© Project SOUND
Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden
Gardening with Western L.A. County Native PlantsProject SOUND – 2012 (our 8th year)
© Project SOUND
Low and Northerly: Groundcover Plants from the Northern and Central CA Coast
C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake
CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve
Madrona Marsh PreserveFebruary 4 & 7, 2012
What makes a good groundcover plant?
Low growth habit Evergreen – nice color Dense foliage – few gaps Fast growth to mature size
– then slow Long-lived Flowers, fruits and other
features that make it good habitat
And, for today’s subject, should be woody (or at least half-woody)
© Project SOUNDhttp://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/california/northern-coast
The California coast has inspired for centuries
© Project SOUNDhttp://www.bon-voyage.co.uk/destinations/california_holidays/itineraries
But the CA coast inspires gardeners for a different reason…
© Project SOUND
http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-photo/ranlo/2/1279124248/northern-california-coast.jpg/tpod.html
© Project SOUND
Some of our best native groundcovers come from the N. & Central California coast
© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College
Central & N. Maritime Chaparral
“within the zone of summer fog incursion”
Features: greater exposure to
summer fog, humidity
mild temps. and moderate drought pressures
adaptations to different disturbance regimes (less frequent fire).
© Project SOUNDhttp://www.elkhornsloughctp.org/reference/subissue_detail.php?SUBISSUE_ID=1
Sunset Zones ZONE 16: Central and Northern
California Coast thermal belts
Thermal belts (slopes from which cold air drains) in a coastal climate
Ocean dominated about 85 % of the time and by inland weather about 15%
A summer afternoon wind More summer heat than Zone 17;
warmer winters than inland Cooler summers than Zones 22-24
ZONE 17: Marine effects in Southern Oregon, Northern and Central California Mild, wet, almost frostless winters;
cool summers w/ frequent fog or wind. Muted sunlight much of the year Summer highs ~ 65-70º F
© Project SOUND
http://www.digitalseed.com/gardener/climate/plantclimate_map_ca.html
Let’s take a road trip up Hwy 1
Central coast
Point Sal/Guadalupe
San Simeon/Arroyo de la Cruz
Big Sur Rocky point Yankee Point/Diamond Heights
Northern coast
Point Reyes
Ft. Bragg
© Project SOUND
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:California_State_Route_1.svg
Our Central and Northern Coastal areas a unique in many ways
© Project SOUND
We share some plants with the Central and Northern Maritime chaparral
Black sage – Salvia mellifera Purple Sage – Salvia leucophylla Sticky Monkeyflower – Diplacus
aurantiacus Blue-eyed Grass – Sisyrinchium
bellum Some grasses - Nassellas Many native wildflowers
© Project SOUND
Manzanitas of the northern maritime
chaparral
Arctostaphylos andersonii A. canescens A. crustacea Arctostaphylos cruzensis A. edmundsii A. glutinosa A. hookeri hearstiorum A. hookeri hookeri A. montaraensis A. montereyensis A. morroensis A. nummularia sensitiva A. ohlone pro. sp. A. pajaroensis A. pumila A. purissima A. silvicola A. tomentosa (all ssp & forms) © Pr SOUND
Many of these species are rare or endangered in the wild, but grown regularly in the garden
Not surprisingly, our local flora has the most in common with that of the Central Coast
The closer the native home of a plant to our own, the more similar are the: Soils Temperatures Rainfall Etc
Plants from nearby coastal areas are easier to grow than those from further up the coast
© Project SOUND
http://coast-santabarbara.org/
California rainfall – quite a range, even along our coasts
© Project SOUND
http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread775456/pg2
Our first stop: Point Sal Located in the northwestern part of
Santa Barbara County, near the city of Guadalupe
Between Vandenberg Air Force Base and the Guadalupe Dunes.
Sandy/rocky promontory
© Project SOUNDhttp://www.localhikes.com/HikeData.ASP?DispType=1&ActiveHike=0&GetHikesStateID=&ID=4266
*
http://www.cityprofile.com/california/photos/36781-guadalupe-point-sal-state-beach1.html
Home to a unique flora Transition zone between N. & S.
CA: unique plant species assemblages.
A mosaic of coastal sage scrub and foothill needle-grass with wildflowers, Giant Corepopsis
Much influenced by ocean breezes, salt spray – like our own immediate coast
© Project SOUND
http://kcbx.net/~bdenneen/
http://soundwaves.usgs.gov/2001/09/fieldwork2.html
http://blogbisogno.wordpress.com/2009/08/page/2/http://www.ryono.net/pointsal/pointsal.html
Salvia leucophylla ‘Pt. Sal Spreader’
Naturally occurring variants from Point Sal
Look like Purple Sage except usually shorter (2-3 ft)
Very variable in size, depending on water, other conditions
Purple Sage cultivars & hybrids may be easier to grow than the species
© Project SOUND
http://www.sm.watersavingplants.com/eplant.php?plantnum=24489&return=l2_aO
We continue our road trip up Hwy 1
Central coast
Point Sal/Guadalupe
San Simeon/Arroyo de la Cruz
© Project SOUND
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:California_State_Route_1.svg
*
Hearst Castle – San Simeon
© Project SOUND
http://www.nordicgeospatial.com/about_us
http://www.coastandocean.org/coast_v23_no3_2007/articles/Hiking_Hearst_04.htm
Hearst/San Simeon Coast/ Arroyo de la Cruz Old ocean beaches and bluffs The soil varies from a near adobe through
red clay on hard pan to a gray sand-rock composite.
