hedges for habitat - notes

1/6/2013

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© Project SOUND

Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden

Gardening with Western L.A. County Native Plants Project SOUND – 2012 (our 8th year)

© Project SOUND

Hedges & Habitat

Water-wise Hedges & Screens

That Provide Habitat

C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake

CSU Dominguez Hills & Madrona Marsh Preserve

Madrona Marsh Preserve

August 4 & 7, 2011

What is a mixed hedge or hedgerow?

A row of trees/shrubs & other plants that separate agricultural fields

A narrow planting strip that grows along field borders, fence lines, property boundaries and waterways

A living fence

A small ecosystem that has all the key ingredients that an animal needs to survive: food, shelter, nesting and denning sites.

© Project SOUND

http://blog.histouries.co.uk/2011/03/28/hedges-and-hedgerows-in-england/

Mixed hedges/hedgerows are not a new

concept

Hedgerows have long played an important role in agriculture.

Since Bronze Age people first used them to divide fields, mark property boundaries and control livestock in Europe more than 5,000 years ago, farmers around the world have appreciated the benefits hedgerows provide

© Project SOUND

http://www.ehow.com/info_12000999_traditional-hedge-laying.html

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What are the benefits of hedgerows?

Security – keeping people/ animals in or out

Provide privacy screens and reduce noise

Act as a windbreak

Reduce soil erosion

Attract beneficial insects and reduce pests

Provide foods and medicinal plants

Provide materials for crafts

Provide a backdrop for other plants

Increase plant diversity

Provide habitat

© Project SOUND

http://www.ofnc.ca/trailguide/tour3_e.php

http://www.citrona.com/nativeplanthedgerow.htm

What does a classical hedgerow look like?

Traditional hedgerows contain a complex mix of evergreen and deciduous plants, including: Trees/Large shrubs

Smaller shrubs & sub-shrubs/ Vines and climbers

Perennial wildflowers

Grasses

Ferns/ Annual wildflowers

© Project SOUND

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Habitat/WildAcres/wahedgerows.asp Looks like a whole garden in a narrow space

© Project SOUND

http://www.barrsam.com/ww/index%20012.htm

But what do hedgerows have to do with urban/

suburban Los Angeles county?

Can we really create hedgerows in

urban/suburban S. California?

We need to consider the appropriate scale of plants

We understand that our hedgerows will be small

We plant the right types of plants to provide the habitat values that are an essential component of true hedgerows

© Project SOUND

Yes, if we understand that:

http://www.dietrick.org/projects/bbb.html

In short, we need to learn how to design S. California Garden Hedgerows

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In fact, our small gardens make hedgerows

even more important

Make the most of small spaces by multi-tasking Screening

Beauty

Functional assets (food, etc)

Habitat

Make good use of limited space by: Growing plants close together

Combining a number of different kinds of plants

Making optimal use of vertical space

© Project SOUND

S. California Garden Hedgerows

are essentially wide, carefully

planned and densely planted

garden beds

Any habitat is better

than no habitat

For maximum habitat benefit, a California Backyard Hedgerow should be:

At least 20 feet long – the longer the better

At least 8 feet wide – 10-12 ft or more is even better (consider it a large mixed bed)

Contain a mix of large shrubs, smaller shrubs/vines, flowering perennials and grasses

Feature plants native to the local area – or with similar flora/fauna

© Project SOUND

http://www.wildwillowdesign.com/residential-landscape-design/featured-projects/napa-1/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mechanoid_dolly/4922239063/

© Project SOUND

The hedge continuum

http://www.nzplantpics.com/cat_hedges.htm

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,1589974,00.html

formal

© Project SOUND

To cut or not to cut?

Many native hedge plants can be pruned or not – the choice is yours

You can even cut one side and leave the other uncut

Once you choose to cut, you’re committed to cutting

Choosing to cut has consequences

http://www.ruralni.gov.uk/print/hedge-cutting.jpg

http://www.pcorbett.co.uk/hedge-cutting-contractor.htm

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© Project SOUND

The formal hedge

Often composed of a single type of shrub

Pruned to formal – often geometric - shapes

Maintained by regular pruning – often several times a year

Requires plants with certain characteristics: Moderate growth rate

Densely branched

Fine-textured foliage; small leaves

Can take regular shearing

http://www.hotgardens.net/hedges.htm

http://blogs.move.com/do-it-green/2007/06/06/hedges-a-green-alternative-to-

fences/

© Project SOUND

The informal hedge

May contain one or several different species of plants

Plants can differ in size, even shape.

Are lower-maintenance

Initial shaping may be required

Yearly pruning to maintain general size, promote plant health

May be too large and unruly for home gardens

http://www.ipswich.gov.uk/Services/Greenways+Countryside+Project/Photos/The+Fonnereau+Way.htm

© Project SOUND

The semi-formal

hedge

Rely on pruning to maintain natural shape.

Are a little bit more formal – so appropriate for urban gardens.

Work well with many of our native species.

Need enough space in the garden to show their form.

Are more forgiving; pruning is less crucial.

