Download - Prudent Pruning - Notes
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© Project SOUND
Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden
Gardening with Western L.A. County Native Plants Project SOUND - 2010
© Project SOUND
Prudent Pruning
Plants of the S. CA
Chaparral
C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake
CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve
Madrona Marsh Preserve
November 6 & 9, 2010
© Project SOUND
The chaparral tells an interesting story, if you how to read it
© Project SOUND
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2789/
What is the chaparral plant community?
Chaparral is California’s most extensive plant community.
It is also the state’s most characteristic wilderness
It dominates foothills and mountain slopes from the Rouge River Valley in southern Oregon to the San Pedro Martir in Baja California.
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Chaparral Area in California by County (acres)*
San Diego 1,003,441 Los Angeles 553,789 Riverside 499,160 Santa Barbara 440,645 San Luis Obispo 417,718 Monterey 369,345 Ventura 326,447 San Bernardino 276,010 San Benito 246,623 Santa Clara 188,427 Orange 111,550 Marin 37,566 San Mateo 36,152 Santa Cruz 32,328 *From Fried, J.S., C.L. Bosinger, and D. Beardsley. 2004. Chaparal in Southern and Central Coastal California in the Mid-1990's: Area, Ownership, Condition, and Change. USFS Resource Bulletin PNW-RB-240
http://www.californiachaparral.com/awheresthechaparral.html
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Santa Monica Mtns - mostly higher elevations
http://www.geo.arizona.edu/Antevs/biomes/ChaparalStaMonicaA.jpg
Lower elevations - San Gabriels
http://www.californiaherps.com/lizards/habitats/atstejnegerihabitatla508.jpg
Malibu State Park
http://www.californiachaparral.com/awheresthechaparral.html
Cleveland National Forest
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Chaparral looks somewhat like Coastal Sage Scrub…. © Project SOUND
How does chaparral differ from coastal sage scrub?
1. Often (not always) slightly higher elevation (500-4500 ft) & further from coast
2. Hotter summers; winter lows
3. More rainfall: 20-40” per yr – some may even fall in mid-late summer (summer monsoons)
4. Soil often rocky
1. Often lower elevation & nearer/on the coast
2. Cooler summers: fog – more temperate in general
3. Less rainfall: 15-20”
4. Soil usually loam/clay
Chaparral Coastal Sage
Scrub
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How do chaparral/coastal sage scrub differ?
5. More tall shrubs (> 6 ft); sclerophyllous (hard-leaved)
6. Shrubs tend to grow together into a dense thicket
5. More small shrubs (< 6 ft); soft-leaved (‘soft chaparral’)
6. Shrubs tend to be separated with space between – can walk though it
Coastal Sage Scrub Chaparral
© Project SOUND
Why Sclerophyllous
leaves?
Small, Sclerophyllous leaves are advantageous in a semi-arid climate because they reduce evaporation thorough a variety of traits including:
waxy coatings
thicker cell layers
recessed stomata, the pores in leaves permitting evaporation and the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
Xyloccocus bicolor
Rhamnus ilicifolia
© Project SOUND
How do chaparral/coastal sage scrub differ?
7. Fewer understory plants – too dark under the large shrubs
8. Fewer summer-dormant plants
7. More complex understory: perennials, grasses
8. Many summer-dormant plants
Coastal Sage Scrub Chaparral
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/communities/coastal-sage-scrub
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2789/
© Project SOUND http://groups.ucanr.org/SAFE/Fire_in_Southern_California_Ecosystems/ http://www.soenyun.com/Blog/tag/exotics/
http://interwork.sdsu.edu/fire/resources/san-diego-habitats.htm
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Walking through chaparral requires a path
http://blogs.getty.edu/iris/
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The topography has an effect on vegetation
The aspect of a hillside makes a great difference in the composition of the chaparral.
North facing slopes are a lot moister
Toyon, Manzanita, Scrub oak, Pitcher sage, Kekiella , and Poison oak.
The south facing slopes are arid:
Dominated by Chamise, Black sage, Woolly blue curls and Bush poppy, (Dendromecon rigida).