It receives summer fog and rainfall of about 20-30 inches/yr
It is one of the most moderate climates in the world. Every day has a high of 60-65 degrees F. and a low of 50 degrees F.
© Project SOUND
http://www.californiacoastline.org/cgi-bin/location.cgi?flags=0&year=current&latdeg=35.591167&longdeg=121.131667
http://justinsomnia.org/2006/09/driving-down-the-big-sur-coast/
Rainfall: Central Coast
© Project SOUND
Our rainfall
Much cooler summers as well
The Arroyo de la Cruz region: special
© Project SOUND
Mouth of Arroyo de la Cruz, ridge immediately south of creek, east of Hwy 1 (San Luis Obispo County, California, US)
© 2011 Chris Winchell
Arroyo de la Cruz – unique conditions = unique plants
A variety of communities, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, riparian and grassland, mark this unique area. Its importance lies in the number of endemics that are found in this relatively small area; indeed, it has been called the "Cruzian pocket of endemism."
Ten species of plants considered rare or endangered are found here. Most have a restricted range. It is the type locality of at least two species, Arctostaphylos
hookeri ssp. hearstiorum and Ceanothus hearstiorum which are found nowhere else.
Other rare species include Allium hickmanii, Arctostaphylos cruzensis, Bloomeria humilis, Calochortus clavatus ssp. recurvfolius, Campanula obispoensis (?), Ceanothus maritimus, Sanicula hoffmannii and Sanicula maritima.
© Project SOUND
Arroyo de la Cruz has also provided us some wonderful garden cultivars
Sisyrinchium bellum 'Arroyo de la Cruz‘
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. thyrsiflorus 'Arroyo de la Cruz‘
Ceanothus maritimus 'Valley Violet‘
© Project SOUND
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/billbouton/sets/72157603552645540/
© Project SOUND
* Arroyo de la Cruz Manzanita – Arctostaphylos cruzensis
© 2011 Chris Winchell
© Project SOUND
* Arroyo de la Cruz Manzanita – Arctostaphylos cruzensis
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/arctostaphylos-cruzensis
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3449,3454,3466
© 2011 Chris Winchell
Endemic to coastal areas from northwest San Luis Obispo Co. to Southern Monterey Co.
Grows on old ocean beaches and bluffs Occurs in a variety of habitats, including
maritime chaparral, coastal scrub, conifer forest, and valley-foothill grassland.
Receives summer fog/rainfall of 20-30” per year
© Project SOUND
Low-growing Manzanitas: perfect for your garden?
Attractive, ‘neat-looking’ foliage
Red bark on interesting trunks/branches
Low-maintenance under the right conditions: Needs good drainage Low water in summer - susceptible
to fungal diseases; deep watering (Zone 1/2)
No fertilizer
Coastal varieties will thrive along immediate coast – even right next to beach
©J.S. Peterson
Jo-Ann Ordano © California Academy of Sciences
Flammable: manzanita plants contain volatile compounds, which burn like a torch when ignited – no a good choice for fire-prone areas
© Project SOUND
Ground cover manzanita
Size: 2-3 ft tall 5-10 ft wide
Growth form: Spreading, low : mat-like to
mounded Shreddy red bark Dense – good coverage
Foliage: Leaves bright green, shiny;
may be hairy when young Densely over-lapping on
branch
Roots: no basal burl – so can’t re-sprout
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/arctostaphylos-cruzensis
© Project SOUND
Who can resist a manzanita in bloom?
Blooms: Winter/early spring Usually Dec-Feb in S. Bay
Flowers: Small, urn-shaped flowers typical
of manzanita Pale pink blush Large clusters – very showy Sweet scent
Fruits: The edible ‘little apples’ Hairy, ½ inch diameter; ripe in
late summer or fall
© 2006 Steve Matson
© Project SOUND
Central coast plant Soils: Texture: adaptable – sandy soils in
nature pH: any local – 6.0-8.0
Light: Full sun only right along coast Afternoon shade in most gardens;
remember, average temperatures cooler (60-65º F. where it’s native)
Water: Winter: good winter rains Summer:
Needs supplemental summer water – Zone 2 to 2-3
Needs leaves washed down during dry summer – remember the summer fogs
Other: shouldn’t need much pruning; sterile technique, after blooming
© 2002 David Graber
© Project SOUND
Good looking evergreen shrub
Used as an evergreen woody ground cover – substitute for ivy
Good for slopes Pair with its native associates
for an evergreen medley:
Ceanothus hearstiorum Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Ceanothus griseus Adenostoma fasciculatum Iris douglasii Baccharis pilularis Salvia mellifera Diplacus aurantiacus
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/arctostaphylos-cruzensis
Why the variability in growth habit?
