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© Project SOUND

Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden

Gardening with California Native Plants in Western L.A. County Project SOUND – 2015 (our 11th year)

© Project SOUND

Capture the Rain: rain gardens, dry swales and

other features to retain

rainwater

C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake

CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve

Madrona Marsh Preserve

January 3 & 8, 2015

2015: Sustainable Living with California

Native Plants

© Project SOUND

What is ‘sustainable living’

Thriving lives & livelihoods

Sustainable food security

Secure sustainable water

Universal clean energy

Healthy & productive ecosystems

Governance for sustainable societies

© Project SOUND

http://nancysteele.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/image0011.jpg

Living within our means to provide:

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Pillars of sustainable gardening for S. CA

© Project SOUND

Wate

r-w

ise

Life

-friendly

Pro

du

ctive

Today we’ll focus on rain and water

© Project SOUND

© Project SOUND

It turns out that water laws in Western U.S.

states are complex, reflecting old realities

Let’s start at the beginning: who owns the rain? Western Water Law in a nutshell

Most water laws are state and sometimes more local – vary widely by state

The basis of most date back a long while (to the 1800’s or early 1900’s)

Most reflect the water needs of ‘industry’ – ranching, farming, mining and other industries

Most do not reflect our current understanding of watersheds

© Project SOUND

http://www.foothillwater.com/images/CalLaw.gif

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What is a watershed (and why are they

important)?

A watershed is an area of land from which water, sediment, and dissolved materials drain to a common point along a stream, wetland, lake, river or ocean.

The watershed boundary is defined by the dividing line of highest elevation surrounding a given stream or network of streams.

© Project SOUND http://uown.org/Pictures/watershed.jpg

Know your local watershed – it affects you

Watersheds can be small or large

Smaller watersheds (the sub-watersheds) can combine to make a much larger watershed.

No matter where you are, you are in a watershed.

© Project SOUND http://www.nps.gov/pwro/sangabriel/sangabriel_watersheds.jpg

Why worry about our local watershed?

© Project SOUND

http://www.prescottcreeks.org/blog/amanda-richardson/2012/04/26/venturing-world-ecosystem-services

Because it provides (and requires) services that

affect us all (more next month) © Project SOUND

The water cycle is modified in the urban environment

http://pmm.nasa.gov/education/water-cycle

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Water infiltration: an issue in the urban West

© Project SOUND

http://www.landsat.com/torrance-california-aerial-a0680000.html

In fact, urban runoff is a problem

everywhere, wet or dry

Typical impervious urban surfaces

Roadways

Roofs

Sidewalks and walkways

Driveways

Patios, etc.

© Project SOUND

All can be viewed as

potential rainwater collecting

devices

© Project SOUND

What if we all increased the infiltration in

our own yards – that would help, right?

But, do we actually own the water that

falls on our roof?

Who owns the

rain?

Clarifies that use of rainwater captured from rooftops does not require a water right permit from the State Water Resources Control Board.

Permits holders of a C27 license (landscape contractors) to prime contract for the construction of rainwater capture systems used exclusively for irrigation or to supply for a fountain, waterfall, pond, or other water feature.

© Project SOUND

California Assembly

Bill 1750 (Rainwater

Capture Act of 2012)

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California Rainwater Capture Act of 2012

A good step forward - for our gardens and our watersheds

‘Together with targeted overflow into bioswales and vernal detainment pools, rainwater management systems recharge local aquifers and liberate the gardener from the city garden hose.’

© Project SOUND © Project SOUND

Water conservation: one part of a

landscape water management plan

Conserving seasonal precipitation Saving water: rain barrels & tanks Directing water: french drains; seasonal ‘streams’ Allowing water to percolate into the soil: rain gardens

and percolation swales; pervious hardscaping

Preserving soil moisture: mulching

Using irrigation water efficiently Choice of irrigation method(s)

Designing landscape/selecting plants using Water Zone principles

Benefits of having a home rainwater

management system

Provides clean free water for use in garden

Directs water to where you need it in the garden

Helps to deep water larger plants during the winter

Allows water to infiltrate rather than create a muddy mess

Helps recharge the local aquifer = better water management for the whole watershed

© Project SOUND

Allows you to grow plants from additional plant communities – and attract some wonderful wildlife

You may have looked up ‘rain gardens

on- line and concluded ‘that’s not for me’

© Project SOUND

https://www.bae.ncsu.edu/topic/raingarden/stormwater_clip_image002_0000.jpg

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The idea of rain gardens was first

developed in places with too much water

Flood (water) control

Pollution control/ management

Sediment control

Water conservation

© Project SOUND

http://lowerseletarlearningtrail-2g.blogspot.com/

© Project SOUND

In our dry climate, we need to wisely use

all the water we get

http://kristamaxwell.com/garden/photos2.html

© Project SOUND

Saving rainwater

Can be done at all scales – rain barrel to cistern

Common practice worldwide

Have potential to save a lot of clean water

Perhaps more cost-effective in other climates

Much good information on-line

http://www.terranovalandscaping.com/blog/page/3/

http://www.relocalize.net/peakmomenttravels

The “Slow Water Movement”:

slow it, spread it, sink it

In other words, learn from nature © Project SOUND

http://slowwatermovement.blogspot.com/

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Is an infiltration feature feasible in your

garden?

