the Sonoma Coast chal- one. To help break the wind, a new garage foothill, and forest. Within courtyards or lenge the making of a garden—at was sited on the windward side of the front behind fences, non-native plants that are least, a garden in the traditional driveway and connected to the house by visually compatible with the landscape Tsense. The crashing surf and the inces- an arbor-covered walk. The fenced south character may be planted. Few houses sant winds batter the sea bluffs and garden was similar in size and location at Sea Ranch have well-defined gardens; everything that grows on them. The to the original garden, sitting between landscapes usually comprise volunteer property is perched on a bluff above the the tall house on the windward side and or seeded native grasses, a few scattered, crashing surf with spectacular views up the cypress shelterbelt. As with most new coast-tolerant shrubs, and, where appropri- and down the rugged coast at The Sea construction, the soil, though naturally ate, a few cypresses or shore pines (Pinus Ranch. The property is situated on the friable, was heavily compacted, and existing contorta). north (windward) side of an old, declining vegetation had been removed. The soil was My clients wanted a natural, yet care- hedgerow of Monterey cypress (Cupressus rototilled to a depth of about 10 inches fully designed landscape and enclosed macrocarpa)—a Sea Ranch signature. A throughout the site, then raked smooth garden. Most of the landscape was either fenced garden between the original house after weeds and old roots were removed. within the fenced garden or along the bluff and the hedgerow was lush with mature The Conceptual Plan top hidden from public view. Based on specimens of myoporum (Myoporum lae- Working closely with the clients, I clues from the previous garden, the side tum), a beautiful, white-flowering, tree-like pre­pared a plan for a garden of California garden was designed to be a quiet, flower- ceanothus (Ceanothus thursiflorus ‘Snow native plants that incorporated several filled garden with a bench situated out of Flurry’), and ferns. A few other plants were outdoor sitting areas: two decks attached to the wind. Low-growing, colorful perennials sheltered by the house from the strong and the house and two flagstone terraces, one would highlight the two sitting areas on the ocean side. Elsewhere, a meadow of suit- able native grasses would reflect the native grassland. A filigree screen of flowering currants lining the walkway under the arbor added depth to the entryway and defined the walk. A dense planting of shade-tolerant her- baceous plants lined the other side of the walk at the base of the house. To reflect the informality of the setting and harmonize with the colors of the house, gray flagstone paved the walkways, sitting areas, and deck aprons; brown crushed rock was used for the casual paths. The Reality of Ceaseless Wind After almost four years and a number of refinements, the garden has begun to stabilize. Plants that failed were replaced; Front of the house from the cul-de-sac, with an established meadow of California oatgrass in some cases the replacements, though (Danthonia californica) and Molate fescue (Festuca rubra ‘Molate Blue’). To the right of the entry is the arbor-covered walkway connecting to the garage. wind-blown garden, continued on page 9

8 | G R A S S L A N D S Fall 2009 wind-blown garden, continued from page 8 carefully considered, performed poorly and have also been replaced. The coastal winds, for much of the summer, lash the site with incredible force and in unexpected patterns. The house, garage, and fences al- tered the winds so that they battered areas thought to be sheltered. The considerable pruning of dead wood from the decrepit cypress shelterbelt resulted in an unin- tentional opening of gaps for the wind to surge through—even though the trees are on the leeward side of the property. In the side garden, the building and fences forced the wind into tunnels or vortexes, severely burning even such tough coastal plants as silk tassel (Garrya elliptica) and wax myrtle (Myrica californica), and decimat- ing the taller ceanothus, vine maples, and Enclosed side garden with wind-sheared ceanothus behind the bench; flowering currant (Ribes flowering currants. sanguineum) against the fence; giant chain fern (Woodwardia fimbriata), coffeeberry (Rhamnus In front of the house, simple grassy californica ‘Eve Case’), and shore pine (Pinus contorta) against the house; groundcover of mown mounds of Molate fescue (Festuca rubra sand-dune sedge (Carex pansa) and unmown foothill sedge (Carex tumulicola) ‘Molate Blue’) with some California have gradually filled in to create a wind- The arbor-covered walkway along oatgrass (Danthonia californica) rein- sheared “critical mass” that has accom- the house has been a big success. Native forced with silk tassel, toyon (Heteromeles plished the intended screening. The fescue ground covers of wild ginger (Asarum arbutifolia), and ceanothus blend the new has flourished, and although the oatgrass caudatum) and redwood sorrel (Oxalis or- landscape into the adjacent meadows. All of has grown well, the wind shatters its seed egona) have filled the shady strip, comple- the shrubs have experienced tip burn but heads. mented by lady fern (Athyrium felix-femi- na), sword fern (Polystichum munitum), Lessons Learned from a Coastal Garden and maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum var. aleuticum). Flowering currant (Ribes As with any landscape project, we learn from experience. (That is why it is called landscape sanguineum), underplanted with foothill architectural practice!) Here are some key lessons from this challenging coastal garden project: sedge (Carex tumulicola), and Douglas • Observe wind patterns carefully after all buildings and other structures have been built, iris, now provide the intended screening with as many site visits in as many conditions as possible. Annotate a plan, diagramming between the walk and driveway. wind currents using a hand-held anemometer, or simply with flagging tape, to illustrate Success on the Bluff Top the patterns. On the ocean side of the house, the • Observe plants in similar environmental situations nearby. landscape of meadow and sitting areas has • Plant from one-gallon containers (five-gallon containers at the largest). Patience will be been a great success. The Molate fescue rewarded, as the smaller plants will more easily acclimate to the site conditions. meadow, planted with plugs at eight-inch • Plant in fall, if possible, just before the winter rains. centers filled in rapidly to form a billowing • Reduce summer irrigation after the initial period of establishment (about one year); harden foreground to the coastal views. off plants in late summer by reducing irrigation. The two flagstone seating areas have • Avoid fertilization that will promote rapid growth. become attractive places to relax and • When raised in the incubator-like protection of a nursery, even plants known to be tolerant enjoy the views. Gracing the edge of the of coastal winds will struggle when first planted; cages of wire fencing and shade cloth may terraces is a thriving mix of tough seaside be required for the largest plants. plants: Douglas iris, seaside daisy, sandhill • If a mature windbreak is present, retain even the old dead branches, which can be nearly as important as live ones in buffering the wind. wind-blown garden, continued on page 10