© Project SOUND
© 2011 Chris Winchell
Tilden Botanical GardenRegional Parks Botanic Garden is a botanical garden in Tilden Park, Berkeley CA USA
© 2006 Steve Matson
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctostaphylos_cruzensis
Some species occur along the entire CA coast
© Project SOUND
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mechanoid_dolly/5682527020/
Western Blue-eyed Grass - Sisyrinchium bellum
Western Blue-eyed Grass - Sisyrinchium bellum
Not a grass at all – a member of the Iris family (smallest member of the Iris family)
Distribution: Much of CA, OR
Habitat: Open, generally moist,
grassy areas Woodlands
North/Central coast areas have produced some attractive variants – now available as cultivars for the garden
Sisyrinchium bellum 'Arroyo de la Cruz'
Dwarf selection - ~ 6 inches tall
Unusually large--1 1/2 inch wide--purple flowers in spring
Flowers a vivid purple flowers are held a bit above the 6 inch high foliage clump.
Useful in a dry border, on a bank, and in a rock garden.
© Project SOUND
http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=1292
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/5712113309/
Other sisyrinchium cultivars
‘Rocky Point’ Dwarf habit, with
broader leaves and violet blossoms
‘Ft. Bragg’ Dwarf habit, with
broader leaves Soft lavender in
color, with violet centers
© Project SOUND
http://nativeson.typepad.com/plants/2010/05/sisyrinchium-bellum-rocky-point.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dreedyphoto/page6/
Rocky Point, Big Sur
Cliffs near Ft. Bragg
http://www.city-data.com/picfilesv/picv20278.php
© Project SOUND
Seaside Daisy - Erigeron glaucus
© Project SOUND
Two California Daisys
E. foliosus (Leafy): Mountain ranges & hills of C.
& western S. CA Dry, sunny, rocky, brushy or
wooded or grassy slopes coastal sage scrub, chaparral
and southern oak woodland
E. glaucus (Seaside) Central to N. Coast (into OR) Coastal bluffs, dunes,
beaches Coastal Strand, Coastal Sage
Scrub, Northern Coastal Scrub
Erigeron foliosus
Erigeron glaucus
© Project SOUND
Seaside Daisy – Erigeron glaucus
Compact growth habit: < 1 ft Leaves:
Thicker, fleshier Larger: spatula shaped More basal
Roots: Rhizomes Plant spreads into dense
mat-like colony
Flowers: no differences
http://www.calhortsociety.org/seed-exchange/seed-exchange-2002/seed-list-pages/large/Erigeron-glaucus-2.jpg
Much more “lush appearing” than leafy fleabane
© Project SOUND
Using Erigeron glaucus
Borders
Edges & low hedges
Accent plant
In a rock garden
Near pools & ponds
Ground cover
http://www.laspilitas.com/plants/pictures/a269.jpg
Great addition to a North coast themed garden
© Project SOUND
Horticultural cultivars of Seaside Daisy
Variable in size and number of flowers and plant
Choose the one you like best
‘Cape Sebastian’ cultivar
http://www.mostlynatives.com/notes/erigeronglaucuscs.jpg
http://www.callutheran.edu/Academic_Programs/Departments/Biology/Wildflowers/gf/plants/category/gar-1670.htm
‘Olga’ cultivar ‘Bountiful’ cultivarhttp://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=2213
‘Sea Breeze’ cultivar
http://www.elnativogrowers.com/Photographs_page/eriglasb.htm
Ceanothus of the northern maritime chaparral
Ceanothus cuneatus var. fascicularis
Ceanothus cuneatus var. rigidus Ceanothus gloriosus var. gloriosus Ceanothus gloriosus var. exaltatus Ceanothus gloriosus var.
porrectus Ceanothus hearstiorum Ceanothus maritimus
© Pr SOUND
© Project SOUND
Ceanothus – California Lilacs
Some 55 species Common names: California Lilac, Mountain lilac, Wild lilac, Buckbrush, Blueblossum Quite variable in habit:
evergreen and deciduous prostrate to erect shrubs and small trees.
Flowers small, in clusters, showy en masse Flower color: white through many shades of blue, deep violet. Range: southern Canada to Guatemala
Mainly in California (over 40 species) Some also in the eastern US and Rocky Mountains.
Have the ability to fix large amounts of nitrogen via root-inhabiting microbes (actinomycetes).
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. thyrsiflorus 'Arroyo de la Cruz'
Bright shiny leaves
Medium-blue flowers
Large mounding shrub or groundcover, great for erosion control or a low, broad hedge.
Best with a little summer water and afternoon shade in our climate
© Project SOUND
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/ceanothus-thyrsiflorus-big-sur-california-lilac
http://plantayflor.blogspot.com/2010/09/ceanothus-thyrsiflorus-var-repens.html
© Project SOUND
* Hearst’s (San Simeon) Ceanothus – Ceanothus hearstiorum
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ceanothus_hearstiorum
Central coast endemic – San Luis Obispo & Monterrey counties – near Arroyo de la Cruz; very rare in nature
Coastal, low, grassy hills Receives summer fog/rainfall of 20-
30” per year
© Project SOUND
* Hearst’s Ceanothus – Ceanothus hearstiorum
© 2006 Steve Matson
© Project SOUND
Hearst’s Ceanothus – low grower
Size: generally < 1 ft tall 3-6 ft wide
Growth form: Evergreen woody (half-woody)
shrub Prostrate habit; radiates out from
central stem like a star Slow-growing but long-lived
Foliage: Leaves bright to medium green Small, narrow and glandular; unique Has a nice scent when wet
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ceanothus_hearstiorum
Picture from Rob Rizzardi
© Project SOUND
Heavenly, old-fashioned flowers
Blooms: in spring – usually Mar-Apr in our area
Flowers: Small with prominent anthers
– typical of ceanothus species Lavender to medium blue In dense clusters – very showy Sweet scented; old-fashioned Can be used to make a mild
soap –as can the foliage
Fruits: hard knobby fruits – birds eat the seeds
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ceanothus_hearstiorum
© Project SOUND
Hearst’s Ceanothus likes clay
Soils: Texture: clays best, loams/rocky
fine – not for sandy soils pH: any local
Light: Full sun on immediate coast Afternoon shade in hotter inland
gardens
Water: In the wild: summer fog and
rainfall of about 20-30 inches. Every day has a high of 60-65º F. and a low of 50º F.