Conduct a percolation test

Dig hole

Fill to top and let drain

Fill again to top and see how long it takes to completely drain

If soil drains at least 1 inch per hour the soil is fine for a rain garden, vegetated swale or infiltration drain.

© Project SOUND

1 ft wide by 1 ft deep

Water infiltration methods: Dry well

An underground structure that disposes of unwanted water, most commonly stormwater runoff, by dissipating it into the ground, where it merges with the local groundwater

Passive dissipation structure – water moves through by gravity

Lots of information on the internet

© Project SOUND

http://inthewatershed.org/page/4/

© Project SOUND

Percolation ‘dry streams’ and rain gardens

http://www.indahbulan.com/cardoza.html

Can add interest and beauty to

the landscape as well as being

functional

© Project SOUND

Rain gardens

Rain gardens come in many variations, but all:

Are strategically located to accept rain runoff

Have a shallow depression in the center to collect rain water

Infiltrate rain water into the soil Hold water only long enough for

percolation to occur Are planted (usually) with native

plant species adapted to the local climate and water regime

‘a poorly constructed pond that will not hold water; given an intriguing name and planted’.

http://www.penick.net/digging/?p=222

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© Project SOUND

Catch Basin

If you have natural run-off from a slope, you may want to build a catch basin – a variant of the rain garden concept

http://www.surfrider.org/ofg_cpr.asp

Vegetated swale

A vegetated swale is a broad, shallow channel with a dense stand of vegetation covering the side slopes and bottom.

Swales can be natural or manmade, and are designed to: Trap particulate pollutants (suspended solids and trace metals),

Promote infiltration

Reduce the flow velocity of storm water runoff.

© Project SOUND

EPA Storm Water Technology Fact Sheet

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/ec/stormwater/biofiltration_swales.htm

© Project SOUND

Vegetated swales

(Bio-swales)

Bio-swales are open channels with a dense cover of grasses and other herbaceous plants

Runoff is directed through swales during storm events

A swale is not a drain - it is a water collection/ percolation device

Some homeowners make their swales look like dry creek beds

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/design/msg100921408707.html

http://www.surfrider.org/ofg_cpr.asp © Project SOUND

‘stream bed’

percolation swale

Adds to the natural look of the landscape

Completely functional

http://www.calown.com/installations_past.html

http://laspilitas.com/sites/dmh.html

http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/slides/Brusco_2009/index.html

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Infiltration drains (‘French drains’)

Purpose: to convey water from one place to another, where it can infiltrate

Underground structure; usually requires pipes (regular and permeable)

Good for deep watering large plants in winter

© Project SOUND © Project SOUND

Directing rainwater into your

garden - French drains

A French drain or land drain is a ditch filled with gravel & rock that redirects water to/from an area.

Modern French drains also use perforated pipe to drain the water

Commonly used to prevent ground and surface water from penetrating or damaging building foundations.

Alternatively, the French drain technique may be used to distribute water and to deep water plants.

French drains can lead to dry wells or environmentally-friendly rain gardens where the extra water is held and absorbed by plants.

May require permits if water ends up in natural drainage (stream) or in storm drains

http://www.fusecon.com/pubs/txtfiles/dmwhouse/FdrainProject.html

http://www.calown.com/aboutus.html

How do you make a an infiltration feature?

© Project SOUND © Project SOUND

Half of the water goes

to an infiltration drain

Water from roof gutter drains into a rain barrel (not required; it does slow down water and we use for demonstration of water saving)

Overflow drains into standard pipe that transports water to a nearby infiltration bed

Perforated pipe releases water for infiltration

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Building an infiltration drain: digging is the

hardest part

Dig trench at least 2-3 feet deep; very slight slope down to end

Line trench with landscape fabric (to inhibit roots and keep out sediment)

fill lined trench to 18 inches below surface with gravel

© Project SOUND

Building an infiltration drain

© Project SOUND

Cover infiltration (perforated) pipe with drain sleeve (‘pipe sock’)

Attach pipe sections; tape sleeve sections

Close landscape fabric ‘tube’ – tape

Fill in trench

Plant and mulch

Infiltration drain: you’d never know it’s there

© Project SOUND © Project SOUND

The other half of the

roof water drains to a

rain garden

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Choosing a

location is key

Either be near the impervious surface(s) it drains or in a place where water can be easily diverted to it.

Ideally, a rain garden that infiltrates water from a large surface (such as a roof) should be at least:

8-10 ft from any structures or utility lines and

3 ft from sidewalks and walkways.

Rain gardens that drain patios or walkways are usually located fairly close to the surface they drain – usually 1-2 feet away.

© Project SOUND

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_075.cfm

How big should a rain garden/swale be?