The S. California Garden Hedgerow

Is designed to be in scale with local gardens: At least 20 ft long

At least 8-10 ft wide

Uses CA native plants (at least primarily)

Usually ranges in size from large shrubs (6-10 ft tall) to groundcovers

Provides a screen

Reflects the owner’s desires in design, plant choices, formality

© Project SOUND http://www.wildwillowdesign.com/residential-landscape-design/featured-projects/napa-1/

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The new backyard – a clean slate

© Project SOUND

60 ft

15 ft (2 shrubs)

Steps in designing a S. California Garden

Hedgerow

Draw a scale map of the area

Do site assessment: light, etc.

Decide on a plant palette: N. Calif. Coast – Water Zone 2 to 2-3

Western L.A. Co. – Zone 2

Sonoran Desert – Water Zone 1-2 to 2

Choose a ‘Backbone Shrub’ species; determine number of plants needed

Choose complementary ‘Filler Shrubs’

Complete design with smaller shrubs, sub-shrubs, perennials, grasses & groundcovers

© Project SOUND

© Project SOUND

‘Backbone Shrub’ – the key to a good hedgerow

Will constitute 40 to 70% percent of the mixed hedgerow

Should be selected first.

Should be a plant with: Evergreen foliage A good growth rate; Nice, but neutral-looking, foliage Pest/disease resistance Appropriate for your site Added value: flowers/fruit/seeds

Comparison shop before you choose Compare 3-4 potential Backbone

Shrubs before making final selection

Choose the species with the most ‘value’

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Myrica_californica.jpg

Zone 2 to 2-3 – Northern Coast

© Project SOUND

‘Backbone Shrub’ : Coffeeberry (Frangula/Rhamnus californica)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/Myrica_californica.jpg

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How dense to plant the large shrubs?

Principles: Need some overlap – no gaps

Need to insure that the death of one shrub doesn’t leave a gap

Want it to fill in as quickly as possible

Don’t want to over-crowd species that normally have room to stretch

Rules of thumb: 1-2 foot overlap between adjacent

mature large shrubs

Example: 8 ft wide shrubs are planted 4 to 6 feet apart

© Project SOUND

1-2 ft

4-6 ft on center

4 ft radius/8 ft diameter

Zone 2 to 2-3 – Northern Coast

© Project SOUND

8-9 large shrubs

But what if we want our hedgerow to be

more drought tolerant – and local?

© Project SOUND

Lemonadeberry - Rhus integrifolia

http://nativeson.com/annotated_catalog/qcatalog.htm

http://earthfriendlylandscapes.blogspot.com/2010/07/planting-with-hedges-in-california.html

No problem – we’ve got a wealth of

large evergreen shrubs native to

western L.A. County

Steps in designing a California Backyard

Hedgerow




Western L.A. Co. – Water Zone 2





© Project SOUND

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Western L.A. Co. Palette: Water Zone 2

Large shrubs: backbone candidates

Ceanothus crassifolius: white/gray

Ceanothus cuneatus: white/green

Ceanothus megacarpus : white/green

Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber: ins/green

Heteromeles arbutifolia: white/green

Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia: white/green

Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii: white/green

© Project SOUND

Zone 1-2 to 2: local native backbone plants

© Project SOUND

Ceanothus crassifolius Ceanothus cuneatus

http://sbwildflowers.wordpress.com/wildflowers/rham

naceae/ceanothus/ceanothus-cuneatus/

Ceanothus megacarpus

http://www.researchlearningcenter.org/bloom/sp

ecies/Ceanothus_megacarpus_megacarpus.ht

m

http://www.flickriver.com/photos/mechanoid_dolly/sets/72157624828039022/

Heteromeles arbutifolia

Zone 1-2 to 2: local native backbone plants

© Project SOUND

Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber Prunus ilicifolia

Planning a hedgerow –

take time in planning

Appropriate for site/compatible with other plants Size

Light

Soils

Water needs

Aesthetic considerations Foliage characteristics: color,

texture, etc.

Flowers: color, season, etc.

Fruits/seeds: color, season, etc.

Other benefits Scent; edible; medicinal; etc.

Habitat value What species: insects, birds, etc

What they provide: food, shelter, nest sites, perches

© Project SOUND

Remember, your hedgerow

will be around for a long time

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How do the local backbone shrubs stack up?

Ceanothus species

Flowers: abundant, white, spring

Fruits: insignificant looking

Other: soap; dye

Aesthetic: pretty; neat, evergreen; well-known

Hedge characteristics: good; dense & take semi-formal hedging

Habitat: bees: good; birds: cover & fruits/seeds

Toyon – Heteromeles arbutifolia

Flowers: abundant, cream, summer

Fruits: showy, red in winter

Other: dye; medicinal

Aesthetic: neat; nice green color; can prune to tree shape; well-known

Hedge characteristics: good; dense & take formal/informal hedging

Habitat: insects – good; birds – cover, nest, fruits

© Project SOUND

Mountain Mahogany - Cercocarpus

Flowers: seeds showy

Fruits: no

Other: medicinal; dye

Aesthetic: pleasant; neutral background; white bark; can be tree-like

Hedge characteristics: informal or formal; easy to maintain

Habitat: bees – excellent; birds – perch, nest, cover, seeds

Native Cherries - Prunus ilicifolia

Flowers: masses of white, spr/su

Fruits: edible cherries, fall

Other: fruit; medicinal; dye

Aesthetic: shiny leaves, good color, pretty flowers, fruits

Hedge characteristics: excellent, formal/informal, narrow screens

Habitat: bees – excellent; Pale Swallowtail host plant; birds – perch, nest, cover, seeds

© Project SOUND

How do the local backbone shrubs stack up?