Remember: aspect also is important
in CSS – both are plant communities
sensitive to topography (both have
‘sun’ and ‘part-shade’ plants)
© Project SOUND
How do chaparral/coastal sage scrub differ?
9. Successional community – tends to progress to Oak Woodland or Pine Forest
10. Fire plays a key role in ‘setting the successional clock’
9. Can remain as stable CSS climax community for a long time
10. Fire plays a key role in clearing out underbrush; lesser role in the setting ‘successional clock’
Chaparral Coastal Sage Scrub
http://www.desertmuseum.org/desert/habitats/chap/chapgallery.php?print=y
http://palosverdessource.com/tag/rancho-palos-verdes/
© Project SOUND
Evidence that fire has played a key role in
Chaparral
Even-age ‘stands’ of vegetation – suggests recruitment/sprouting only after fire
Long-lived seeds that require fire/smoke to germinate
Rapid regeneration from specialized re-sprouting organs – ‘burls’/lignotubers
Presence of fire-follower species – endemic to post-fire years/regions http://www.desertmuseum.org/desert/habitats/chap/chapgallery.php?print=y
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52509763@N00/310103199/
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Chaparral is a transitional community – at least historically
The Chaparral is usually a successional plant community that gradually moves to oak and pine forest, if the soil depth supports it
Over time, just the presence of the Chaparral can change the actual characteristics of a site:
change the pH one unit effectively ‘double’ the precipitation produce a litter layer (mulch layer of
leaves) in which the pines and oaks can germinate.
These changes only occur if the chaparral doesn't burn for decades or maybe centuries - no one really knows the time line.
http://room42.wikispaces.com/Savanna+Climate
http://picasaweb.google.com/guidesharon/Spring#5274932832288037602
© Project SOUND
Does chaparral ever reach climax any
more in S. CA?
© Project SOUND
Recovery after fire
Takes 3-4 years
Depends on species – first 2 years recovery by either re-sprouting or seed
Soil moisture is important – higher elevation and N-facing slopes in lower elevations do best
Ultimately, smaller species are crowded out
http://www.laspilitas.com/easy/easy_wildflower_picture.htm
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/communities/chaparral © Project SOUND
Characteristics of chaparral plants
Mainly woody shrubs
Chaparral communities in California occur from sea level to high mountains. Each elevation has its own mix of species
Plants like manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.) Ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.) and chamise (Adenostema fasciculatum) are common themes in southern California chaparral.
All chaparral plants in California are adapted to wet winters and dry summers, and they like well-drained soils.
http://interwork.sdsu.edu/fire/resources/Chaparral.htm
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© Project SOUND
Chaparral plants are also good food
Young plants and succulent foliage are always a temptation – and easier to access
Ceanothus leaves are browsed by deer year-round
Rabbits, deer and other herbivores can browse heavily in fall/ winter
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/F7xecrsLEk2wFiIEETx41A
Deer eating Ceanothus
Brush Rabbit http://www.bentler.us/eastern-washington/plants/shrubs/rabbit-brush.aspx © Project SOUND
Common large Chaparral shrubs: S. CA
Several species of scrub oaks - Quercus berberidifolia most common and widespread.
Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum)
Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)
Various Ceanothus species
Various manzanita (Arctostaphylos) species
Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina)
Sugar bush (Rhus ovata)
Holly-leafed cherry (Prunus ilicifolia)
Spiny redberry (Rhamnus ilicifolia)
Mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides).
Redshanks (Adenostema sparsifolia) Silk-tassel bush (Garrya spp.)
Chaparral comes from the
Spanish and means "having
scrub oaks".
© Project SOUND
Chaparral shrubs are lovely
Evergreen foliage
Most have abundant springtime or summer blooms.
Berries add color in the late summer and fall when the rest of the region is drab.
Any given patch of chaparral will contain several of the common large shrub species but one or two will be predominant.
And then there are the showy smaller plants that grow in sunny patches….
http://dunncreekfarm.blogspot.com/2010/04/organic-farming-from-hell.html
© Project SOUND
http://jimmundy.name/garden_album/slides/Ceanothus_looking_toward_front_door.html
Chaparral plants say ‘buy me, buy me!’