Goal: standing water for no more than several hours

Determine how much rain falls per hour during a good rainstorm (~ ¾ inch or 0.0625 cubic ft. in our area)

Determine the area drained (length x width)

Example: 20 ft X 30 ft = 600 square feet of roof

Multiply the area X times 0.0625 to get the total cubic feet of rainfall

Example: 600 X 0.0625 = 37.5 cubic feet of rainfall per hour

© Project SOUND

Determine the size of the rain garden

Decide on a depth for the rain garden (typically 1-3 feet of infiltration material + basin)

Divide the cubic feet of water (37.5 cubic feet) by the depth (2 feet) to get the surface area of your rain garden (37.5 / 2 ft = 18.75 square feet).

An oblong rain garden that is 3 ft wide by 6 ½ feet long and 2 feet deep will do the trick = 37.5 cubic feet of infiltration/short-term storage

© Project SOUND

Building a simple

rain garden

© Project SOUND

Dig the hole; may make one part deeper

Fill with gravel to about 1 ft below surrounding soil

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Building a simple

rain garden

© Project SOUND

Fill with 6 inches of soil; smooth edges

Plant

mulch

Sit back and enjoy your rain garden

© Project SOUND

© Project SOUND

CA rain gardens/retention ponds take

many forms

http://deviantdeziner.blogspot.com/2007/09/west-coast-green-expo.html

http://www.surfrider.org/ofg_cpr.asp

Do infiltration ‘gardens’ have to be planted?

No – of course not

Advantages of adding plants:

Improve drainage as roots penetrate soil

Improve soil retention

Look pretty

Allow you to plant wetland and riparian plants – and attract some interesting insects, birds, amphibians

© Project SOUND

http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/nalani-and-anna-heath-delaney%e2%80%99s-

garden?gid=45&idx=1

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How much irrigation do rain gardens need?

© Project SOUND

It depends on the natural conditions for the

plants

© Project SOUND

Plants for a rain gardens & swales

For the lowest part of the rain garden/swale:

Native wetland plants found in your area (rushes; sedges; others that can take seasonal flooding)

May be Water Zone 2-3 or 3

For the edges of the

garden/swale:

Appropriate plants from Riparian areas (including grasses, shrubs, even trees).

Likely to be Zone 2 or 2-3; may take some summer/fall dry

http://www.penick.net/digging/?p=222

Juncaceae: Rushes (Wire-grasses)

Large genus with > 200 annual and perennial species; many excellent local species

An extremely important component of wetlands, rivers and estuaries

Characteristics: stiff narrow stems with tiny flower clusters at tips or on side of stem

“Rushes are rounded but sedges have edges”

Form large clonal colonies through underground spread of rhizomes.

http://www.biology.iastate.edu/Courses/Bot364%20Aquatic%20B

otany/Genera/Juncus/Juncus-line.GIF

Mexican Rush - Juncus mexicanus

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Mexican Rush - Juncus mexicanus

Western U.S. to South America; locally in western L.A. county

Moist or alkaline places, usually coastal but sometimes in foothills, mountains, even desert

Many plant communities

http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/othrdata/westflor/species/4/juncmexi.htm

http://www.magney.org/photofiles/ClipperMtnsPhotos4.htm

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_cpn.pl?JUME4

Mexican Rush Family: Juncaceae (Rush Family)

Similar to Baltic Rush

Habit: mat-forming perennial herb

Size: ½ - 2 feet tall; continues to grow clonally

Roots: rhizomes – can extend to 4 ft below soil surface

Can fix atmospheric nitrogen

Native Californians used for weaving baskets and mats

http://www.callutheran.edu/Academ

ic_Programs/Departments/Biology/

Wildflowers/gf/plants/category/gar-

4241.htm

Flowers: side-stem

Blooms in warm weather – late spring to summer

Flowers interesting up close – wind pollinated

Flowers on flowering branches’; flowers of many Juncus species are slightly different

© Project SOUND

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juncus_mexicanus#mediaviewer/File:Juncus_mexicanus.jp

g

©2014 Aaron Arthur

Gardening with Juncus mexicanus

Tolerates full sun or partial shade

Need moist soils – although can tolerate short periods of drought

Garden soils ok if supply water

Remains green even if dry

In severe drought will die back to ground

Soil texture: not particular, even about pH (acid to alkali)

Medium salt tolerance

Can re-sprout after fire

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Juncus in the

garden

Accent plant in/around pools

Planted among stones

As a container plant

Erosion control – along streams

In moist areas in general – bio-swales, wet areas in lawns

Good nesting, hiding cover for birds

http://www.cjb.unige.ch/BotSyst/APG2/Commelinid/100_JUN_13.jpg

http://www.paradiseenvironments.com/images/New/POND

S-GRIFFITH%20JUNCUS.JPG

© Project SOUND

Spiny rush – Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii

©2006 Steve Matson

© Project SOUND

Spiny rush – Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii

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

bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?8238,8239,0,8241

http://www.smmflowers.org/bloom/species/Juncus_acutus_leopoldii.htm http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/plants/Juncaceae/Juncus%20acutus.htm