Fall 2009 G R A S S L A N D S | 9

wind-blown garden, continued from page 9 sage (Artemisia pycnocephala), tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia caespitosa ‘Shell Beach’), and low-growing Ceanothus gloriosus ‘Anchor Bay’. The wind-protected north patio contains more color with yarrow (Achillea millefolium), sea thrift, Douglas iris, and several grasses, such as tufted hairgrass and Pacific reedgrass Cal( - amagrostis nutkaensis). The small cypress windbreak has been reinforced with wax myrtle, silk tassel, and Ceanothus glorio- sus var. exaltatus. A broad band of ‘Anchor Bay’ ceanothus aligns the top of the bluff, linking the two sitting areas. One problem that baffled me was at the base of the walls of the house, where the meadow grasses (Festuca rubra ‘Molate Blue’) were beaten down in a band extend- Mature meadow of Molate fescue (Fescue rubra ‘Molate Blue’). Grasses at the base of the wall ing six to eight feet from the house. As the continue to be blown down. wind hits the walls it plunges downward, smashing the plants. The grasses here have process, one that is ongoing. In such a achieved. Nowhere is the phrase “nature finally been replaced with a combination harsh environment as California’s North abhors a garden” more a reality. Work- of dwarf coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis Coast, the process can be daunting. With ing with nature, however, it is possible to ‘Pigeon Point’) and sandhill sage. patience and perseverance on the part of achieve the semblance of “garden” by cap- A garden is never really done. That the client, the designer, and the main- turing the essential character and quality of is why the term gardening describes a tenance crew, stability was eventually the surrounding natural landscape. A note from the clients says it all: I wish you could be here to see this gorgeous view; the light is just coming onto the not-so-small grass plugs and the place is literally singing with all the attention. We can’t believe our eyes when we look over the beautiful garden you designed for us. It truly surpasses anything we could have envisioned; you have put the wrap- ping and ribbon on the most beautiful package anyone could have dreamed of…. For two people who don’t know one darn grass from another, there was no way we could really envision what you had in mind…. And that is why we make gardens!

Visit h t t p ://w w w .pacifichorticulture.o r g / for Bluff-top terrace edged by silvery sandhill sage (Artemisia pycnocephala), with a low ceano- additional photographs and a complete list thus (Ceanothus gloriosus ‘Anchor Bay’) just beyond; hair grass (Deschampsia caespitosa ‘Shell of the most successful plants used at this Sea Beach’) is a star performer in the foreground, at edge of the meadow Ranch garden.

10 | G R A S S L A N D S Fall 2009 FIELD NOTES: Greenhouse Germination of California Oatgrass (Danthonia californica) with Potassium Solution

Ma r s h a Sl e e t h , Water-Wise Garden Design, seeds to have germinated Seaside, CA; [email protected] so quickly, I realized the original seeds, planted n preparation for planting 2 dozen 2 months previously, 3-×-6-foot research grass plots on must have been in some the Monterey Peninsula this fall, suspended stage of germi- on June 30 I seeded flats of several nation, just waiting to be native perennial grasses and sedges rescued by this potassium. purchased from Larner Seeds, Hedgerow I However, the new seeds Farms, and Pacific Coast Seed. The seeded began to germinate within flats were kept in a greenhouse for a month Tray 6 was planted July 1, 2009, and did not germinate for 10 days. Considering the before putting them in an outdoor “baby 6 weeks. It was watered with potassium and germinated in amount of new seed I nursery.” The summer weather is temper- 2 days. Soon afterward, the overseeded seed began to germi- applied, it appears to be nate. Tray 6a was seeded on August 15 and watered with the ate, and keeping a close eye on their water a low germination rate same potassium solution, and they germinated within 10 days. needs has been sufficient for most species. so far, but I am continu- The plants in Tray 6a are a darker, brighter green than Tray 6. The only one to get my goat was Cali- ing to experiment with fornia oatgrass (Danthonia californica). soaking the seeds and planting them wet, and soaking them and letting them dry as some I was grateful to learn it is difficult to botanists have been doing with cool-season grasses. germinate. I began researching Danthonia All but one species of the other grasses (Poa secunda secunda) began to germinate germination and found in a mid-century within 3–4 days, and I can’t help thinking the mild solution of potassium may have helped botanical journal that using potassium them along too. nitrate on Danthonia spicata (poverty oatgrass) helped the germination process Reference (Dobrenz and Beetle 1966). Dobrenz, A.K. and A.A. Beetle. 1966. Cleistogenes in Danthonia. J. Range Mgmt. 19:292–296. I couldn’t find potassium nitrate where I live, so I bought a quart of “natural liquid o m m e n t s d e a d l i n e c t potassium fertilizer” by Earth Juice, derived C : O . 21 from sulfate of potash. The only difference Screening Plant Imports: New USDA Guidelines between this and potassium nitrate is that Do u g Jo h n s o n , Executive Director, California Invasive Plant Council potash is added to calcium nitrate to make potassium nitrate. Potash is the only ingre- Dear California plant conservationists, dient that separates potassium nitrate from We have a great opportunity to make a difference on a critical national policy issue. calcium nitrate, and is also the ingredient USDA has published new guidelines for screening plant imports—a critical aspect of preventing from which potassium is derived. new invasive plant introductions to the country. Under the current system, plants can be imported By August 15, the Danthonia flats, with virtually no oversight of whether they might be invasive, and as you know, many of the wildland which were not doing as well as some of weeds we already have were originally introduced intentionally, often as ornamentals. the other flats, were moved into a larger We need to make sure USDA hears from all of us working on the ground to control invasive plants greenhouse. I over-seeded the Danthonia that preventing the introduction of invasive plants is important. Comments are being taken until Oct. flats that had not germinated for 6 weeks 21. We've set up a web page at www.cal-ipc.org/policy/federal/Q37.php with a sample letter, since they were planted. I soaked flats with instructions on sending it and submitting a formal comment, and background info. water and misted with a mild solution of Please send a letter from your organization, and submit a formal comment! Our campaign to diluted potassium (½ teaspoon/gallon) on revive California's Weed Management Area funding in 2006 was successful because over 100 organi- a Saturday. On Monday there were fresh, zations sent letters to state decision makers. Let's make sure our federal decision-makers know how new shoots ½–1 inch tall; it was like an important it is to prevent the introduction of more invasive plants. Know of another organization that emerald carpet I could gently run my hand should voice an opinion? Please send this request to them! over. Knowing it wasn’t possible for the new Feel free to contact me at d w j o h n s o n @c a l -i p c .o r g with any questions or comments.