Western L.A. Co. backbone shrub: Toyon

© Project SOUND

Replacing the old (short) hedge

© Project SOUND

http://www.jeunitedrealty.com/listing/2009-robinson-street-%7Cb-redondo-beach-s12013328

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How many 8-10 ft backbone shrubs?

© Project SOUND


22 ft

How many 8-10 ft backbone shrubs?

Place one shrub at each end – each 5 ft in from edge

12 feet remain

You have room for a total of 3 plants – planted 6 feet on center

You might want to: Use just a backbone

species for lg. shrub

Choose a filler shrub that looks similar to the backbone

© Project SOUND


22 ft 6 ft

6 ft

Replacing the old (short) hedge

© Project SOUND

6 ft 6 ft 5 ft

Toyon Toyon or Mountain

Mahogany

Toyon

What do we still need?

Aesthetics/Human Uses

Have Summer flowers

Winter red berries

Dye/medicinal plant

Need Winter/spring color -flowers

Colored flowers

? Different foliage

Habitat

Have Summer nectar

Winter fruits

Good cover/nest sites

Need Seeds

? Fruits:

Grass: nests; seeds; Skipper habitat

© Project SOUND

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Need 3 more local large shrubs

Large shrubs

Backbone

Ceanothus crassifolius: white/gray

Ceanothus cuneatus: white/green

Ceanothus megacarpus : white/green

Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber: ins/green

Heteromeles arbutifolia: white/green

Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia: white/green

Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii: white/green

Filler Arctostaphylos glauca

Ceanothus spinosus

Comarostaphylis diversifolia

Cornus glabrata

Crossosoma californicum

Garrya veatchii

Mahonia nevinii

Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina) ??

Rhamnus crocea

Rhus integrifolia

Quercus berberidifolia

? Xylococcus bicolor

© Project SOUND

Possible local filler shrubs

© Project SOUND

Local Ceanothus Nevin’s Barberry – Mahonia nevinii

Summer Holly

Comarostaphylis diversifolia

Spiny Reberry

Rhamnus crocea

Western L.A. County Palette: Water Zone 2

© Project SOUND

• Toyon - Heteromeles arbutifolia

• Wedgeleaf Ceanothus - Ceanothus cuneatus

• Summer Holly - Comarostaphylis diversifolia

Western L.A. County Palette: Water Zone 2

© Project SOUND

1/6/2013

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Have Summer flowers

Winter red berries

Dye/medicinal plant

Winter/spring color –flowers

Need Colored flowers

? Different foliage

Mid- and low-growing species

Habitat

Have Summer nectar

Winter fruits

Good cover/nest sites

Fruits: more variety

Need Seeds

Grass: nests; seeds; Skipper habitat

© Project SOUND

Western L.A. Co. Palette: smaller species

Smaller shrubs Amorpha californica var.

californica

Brickellia californica

Lycium californicum

Ribes aureum

Ribes indecorum

Salvia leucophylla

Salvia mellifera

Other Achillea millefolium

Artemisia californica

Boykinia rotundifolia

Grindelia stricta var. platyphylla

Salvia spathacea

Solanum wallacei

Solidago californica

Tauschia arguta

Venegasia carpesioides

Native grasses

© Project SOUND

Zone 2 (local) backbone shrub: Toyon

© Project SOUND

• Purple Sage - Salvia leucophylla

• Western Yarrow - Achillea millefolia

• Foothill Needlegrass - Nassella lepida

Zone 2 (local) backbone shrub: Toyon

© Project SOUND

• Golden Currant - Ribes aureum

• Purple Sage - Salvia leucophylla

• Western Yarrow - Achillea millefolia

• Foothill Needlegrass - Nassella lepida

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We’ve transformed the old (short) hedge

© Project SOUND

• Golden Currant: colored flowers/edible berries/contrasting foliage

• Purple Sage : scented foliage (herb) /colored flowers/nectar/seeds/ gray foliage

• Western Yarrow: flowers/beneficial insects/seeds/medicinal

Placing smaller shrubs/other small plants

Plants nearest to the large shrubs should overlap the large shrubs – 1 ft overlap – you will prune these as if they are an extension of the large shrubs

Plants further from the large shrubs can be spaced further apart or overlapped – depends on the plants and your personal taste

© Project SOUND

The hedgerow at

Heritage Creek

Preserve

© Project SOUND

Sonoran Desert Palette: Water Zone 1-2 to 2

© Project SOUND http://www.shannontech.com/ParkVision/JoshuaTree/JoshuaTree4.html

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A little less water (Sonoran Desert Palette)