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And that’s how pruning figures into the story
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Buckbrush – Ceanothus cuneatus var. cuneatus
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Buckbrush – Ceanothus cuneatus var. cuneatus
Western U.S. from OR to N. Baja
In CA, common in foothills except in deserts & Central Valley
Common on dry, rocky slopes, fans & ridges, to 6000', in foothill chaparral, pinyon-juniper and yellow pine woodland
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?6586,6589,6594,6595
http://oregonstate.edu/dept/botany/herbarium/projects/ceanothus/CeCu/index.html
© Project SOUND
You’ve likely seen it
in the wild…
Just another large shrub most of the year
Covered with snow-like blossoms in spring – some say reminiscent of a cherry or apple tree
http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/ceacun/all.html
http://www.tulipsinthewoods.com/wild-plants/buckbrush-ceanothus-cuneatus/
N. CA Chaparral
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericinsf/2409689371/
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Buckbrush has many characteristics of ceanothus
Size: 4-8 ft tall
4-8 ft wide
Growth form: Fast-growing woody shrub
Form usually erect, multi-stemmed – rarely prostrate
May assume shrub or more tree-like form - may be variable because it hybridizes with similar species.
Bark gray
Foliage: Small, simple leaves with waxy coat
Color: green to gray-green
Roots: deep, much-branched taproot
http://www.nwplants.com/business/catalog/shrubs.html#Cea_cun
http://www.tulipsinthewoods.com/wild-plants/buckbrush-ceanothus-cuneatus/
© Project SOUND
Flowers: showy white
Ceanothus
Blooms: Mar.-May or even later at
higher elevations
Depends on the climate patterns/ rain & temperature
Flowers: Usually pure white, but may be
a pale blue
Flowers quite large for Ceanothus – note the interesting shape - regular with 5 alternating petals and sepals and 5 stamens growing opposite
of petals
Insect pollinated
© Project SOUND
Fruits & seeds are
typical for Ceanothus
Fruits are sticky, rounded 3-lobed capsules with “horns” near the top
Seeds are dispersed when the capsule explodes and propels them some distance.
Seeds remain dormant until a fire promotes germination
http://www.hazmac.biz/060410/060410CeanothusCuneatus.html © Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: well-drained
preferred
pH: any local
Light: Full sun to light shade –
common for chaparral shrubs
Water: Winter: needs good deep
winter rains
Summer: none to occasional (Zone 1-2 probably best)
Fertilizer: use an organic mulch
Other: resents being moved; plant out when small
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/ceanothus-cuneatus
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© Project SOUND
http://natureshutterbug.com/wordpress/2010/02/17/a-different-kind-of-snowy-white-with-many-insects/
Buckbrush Ceanothus makes a good large shrub
Wonderful for erosion control and naturalizing on slopes
Good shrub for large-scale plantings
Good for dry, rocky hot sites – not for near the coast
Wonderful habitat plant: Bees love nectar Larval host plant for White-
streaked saturnia moth (Saturnia albofasciata)
Seeds eaten by bushtits, mockingbirds, quail and finches
Cover for many wildlife species including California quail, black-tailed jackrabbit, brush rabbit, and mourning dove
© Project SOUND
Human uses of Buckbrush (and other
Ceanothus species
Tea from leaves and flowers
Dyes: green from the flowers; red from the root.
Stands were burned & coppiced to produce young, straight shoots for basketry material
All parts of plant can be used to make a mild, fragrant body soap or shampoo
http://www.calfloranursery.com/pages_plants/pages_c/ceacun.html
© Project SOUND
Pruning lessons from Ceanothus Usually doesn’t need much – has a
nice natural shape – if treated correctly in the first few years
For plant health, remove dead/crossing branches – will likely have a few of these each year even in a mature plant.
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1120298861053871638LibNcZ
© Project SOUND
Chaparral shrubs
are very efficient
If a branch is no longer receiving adequate sunlight, the plant can self-prune that branch - that is, allow it to die.
The understory of the chaparral is a tangle of dead branches.