Fall 2009 G R A S S L A N D S | 11

Summary Notes on Selected Native Grasses as Reported in the Soil Conservation Service Technical Reports: 1944 To 1960

Cy n t h i a S. Br o w n , Dept. of Agronomy and Range Science, U.C. Davis (1992)

Introduction to follow the accession numbers and read the carinatus was “a little earlier and more Cynthia Brown joined CNGA in its formative reports where they were collected. The notes in vigorous but spread into adjacent areas was early years. She was a Principal Researcher at brackets are mine. —David Amme better” for B. hordeaceus. B. carinatus showed superior growth. the Department of Agronomy at the University Jones, B.J., and R.M. Love. 1944. Improving California of California at Davis (UC Davis) between 1993 Ranges. Calif. Agri. Ext. Serv. Circ. 129. 48 pp. Field Evaluation Plantings and 1999. In 1998 she earned her Ph.D. in Plant Love, R.M. 1944. Preliminary trials on the effect of (Outlying Nurseries) Restoration Ecology. Between 1992 and 2001 management on the establishment of peren- In Butte Valley, Siskiyou County, results Cynthia completed a variety of native and exotic nial grasses and legumes at Davis, California. J. indicate that grasses should be sown in the grass research, collaborating with Kevin Rice, Amer. Soc. Agron. 36:699–703. fall, not the spring. Bromus carinatus was Robert Bugg, John Anderson, and Vic Claassen. Love, R.M. 1948. Eight new forage plants. Calif. not one of the most promising grasses for Cynthia is an assistant professor in the Agricul. 2(1):1–3 this area. Department of Bioagricultural Sciences and Pest Lemmon P.E, A.L. Hafenrichter, and B.A Madson. In Temecula, Riverside County, B. Management at Colorado State University, Fort 1950. Cucamonga brome: a new grass for carinatus performed well. Stands of all covercropping. Calif. Agri. Exp. Sta. Circular Collins. In 1992 she completed a $3,000 CNGA species were better on the lower-fertility 401. U.C. Berkeley. 6 pp. research contract investigating the SCS Lockeford terrace land than the higher fertility Miller, H.W. 1963. Cucamonga California bromegrass. alluvial land. This was thought to be Plant Materials Center (PMC) archives of native Crop Science 3(5):462. grass development in California: “Summaries of because the competition from introduced annual plants was lower and there was a trials with native perennial grasses conducted by California Brome clay pan which might help conserve water Soil Conservation Service Plant Material Centers (Bromus carinatus) between 1944 and 1960: Report to the California for the summer months on the terrace. General Bromus carinatus was the most vigorous Native Grass Association.” Much of PMC’s earliest Though some ecotypes of California and rapid developing of the annual grasses work took place in the lower Livermore Valley brome (Bromus carinatus) are biennial or tested in 1957. In the second year, B. town of Pleasanton and fields in the adjacent perennial, the accession used most widely hordeaceus and Lolium subulatum hamlet of Sunol in the rich soils of the Alameda by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), stands were better than B. carinatus. Creek floodplain. P-1117, was an annual. Bromus carinatus [Note: L. subulatum aka L. rigidum is Cynthia’s brief, concise summaries of the was treated as an annual, not a peren- an introduced annual ryegrass.] In 1959, work performed between 1944 and 1960 on nial, throughout the SCS Plant Materials the performance of B. carinatus was California brome, mountain brome, creeping Center Technical Reports. [Note: Accession comparable to B. hordeaceus over all three wildrye, blue wildrye, California oatgrass, Cali- P-1117 was later given the common name years. B. carinatus responded more to fornia melic, and nodding needlegrass follow, Cucamonga Brome.] fertilization than did B. hordeaceus. Both more or less verbatim. It is unclear why there is Observational Studies and species set heavy seed crops. no report on Nassella pulchra. UC Davis was deep Pure Stand Trials Seed Production into Stipa/Nassella pulchra research in early 1940 B. carinatus was considered one of the The annual B. carinatus is a prolific (Jones and Love 1944; Love 1944, 1948). early-maturing annual grasses of possible seed producer. After 1960, the ‘Rio’ form of Leymus value for use as a self-seeding covercrop. Seed Pellet Trials on Burned Sites triticoides was selected and distributed by the B. carinatus was expected to be used in B. carinatus was used in trials using Lockeford PMC. [Zorro fescue (Vulpia myuros) deciduous fruit orchards and vineyards. It clay seed coatings. The purpose of the was also developed at the Lockeford facility.] An successfully perpetuated itself under a clip- clay was to reduce desiccation of the seed important question is the “what and where” of ping program, which simulated moderate in dryland range conditions. Trials were the mountain bromes. Were they testing peren- utilization. conducted in the greenhouse and on two nial forms of Bromus carinatus? In the discussion, At San Fernando, Los Angeles County, southern California sites. Results were B. carinatus was described as an annual and be- B. carinatus was comparable to B. hordea- inconclusive. The greenhouse reached came the selected ‘Cucamonga’ brome (Lemmon ceus (soft chess), though B. hordea- et al. 1950; Miller 1963). It would be interesting ceus was thought to be a little better. B. scs tech reports:1944–1960, continued on page 13