Large shrubs

Backbone Arctostaphylos pungens

Forestiera pubescens var. pubescens

Lycium brevipes

Simmondsia chinensis

Filler Calliandra eriophylla

Fallugia paradoxa

Hyptis emoryi

Lycium andersonii

Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia

Prunus andersonii

Smaller shrubs Abutilon palmeri

Acalypha californica

Encelia farinosa

Justicia californica

Sphaeralcea ambigua

Other Ericameria nauseosa

Geraea canescens

Mirabilis multiflora vars glandulosa and pubescens

Nolina bigelovii

Penstemon eatonii

Penstemon palmeri

Viguiera parishii

© Project SOUND

Zone 1-2: Sonoran Desert backbone shrubs

© Project SOUND

Point-leaf Manzanita

Arctostaphylos pungens

http://www.delange.org/ManzanitaPointleaf/ManzanitaPointleaf.htm

http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.

php?id_image=1004

Desert Olive - Forestiera pubescens

http://seedsofsuccess.smugmug.com/keyword/pubescens/1/11

53460478_2UbVe#!i=279467734&k=Y7pqc

Jojoba - Simmondsia chinensis Lycium brevipes

© Project SOUND

*Jojoba – Simmondsia chinensis

© 2003 Monty Rickard © Project SOUND

Characteristics of Jojoba depend a bit on

the site Size:

3-12 ft tall (usually 6-10 ft)

6-10 ft wide

Growth form: Large woody shrub or small tree

(larger forms in wetter sites)

Many branches; dense – provides good cover

Foliage: Thick, leathery gray-green leaves

Evergreen except in severe drought; deer & rabbits eat it

Leaves move through day to minimize sun exposure

Roots: deep taproots; don’t disturb

© 2005 Michelle Cloud-Hughes

http://www.cas.vanderbilt.edu/bioimages/image/s/sich--wp14305.htm

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© Project SOUND

Jojobas is really

drought tolerant Soils:

Texture: well-drained; sandy or rocky best

pH: any local (6.0-8.0)

Light: Full sun to part-shade

Takes hot exposures

Water: Winter: no flooding, but needs

good soil replenishment

Summer: best with occasional water (Zone 1-2 to 2) but can be treated as Zone 1

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

Other: use an inorganic mulch (crushed rock; coarse sand)

http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=3245

© Project SOUND

Jojoba is gaining popularity as a

water-wise shrub

Really hardy – great for places that get little maintenance (street medians; roadsides)

Can be used as a small tree

Makes wonderful water-wise hedges, screens, windbreaks

Informal – little or no pruning

Formal – clipped or hedged (after seed production)

Hedgerow foundation plant

http://www.cas.vanderbilt.edu/bioimages/speci

es/sich.htm

Remind you a

bit of olive trees!

© Project SOUND

* Desert Olive – Forestiera pubescens var. pubescens

USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

© Project SOUND

Desert Olive: large shrub or small tree?

Size: 10-15+ ft tall; mod. long-lived

12-15 ft wide

Growth form: Woody shrub/tree; lovely gray

bark ; moderate growth rate

Somewhat mounded shape – reminds me of Laurel Sumac – but may be almost vine-like

Densely branched, some thorny; hard wood (used for tools)

Foliage: Winter deciduous

Bright green/gray-green leaves – yellow color in fall

Roots: naturally clump-forming

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=FOPUP

USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

http://www.cnr.vt.edu/DENDRO/dendrology/syllabus2/factsheet.cfm?ID=739

http://www.cas.vanderbilt.edu/bioimages/image/s/sich--wp14305.htm

1/6/2013

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© Project SOUND

Desert Olive is very undemanding

Soils: Texture: any, but well-drained best

pH: any local (6.0-8.0)

Light: full sun to part-shade;

Water: Winter: needs enough for ground-

water replenishment

Summer: regular water first year; then Zone 1-2 to 2


Other: tolerates heat, high winds, moderate soil salinity

http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/Yellow%20Enlarged%20Photo%20Pages/forestier

a%20pubescens.htm © Project SOUND

Flowers are reminiscent of Forsythia

Blooms: Spring: usually Feb/Mar. in

western L.A. County – depends on night temperatures

Often flowers before plants leaf out – like Forsythia

Flowers: Tiny and rudimentary, but lots of

them

Clustered along branches – quite showy & sweet-scented (like all olives)

Important nectar source for nectar insects (mostly native bees & butterflies)

http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4DMG/Trees/Shrubs/mexpriv.htm

http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/Yellow%20Enlarged%20Photo%20Pages/forestiera%20pubescens.htm

© Project SOUND

Desert Olive is a true olive

Family: Oleaceae (Olive Family) trees or shrubs comprising about 30 genera

and 600 species Many members of the family are

economically significant.

Includes: Forestiera & The olive (Olea europaea) - important for

fruit and oil The ashes (Fraxinus) - tough wood Forsythia, lilacs (Syringa), jasmines

(Jasmonium), privets (Ligustrum), are valued as ornamental plants

Important habitat plants: food, shelter & nesting sites (pollinator insects; larval food for Hairstreaks, Sphinx Moth; many birds & animals eat fruit and utilize shelter)

The ‘olives’ of Forestiera may sometime be an important source of olive oil.

http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/Yellow%20Enlarged%20Photo%20Pa

ges/forestiera%20pubescens.htm

http://tree-species.blogspot.com/2007/11/olive-tree.html

European Olive - Olea Europaea

© Project SOUND

Can be pruned and

shaped, even hedged

Can be sheared to a reasonable hedge

Mix with other species in mixed hedge or hedgerow

Very adaptable and useful – could probably even be espaliered

Limit water to provide better shape

http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4DMG/Trees/Shrubs/mexpriv.htm

http://flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/2640329338/in/set-72157605994561368/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/2973733432/