If you don’t want that look, prune out the dead branches
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Ceanothus_cuneatus_cuneatus.htm
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Pruning lessons from Ceanothus
If you want to shape plants, start in the first year – after the first few years, the deer can’t get to the leaves to ‘prune’ them
Light tip pruning in the first few years promotes fuller foliage
Best not to cut out any wood thicker than a pencil – no self-respecting deer would eat anything larger (and tougher) than that
Use selective pruning to remove entire branches that are unwanted
http://www.tulipsinthewoods.com/wild-plants/buckbrush-ceanothus-cuneatus/
http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/ceacun/all.html
© Project SOUND
Do light pruning right after flowering (summer pruning): flowers occur only on previous year’s wood - so if you remove that in fall – no flowers
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Ceanothus_cuneatus_cuneatus.htm
© Project SOUND
Pruning lessons from Ceanothus
Can’t really limit size by pruning – will only shorten life
Choose an appropriate sized plant for the space – you and the plant will be happier
http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/buckbrush.html http://www.stylelist.com/?sem=1&ncid=bannadusstyl00000026
© Project SOUND
Chaparral Mallow – Malacothamnus fasciculatus
http://blass.com.au/definitions/malacothamnus
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Chaparral Mallow – Malacothamnus fasciculatus
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?5042,5073,5079
http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/plants/sdpls/plants/Malacothamnus_fasciculatus.html
Many areas of CA that have foothills – N. CA to N. Baja
Common shrub throughout chaparral and coastal sage scrub on dry slopes and fans to about 2500‘
Often seen on disturbed ground and along roadsides; fire-follower.
http://teacher-us.com/young/prsnl_ed/field_photos.htm © Project SOUND
Chaparral Mallow: feature
depend on the setting
Size: 3-12 ft tall
4-12 ft wide; spreading
Growth form: Woody shrub
Stems are wand-like
Fast to moderate growth
May form a dense shrub or be more tree-like – depends on water, ‘pruning’, ?genetics
Foliage: Gray-green (more green with
water) rounded leaves
Softly hairy; pretty
http://blass.com.au/definitions/malacothamnus
© Project SOUND
Flowers like a picture…
Blooms: Off & on from April
through fall
Heaviest bloom usually in spring
Flowers: Moderate size; ~ 1” across
Typical mallow shape
Color: pink (very light to medium)
Super attractive – lots of blooms along the wand-like stems
Vegetative reproduction: suckers from roots
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Malacothamnus_fasciculatus_2.jpg
http://bugguide.net/node/view/295204/bgimage © Project SOUND
Typical chaparral plant Soils: Texture: just about any, but
likes well-drained best
pH: any but very alkali (> 8.0)
Light: Full sun to part-shade
Water: New plant: treat as Zone 2
Established: needs little to no supplemental (Zone 1 or 1-2); Will lose leaves in drought
Over-watering will make it spread faster – and may kill the plant
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
© 2005 Janell Hillman
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© Project SOUND
Chaparral Mallow:
pretty & informal
Lovely as an informal hedge
Super choice for a wildlife garden:
Nectar for: Hummingbirds, West Coast Lady, Western checkered skipper, and Large White Skipper
Larval food plant: Gray Hairstreak
Cover and nesting sites
Would work well in a chaparral or Edwardian-themed garden
Large foundation plant
Slopes & hillsides
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mechanoid_dolly/4590614319/
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Malacothamnus_fasciculatus_1.jpg © Project SOUND
‘Casitas’ cultivar
Upright habit
To 6-8’ tall and wide
Attractive gray-green foliage
Selected for garden use
Available – TPF & others
http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Malacothamnus_fasciculatus_'Casitas'
© Project SOUND
Watering lessons from Chaparral Mallow (that impact pruning/management)
Growth rate often dependent on water – faster with more water
Often growth rate is inversely correlated with plant longevity: ‘live hard & die young’
Most mallows (and other spreading shrubs) are opportunists: they spread as much as water allows
Even if you limit summer water, most will still spread – for example in wet winters. This is part of the plant’s survival mechanism – growing new shoots in areas where competition for light/water are less
© 2009 Neal Kramer
© Project SOUND
Pruning lessons from Chaparral Mallow
(and other suckering shrubs)
Watering practices impact pruning
Some plants will always look informal – these are not plants that take to formal pruning, so choose accordingly.