12 | G R A S S L A N D S Fall 2009 scs tech reports:1944–1960, continued from page 12 or grazing is possible without irrigation on problems in the propagation of Leymus triticoides. very high temperatures and the field site good soil. It also recovers early in the fall conditions were unfavorable. and so provides ample cover for erosion Observational Studies and control on sloping fields.” Pure Stand Trials Mountain Brome Bromar, P-3368, a certified strain ofB. Accessions of L. triticoides were (Bromus marginatus) marginatus developed in Pullman, Wash- re­ported to vary in color from blue to green ington, performed best in 1946. Accessions and in height from 24 to 36 inches. Most General P-5722 and P-l0708 were the next best accessions were affected by leaf and stem Bromus marginatus is included in the accessions in 1946. All three strains are rust. short-lived perennial species group in the rust resistant. There were several good In 1948, at the San Fernando nursery, Soil Conservation Service (SCS) Plant Mate- strains of B. marginatus, which persisted Los Angeles County, accession P-995l from rials Center Annual Technical Reports. through the summer drought. Bromar was Kern County, near Gorman, had less rust When fertilizing, the SCS found it was slow in fall recovery and grew less, later in than other accessions of L. triticoides and best to drill the fertilizer below and to the winter, than other accessions. was described as a “vigorous grower” and the side of the seed. Fertilizer benefited In 1947 six excellent strains of B. “strongly rhizomatous.” It is a tall, erect, seedling establishment as did reduction of marginatus had been identified which hay accession but produces little viable weedy competition. had different maturity dates. Strains which seed. SCS growers planned to propagate it Seed was planted into flats, then developed later were more productive than by divisions “for use as forage in moun- seedlings were transplanted bareroot after Bromar at Sunol, Alameda County. tain meadows and for waterway vegetative six weeks in the greenhouse with very little At the San Fernando Plant Materials means.” Third year stands of L. triticoides mortality. Center, Los Angeles County, production were from 70 to 100 percent. All were at Rust was a common disease problem from pure stand trials planted in 1944 least slightly affected by rust. Seed produc- with mountain brome. were too small by 1947 to be measured. tion was from 500 to 2,330 pounds per Observational Studies and This was generally attributed to competi- acre. [Note: in the late 1960s the cutivar Pure Stand Trials tion from annual weeds and drought. ‘Rio’ was selected by Lockeford PMC from B. marginatus is mainly self-pollinated. In plots seeded in 1946, a very difficult the San Joaquin Valley. ‘Rio’ pro­duced Many accessions were collected for the establishment year, only B. marginatus abundant seed and is now widely sold.] Pleasanton, Alameda County, 1945 nurs- and B. catharticus (rescue grass) pro- In 1949 at the San Fernando nursery, ery. P-l0708 emerged as an outstanding duced satisfactory stands [rescue grass is L. triticoides and Melica imperfecta accession of B. marginatus. from Chile]. performed nearly as well as native Stipa In 1945 when most species were seeded B. marginatus was successful in (aka Nassella). They were all considered and established, they continued growing spring seedings during the difficult year of drought resistant and adapted to dryland throughout the year, one accession of B. 1947–48 and in 1948–49 at San Fernando. use. L. triticoides P-995l was outstand- marginatus went dormant in August and The stands were described as “effective” ing in yields, “the only good cool weather another went semi-dormant in September. but were not productive enough to have growing sod-former.” In trials investigating Many accessions planted in 1943 died in measurable yields in 1947–48. 1948–49 species for stabilization of banks and water- 1945. stands were rated excellent. ways, Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) Two main accessions of B. marginatus Perennial grasses planted in San was judged the best but, because of its poor were identified as particularly successful. Fernando in 1950 produced less than reputation, L. triticoides was suggested as Accession P-12983 was described as a 760 pounds per acre the first year. The the best substitute. L. triticoides plots sown “very early, vigorous and rapid-developing nursery recommended that perennials be in this year had only 8 percent survival perennial suited to thin upland soil. Its protected from grazing the first year when and were not vigorous. L. triticoides plots early, rapid growth will provide better cover establishment was poor. Of six accessions planted in 1948 had survival of only 10 and it can be grazed several times during of B. marginatus tested at Sunol in 1952, percent and 12 percent in June and July, the rainy season due to its strong recovery only three survived. respectively. In summary, L. triticoides is after cutting. It will maintain its stand a cool season, sod-forming grass that can well both by survival of mature plants and Creeping Wildrye be propagated with rhizomes or plant divi- by reseeding vigorously.” B. marginatus (Leymus triticoides) sions. Propagules should be planted in late P-l0385 was described as a “vigorous, high General fall to late winter. L. triticoides will spread producing strain by reason of its recovery The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) after cutting. A second and third cutting found rust and lack of viable seed were scs tech reports:1944–1960, continued on page 14