Coastal CA to Baja, Sonoran Desert, S. America

Locally: Long Beach (Bryant Ranch), Redondo, Wilmington, Catalina Island

Moist saline places, coastal salt marsh, alkali seeps and alkali sink

CNPS List 4.2 (watch)

AKA ‘Leopold’s Rush’, ‘Wiregrass’

© Project SOUND

Spiny rush is…rush-like but not spreading

Size: 2-3 ft tall

2-4 ft wide

Growth form: Bunching rush

Stems cylindrical with sharp tips (handle with care)

Similar to a shortJuncus textilis (Basket rush)

Foliage: Medium green to gray-green

Release compounds that inhibit algal growth

Extensive use in basketry (coiled baskets), woven mats & thatching

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© Project SOUND

Flowers to the side

Blooms: with warmth of spring – usually Apr-June in S. Bay

Flowers: Rather pretty close up – but

very small

Clustered on flowering stem to the side of stem

Wind pollinated – sexual parts designed for that

Seeds: Seedpod brown, round & shiny

Mostly spread via water

Birds eat seeds (incl. songbirds like warblers)

Vegetative: slow spread via stout rhizomes

©2004 Steve Matson

http://www.smmflowers.org/bloom/species/Juncus_acutus_leopoldii.htm

http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/plants/Juncaceae/Juncus%20acutus.htm © Project SOUND

Wet soils at least

part of the year

Soils: Texture: any, but prefers clays

pH: any local, including alkali, salty

Light: full sun to semi-shady

Water: Winter: needs good moist soils –

can take seasonal flooding; can even grow in shallow standing water

Summer: likes occasional to regular water (Water Zones 2 to 3 best; can take 1-2)

Fertilizer: none needed, but fine with leaf mulch

Other: fine growing with associates like Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), Narrowleaf willow, Mulefat and others

©2009 Robert Steers

©2011 Chris Winchell

© Project SOUND

Spiny rush Good for wet/dry transition zones

(rain garden edges)

Works well in shallow ponds, water treatment wetlands

Sometimes used as barrier plant

Excellent pot plant; dramatic accent plant

Used in basket making

©2011 Chris Winchell

http://www.smmflowers.org/bloom/species/Juncus_acutus_leopoldii.htm

http://lostinthelandscape.com/tag/juncus-acutus-ssp-leopoldii/

Rushes & other plants: the problem of supply

Basket-makers (California native and others) suffer from a severe decrease in habit for basket materials

Importance of planting native species in preserves, larger public gardens and other public places

© Project SOUND

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24035

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Junc

us_acutus_leopoldii.jpg

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Inspiration: S. California marshes (salt-

brackish and freshwater)

© Project SOUND http://ccber.ucsb.edu/ecosystem/habitats-wetland/salt-marsh

© Project SOUND

Salty Susan/ Fleshy Jaumea – Jaumea carnosa

http://www.coloradolagoon.org/focl/gallery.html

© Project SOUND

Salty Susan/ Marsh Jaumea – Jaumea carnosa

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?609,1464,1465

Coastal region from British Columbia to N. Baja

Always found in marshy or moist places:

Margins of coastal salt marshes and tidal flats where there is protection from wave action

Coastal strand

Bases of sea cliffs

Named after Jean Henri Jaume Saint-Hilaire (1772-1845), a French botanist & artist who was interested in practical uses of native plants

http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/plants/Asteraceae/Jaumea%20carnosa/Jaumea%20carnosa.htm © Project SOUND

Salty Susan: one of several local native

coastal groundcovers

Size: low – generally < 1 ft tall

spreading to 3-5+ ft wide

Growth form: Low, herbaceous perennial

groundcover

Foliage: Fleshy, succulent

gray-green or blue-green color

Leaves narrow – somewhat like some iceplants

Roots: Spreads via rhizomes

http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/marshjaumea.html

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© Project SOUND

The flowers are a surprise!

Blooms: spring/summer; usually May-Sept in W. L.A. County

Flowers: Typical for Sunflower family –

many flowers in heads

Both ray & disk flowers are bright yellow

Plants are dioecious – separate male & female plants

Great nectar & pollen source – attracts many insects

Seeds: Small – Sunflower-like – on

female plants

Eaten by birds

http://www.westernwildflower.com/plant%20index.htm

© Project SOUND

Salty Susan grows on

marsh edges Soils:

Texture: sandy to clay

pH: any local including alkali (pH > 8.0)

Fine with salty soils, seaside conditions; roots exclude salt

Light: full sun

Water: Winter: needs good winter

water – takes some flooding

Summer: likes a moist soil best – Water Zones 2 to 3

Would be fine with sprinkler overflow, or water from a neighbor’s yard

Fertilizer: none needed; likes poor soils, but light fertilizer won’t kill it

© 2008 R.C. Brody

© Project SOUND

Salty Susan is a true

native groundcover

A replacement for Ice Plant on sandy soils, banks

In naturally wet areas of the garden

Low spots that get very moist in winter

Under birdbath; near ponds

Edges of irrigated areas

As an unusual pot/planter plant

As an excellent addition to a coastal habitat garden

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/2845181216_985fa34707.jpg?v=0

http://www.land8lounge.com/profile/JeremySison

© Project SOUND

Alkali heath – Frankenia salina

Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College

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CA to Nevada, Mexico, S. America