Work with – not against – the plant’s natural tendencies
This plant will not ‘stay in place’ forever – needs to spread out
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* Creeping Sage – Salvia sonomensis
J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database © Project SOUND
* Creeping Sage – Salvia sonomensis
Foothills of the Sierras and coastal mountains of central & N. CA – also in the mountains of San Diego Co. into Baja
Chaparral, oak woodland, yellow-pine forest
Northern areas: dry, rocky slopes below 6500 ft.
San Diego Co: in the understory, with part-sun
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Salvia+sonomensis
Remember: dry, rocky slopes in N. CA are not like our dry, rocky slopes
© Project SOUND
Creeping Sage is a groundcover: true to
its heritage as a ‘Mint’
Size: 1-2 ft tall
4-10+ ft wide
Growth form: Low to mat-like semi-woody
groundcover
Spreads with time – branches just keep growing outward
Foliage: Grayish-green, elliptical
leaves, woolly underneath and puckered above
Attractive and aromatic
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/salvia/msg0502361430447.html
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php
?id_plant=saso © Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils:
Texture: likes a well-drained soil – sandy or rocky best but clay is fine if not over-watered
pH: any local
Light: Best in light shade (dappled
shade under taller trees or shrubs) or morning sun.
Water: Winter: likes good winter
water; supplement in spring in dry years
Summer: Zone 1-2 best after the first year; can wash off leaves
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
© 2004 Christopher L. Christie
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Creeping Sage
creeps & drapes
Wonderful groundcover on a shadier slope
Groundcover under trees and shrubs
Cascading over a low wall
http://www.redding.com/photos/galleries/2008/apr/26/right-home/5302/
http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=33
http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=33
http://seedbyte.blogspot.com/2009_12_11_archive.html © Project SOUND
Compact growth form
Probably a natural hybrid with Salvia mellifera
Requires well-drained soil – judicious summer water
Tends to be short-lived
Available at Theodore Payne Foundation.
Cultivar ‘Dara’s Choice’
http://ohric.ucdavis.edu/photos/ornament8.htm
© Project SOUND
Cultivar ‘John
Farmar-Bowers’
White flowers
Takes clay soils well
Needs some afternoon shade
Blend with blue-flowered Salvias
Great groundcover under Manzanitas
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/salvia-sonomensis-farmar-bower © Project SOUND
Cultivar ‘Mrs.
Beard’
Fast-growing
Low – looks quite a bit like the straight species
Old cultivar – stable and well-suited for gardens
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-
california/plants/salvia-sonomensis-mrs-beard
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Pruning lessons from Creeping Sage (and
other half-woody groundcovers, Salvias)
Start early – good shape begins in the first year
Cut back all varieties of S. sonomensis yearly, after flowering, to control woody growth at the base and keep the plant vigorous.
Be sure to not cut into the old, woody growth – you will kill the plant
http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Salvia-sonomensis/
© Project SOUND
Properly pruned Black Sage
Leave 3-4 pairs of new leaves/shoots
© Project SOUND
*Redberry Buckbrush – Rhamnus crocea
http://www.researchlearningcenter.org/bloom/species/Rhamnus_crocea.htm
http://biology.csusb.edu/PlantGuideFolder/RhamnusCrocea/RhamnusCroceaPage.htm © Project SOUND
Characteristics of Redberry Buckbrush
Size:
3-6+ ft tall; can be to 15 ft.
4-6 ft wide; can be to 10 ft.
Growth form: Medium to large woody shrub
Many stiff branches (dense)
Coastal forms tend to be shorter, more sprawling
Slow-growing, esp. at first
Foliage: Evergreen
Simple, shiny dark-green leaves
Some thorns at branch tips
© 2007 Neal Kramer
http://www.timetotrack.com/jay/redb3.htm
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Redberry – a great habitat plant
Birds: Perching & nesting Insects Berries at time of fall
migration (Jays, Robins, Mockingbirds, Thrashers, Cedar Waxwings)
Hummingbirds & insects: nectar
Butterflies: larval food for Pale Swallowtail
Note: plant preparations also used as laxative; sold commercially under the name of Cascara Sagrada
http://www.hazmac.biz/030714/030714RhamnusCroceaPoster.html
© Project SOUND
Garden uses for
Redberry Buckbrush
As an accent plant
As an evergreen shrub – blends in except when fruiting.