Fall 2009 G R A S S L A N D S | 13

scs tech reports:1944–1960, continued from page 13 outstanding in yield and performance. This successfully on range and dryland pasture accession seemed to have a wider range of areas on sites too dry for Phalaris tuberosa rapidly once it is established. Though it adaptation. Other accessions were not as stenoptera (Harding grass, aka P. aquati- performed well at San Fernando in 1949, it successful. [Note: This accession was in- ca). It may not be suitable for sites which did not at Littlerock, in the Mojave Desert creased but not released by the SCS under are too dry. Nassellas can be used in these region of Los Angeles County. the name tentative name “Lomas grass”]. drier sites. None of the thirteen accessions planted Three distinct growth forms of Elymus Cultural Trials at Pleasanton in 1958 bore seed. Only P- glaucus were identified. They were (1) Hay E. glaucus was seeded in alternate rows 995l was not affected by rust. All produced type: erect vigorous, high yielding, (2) Hay strong rhizomes. P-995l continued to and pasture type: intermediate height, with a mixture of Harding grass, burnet, perform well at Pleasanton in 1958. vigorous and leafy, (3) Pasture type: dwarf, and Trifolium subterraneum (Subter- In 1959 in Pleasanton, all accessions poor seed production, and very leafy. Early ranean clover). This was not found to be produced strong rhizomes and seed heads and intermediate maturity accessions of advantageous for establishment of either but very litttle filled seed. Accession P-995l the hay type and early, intermediate, and the mixture or the grass. produced the best seed (about 50% glumes late maturity accessions of the other two Fertilizing with ammonium phosphate filled) and forage (0.5 ton/acre). It had types were identified. Overall, these ac- did not increase stands of the species. excellent spring recovery and growth. All cessions had good seedling vigor and fall accessions had 100 percent stands and recovery, California Oatgrass spread into the alleyway by the end of the Several mixtures were tested for hay (Danthonia Californica) season. Leymus triticoides is good for production in the fog belt region of Califor- Observational Studies and stream bank stabilization. nia. E. glaucus was used in one mixture; Pure Stand Trials Mixture Trials which included Dactylon glomerata Accessions of Danthonia californica In 1946 mixture trials at Sunol, Alame- (Orchard grass), Sanguisorba minor (bur- from coastal Oregon and California, the da County, L. triticoides failed to become net), and Medicago sativa (alfalfa). The Cascade, Sierra Nevada, and Coast Range established. L. triticoides was described as production of this mixture was about 2,000 Mountains were planted at Corralitos being of two main types: the lowland type pounds per acre. and transplanted to Pleasanton, Alameda and the inland or continental type. The Trials showed that it is best to fallow for County, in 1945. The Soil Conservation Ser- lowland type is green and occurs in low wet 1 year before establishing a dryland pasture vice considered it an important species for sites and alkaline flood plains and seldom mix. It was also found to be best to drill revegetation in the “coastal and semi-fog- sets good seed. The inland or continental fertilizer below and to the side of the seed. belt” regions. D. californica was described type is bluish-green and occurs at higher Many accessions of E. glaucus show as slow growing and did not produce seed elevations on floodplains and hillsides and poor recovery in the fall, which could until the second year. usually produces good seed crops. reflect lack of ability to survive summer D. californica performed poorly at drought. Sunol, Alameda County, in 1947 having no Blue Wildrye In Southern California, E. glaucus did plants in two of three fertilized plots and (Elymus glaucus) not perform as well as the Nassellas and two of three unfertilized plots. The stands Bromus carinatus. Melica imperfecta were not significant in the plots, which had General (foothill melic) and L. triticoides were also plants. The main problems with the establish- better performers. In 1958 at Sunol, D. californica ment and growth of Elymus glaucus were E. glaucus was short lived under planted in the spring of 1952 had a competition from weeds and rust (for at dryland conditions, though it might be suit- 70 percent stand, fair fall and spring least some of the accessions). able on better sites. Some Melica species recovery, and produced 1,679 pounds per Observational Studies and performed better than E. glaucus in years acre of forage. D. californica, which had Pure Stand Trials that they were compared at Pleasanton and been planted in the 1951–52 crop year, E. glaucus was better than other species Sunol, Alameda County. These were rated persisted in 1960 at Sunol. at withstanding competition from annuals. better than Lomas grass in fall and spring Seed Production The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) found recovery, amount and quality of forage, and Danthonia californica did not produce E. glaucus to be mainly a self-pollinated seed production. seed until the second year. In 1946 at species. At Sunol, after 8 years of establishment, Pleasanton accessions produced up to Accession P-10128 (from near Sebas- stands of E. glaucus began to die out. topol, Sonoma County) was found to be E. glaucus has potential to be used scs tech reports:1944–1960, continued on page 15