Locally: Redondo, Playa del Rey, Dominguez Slough, Long Beach, Catalina & San Clemente Isl. – becoming rare (lost habitat)

On ocean bluffs & mesas, beach margins, upper edges of salt & brackish marshes

AKA Yerba reuma

© Project SOUND

Alkali heath – Frankenia salina

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?4362,4363,4365

©2009 Neal Kramer ©2009 Neal Kramer © Project SOUND

Typical plant of salty/brackish local areas

Size: 1-3 ft tall (water; salinity)

1-3+ ft wide (spreads)

Growth form: Half-woody (sub-shrub)

Mounded to sprawling; many-branched

Forms mat-like clumps

Stress-deciduous

Foliage: Usually gray-green

Leaves small, waxy; edges roll under in drought

Salt crystals on leaves

Tea from plant used for colds

Gary A. Monroe, hosted by the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

©2009 California State University, Stanislaus

http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/Plants%20of%20Upper%20Newport%20Bay%20(Robert%20De%20

Ruff)/Frankeniaceae/Frankenia%20salina.htm

© Project SOUND

Flowers: small & cute

Blooms: usually summer – anytime from May to Oct.

Flowers: Small - 1/4 - 1 in. – and

solitary

Tubular – fused petals

Purple-pink – very nice up close but not obvious from distance

Good nectar source

Seeds: small, brown

Vegetative reproduction: spreads via rhizomes

©2002 Franco Folini

©2008 Margo Bors

© Project SOUND

Alkali heath: simple requirements

Soils: Texture: any local, incl. clays

pH: any local (wide range – 6-9)

Light: prefers full sun; probably OK with some shade

Water: Winter: fine with seasonal

flooding

Summer: looks best with occasional summer water (Water Zone 2 or 2-3); taper off water in fall.

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

Other: high salt tolerance

©2009 Neal Kramer

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/frankenia-grandiflora

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© Project SOUND

Excellent ground cover

Life-friendly groundcover in areas that are seasonally moist

Around rain garden or vegetated swale – excellent

Around watered lawn, pond/pool or other moist area

Image by R.C. Brody

Mixed local groundcover for rain garden

© Project SOUND

Marsh baccharis – Baccharis douglasii

Saltwort – Batis maritima Carex praegracilis Saltgrass -Distichlis spicata Epilobium ciliatum ssp. ciliatum Alkalai Heath - Frankenia salina

Salty susan – Jaumea carnosa Spiny rush – Juncus acutus leopoldii Sea lavender - Limonium californicum

Mimulus guttatus Pickleweed - Salicornia virginica

http://ccber.ucsb.edu/ecosystem/habitats-wetland/salt-marsh

Marsh baccharis – Baccharis douglasii

© Project SOUND

But what about something a little bigger…

© Project SOUND

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Mulefat – Baccharis salicifolia

Does OK even in pretty dry times

© Project SOUND

Emory Baccharis – Baccharis emoryi

http://www.timetotrack.com/jay/dudleyl2.htm

© Project SOUND

Emory Baccharis – Baccharis emoryi

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?609,781,784

Plant of the southwest, from CA to Utah & Texas, S. to Baja

In CA - deserts, S.CA mountains and S. Coast

In our area: Coastal prairies, coastal shrublands and coastal sage scrub

Grows in sandy areas near streams, washes or salt marshes up to 2000‘

Species name honors Major William H. Emory (1811-1887). American soldier and later Director of the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey

© Project SOUND

Emory Baccharis makes a nice large shrub

Size: 4-12 ft tall (usually < 9 ft)

2-4 ft wide

Growth form: Woody shrub

Many erect, stiff stems

Outer branches may droop a bit

Foliage: Bright to dark green

Leaves small, like Coyote Bush

Stress deciduous – will retain leaves in Zone 2 to 3

Roots: fibrous; good soil-binding qualities

http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/emorybaccharis.html

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© Project SOUND

Emory Baccharis: like a cross between Coyote

Bush & Mule Fat

Growth form: Tall & lean – like Mule Fat

Leaves: Shaped like Coyote Bush –

but longer

Color – between the two

Flowers: More like Coyote Bush

http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/emorybaccharis.html

B. emoryi B. pilularis

© Project SOUND

Flowers are dioecious

Blooms: fall - usually Aug-Oct in S. Bay (like Coyote Bush)

Flowers: Male flowers: a few ray

flowers make it look like 4th of July fireworks; buff

Female: fluffy, brushlike; white

Both: excellent food source for bees, butterflies in fall

Seeds: Small; wind-borne

Vegetative reproduction: yes

http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/emorybaccharis.html

© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements Soils:

Texture: well-drained; great for sandier soils

pH: any local, including alkali

Light: Full sun to light shade

Water: Winter: usually fine with rain

only; tolerates seasonal flooding

Summer: Zone 2 to 2-3; needs more water than Mulefat or Coyote Bush

Fertilizer: none needed; fine with organic mulches

Other: good salt tolerance

http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/emorybaccharis.html

© Project SOUND

Garden uses for Baccharis shrubs

As foundation plants or in back of mixed beds

As small ‘trees’ in small yards

Trained along fences or walls; as a screen or large hedge

Excellent for erosion control, on slopes or stream banks

Excellent habitat plants: attracts all sorts of birds, insects – food & cover, nesting

http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/emorybaccharis.html

All are easy to grow!!