Great for low-water areas including parkways, roadsides, fencelines and banks and slopes
Great under oaks and other Zone 1 to 2 native trees & shrubs
Excellent habitat choice for hedges, hedgerows, screens, and barriers; can be pruned to shape
http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/online_album/0882.htm
© Project SOUND
Pruning lessons from Spiny Redberry (and
other Rhamnus/Frangula spp.)
Form depends on light: dense & shrub-like in full sun – more open in shadier locations
Can be hedge-sheared – requires early shaping & regular shearing (tip pruning)
http://caornamentalnativeplants.org/redberry.jpg © Project SOUND
Rhamnus can be coppiced to rejuvenate Sometimes you’ve got to ‘be the fire’
http://tmousecmouse.blogspot.com/2009/04/tree-work-2-chaparral-shape-up.html
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Coppicing: severe regenerative pruning
Coppicing is a traditional method of woodland management in which tree stems are cut down to a low level. In subsequent growth years, many new shoots will emerge and after a number of years the cycle begins again and the coppiced tree, or stool, is ready to be harvested again
http://www.answers.com/topic/coppicing?cat=technology
http://www.primitiveways.com/coppicing.html
© Project SOUND
Matilija Poppy – Romneya coulteri
http://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/garden/plantofmonth/0510.html
© Project SOUND
Matilija Poppy – Romneya coulteri
Endemic to S. CA from Santa Barbara Co. to Baja – locally on Catalina Isl. and in Santa Monica & San Gabriel Mtns.
Uncommon in dry washes & canyons below 4000 ft in chaparral
© 2006 Ricky Grubb
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=220011716
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?5547,5597,5598 © Project SOUND
‘The Queen of California Flowers’
Loved by naturalists and gardeners alike
Called the “Queen of California Flowers,” (Mary Elizabeth Parsons, The Wild Flowers of California, 1897)
Does have an exotic & tropical look to it – artists love it!
Decreasing in the wilds due to habitat loss
http://cartas.typepad.com/main/2010/05/matilija-poppy-romneya-coulteri-mythical-beauty.html
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© Project SOUND
Romneya coulteri is one big perennial!
Size:
3-8 ft tall
8+ ft wide, spreading
Growth form: Clumping/spreading shrub-
like perennial or sub-shrub
Stems mostly upright
Fast-growing and vigorous
Foliage: Yellow-green to gray-green
Very succulent – tropical look
http://www.calfloranursery.com/pages_plants/pages_r/romcou.html
© Project SOUND
Flowers are unbelievable!
Blooms: Early summer into fall in the
garden setting – in our area usually begins in June
Flowers: Huge (6-8”) saucer-like poppy
flowers – many per plant
Crinkled white petals & yellow stamens – sometimes called ‘fried egg plant’
Citrus-like scent
Seedpods: poppy-like
Vegetative reproduction:via rhizomes – up to 20 ft. from mother plant
http://www.calfloranursery.com/pages_plants/pages_r/romcou.html
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: rocky or sandy best
– can be difficult to establish in clays
pH: any local
Light: full sun
Water: New plants: water weekly in
hottest weather; taper to Zone 2
Established plants: Zone 1; perhaps 1-2 in very sandy soil
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: dislikes having its roots disturbed
© 2003 Joseph Dougherty/ecology.org © Project SOUND
Give Matilija Poppy space
A star on hot dry hillsides and banks; excellent for erosion control
As an accent plant in large landscapes (schools; commercial settings)
In very wide beds; or as a single accent plant
In very large containers
http://www.gardenology.org/wiki/Romneya
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© Project SOUND
‘White Cloud’
cultivar
Theodore Payne first discovered it in a southern California nursery in 1940
Probably a hybrid between Romneya coulteri X R. trichocalyx
Very large, showy flowers