14 | G R A S S L A N D S Fall 2009 scs tech reports:1944–1960, continued from page 14 rated as equal. Only Texas tall me1ic and satisfactory stand, which persisted but did M. californica produced a significant not produce seed or grow much vegeta- 48 pounds of seed per acre, but many pro- amount of seed. M. californica had fair tively. In 1949, only one of the N. cernua duced none at all. These plants had been spring recovery, maintained a 100 percent accessions planted in 1945–46, which established during the 1944–45 growing stand and produced 1,426 pounds per acre started out having 100 percent stands was season. of forage. Other Melicas produced more still alive with excellent vigor. N. cernua forage. accessions, which survived two seasons Californica Melic Seed Production to 1949, had poor to fair stands. Spring (Melica californica) M. californica was the only native seeded N. cernua stands from the same Observational Studies and Me1ica species which produced reliable year had poor to fair stands. Pure Stand Trials amounts of viable seed. In years when poor stands of peren- Me1ica ca1ifornica and M. bul- nials were established, growers suggested bosa (oniongrass) were better adapted to Nodding Needlegrass protecting the plants from grazing until the domestication and were higher in forage (Nassella cernua) second season. and seed production than other species In 1958 at Sunol, Alameda County, after General of Me1ica tested. Me1icas in general had 7 years, N. cernua had 75 percent stand, In the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) weak seedling vigor and slow development fair fall recovery, good spring recovery, and Annual Technical Reports, Nassella cernua but were very cold tolerant. All had relative- produced 1,679 pounds of forage per acre. was included with the drought tolerant, ly low forage production and short seasons long-lived bunchgrasses. Overall, this spe- Mixture Trials of use. Fall recovery started after the first cies was well adapted to the medium to low 1946 Sunol, fertilizing (200 lb per acre) winter rains and growth was slow during rainfall areas in California. It had greater increased annual stands, which led to a December, January, and February. The persistence than may other species under decrease in seeded perennials, including most rapid growth occurred during March, range conditions. [Note: before 1947 N. N. cernua. N. cernua stands increased April, and May. For all Me1ica species, all cernua was included with N. pulchra.] in unfertilized plots only. Growers con- accessions averaged about 4 months from cluded that “annuals utilized the fertilizer time of range readiness until maturity. Observational Studies and more readily than the slower developing Nineteen accessions of M. californica Pure Stand Trials perennials in the establishment year.” were tested in 1951 at Pleasanton, Alameda 1948 at the San Fernando Plant N. cernua is included in the group of County. Survival ranged from 35 percent Materials Center, Los Angeles County, grasses that performed very well at Sunol to 100 percent. Flowering occurred from was an extremely dry year; the Nassellas (about 15 inches of annual precipitation, the end of April to the end of May. Most performed very well and the growers con- minimum temperature 23˚F). In 1947 at accessions had medium to high forage cluded that “the native Nassellas flourish, Sunol, N. cernua had fair stands but plants production. Seed production varied from relatively, in dry years and are partially sup- were small. low to very high. The most outstanding pressed or depressed in wet years.” This Field Evaluation Plantings accession was P-11256 from Watsonville. was due to increased competition from (Outlying Nurseries) Six others were close seconds so M. volunteer annuals in years with greater King City, Monterey County, 1951, californica was by far the best of the precipitation. Nassellas were described as N. cernua was rated as one of the best Me1ica genus. the most outstanding in 1949 as well, also perennials but stands were disappointing. In 1953 at Pleasanton, M. californica a very dry year. They “recovered in the fall 1952 plantings of N. cernua resulted in P-15375 was the best accession. It and matured in the spring more consis- poor stands. N. cernua was seeded in 1950 maintained a satisfactory stand and tently than the best accessions of any other and was one of the few which survived in produced more forage and seed in uniform species.” Though Nassella yields decreased a year with such low rainfall that annuals seed heads than other accessions. The over these dry years, the stand percentages in the trials did not produce seed. In a fall plants were larger and more robust than did not, in contrast to other species. The seeding in 1956 at King City, N. cernua the others. None of the Me1icas performed best N. cernua described in 1949 were produced a good stand with “slender, as well as Elymus glaucus but M. P-985, high yield, fine leaved, from Univer- vigorous plants.” californica was the best of the Me1icas. sity of California (Love 43-8), and P-9477, In 1959 at Pleasanton, M. californica, intermediate hay type, early and robust, To find out what’s going on at the Lockeford M. nitens (Texas tall melic), and M. local accession from San Fernando Valley. Plant Materials Center today, go to http:// imperfecta (foothill melic) were the only Spring seeding of N. cernua dur- plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/ two Me1ica species to survive and were ing 1949 at San Fernando resulted in a CAPMC/.

Fall 2009 G R A S S L A N D S | 15

California native grassland seed • Multiple ecotypes available Visit our website or contact us for more • Seed mixes that are customized for your needs information! • A plug plant nursery Phone: (530) 662-6847 • Native grass straw from clean production fields Fax: (530) 662-2753 Project consulting with years of experience • Headquarters: 21905 County Road 88 • Site-specific contract growing Winters, CA 95694 Mailing Address: 21740 County Road 88 • Educational tours for schools, organizations, Winters, CA 95694 agencies, and individuals www.hedgerowfarms.com [email protected]

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16 | G R A S S L A N D S Fall 2009 Rob de Bree Nursery Manager Kat DeDontney Office Manager

1957B Highway 1 Moss Landing, CA 95039 Q 831 763 1207 FAX 831 763 1659

[email protected]; www.elkhornnursery.com

CNGA Merchandise Order Form

Phone/Fax: 530-661-2280 Mail: P.O. Box 8327, Woodland, CA 95776 Name ______Mailing address ______City, State, Zip ______Day phone ______E-mail ______

Item (All prices include tax. Call for combined shipping.) Price S/H Qty Total CNGA Logo Items SALE! Sturdy canvas tote, natural w/green logo, 13x15x7.... $15 $4 ______SALE! Baseball cap, tan w/black logo, adjustable, was $20...... $15 $4 ______SALE! Crush hat (aka bucket hat), green, S/M only, was $20.. $15 $4 ______Tees unisex heather-green, short-sleeve (S/L/XXL/XXXL)...... $15 $4 ______NEW! unisex natural, short-sleeve (S/M/L/XL)...... $20 $4 ______NEW! women’s, army-green, short-sleeve (S/M/L/XL/XXL)... $25 $4 ______Long-sleeve unisex, olive green (S/M/XL/XXL/XXXL)...... $25 $4 ______CNGA Workshop Binders Restoration and Revegetation ...... $60 $6 ______Ecology/Management Vernal Pool Grasslands ...... $35 $5 ______(supply limited) Native Grasses/Graminoids Urban Landscape ...... $35 $5 ______Grass Identification ...... $20 $4 ______

Posters: Grasses of CA 24x36, laminated...... $25 $4 ______(CNPS) set of 4, each different, 24x36, unlaminated...... $20 $4 ______

SALE! Notecards: set of 6, with envelopes, was $10 ...... $8 $2 ______Grasslands Complete set of back issues (1991–2009) ...... $60 $10 ______subtotals $_____ $_____ Total Enclosed $______

Make check payable to California Native Grasslands Association (or CNGA) or you may authorize payment by (circle one): Mastercard / Visa / AMEX Card # ______Exp. date ______V Code______Billing Street Address______

Fall 2009 G R A S S L A N D S | 17

Send calendar entries and announcements for the winter ‘10 issue by Dec. 29, to a d m i n @CNGA.o r g .