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But, do I have to let my rain garden go dry

in summer/fall?

© Project SOUND

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/82/7sigma_RainGarden_66.JPG

http://classiclandscapesnc.com/recent-project-6.asp

© Project SOUND

Pointed rush – Juncus oxymeris

Several disjunct populations from British Columbia Canada to Baja.

Locally on Catalina Island and in the San Gabriel Mtns.

In moist areas: lakeshores, riverbanks, moist meadows and seasonally wetlands between 300 and 6700 ft. elevation

© Project SOUND

http://www.efloras.org/object_page.aspx?object_id=11169&flora_id=1

Pointed rush – Juncus oxymeris

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?8238,8239,8294 © Project SOUND

Juncus oxymeris – medium-sized rush

Size: 2-3 ft tall

2-3 ft wide

Growth form: Rush – clumping to slowly

spreading

Fast growth; dies back in drought – evergreen with water

Foliage: Medium green

Leaves somewhat flattened on edge toward stem

Image © 2005, Ben Legler

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© Project SOUND

Flowers are pretty

Blooms: in spring/summer – May to August

Flowers: In loose (open) groupings

along branched flowering stalks

Tan-rust color – quite striking

Seeds: seed capsules have beak-like tip

Vegetative reproduction: spreads via rhizomes – not vigorous

©2013 Jake Ruygt Image © 2005, Ben Legler

© Project SOUND

A rush that just

loves water Soils:

Texture: likes clays

pH: any local

Light: full sun to part-shade

Water: Winter: fine with seasonal flooding

Summer: best with regular water (Water Zone 2-3 to 3)

Fertilizer: none; but would benefit from organic mulch, leaf mulch.

Other: will spread. Contain or manage

spread by cutting out sprouts in spring.

Tolerates salt; compaction

Image © 2005, Ben Legler

© Project SOUND

Garden uses for

Pointed Rush

As interesting and attractive pot plant – easy to maintain (divide yearly)

In moist areas of the garden:

At lawn edges

Where irrigation provides summer water

Around fountains, pools/ponds

In rain garden or vegetated swale – very pretty

To stabilize wet banks

Small butterflies perch; birds eat the seeds

Yearly maintenance: tidying & dividing

© Project SOUND

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Juncus can easily be propagated by

divisions or plugs

Good, easy way to get variants of known characteristics

No need to treat them gently – very tough

Will establish quickly – well-established within 6-12 months

http://www.triffidpark.com.au/htm_pages/photogallery/waterplant_juncus.jpg

© Project SOUND

Lippia (Common lippia) – Phyla nodiflora

©2009 Keir Morse

Southern half of the U.S. to the tropics

California coast, foothills, Central Valley & Sonoran Desert

Locally: Catalina & San Clemente Isl.; ?Santa Monica Mtns; near San Gabriels

Wide range of wet places including ditches and roadways to beaches and fields

AKA ‘Fogfruit’, ‘Frogfruit’

© Project SOUND

Lippia (Common lippia) – Phyla nodiflora

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_cpn.pl?PHNO2

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-

02vCWopoaDQ/TZ1pAEQEEYI/AAAAAAAAENo/GC3Pqlm5jJ4/s1600/lippia_nodiflora

+jardinitis+1.jpg

Verbenaceae – the Verbena family

~75 genera and 3,000 species

Herbs, shrubs, and trees

Mostly tropical and warm temperate regions

Vervain/Verbena, Lantana, Lippia (Frog Fruit), and Chase Tree (Vitex) are grown as ornamentals.

© Project SOUND

Vitex

http://www.tree-land.com/trees_vitex_shoal_creek.asp

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© Project SOUND

Lippia is a tough little groundcover

Size: 6 inches tall

Spreading to 3+ ft wide

Growth form: Low-growing, part-woody

groundcover; fire-resistant if watered

Dense, tough – takes some foot traffic

Foliage: Medium green, sometimes red-

tinged

Leaves simple, toothed

Larval food source for Common Buckeye butterfly

©2007 Neal Kramer

©2012 Jean Pawek © Project SOUND

Flowers are adorable

Blooms: late spring into fall – off and on

Flowers: Tiny, bell-shaped pink-white

Open sequentially (typical Verbena family)

Insect pollinated; center remains yellow until pollinated

Good nectar source – attracts many butterflies, bees

Seed pods: inconspicuous

Vegetative reproduction: stems root where they touch the ground

©2009 Keir Morse

© Project SOUND

Lippia Requirements Soils: Texture: any – sandy to clay

pH: any local

Light: Full sun (best)