In your garden: Water Zone 2 or 2-3 (occasional summer water); rinse off leaves every few weeks in dry summer periods
Other: organic mulch; prune after blooming or to remove diseased
http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Ceanothus-hearstiorum/
Picture from Rob Rizzardi
© Project SOUND
Low-growing Ceanothus Ground covers – slopes In large planters To hide retaining walls
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3107
http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/may.htm
http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=1249
http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Ceanothus-hearstiorum/
Coastal ground covers conquer slopes
© Project SOUND
Artemisia californica Canyon Gray Canyon , Ceanothus hearstiorum, Ceanothus Yankee Point, and Salvia sonomensis Mrs. Beard Mrs. Beard.
http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/howto/slope.html
© Project SOUND
Using ground covers with different characteristics adds interest
© Project SOUND
Salvia ‘Bee’s Bliss’ with Dwarf Coyote Bush (Baccharis pilularis) cultivar
http://www.intermountainnursery.com/demonstration_garden_list.htm
© Project SOUND
Lower-growing Coyote Bush cultivars
‘Pigeon Point' – low groundcover 1-2 ft tall Up to 12 ft wide Very bright green foliage; larger leaves
than species Most common dwarf form for coastal
areas
‘Twin Peaks 2’ – low groundcover or hedge Usually 1 – 3 ft tall; will mound to 5 ft
if not regularly sheared 6 ft wide Dense growth; can be shaped Leaves smaller, darker gray-green &
more deeply toothed than species
On our way to Big Sur, we enjoy the coast near Morro Bay
Central coast
Point Sal/Guadalupe
San Simeon/Arroyo de la Cruz
© Project SOUND
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:California_State_Route_1.svg
Maritime chaparral at the Los Osos Elfin Forest Preserve on Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo
*
California’s famous ‘Elfin Forests’
Elfin forest is a nickname given to several similar dwarfed plants ecosystems, mainly in coastal Temperate Californian and montane Tropical regions
Include communities of dwarfed/tiny plants.
Some CA Elfin Forests: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
(N/ CA coast) El Moro Elfin Forest Natural Area
(Morro Bay) San Luis Obispo Elfin Forest
(Higher up on Cuesta Ridge in SLO county).
© Project SOUND
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32661-d2169512-Reviews-Elfin_Forest_Preserve-Los_Osos_San_Luis_Obispo_County_California.html
California’s famous ‘Elfin Forests’
Unusual areas: chaparral that can be waterlogged in the winter, and arid and nearly desert-like in the summer
Plants have adapted accordingly, and are generally much shorter, smaller, and compact than related plants elsewhere.
Even trees and shrubs, such as Cypress (Cupressus), Oak (Quercus), and Madrone (Arbutus menziesii) rarely grow more than 20 ft (7 m) tall in these plant communities.
© Project SOUND
http://blog.slocountyhomes.com/2009/03/elfin-forest-boardwalk-trail.html/
http://www.kayharden.com/galy16b.html
© Project SOUND
Maritime Ceanothus – Ceanothus maritimus
© 2006 Steve Matson
© Project SOUND
Maritime Ceanothus – Ceanothus maritimus
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/ceanothus-maritimus
© 2011 Chris Winchell
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?6586,6589,6625
Endemic to San Luis Obispo County California, where it is known from only a few occurrences in the vicinity of Hearst Ranch.
Grows on old ocean beaches and bluffs < 500 ft; soil varies from a near adobe through red clay on hard pan to a gray sand-rock composite
High precipitation (20-30”); summer fog; temperate climate
© Project SOUND
Low-growing Maritime Manzanita
Size: 1-3 ft tall 5-6 ft wide
Growth form: Evergreen woody shrub; moderate to
slow growth rate Low, spreading or more mounded
habit Reddish gray bark aging to gray Stems stiff-looking
Foliage: Leaves small, wedge-shaped, shiny
medium green above; hairy beneath
Roots: support nitrogen-fixing bacteria
© 2006 Steve Matson
© Project SOUND
Who can resist ‘em?