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© Project SOUND

* Baja Desert-thorn – Lycium brevipes

© 2002 Charles E. Jones

s Channel Islands, western Sonoran Desert

CA and NW Mexico

Coastal bluffs, canyons, below 2000’

© Project SOUND

* Baja Desert-thorn – Lycium brevipes

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?7625,7636,7639

© 2010 Aaron Schusteff

© Project SOUND

Baja Desert-thorn: typical Lycium

Size: 8-12 ft tall

8-12 ft wide

Growth form: Large, woody shrub

Mounded, densely branching (good for hedges)

Stout thorns

Gray-brown bark

Foliage: Small, rounded leaves

Succulent, pale green

Evergreen or drought deciduous

© 2010 Aaron Schusteff

© Project SOUND

Sweet little flowers

Blooms: in spring; usually Mar-May in our area

Flowers: Masses of small, white to

purplish flowers

Sweet and old-fashioned

May be almost hidden by leaves

Attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds

Fruits: Like tiny tomatoes

Abundant and showy

© 2010 Neal Kramer

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Uses for fruits

Decorative – plant is very pretty when fruiting

Birds love the fruits – you’ll know when they’re ripe

Human uses:

Dried

Fresh, as a snack

Cooked for tomato-like sauces

© Project SOUND

http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/aridplants/Lycium_brevipes.html

http://www.abdnha.org/pages/03flora/family/solanaceae/lycium_brevipes.htm

© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: any well-drained

pH: any local

Light: Full sun

Fine with reflected heat

Water: Winter: be sure it gets good

winter moisture

Summer: best with occasional water – Zone 1-2 to 2 will keep it green


Other: inorganic mulch (gravel; DG; crushed rock; etc.)

© Project SOUND

Lyciums: good in

water-wise gardens

For tall hedges, hedgerows and screens: semi-formal to informal (can be pruned to shape; even hedge-trimmed)

Pruned up as a small tree

Good shrub for attracting wide range of wildlife: Nectar

Fruits

Dense cover, nesting sites

http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/aridplants/Lycium_brevipes.html

http://www.desertmuseumdigitallibrary.org/public/detail.php?id=ASDM08603

How do our backbone shrubs stack up?

Pointleaf Manzanita Arctostaphylos pungens

Flowers: white; early spring

Fruits: edible berries; pretty

Other: medicinal; dye

Aesthetic: attractive form, foliage; ?? Mixed with others

Hedge characteristics: informal, semi-formal

Habitat: bird – hummingbirds, fruit, cover, nest sites

Desert Olive - Forestiera pubescens

Flowers: yellow; spring; sweet

Fruits: edible olives (need M/F)

Other:

Aesthetic: attractive shape, bark; pretty big

Hedge characteristics: informal to semi-formal

Habitat: very important habitat for wide range of insect and bird species

© Project SOUND

http://www.graniteseed.com/sites/default/files/styles/seed_main/public/seeds/Fallugia paradoxa.jpg

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How do our backbone shrubs stack up?

Baja Desert-thorn - Lycium brevipes

Flowers: small, purple - spring

Fruits: edible, tomato-like (small)

Other: edible berries

Aesthetic: striking berries; a bit informal looking

Hedge characteristics: best left semi-formal for berries

Habitat: excellent for insects, fruit/insect-eating birds

Jojoba - Simmondsia chinensis

Flowers: insig./ insects

Fruits: not really showy; edible

Other: medicinal

Aesthetic: nice color and shape – like an shrubby olive tree

Hedge characteristics: excellent – formal to informal

Habitat: excellent for insects, birds, small animals

© Project SOUND

Zone 1-2 (Sonoran) backbone shrub: Jojoba

© Project SOUND

• Jojoba – Simmondsia chinensis

• Baja Desert-thorn - Lycium brevipes



Have Summer berries – red

Edible fruits

Need Spring/summer flower color

Scented flowers/foliage

More edibles

More foliage variability

Mid- to low height range

Habitat

Have Cover/nesting sites

Summer fruits/fall nuts

Spring nectar plants

Need Seeds

More larval food sources (butterflies & moths)

More nectar/pollen sources © Project SOUND

Zone 1-2: Sonoran Desert native filler shrubs

© Project SOUND

http://www.unce.unr.edu/programs/sites/nemo/lid/plantlist/plantdetails.asp?ID

=38

Prunus andersonii Lycium andersonii

http://wolf.mind.net/swsbm/Images/New10-2003.html

Hyptis emoryi

© 1998 Larry Blakely http://www.andydownunder.com/nature_profiles?id=129

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Zone 1-2: Sonoran Desert filler shrubs