Part-shade

Water: Winter: tolerates seasonal

flooding

Summer: needs at least moderate water (Water Zone 2-3 to 3) for good appearace

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils, but fine with light fertilizer

Other: edge to limit incursion; can be mowed (4 inch) when not in bloom

©2012 Jean Pawek

©2014 John Doyen

© Project SOUND

Excellent groundcover

As a lawn substitute – mowed or not – or around pavers

As a groundcover or mixed groundcover with Achillea, Frankenia, Jaumea

On banks, slopes; in pots

For rain gardens/swales

http://jardin-sec.pagesperso-

orange.fr/Pages%20photos/Frankenia%20+%20Phyla.htm

http://jardin-sec.pagesperso-orange.fr/images/Photos/Phyla%20nodiflora%201.jpg

http://www.gardensandplants.com/uk/plant.aspx?plant_id=2435

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© Project SOUND

*Rose mallow – Hibiscus lasiocarpus

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=HILA6

Native to much of the southeastern United States, as well as parts of California and northern Mexico

In CA, limited to part of Sacramento and Great Central Valleys; rare in CA

Borders of sloughs, ponds & ditches; wet woods in lowland areas

© Project SOUND

*Rose mallow – Hibiscus lasiocarpus

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Hibiscus lasiocarpus

http://www.everwilde.com/BONAP-Wildflower-

Maps/Hibiscus-lasiocarpos-Distribution-Map.gif

http://s44.photobucket.com/user/PWSierra/media/vishnu/Hibiscuslasiocarpus2.jpg.html

© Project SOUND

Rose mallow: attractive native hibiscus

Size: 4-6 ft tall

3-4 ft wide

Growth form: Mostly erect to somewhat

sprawling sub-shrub; wood brittle

Clonal ; fast-growing

Dies back in winter

Foliage: Light green; hairy

Large, heart-shaped leaves

Nice, tropical appearance

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=HILA6

© Project SOUND

Flowers are fantastic

Blooms: in spring & summer; usually May-Sept. with summer water

Flowers: Large (4-8” across); fragrant

White hibiscus flowers with a scarlet/magenta center

Extremely showy in bloom

Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies

Makes nice cut flower

Seeds: easy to start from seed (like Lavatera)

Vegetative reproduction: yes

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=HILA6

http://www.hazmac.biz/090629/090629HibiscusLasiocarpus.html

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© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: most

pH: any local

Light: full sun (best) to part-shade

Water: Winter: likes plenty of water

Summer: requires regular water (Water Zone 2-3 to 3)

Fertilizer: happy with organic mulch; would take a little low-dose fertilizer once a year

Other: Tolerates summer heat

http://queerbychoice.livejournal.com/713021.html

http://www.tarleton.edu/Departments/range/Grasslands/Tallgrass%20Prairie%20%28Coastal%2

9/tallgrassprairieCostal.html © Project SOUND

Rose mallow: hibiscus

Any place in garden that gets regular water including flower beds, rain gardens/swales, around pond/pool

Often used as shrub near lawns

Attractive in a large pot

http://ozarkedgewildflowers.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Hibiscus-Lasiocarpus1.jpg

http://www.prairiestarflowers.com/Images/Prairie%20Bloom/hibiscus_Lasiocarpus_grp.jpg

http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/itsnotworkitsgardening/July%202014/IMGP8478_a_z

ps6a8b7b22.jpg

© Project SOUND

American/Western dogwood – Cornus sericea

©2006 Shawn DeCew

Canada/northern U.S. into CA

Locally in San Gabriel Mtns, ? Santa Monica Mtns

Riparian areas and other moist sites

AKA ‘Redosier dogwood’

© Project SOUND

American/Western dogwood – Cornus sericea

©2013 Jean Pawek

Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College

Var. occidentales Var. sericea

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© Project SOUND

Redosier dogwood: handsome shrub

Size: 5-20 ft tall

5-20 ft wide

Growth form: Large shrub or small, multi-

trunked tree

Loose form; many-branched

Winter-deciduous

Lovely red bark on younger branches

Foliage: Leaves simple, bright green –

fall color in colder areas

Larval food for Spring Azure

butterfly

©2013 Jean Pawek ©2012 Gary A. Monroe

http://www.sevenoaksnativenursery.com/native-plants/trees-and-

shrubs/cornus-sericea-ssp-occidentalis/

© Project SOUND

Flowers/fruits are white

Blooms: usually late spring, sometimes into summer

Flowers: Small, fragrant white flowers

in dense, flat clusters

Very showy – lots of clusters

Pollinated by bumble bees (primary) native bees, flies, butterflies

Fruits: white to blue-white; showy summer-winter; birds eat

Vegetative reproduction: Spreads via stolons; may form

dense clumps

©2012 Gary A. Monroe

©2013 Jean Pawek

© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements Soils:

Texture: not particular; clays are fine

pH: any local

Light: part-shade (under taller trees or with some afternoon shade)

Water: Winter: fine with seasonal

flooding

Summer: needs some summer water – Zone 2 to 3

Fertilizer: use an organic mulch

Other: plant where gets good circulation

– susceptible to fungal diseases

Prune out oldest 25% of branches in winter

©2013 Jean Pawek

© Project SOUND

Dogwood in gardens

Commonly used in places that get a little extra water – rain gardens, swales, etc.