Slightly smaller size
http://www.californianativeplants.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=34:featur
ed-plants&id=54:romneya-coulteri-white-cloud-matilija-poppy&Itemid=56
© Project SOUND
Pruning lessons from Matilija Poppy (and other ground-
cover plants that are cut back to the ground in fall
Prune back hard in fall: In nature a fall frost will kill
stems to the ground
In your (western L.A. Co) garden you must do the same – cut back to small stubs (4”)
Hard to control/size issues They will attempt to reach their
maximum size – that’s what they’re programmed to do
Better to plant for the space, rather than try to control the size/spread
© Project SOUND
*Felt-leaf Yerba Santa – Eriodictyon crassifolium
Charles Webber © California Academy of Sciences
© Project SOUND
*Felt-leaf Yerba Santa – Eriodictyon crassifolium
Coastal ranges of CA from central CA to Baja
Locally in Santa Monica Mtns, foothills of the San Gabriels & San Fernando Valley
Dry gravelly and rocky places below 6000' in chaparral and pinyon-juniper woodland
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?4518,4525,4530
http://www.swsbm.com/Maps/Eriodictyon_crassifolium.gif
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© Project SOUND
The name ‘Felt-leaf’ says it all…very hairy
Size: 4-8+ ft tall
4-12 ft wide; spreading via rhizomes & seed
Growth form: Stiffly erect sub-shrub (part-woody)
Densely branched; evergreen; aromatic
Quick-growing – has to establish itself
Foliage: Thick, serrated leaves covered by
dense, felt-like hairs – very soft to the touch
Light gray-green color
© 2009 Deborah Leonard © Project SOUND
Flowers are irresistible
Blooms: Late spring to early summer
Usually around May or June in the Madrona garden
Flowers: Lavender to light magenta –
lovely contrast to foliage
Funnel-shaped – but a fancy funnel (very Victorian looking)
In dense clusters at the end of rather short flowering stems – often not much above the foliage
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Eriodictyon_crassifolium
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Eriodictyon_crassifolium.htm
© Project SOUND
Easy to grow plant Soils: Texture: well-drained best,
but even clay is fine (esp. on a slope)
pH: any local
Light: full sun; only found in openings in the wild
Water: Winter: needs adequate winter
rains
Summer: very drought tolerant after first year (Zone 1-2; Zone 2 in a very dry year)
Fertilizer: none; organic mulch OK
BonTerra Consulting
© Project SOUND
Both S. CA Yerba Santas were used
extensively as medicinal plants
Fresh or dried leaves were boiled to make a bitter tea which was taken for coughs, bronchitis, colds, sore throat and asthma.
The tea was also taken for tuberculosis and rheumatism, and as a blood purifier.
Fresh leaves were pounded into a poultice that was applied to sores and abrasions.
A strong solution of boiled leaves was used as a hot compress to relieve muscular aches and rheumatism.
http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/thickleafyerbasanta.html
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© Project SOUND
Yerba Santa spells
Chaparral
Great plant for erosion control on slopes; with some water is good for fire-retardant zone
Excellent addition to the butterfly garden – flowers attract Buckeye, Swallowtails, and Checkerspot butterflies
Foliage provides nice contrast with other evergreen shrubs
Evokes a ‘feel of the chaparral’ in the garden
In a mixed dry hedge or hedgerow – particularly for contrast
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/eriodictyon-crassifolium
With Malosma laurina & baccharis http://www.plantscomprehensive.com/regional-native-plants-particular-interest-eriodictyon-crassifolium-var-crassifolium-silver-felty-le © Project SOUND
Pruning lessons from
Yerba Santa
Remove entire flowering branches after the plant flowers – often will break off anyway and are not attractive
© Project SOUND
Pruning lessons, cont.