© Project SOUND

Apache Plume - Fallugia paradoxa Pink Fairyduster – Calliandra eriophylla

© Project SOUND

*Desert Lavender – Hyptis emoryi

© 2004 James M. Andre

© Project SOUND

Desert Lavender is

a woody shrub

Size: 3-8+ ft tall

3-8+ ft wide

Growth form: In nature (with little water) a

compact, branching upright shrub

Drought-deciduous to evergreen

Gray bark

Slow growth (with little water

Foliage: White-green to gray green; hairy

Simple leaves; lavender scent when crushed or after rain

http://www.fireflyforest.com/flowers/violets/violet10.html © Project SOUND

Desert Lavender is a

typical desert shrub Soils: Texture: must be well-

drained; sandy or rocky

pH: any local

Light: Full sun needed for dense

foliage

Tolerates reflected heat – good for very hot place in garden

Water: Once established, give

occasional water (Zone 1-2)

Withhold water in late summer/fall


http://caornamentalnativeplants.org/desert_lavender.jpg

http://seinet.asu.edu/images/vasc_herbarium_images/Lamiaceae/photos/hypemo1.jpg

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© Project SOUND

Flowers are dainty

Blooms: off and on throughout the year, but most heavily in spring

Flowers: Tiny; in clusters

Lavender to purple; typical shape for Mint family

Scented of lavender

A bee, butterfly & hummingbird magnet!!

Seeds: small; plant in spring – no treatment


http://www.delange.org/Lavender/Lavender.htm © Project SOUND

Desert Lavender is popular with desert gardeners

As an attractive accent shrub near patios and walks

In a habitat garden; try it as an informal or sheared hedge

As a delightful addition to the ‘Evening Garden’ – color & scent make it attractive day & night

http://www.delange.org/Lavender/Lavender.htm

http://www.mswn.com/Plant%20Info%20Sheets/Hyptis%20emoryi.pdf

© Project SOUND

Desert Lavender is important for desert

peoples – to this day

Dried foliage used to make a calming tea, season foods

Infusions of flowers and leaves used for inflammatory and infectious conditions

A poultice of crushed leaves makes an antibacterial dressing for wounds

‘Fragrant natural cleansing bar, with the healing qualities of Desert Lavender (Hyptis emoryi) and organic jojoba oil extracted from the seeds of Simmondsia—both native to the desert Southwest--partner here with the best French lavender essence to achieve moisturizing aromatherapy as you bathe.’

Dried foliage has been used instead of mothballs - fragrance is said to repel moths

http://www.flordemayoarts.com/pages/soapinfolavender.html


© Project SOUND


• Baja Desert-thorn – Lycium brevipes

• Desert Lavender – Hyptis emoryi

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© Project SOUND

* Apache Plume – Fallugia paradoxa

Desert uplands from 3,500 to 7,500 feet

Throughout all four south-western deserts -- Mojave, Chihuahuan, Great Basin, and Sonoran

In CA, Joshua Tree Woodland, Pinyon-Juniper Woodland

Fallugia is a monotypic genus of shrub containing the single species Fallugia paradoxa

Introduced into cultivation in California by Theodore Payne; Avail even through Monrovia Nursery

© Project SOUND

* Apache Plume – Fallugia paradoxa

© 2009 Lee Dittmann

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?6677,6721,6722

© Project SOUND

Apache Plume: medium-large desert shrub

Size: 4-8+ ft tall

5-10+ ft wide

Growth form: Semi-evergreen to evergreen

– depends on water

Mounded form; many shrubby slender branches – good cover for birds, etc.

Shreddy gray-brown bark

Foliage: Small, deeply-lobed leaves

‘fine textured’ appearance – looks good with other shrubs

Roots: spreads by root suckering with abundant water

© 2007 Jason E. Willand

G.A. Cooper @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Patrick J. Alexander @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database © Project SOUND

Flowers and seeds are

very showy

Blooms: in spring – April-June in our area

Flowers: Give a good clue that this plant

is in the Rose family

2 inch pure white flowers like a wild rose – ooh la la

Like a rose, attracts many insects (butterflies, bees, etc.)

Seeds: Have fluffy tails – very showy

on the plant

Fade from pink to gold as they mature


http://www.graniteseed.com/sites/default/files/styles/seed_main/public/seeds/Fallugia paradoxa.jpg

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© Project SOUND

Another desert wash plant Soils:

Texture: likes a well-drained soil, but pretty adaptable

pH: any local

Light: full sun to part-shade – perfect for hedgerow

Water: Winter: supplement if needed

Summer: likes occasional summer water, but very drought tolerant when established – Water Zone 1-2 to 2 (about once a month)


Other: inorganic mulch or very thin organic

© 2009 Lee Dittmann

© 2006 Heath McAllister

Managing Apache

Plume

Prune in late fall/winter

Prune to shape & promote blooms (blooms on new growth) Selective deep pruning of old

branches (3 years or older)

Shortening of younger ones (up to ½ of length)

Hedge pruning/tip pruning in summer – makes it neater, too

Prune to rejuvenate Cut oldest woody stems to the

ground to rejuvenate

© Project SOUND

http://desertedge.blogspot.com/2011/06/plant-trinity-abq-to-el-paso.html

© Project SOUND

Gardeners are discovering

Apache Plume

© 2002 Gary A. Monroe


http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/fallugia-paradoxa

http://www.nazflora.org/Fallugia_paradoxa.htm

As an accent plant in desert-themed gardens for beauty & habitat value

As a foundation shrub

In informal hedges/hedgerows

In very hot, dry situations (parking lots; roadways)