Blooms: In spring – usually Feb to April
in our part of the world
Flowers: Dense clusters of typical 5-
part pattern of ceanothus Deep blue to violet to almost
white Sweet scented – good for
insect pollinators Native Californians used to
make mild soap
Fruits: dry capsule, usually horned at top; birds eat seeds
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceanothus_maritimus
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ceanothus+maritimus
© Project SOUND
A plant for the coast – and beyond
Soils: Texture: adaptable – best in
clays, fine in sandy soils pH: any local
Light: Full sun on coast, to part shade
inland (morning sun fine) Good under tall trees
Water: In wild: 2x our annual rainfall;
summer fogs Summer: needs water at least
several times a month in inland gardens – Zone 2 to 2-3
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: dislikes being moved and pruning – leave it alone if possible
© 2011 Chris Winchell
http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Ceanothus-maritimus/
© Project SOUND
Maritime Ceanothus in the garden
Good choice for fire-prone areas, with summer water
Slopes Groundcover – neat-looking Parking strips Pair with other low coastal
groundcovers: Salvia leucophylla ‘Pt. Sal’, Ceanothus maritimus, and Lessingia filaginifolia ‘Silver Carpet’
http://www.vcstar.com/photos/2010/feb/08/86887/
Ceanothus maritimus ‘Frosty Dawn’
Selection of Ceanothus maritimus from the hills south of Arroyo de la Cruz in San Luis Obispo County
2 feet tall by up to 5 feet wide Performs best in coastal climates but has
also proved successful in inland gardens. Lovely and tough
© Project SOUND
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/eastbaywilds/sets/72157625418384199/
http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Ceanothus_maritimus_'Frosty_dawn'http://greenlifestudios.com/gallery-detail.php?id=15&cat_id=2&keywords=Frosty_Dawn_California_Lilac
Ceanothus maritimus ‘Point Sierra’
This selection of the Maritime ceanothus has smaller leaves than most. With its stiff branching the effect is similar to Cotoneaster.
Denser and lower than the species, this maritimus selection is tolerant of interior heat if given modest shade
2 to 3 feet tall by up to 5 feet wide with thick leathery 1/4 to 1/2 inch long leaves
Lavender blue flowers appear in early spring.
The blue violet flowers emerge from dusty white buds in late winter.
© Project SOUND
Ceanothus maritimus ‘Popcorn’
A tidy groundcover that requires little maintenance. Heavy bloomer. Compact, thick leaves. Best on coast. Good substitute for cotoneaster. 3' H x 6' W. Moderate to slow.
White flowers in spring
© Project SOUNDhttp://www.calfloranursery.com/pages_plants/pages_c/ceamarpop.htmlhttp://cascadiannurseries.blogspot.com/2011/07/first-look-monrovias-new-introductions.html
http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Ceanothus_maritimus_'Popcorn'
Ceanothus maritimus ‘Valley Violet’
UC Davis Arboretum All-Star selection, 2010.
3 ft tall; 3-4 ft wide performs well in a variety
of settings. It can take full sun or part shade, requires very little water once established, develops into an attractive mound that needs no pruning
Super-showy violet colored flowers on long flowering stalks – really different
© Project SOUND
http://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/allstars_detail_57.aspx
Onward & upward to Big Sur
Central coast
Point Sal/Guadalupe
San Simeon/Arroyo de la Cruz
Big Sur Rocky point Yankee Point/Diamond Heights
© Project SOUND
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:California_State_Route_1.svg
Point Sur
*
© Project SOUND
Little Sur Manzanita – Arctostaphylos edmundsii
© 2007 Penny DeWind
© Project SOUND
Little Sur Manzanita – Arctostaphylos edmundsii
Many of the low-growing manzanitas grow in sandy coastal areas, suggesting that well-drained soils are important
http://slosson.ucdavis.edu/documents/2005-200610653.pdf
© Project SOUND
* Hooker’s Manzanita – Arctostaphylos hookeri
Beatrice F. Howitt © California Academy of Sciences
Native range extends from the coastal San Francisco Bay Area to the Central Coast
Sandy, coastal pine or oak woods, coastal scrub < 1000 ft
© Project SOUND
* Hooker’s Manzanita – Arctostaphylos hookeri
© 1991 David Graber
http://www.elkhornsloughctp.org/factsheet/factsheet.php?SPECIES_ID=1
© Project SOUND
Hooker’s Manzanita is a natural groundcover
Under trees On slopes In front yards - evergreen
http://absbonsai.org/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=834
http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=173http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/arctostaphylos-hookeri-wayside-manzanita
http://128.253.177.181/imgs/dws/r/Ericaceae_Arctostaphylos_hookeri_18909.html
Rainfall: Big Sur area
© Project SOUND
Our rainfall
Much cooler summers as well – summer highs in the 70’s
Hurricane Point near Big Sur
The many climates of Big Sur result in an astonishing biodiversity, including many rare and endangered species
Arid, dusty chaparral-covered hills exist within easy walking distance of lush riparian woodland.
The mountains trap most of the moisture out of the clouds; fog in summer, rain and snow in winter.
This creates a favorable environment for coniferous forests, including the southernmost habitat of the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), which grows only on lower coastal slopes that are routinely fogged in at night.
© Project SOUND
http://xasauantoday.com/2011/09/16/serra-hill/
Big Sur Coastline from Hurricane Point
http://www.cs.berkeley.edu/~karthik/pics/2005-06-1-BigSur/web/html/dscf0076.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Sur
© Project SOUND
* Carmel Creeper – Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis
Northern & Central CA coast (var. horizontalis from Monterey Co.)
Chaparral, coastal scrub, closed-cone-pine forests.