October 2010 CNGA Workshops and Events Wed.–Fri., Oct. 14–16 See additional details in upcoming issues of Grasslands and at CNGA.o r g . Developing a Sustainable Grazing Plan to Manage Native Grasslands: People, Plan- February April 30–May 1 Identifying the Native and ning, and Profit. CNGA workshop, Hasting Re- Using Native Grasses and Graminoids in the Water-Conserving Landscape. Naturalized Grasses of California. serve, Upper Carmel Valley. $245/CNGA member; Santa Rosa, CA. Examine the use of Santa Rosa Plateau, Riverside County. $285/non­member. Instructors: Richard King, California native grasses and graminoids Learn about California’s grassland Ecologist, USDA/NRCS, and Kent Reeves, Natural in a broad range of urban settings. The ecology, the qualities of specific native Resources Division Manager, Yolo County Parks course will also examine the cultural grasses for restoration. Become skilled & Resources. SRM CEUs approved. Go to w w w . requirements and adaptability of key at recognizing the basic groups and CNGA.o r g for lodging information. Check with native grass and sedge species as they common species through work with Judy at a d m i n @CNGA.o r g for available space. relate to the soil and site parameters in plant samples in the classroom on Thurs.–Fri., Oct. 22–23 shaping a sustainable, native, drought- April 30, and on May 1 in the field, tolerant landscape. Date TBD. in one of the best remaining Foothill Using Grasses and Graminoids in Restora- needlegrass grasslands in the state. tion and Revegetation. A CNGA workshop in Developing a Sustainable Graz- Davis. $100/student; $175/CNGA member; ing Plan to Manage Native Grasses: $215/nonmember. Proven techniques and People, Planning, and Profit. June 3–4 Hollister Ranch, Santa Barbara County. A North Coast Grasslands strategies using native species; site and species Participants will learn how to develop, Symposium—Humboldt Bay selection, site preparation, planting techniques, plan, write, and implement a successful Area. Come explore native grass­ weed control, and long-term management. sustainable grazing program. The work- land habitats behind the redwood Classroom and field study. Check with Judy at shop will include developing a shared curtain. CNGA presents a two-day a d m i n @CNGA.o r g for available space. vision that consists of social, economic, symposium with guest speakers Fri., Oct. 30 and ecological goals for the management on Thursday at the Humboldt Area CNGA Board of Directors Meeting. Wood- of a grassland. Date TBD. Foundation and field trips on Friday. land, CA; 10 a.m.–3 p.m. In­terested CNGA March members may contact CNGA Administrative Creating a Native Meadow. Santa Rosa, Director, Judy G-Scott, at a d m i n @CNGA.o r g . CA. Whether starting from bare ground or June 5–6 replacing maintenance-hungry turf, learn Identifying the Native and Natural- December to develop and maintain a native meadow ized Grasses of California. Humboldt Sun.–Wed., Dec. 13–16 on your own property. Date TBD. Bay Area. Learn about California’s grass- Grazing Lands—A Winning Hand: 4th land ecology, the qualities of specific April 16 native grasses for restoration. Become National Conference on Grazing Lands, Reno/ CNGA Field Day at Hedgerow Farms. skilled at recognizing the basic groups Sparks, NV. Presented by the Grazing Lands Con- Winters, CA. Join us for this third annual and common species through work servation Initiative. Infor available at w w w .g l c i . opportunity for practical, hands-on, with plant samples in the classroom on o r g , or contact John Peterson, Conf. Manager, at learning about native grasses and Saturday and in the field on Sunday. 703-455-4387 or j w p e t e r s o n @c o x .n e t . grassland restoration.

October release! “A Real Classic! John Greenlee’s Best Yet,” says David Amme. The American Meadow Garden: Creating a Natural Alternative to the Traditional Lawn The traditional American lawn is a time-con- new model—the designed meadow, a vibrant, the message with stunning examples of suming, resource-wasting mistake. It’s time to shimmering mini-ecosystem friendly to kids, meadow gardens from across the country. Hard replace the lawn and find new ways to create pets, and butterflies. Even better, it requires cover $34.95, 280 pages, full-color throughout. livable outdoor spaces. In The American Meadow minimal resources and absolutely no mowing. TIMBER PRESS. (Check out the video at http:// Garden, John Greenlee offers homeowners a Gorgeous photography by Saxon Holt illustrates www.timberpress.com/books/).