© Project SOUND

* Pink Fairy Duster – Calliandra eriophylla

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CAER

//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Fallugia_paradoxa_7.jpg

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© Project SOUND

* Pink Fairy Duster – Calliandra eriophylla

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CAER

http://www.graniteseed.com/seeds/seed.php?id=Calliandra_eriophylla

http://www.saguaro-juniper.com/i_and_i/flowers/fairy_duster/fairy_duster.html

Sonoran Desert from CA & Baja to W. Texas

Dry, gravelly slopes & mesas ; often in beds of intermittent streams, bajadas, washes, etc. - rocky, sandy

In Spanish, Cabeza de angel refers to an angel's head or angel's hair

© Project SOUND

Pink Fairyduster is a nice sized accent shrub

Size: 3-5+ ft tall (depends on water)

4-6+ ft wide

Growth form: Woody shrub

Mounded/upright to sprawling; can grow around existing shrubs

Light-colored bark

Foliage: Bright to medium green

Binnately pinnate – small pinna (like Acacia)

Roots: nitrogen-fixing bacteria; rhizomatous – will slowly spread

http://www.public.asu.edu/~camartin/plants/Plant%20html%20files/calliandraeriophylla.html

http://www.fourdir.com/p_fairy_duster.htm © 2005 Dr. Amadej Trnkoczy

© Project SOUND

A plant of desert washes Soils: Texture: loves sandy/rocky soils

but fine in any well-drained

pH: any local

Light: Full sun for best flowering

Will take light shade

Water: Winter: needs adequate

Summer:

Best looking with occasional water (Zone 1-2 or 2) but very drought tolerant

Some water in Aug.

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils; inorganic mulch

Glenn and Martha Vargas © California Academy of Sciences © Project SOUND

Showy accent plant

As a foundation plant

A water-wise accent shrub

As an informal hedge – or for erosion control on slopes

Even in large containers

Consider for Asian or Desert-themed gardens

http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/aridplants/Calliandra_eriophylla.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36517976@N06/4307505066/

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Shaping Fairydusters

Have a good natural shape – can leave as is

Tip-prune during growing season to produce fuller shrub

Lightly prune to shape in late spring

© Project SOUND

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36517976@N06/4307505066/

http://www.avondale.watersavingplants.com/eplant.php?plantnum=1346&return=b_aC http://www.elnativogrowers.com/Photographs_page/caleri.htm

Placing Sonoran Desert Palette plants:

observe desert wash patterns

Notable patterns:

Masses of plants contrast other plant masses

Color

Evergreen vs. deciduous

Simplicity

Spacing to conserve water

© Project SOUND

http://www.biology.ed.ac.uk/archive/jdeacon/desbiome/sonoran.htm

http://localism.com/az/phoenix/sonoran_foothills


© Project SOUND




• Apache Plume – Fallugia paradoxa

• Pink Fairyduster – Calliandra eriophylla


© Project SOUND




• Apache Plume – Fallugia paradoxa

• Pink Fairyduster – Calliandra eriophylla

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But maybe pink isn’t your thing…

© Project SOUND




Zone 1-2: Sonoran Desert filler plants: lots of

choices

© Project SOUND

Smaller shrubs Indian Mallow - Abutilon palmeri

California Copperleaf -Acalypha californica

Desert Encelia - Encelia farinosa

Rabbitbush - Ericameria nauseosa

Chuparosa - Justicia californica

Desert Mallow - Sphaeralcea ambigua

Other Coues’/Desert Senna – Cassia covesii

Geraea canescens

Mirabilis multiflora vars glandulosa and pubescens

Nolina bigelovii

Penstemon eatonii

Penstemon palmeri

Viguiera parishii

© Project SOUND

* Chuparosa – Justicia californica

© 2010 Neal Kramer

Sonoran/ Western Colorado Desert plant: CA, AZ & N. Mexico

Dry, sandy or rocky soils, washes from 1000-4000 ft elevation

Introduced into cultivation in California by Theodore Payne.

AKA: Beloperone; Hummingbird Bush

© Project SOUND

* Chuparosa – Justicia californica

Charles Webber © California Academy of Sciences

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_cpn.pl?JUCA8

http://agentmary.wordpress.com/category/california-sights/

//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Senna_covesii.jpg

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© Project SOUND

Chuparosa: takes some time to establish

Size: 3-6 ft tall

4-8+ ft wide

Growth form: Mounded sub-shrub from a

woody base

Stems green, becoming gray/hairy

Takes 4-5 years to ‘fill out’

Foliage: Bright green succulent leaves in

spring

Cold & drought deciduous – usually leafless most of the year in nature


http://www.solano.watersavingplants.com/eplant.php?plantnum=2065&return=l8_p2

© Project SOUND

Flowers are superb Blooms:

Main bloom in spring : usually Mar-May in western L.A. county

Blooms off and on through fall with rains/irrigation

Flowers: hummingbird flowers Tubular, red (may be orange or

even yellow)

Lots of them along the stems

Attract hummingbirds like magnets – let the battles begin!