© Project SOUND
* Carmel Creeper – Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?6586,6589,6615
http://www.sb.watersavingplants.com/listplants.php?index=9http://www.flickriver.com/photos/80651083@N00/tags/montereycounty/
© Project SOUND
Carmel Creeper: it creeps Size:
2-3 ft tall 6-15 ft wide
Growth form: Woody (half-woody) evergreen
groundcover; fast-growing May be flat or slightly mounded
Foliage: Shiny, medium/dark green leaves –
almost unreal looking Dense foliage – hardly see
branches Neat, attractive appearance
Roots: Symbiotic relationship with N-
fixing bacteria
© Project SOUND
Flowers: ooh la-la
Blooms: winter through spring: any time from Dec. to April
Flowers: Usually a bright medium
blue, but may be lighter Dense clusters of tiny
flowers – really showy in a good year (many years)
Sweet scent attracts bees and other insect pollinators
Seeds: In strange dry capsules that
split open; birds eat them
© Project SOUND
Extraordinarily adaptable
Soils: Texture: any, from sand to heavy
clay pH: any local
Light: Full sun only along coast Part-shade (afternoon shade)
best in most situations – good under trees
Water: Winter: supplement in dry winters Summer: Occasional summer
water – Zone 2 for species and cultivars
Fertilizer: none needed, but light fertilizer won’t kill it
© Project SOUND
Garden uses for Carmel Creeper
As an attractive ground cover:
Under trees On slopes Mounded over walls/retaining walls
Ceanothus griseus ‘Diamond Heights’
Variegated leaves 3 - 4 ft. wide; low Scant, light blue flowers in spring Best with light shade in hot regions.
© Project SOUND
http://blog.jannelsonlandscapedesign.com/?cat=78
http://www.bambooandmore.info/2012_01_09_archive.htmlhttp://thehumanfootprint.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/california-natives-part-3-groundcovers-manzanitas-ceanothus/
Ceanothus griseus‘Hurricane Point’
2-3 ft. tall x 20 ft wide in many years
Slower growth but give it room to spread
Flowers light blue
'Yankee Point' has been called a more restrained version of this cultivar.
© Project SOUND
‘Kurt Zadnick’ Ceanothus
2 to 3 feet tall, spreading or trailing 6 feet or more
Bright indigo blue flowers in spring
More garden tolerant than Yankee Point
© Project SOUNDhttp://www.landscaperesource.com/plants/ceanothus-kurt-zadnik.htm
‘Yankee Point’ – Carmel Heights
Ever wonder where ‘Yankee Point’ ceanothus originated?
© Project SOUND
http://www.sawbuck.com/property/California/93923_Carmel/7659172-98-Yankee-Point
http://www.carmelrealtycompany.com/index.cfm/person-Barbara_Ehrenpreis_11.htm
http://www.sammcleod.com/properties/111YANKEEPOINT.html
Ceanothus griseus ‘Yankee Point’
© Project SOUND
Old garden standard – 30+ years 2-3 ft tall and 10 ft wide; fast Darker leaves than species Great groundcover, slopes, etc.
http://www.fresno.watersavingplants.com/eplant.php?plantnum=24194&return=l5_aS
© Project SOUND
Management of low-growing Ceanothus
Proper watering is key: Overwatering is often the cause of
death; make sure they are in well-drained soil.
Once established, apply deep infrequent irrigation in the dry season.
Do not fertilize; like slightly acidic soils so use organic mulch
Only minimal pruning Pinch back tips during the growing
season to shape – unless you have deer Prune branches only if they are less
than 1” in diameter, and only after the spring bloom when flowers have faded.
Use sterile technique
Ceanothus tend to be short-lived (5-15 years) often due to disease (too much water, fertilizer, pruning)
http://www.cuyamaca.edu/oh170/Thumbnail_Pages/Ceanothus_griseus.asp
http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/cegrhyp3.htm
‘Yankee Point’
Ceanothus: a hit in European gardens “Ceanothus thyrisflorus, blueblossom,
was the first California species to receive both botanical and horticultural recognition . . . when it was collected by botanist Adelbert von Chamisso on the Russian ship Rurik’s expedition to California in 1816.
“The Royal Horticultural Society received seeds of Ceanothus thyrisflorus from Richard Brinsley Hinds from the 1837 expedition of HMS Sulphur, making it the first California species introduced into European gardens “
Even today, it is not uncommon in Britain to see Ceanothus espaliered against a south-facing brick wall.