18 | G R A S S L A N D S Fall 2009 CNGA’s Bu nc h g r a s s Ci r c l e Life Members Corporate Members Jack Alderson David Gilpin Richard Nichols Muhlenbergia rigens level Jane Anderson F. Thomas Griggs Paul Ostler Hedgerow Farms John Anderson Jim Hanson Carol Presley Nassella pulchra level Fred Ballerini Barbara Herren Peggy Rathman Sheila Barry Lesley Hunt Paul Reeberg Delta Bluegrass • Pacific Coast Seed • S&S Seed Bob Battagin Richard Ibarra Diane Renshaw Poa secunda level F. Thomas Biglione Ellie Insley John Roberts Elkhorn Native Plant Nursery • Restoration Resources • Shilling Seed Jack Booth Joni Janecki Warren Roberts Janice Bridge David Kaplow Craig S. Rust Cindy Burrascano David B. Kelley Victor Schaff Associate Members Sallie J. Calhoun Micki Kelly Robert Schott American River Parkway Foundation • Animal Science Department, California Sally Casey Paul Kephart Susan Schwartz Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo • Audubon Canyon Ranch Frank Chan Charlotte Kimball Jon Shilling City of Davis • Contra Costa Water District Vic Claassen Lenora Kirby Jacob Sigg County of Orange, RDMD/Harbors, Beaches and Parks • Hollister Ranch Mike Conner Ron Lutsko, Jr. Diana Steidl Anne Corey Rod MacDonald Robert Stephens Irvine Ranch Conservancy • Livermore Area Recreation and Park District Duane Cornett Garry Mahrt Scott Stewart Los Angeles Chapter, California Native Plant Society Charlice Danielsen Eugene Majerowicz Lillian Vallee Oak Creek Energy Systems • Orinda Horsemen’s Association James Dekloe Carolyn Malmstrom MaryAnn Warmerdam Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District Robert Delzell Tamia Marg John Wick San Luis National Wildlife Refuge • Sonoma County Ag Preservation and Open Space Rene di Rosa Rhonda and Bob Mark Margaret Willits StopWaste.org • Sun City Lincoln Hills • Thomas Klope Associates Jerome Domurat Ron Martinolich Jeanne Wirka Bruce Eisenman Ruth Mazur David Yam Truax Company, Inc. • Wildlands, Inc. John R. Ekhoff Mary Kate McKenna Yolo County Resource Conservation District • Zentner & Zentner CNGA Contact List Board of Directors At-Large Members JP Marié (2008–2009) UC Davis Office of Resource Management & Planning Officers Andrew Fulks (2008–2009) 376 Mrak Hall, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616 David Amme, President UC Davis Putah Creek Riparian Reserve 530-304-3251; E-mail: [email protected] East Bay Regional Park District 2723 Ganges Pl., Davis, CA 95616 2950 Peralta Oaks Ct., Oakland, CA 94605 530-752-0763; E-mail: [email protected] Melissa Mooney (2008–2009) 510-544-2344; E-mail: [email protected] Santa Barbara County Planning and Development Clare Golec (2009–2010) 624 W. Foster Rd., Suite C Randi Paris, Past President Caltrans, Eureka Office—Distr. 1 Santa Maria, CA 93455-6250 P.O. Box 1991, Weaverville, CA 96093 P.O. Box 3700; Eureka, CA 95502-3700 805-934-6587; Fax: 805-934-6258 E-mail: [email protected] 707-445-6322; E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Wade Belew, President-elect Sarah Hoskinson (2009–2010) Zachary Principe (2008–2009) Cotati Creek Critters; P.O. Box 7511, Cotati, CA 94931 Dept. of Plant Sciences, UC Davis The Nature Conservancy 707-694-5086; E-mail: [email protected] 1210 PES, Mail Stop 1, 1 Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616 402 W. Broadway, Suite 1350, San Diego, CA 92101 530-752-5609; E-mail: [email protected] 909-815-2227; E-mail: [email protected] Sara Sweet, Secretary David Kaplow (2009–2010) The Nature Conservancy P.O. Box 744, Petaluma, CA 94953 Kent Reeves (2008–2009) 13501 Franklin Blvd., Galt, CA 95632 707-769-1213 Yolo County Department of Parks and Natural Resources 916-683-1767; E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] 120 W. Main St., Suite C, Woodland, CA 95695 Jim Hanson, Treasurer 530-406-4888; E-mail: [email protected] Caltrans: Mitigation and Highway Landscaping Richard King (2009–2010) USDA NRCS; 1301 Redwood Way, Suite 215, Bryan Young (2009–2010) 438 49th St., Oakland, CA 94609 (mailing) Sacramento Regional County Sanitation Dist. 8521 510-450-2450 (day) Petaluma, CA 94954 707-794-8692 x120; E-mail: [email protected] Laguna Station Rd., Elk Grove, CA 95758 E-mail: [email protected] 916-875-9273 E-mail: [email protected] Judy G-Scott Mary Rodgers Administrative Director Grasslands Managing Editor Visit CNGA online at: P.O. Box 8327, Woodland, CA 95776 3661 56th St., Sacramento, CA 95820-2342 Phone/Fax: 530-661-2280 E-mail: [email protected] 916-455-0563; E-mail: [email protected] www.CNGA.org

Fall 2009 G R A S S L A N D S | 19 No n p r o f i t Or g . U.S. Po s t a g e PAID Pe r m i t No. 19 Di x o n , CA

P.O. Box 8327 RECYCLED Woodland, CA 95776 PAPER http://www.CNGA.org

Cover photos: Front: View of coastal t errace prairie at Arroyo de los Chinos, Hearst San Simeon State Park. Grassland dominated by tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia holciformis). The mountain in the distance is Bald Top, the south end of the steep Big Sur coast. Photo: Dave Amme Back: Leymus mollis ssp. mollis foredunes at USFWS Lanphere Dunes, Humboldt Bay. Photo: Clare Golec

Thurs.–Fri., June 3–4, 2010 CNGA Presents: A Northcoast Grasslands Symposium, Humboldt Bay Area Come explore native grass habitats behind the redwood curtain.

Day 1: guest speakers at the Humboldt Area Foundation; Day 2 in the field. Further details will be available in the winter issue of Grasslands.