Sparrows bite off the flowers and eat the nectar-filled bases

Flowers edible: raw or cooked – taste ‘cucumber-like’

Seeds: No pre-treatment needed to

grow from seed

© 2010 Neal Kramer

© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: well-drained/sandy

soils best, but tolerant

pH: any local

Light: Full sun; if using in a hedgerow,

plant on the south of west-facing side

Water: Winter: supplement if needed;

don’t over-water clays

Summer: likes occasional water – Zone 1-2 to 2 (will become very large with more water)


Other: inorganic mulch best

J. E.(Jed) and Bonnie McClellan © California Academy of Sciences

Chuparosa in the garden

© Project SOUND

Often used as a showy specimen plant in desert-themed gardens

A must for hummingbird gardens

As a filler plant in a low-water hedgerow

In large pots/containers

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Justicia californica 'Tecate Gold'

Color variants exist in nature

The ‘gold’ variants are basically like the standard red-flowered species, but with yellow flowers

Look for more variants in the future

© Project SOUND http://www.huntingtonbotanical.org/WhatsInBloom/april07/Page4.html

A timeline for S. CA Garden Hedgerows

Year 1 Plant large shrubs (backbone &

filler shrubs)

Plant cover species: grasses, annuals, herbaceous groundcovers

Weed, weed, weed

Selective pruning: health; fullness in fast-growing species

Year 2-4 Replace large shrubs if needed

Add smaller species as hedgerow size/shape is revealed

Weed, weed

Prune for fullness during growth season

© Project SOUND

Fillers cover, hide and provide habitat

© Project SOUND © Project SOUND

*Coues' Cassia – Senna covesii

© 2005 Gene Wagner, RPh.

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Sonoran Desert (San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino Co.), NV, AZ, N. Mexico

Dry, sandy desert washes, slopes from 1,000 to 3,500 feet elevation

Named after Dr. Elliott Coues 1842-1899, noted ornithologist who was stationed by the U.S. government at Fort Whipple in 1864, author of Birds of the Colorado Valley

© Project SOUND

*Coues’ Cassia (Desert Senna) – Senna covesii

Robert Potts © California Academy of Sciences

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-

bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3691,4205,4207

http://www.nazflora.org/Senna_covesii.htm © Project SOUND

Desert Senna is a shrubby Pea

Size: 4-6+ ft tall

2-4 ft wide

Growth form: Upright, part-woody stems from

a woody base

Stems gray/tan, hairy

Open appearance

Quick-growing

Foliage: Bright green to gray green –

depending on water/light

Pea-like leaves w/ large leaflets

Larval food for Cloudless Sulphur & Sleepy Orange butterflies

© 2010 Steve Matson

http://www.fireflyforest.com/flowers/2329/senna-covesii-coves-cassia/

© Project SOUND

Flowers bring them in

Blooms: Main bloom in spring; usually

Feb-Apr in our area

Blooms off & on with summer rains/water

Flowers: Senna/Cassia flowers

Golden yellow, 5-petal and very showy

Sweetly scented (‘bubblegum’)

Buzz-pollinated by large carpenter bees, bumblebees

Seeds: Large seed in long pod that

explodes open (like Lupine)

Re-seeds well on bare ground


© Project SOUND

Senna: desert washes Soils:

Texture: well-drained gravelly/sandy in nature – pretty tolerant of others

pH: any local

Light: Full sun for best flowering;

tolerates part-shade

Water: Winter: supplement if needed

Summer: drought tolerant, but will bloom longer with occasional summer water – Zone 1-2 to 2


Other: inorganic mulch or none

© 2008 Gary A. Monroe

http://www.desertmuseumdigitallibrary.org/public/detail.php?id=ASDM01329&sp=Senna%20cov

esii

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© Project SOUND

Desert Senna in the garden

Often used as a ‘filler plant’ around other shrubs/trees and cacti in a desert-themed garden

For habitat: flowers, foliage and seeds

As a filler plant in water-wise hedgerows, paired with other Sonoran Desert plants

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Senna_covesii.jpg

http://learningtolivehere.wordpress.com/2010/06/05/vegetation/

http://www.gardeningonthemoon.com/2011/09/14/a-gem-in-the-rough-senna-cassia-covesii/

A timeline for S. CA Garden Hedgerows, cont.

Year 5-7 Plant shade-tolerant vines &

climbers

Plant shade-tolerant cover species: grasses, annuals, herbaceous groundcovers

Weed

Prune for to shape/hedge during growth season (most) or dormant season

Enjoy!

Year 8+ Weed,

Prune for to shape/hedge during growth season

Enjoy!!!!

© Project SOUND

The S. California Garden Hedgerow

Is designed to be in scale with local gardens: At least 20 ft long

At least 8-10 ft wide

Uses CA native plants (at least primarily)

Usually ranges in size from large shrubs (6-10 ft tall) to groundcovers

Provides a screen

Reflects the owner’s desires in design, plant choices, formality

© Project SOUND http://www.wildwillowdesign.com/residential-landscape-design/featured-projects/napa-1/

Steps in designing a S. California Garden

Hedgerow




Western L.A. Co. – Zone 2





© Project SOUND

//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Senna_covesii.jpg

hedges for habitat - notes

Documents

project sound3

growing plants

craftsdeciduous plants

benefits of hedgerows

plants treeslarge shrubs

denning hedgerows

appropriate scale of

right types of plants