© Project SOUND
http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/plantfinder/ceanothus-california-lilac_1.asp
Our trip takes us to the San Francisco Bay
Central coast
Point Sal/Guadalupe
San Simeon/Arroyo de la Cruz
Big Sur Rocky point Yankee Point/Diamond Heights
Northern coast
Point Reyes
Ft. Bragg
© Project SOUND
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:California_State_Route_1.svg
http://swr.nmfs.noaa.gov/recovery/mapped93/index.php?p=dom-NCCC
© Project SOUND
* Glossyleaf Manzanita – Arctostaphylos nummularia
http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Arctostaphylos-nummularia/
North Coast, Outer North Coast Ranges, w San Francisco Bay Area (Mount Tamalpais, Santa Cruz Mtns)
Rocky sites, woodland, coniferous forest, < 1500 ft
AKA ‘Fort Bragg Manzanita’
© Project SOUND
* Glossyleaf Manzanita – Arctostaphylos nummularia
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3449,3454,3510
http://www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/mount-tamalpais.htmlhttp://www.thevoiceofalliant.com/FunSun.html
© Project SOUND
Glossyleaf Manzanita: variable habit Size:
2-6 ft tall; usually 2-3 in nature 4-6 ft wide
Growth form: Dense evergreen shrub Habit varies from low and spreading
(rocky, exposed sites), mounded to larger upright shrub (forest sites)
Red bark
Foliage: Leaves rounded, tidy looking Dark shiny green above; lighter
beneath
Roots: no burl – don’t coppice!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Arctostaphylos_nummularia_1.jpg
© 2006 Steve Matson
© Project SOUND
Manzanita flowers
Blooms: In winter; usually Dec-Feb
locally, tho’ may be a few blooms at other times
Flowers: Small, urn-shaped flowers
typical of the genus Pale pink; sweetly scented Flower clusters slightly more
open and other species Flowers pollinated by large
bees – ‘buzz pollination’
Fruits: Edible ‘apples’ in summer/fall
© 2006 Steve Matson
http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Arctostaphylos-nummularia/
© Project SOUND
Grows under rage of conditions
Soils: Texture: well-drained – sandy or
rocky best pH: slightly acidic; may want to
amend with peat moss
Light: Best with afternoon shade Good choice for under trees
(pines; oaks)
Water: Winter: gets a lot in its native
habitat – supplement if needed Summer: gets summer rain and
fog – Zone 2-3 and wash-downs
Fertilizer: light applications of acid fertilizer
Other: best near the coast
© 2004 Aaron Schusteff
© Project SOUND
Garden uses for Glossyleaf Manzanita
Mounded groundcover under pines and similar tall trees
Along coast, with other species for a north coast themed garden: Allium unifolium, Diplicus aurantiacus, Baccharis pilularis, Pinus attenuata, Fragaria vesca, Satureja douglasii
© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College
© 2004 Aaron Schusteff
Arctostaphylos nummularia ‘Small Change’
Selected for its small leaves which are bronze when young.
2-3' H x 3-4' W; mounding or spreading
Coast: full sun; Inland: part shade
Well-draining, acidic soils - good choice for planting under pines.
Provide afternoon sun and extra water in inland gardens.
© Project SOUNDhttp://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Arctostaphylos_nummularia_'Small_Change'
Versatile ‘Emerald Carpet’ hybrid is garden friendly
and low Hybrid between Arctostaphylos
uva-ursi and A. nummularia – best traits of both parents
groundcover to very low hedge
© Project SOUND
http://www.pasadena.watersavingplants.com/eplant.php?plantnum=243&return=l8_aK
The climate above San Francisco Bay is quite different from ours
© Project SOUND
http://angrylambie-landscapes.buzznet.com/user/photos/wildflowers-northern-california-coast/?id=66160771
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Reyes
Point Reyes ~ 30 miles (50 km) north of San
Francisco on Highway 1
A prominent cape
The Point Reyes Peninsula is bounded by Tomales Bay on the northeast and Bolinas Lagoon on the southeast.
The headland is protected as part of Point Reyes National Seashore.
© Project SOUND
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Reyes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Reyes
Rainfall: Point Reyes
© Project SOUND
Our rainfall
Much cooler summers as well -highs in the 50’s
Point Reyes: northern maritime chaparral Maritime chaparral at Point Reyes
intergrades with mixed evergreen forest and is bordered by coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) groves and riparian woodlands
Common maritime chaparral species at Point Reyes include Eastwood's manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa), glossyleaf manzanita (Arctostaphylos nummularia), chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), giant chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla), buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus), and chaparral pea (Pickeringia montana). Also of importance in this vegetation type are the rare species Bolinas Manzanita (Arctostaphylos virgata), Point Reyes ceanothus (Ceanothus gloriosus var. exaltatus), and Mason's ceanothus (Ceanothus masonii).
© Project SOUND
http://www.meetup.com/bay-areakayakers/events/12581031/
http://www.math.cmu.edu/~pikhurko/Gallery/110320PointReyes/33.html http://roadjournals.viamagazine.com/2012/01/17/point-reyes-national-seashore-hiking-tamales-point-trail/
© Project SOUND
* Point Reyes Ceanothus – Ceanothus gloriosus
© 2006 Steve Matson
North Coast (Marin, Sonoma Counties), San Francisco Bay, north Central Coast
var. porrectus (Mt. Vision ceanothus) - rare variety endemic to Marin County in the vicinity of Point Reyes
var. gloriosus (glory mat) - smaller mat-forming variety known mainly from Marin County
Seaside bluffs and the slopes of the coastal mountains
Coastal Bluff scrub, closed cone conifer forest, coastal dunes, coastal scrub below 1700'
© Project SOUND
* Point Reyes Ceanothus – Ceanothus gloriosus
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?6586,6589,6608
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8u9p--NTHGj834b-n31gzg
© Project SOUND
Ceanothus gloriosus: varieties differ in height, habit
Size: 2-6 ft tall (depends on var.) 6-12+ ft wide
Growth form: Var exaltatus: large shrub Var. gloriosus: low, almost
mat-like groundcover, but may be mounded
Bark red aging to gray Evergreen; fairly fast growth
Foliage: Leaves bright, fresh to
medium green, shiny on top May be toothed like holly
Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
http://beling.net/articles/about/Ceanothus_gloriosus
© Project SOUND
Flowers: prolific
Blooms: in spring, usually Mar-Apr in western L.A. County
Flowers: Cluster of small flowers typical of
the ceanothus Medium blue color – gives a nice
pastel look to spring garden Loaded with blooms Pollinated by bumblebees and
other large bees
Fruits: knobby, dry capsule – birds eat the seeds
Vegetative reproduction: stems root where they touch ground
http://www.easybloom.com/plantlibrary/plant/point-reyes-creeper
http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/cegl2a.htm
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils:
Texture: sandy or rocky best pH: any local
Light: Full sun only on immediate coast Afternoon shade needed in most
gardens
Water: Winter: supplement it needed;
gets 30”/year or so in nature Summer: likes some summer
water – Zone 2 or 2-3 best in local gardens
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: organic mulch
http://atlantis.mendocino.edu/jxerogeanes/Plant%20ID2/Forms/DispForm.aspx?ID=301&RootFolder=%2Fjxerogeanes%2FPlant%20ID2%2FWeek%207
© Project SOUND
Ceanothus gloriosus: Ground cover for: Under trees Parking strips Side yards Front yard: with natural
associates Baccharis pilularis, Diplacus aurantiacus, Frangula californica, Sedum spathulifolium, Rhamnus californica
http://www.metrofieldguide.com/portfolio/flowering/ceanothusgloriosus/ceanothusgloriosus.htm
http://www.wallyhood.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_1727.jpg
Ceanothus gloriosus 'Anchor Bay'
Very dense, low-growing and spreading selection
More compact than species: ~ 2 ft tall and spreads 6-8 feet.