Makes a nice shrub under irigated trees

Can be used for hedges - coppice ©2013 Jean Pawek

http://plantsciences.montana.edu/horticulture/PS231/VCTT/area10/area10b/Cornus_sericea.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ritpN9lX6K4/TdneUv-oFtI/AAAAAAAAI9Q/7J-

7GTytxTA/s1600/DSC04605.JPG

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Native Americans use Dogwood extensively

Berries: cooked with other fruits & dried for food

Bark & root bark formerly used extensively as medicinal: Decoction drank for headaches,

diarrhea, coughs, colds & fevers

Used externally as a wash for sore eyes, infections, rashes and ulcers

Bark fiber used to make cordage

Powdered bark used as toothpaste

Leaves dried & smoked

Pliable branches used in basketry

© Project SOUND

http://www.talltreesgroup.com/Cornus%20Sericea.jpg

Bark mixed with Cedar ashes

use to make a red dye

Cornus sericea

'Flaviramea’

Bark is a lovely bright golden yellow

© Project SOUND

http://depts.washington.edu/uwbg/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/P1010052.jpg

Cornus sericea

'Kelseyi'

Very low-growing – 1-3 ft

Produces many stems from its base at ground level, producing a thicket that makes a leafy mound.

Bright red stems

Used primarily as woody ground cover

Monrovia nursery & many on-line sources

© Project SOUND

http://www.learn2grow.com/plants/cornus-sericea-kelseyi-images-large-90672/

http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/images/cosek3625.jpg

Cornus sericea

'Silver and Gold'

Striking foliage color

Smaller size

Grow Native Nursery (Claremont) has

© Project SOUND

http://awaytogarden.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/cornus-silver-and-gold-.jpg

http://pics.davesgarden.com/pics/2009/05/30/gapchwillow/bd1254.jpg

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© Project SOUND

Narrow-leaf Bedstraw – Galium angustifolium ssp. angustifolium

© Project SOUND

Narrow-leaf Bedstraw makes a good background perennial plant

Size: 1-3 ft tall Spreading to perhaps 4 ft wide

Growth form: Mounding herbaceous perennial Usually dies back completely in

summer Stems are weak, sprawling

Foliage: Light green Leaves narrow, in tufts

Roots: fibrous

http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/narrowleavedbedstraw.html

© Project SOUND

Bedstraws add a touch of green in

spring

As an interesting container plant

With other Zone 2 natives:

Annual & perennial wildflowers

Native grasses

Even some native ferns

Great plant for under oaks – other shady spots

Does well on shady slopes

© Project SOUND

White Alder – Alnus rhombifolia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Alnus_rhombifolia_NPS.jpg

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© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements Soils:

Texture: any – not fussy

pH: any local

Light: anything from full sun to quite shady; depends on how much water you give it.

Water: Winter: good, moist soil

Summer: fairly regular water; Zone 2-3 or 3 – 2 if your neighbor waters

Fertilizer: likes a richer soil; fine with fertilizer, etc.

Other: Use organic mulch, self-mulch or

grasses

Strong roots can wreck sidewalks, concrete

Watch for flathead borers – can kill

© Project SOUND

Garden uses for

White Alder

As a shade tree – in a lawn

As an accent plant – takes a while to become really large

In large installations: parks, schools, commercial plantings

Excellent bird habitat tree; good for stream beds, swales

http://www.pitzer.edu/offices/arboretum/tongva_garden/plants/08-alnus_rhombifolia.htm

And that ends our

consideration of water

infiltration

© Project SOUND

http://raingardenartsblog.com/2012/07/16/rain-garden-project/

http://i.feedtacoma.com/erik/city-tacomas-rain-garden-part/ http://lighthousesdesignbuildstudio.blogspot.com/2010_11_09_archive.html

© Project SOUND

http://www.megcoughlindesign.com/wordpress/kayaportfolio/2012-awards-4/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_garden#mediaviewer/File:7sigma_RainGarden_66.JPG

http://www.bustler.net/index.php/article/ahbe_landscape_architects_wins_2008_a

ia_california_council_honoraward_for_u/

http://seattleidothat.com/local/Washington/Seattle/Ballard

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Many good on-

line resources

© Project SOUND

I did a whole section of postings on ‘Harvesting Rain’ on Mother Nature’s Backyard blog (Spring 2013).

Tree People website

Many others specific to California and the Southwest

http://www.madrono.org/san-francisco-landscape/water/stormwater/#.VImei9HTlD8

We hope you’ll want to visit Mother

Nature’s Backyard

© Project SOUND

I’ll be on hand to discuss:

next Saturday (1/10) – 9:00 to noon

and Sunday (1/11 – 1:00-4:00

Plant sale Feb. 14 & 15

© Project SOUND

We hope you’ll be inspired to harvest a little rain (now legally) in your own yard