Prune back big time in summer/fall when gets raggedy (as much as every year – remember: you’re the deer and the fire)
Remove unwanted sprouts – but they will keep popping up
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/229114/ © Project SOUND
* Rubber Rabbitbush – Ericameria nauseosa ssp. nauseosa
(Chrysothamnus nauseosus)
© 2003 Michael Charters
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© Project SOUND
Occurs in deserts & shrublands in much of the west
In CA, in foothills from 3,000-8,000 ft
Favors sunny, open sites including disturbed areas in chaparral, desert foothills
Has been cultivated since 1886
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysothamnus_nauseosus
http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/Yellow%20Enlarged%20Photo
%20Pages/chrysothamnus%20nauseosus.htm
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Chrysothamnus+nauseosus
* Rubber Rabbitbush – Ericameria nauseosa ssp. nauseosa
(Chrysothamnus nauseosus)
© Project SOUND
Rabbitbush is a bush Sunflower
Size: 2-5 ft tall (usual); some
populations up to 10 ft tall
2-4 ft wide
Growth form: Most commonly a mounded sub-
shrub
Many long branches from a woody base
Foliage: Narrow, aromatic leaves
May be medium green or more blue-green
Overall has a feathery appearance
Roots: deep taproot with laterals
© 2005 Christopher L. Christie
© Project SOUND
Blooms: early fall - usually Aug-Sept. in western L.A. Co.
Flowers: Small & golden yellow
In dense clusters – either flat or more pyramidal
Extremely showy
Attract tons of weird & wonderful insects
Seeds: Fluffy appendages like
Goldenbush/Mock Heather
Wind disbursed
Must germinate that fall – do not persist in seed bank
© 2003 Michael Charters
http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/Yellow%20Enlarged%20Photo%20Pages/chrysothamnus%20nauseosus.htm
Flowers are like Goldenbush
© Project SOUND
Southwestern weavers & native plant
dyers depend on Rabbitbush
http://lyn.bengaltech.com/old/public/lynimages/nativef.html
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© Project SOUND
Easy to grow, reliable Soils: Texture: just about any
pH: just about any, incl. alkali
Light: full sun
Water: Winter: needs good winter/
spring rains; supplement in dry years
Summer: looks best with occasional water – Zones 1-2 or 2 are fine.
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils. But light fertilizer probably wouldn’t hurt it.
Other: prune back heavily after flowering – late fall
© Project SOUND
Garden uses for Rabbitbush
In a habitat garden – a real winner
For fall color
As a tough plant for commercial plantings, parking strips, etc.
As an informal hedge
Good choice for erosion control
As a smaller substitute for the Goldenbushes
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/chrysothamnus-nauseosus
http://bugguide.net/node/view/40653/bgimage
© Project SOUND
http://blog.laurelbusch.com/2009/10/31/going-native-in-nevada-think-
about-it.aspx?ref=rss
A SW garden favorite
for many years
How do I keep it looking nice?
© Project SOUND
Pruning lessons from Rabbitbush
(and other bush sunflowers)
In the wild, Rabbitbush and other bush sunflowers are eaten down severely by rabbits & deer
So…you’ll need to act like a rabbit/deer and prune them back severely in late fall/winter (like Encelia)
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© Project SOUND
So now we know what chaparral is
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chaparral1.jpg
A semi-arid, shrub dominated association of sclerophyllous (“hard-leaved”), woody plants
Shaped by summer
drought, mild, wet winters, and naturally recurring fires every 30 to 150+ years.
© Project SOUND
We’ve learned how chaparral differs from CSS
1. Hotter summers 2. More rainfall: 20-40” per yr 3. Often higher elevation/further from
coast 4. More tall shrubs (> 6 ft);
sclerophyllous (hard-leaved) 5. Shrubs tend to grow together into a
dense thicket 6. Fewer understory plants – too dark 7. Fewer summer-dormant plants 8. Successional community – tends to
progress to Oak Woodland or Pine Forest
9. Fire plays a key role in ‘setting the successional clock’
1. Cooler summers: fog 2. Less rainfall: 15-20” 3. Often lower and nearer/on the
coast 4. More small shrubs (< 6 ft); soft-
leaved (‘soft chaparral’) 5. Shrubs tend to be separated with
space between 6. More understory plants: perennials,
grasses 7. Many summer-dormant plants 8. Can remain as stable CSS climax
community for a long time 9. Fire plays a key role in clearing out
underbrush; lesser role in the ‘successional clock’
Chaparral Coastal Sage
Scrub
© Project SOUND
We’ve learned that the forces that
shape chaparral plants provide
valuable lessons about proper
management http://www.flickr.com/photos/12978266@N00/3277102378
© Project SOUND
Now let’s enjoy the garden, plant sale & some native plant foods!