Darker blue flowers than the species.
More adaptable to a range of garden soils
© Project SOUND
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=1755
http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/images/new_botimages/large/0102_j.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/70207652@N00/page8/
‘Anchor Bay’, Mendecino County Anchor Bay lies in the heart of the
"banana belt", because of its unique microclimate; a warm column of air from inland spills over the protective coastal mountains, making the area warmer, with less fog and wind than the surrounding areas.
© Project SOUND
http://www.california-blog.com/photos-information-places/tag/anchor-bay-ca
Ceanothus gloriosus
‘Heart’s Desire’ Dense groundcover 6"-12"
high x 5' wide Very adaptable to garden
soils, watering, being trampled, etc.
© Project SOUND
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/ceanothus-gloriosus-hearts-desire
http://thehumanfootprint.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/california-natives-part-3-groundcovers-manzanitas-ceanothus/
Planting and spacing: be sure you check the ultimate size before you plant
Many woody groundcovers get very big – give them the room they need to grow
Hard to contain them by pruning
Will become more mounded if they interact with other plants
Choose fast-growing cultivars if quick coverage is needed
Mulch, mulch, mulch – and re-new mulch
© Project SOUND
http://tmousecmouse.blogspot.com/2011/10/planting-time-plant-sale-time.html
Why did my groundcover plant grow so tall? It was supposed to be short!!!!@@@
© Project SOUND
Genetic dwarfs
Plants stunted by environmental conditions Wind Salt spray/salty soils Sandy soils Low soil fertility - serpentine Acidic soils ‘shallow soils’ – close to bedrock or
hardpan Herbivory – ‘animal pruning’
A combination of genetic and environmental causes
Jug Handle State Park provides some answers
S. of Ft. Bragg
Each of five ancient terraces represents one stage in a progression of successional environments.
Terraces formed at intervals of approximately 100,000 years and involved about 100 feet of uplift to form each of the terraces.
Provides a rare opportunity to view ecological succession and landscape evolution in a CA coastal environment.
© Project SOUND
http://www.fire.ca.gov/resource_mgt/downloads/reports/FinalReportDescriptionAndInterpretation.pdf
Some terraces include pygmy forest communities – right next to the same species that are of normal size
This allows us to see the effect of specific aspects of the environment that are associated with stunted growth
In this case, there are several factors: Shallow soils Low pH Nutrient depletion High levels of Aluminum
© Project SOUND
But there’s more…..
Soil chemistry and effect on plant growth
Analyses of pygmy forest soils show low levels of macro— and micro—nutrients, and high levels of exchangeable aluminum, which limits the ability of plants to grow. Low pH conditions support formation of an iron hardpan, preventing the trees from setting deep roots and preventing internal drainage of soil water.
As a result, the pine trees in the area are rarely more than three or four feet high, in a sort of natural bonsai effect. Many of the tree trunks, though only an inch thick, contain 80 or more growth rings. Only yards away, but with younger soils, the same species of tree grows many dozens of feet high.
© Project SOUND
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pygmy_forest
http://www.everystockphoto.com/photo.php?imageId=3410677
Lessons from the Central & N. Coast
Plants tend to be shorter; growth habit
Overall moisture requirements
Moisture patterns
Soils
© Project SOUND
http://www.mrfs.net/trips/2005/Northern_California/Redwood_Coast/Redwood_Coast.html
Summary: Envi stresses
Decreased mineral nutrition Nutrient-poor soils
Leached/sandy Just poor nutrient value – sepentine Competition (with weeds and other
plants) Factors effecting root growth
Shallow soils Soils at pH extremes Soil water extremes
Other stresses Repeated injury:
Herbivory Disease Pruning/bonsai Wind/blowing sand Salt Air pollution
© Project SOUND
© Project SOUNDhttp://www.bon-voyage.co.uk/destinations/california_holidays/itineraries
We hope you’ve enjoyed our trip up the coast
© Project SOUND
Be a part of ‘Mother Nature’s Backyard
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