planning for pollinators-2013 notes
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TRANSCRIPT
5/20/2013
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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 – 2013 (our 9th year)
© Project SOUND
Planning for Pollinators: how to
turn your garden into a pollinator
haven
C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake
CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve
Madrona Marsh Preserve
June 1 & 4, 2013
© Project SOUND
Review: sex and the single flower
Pollination is the act of transferring pollen grains from the male anther of a flower to the female stigma. It’s necessary for seed and fruit production in most higher plants.
© Project SOUND
Sometimes physical
agents transfer the
pollen
http://www.annerondepierre.com/wisdomarchive8.htm
Only about 20% of plants are wind pollinated
And <1% are water pollinated
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© Project SOUND
Living creatures (pollinators) usually carry the pollen
from flower to flower Colony Collapse Disorder – our wake-up call
© Project SOUND
http://bee-rapture.blogspot.com/2009/04/found-cause-of-colony-
collapse-disorder.html
© Project SOUND
Why worry about living pollinators?
They play a key role in the normal functioning of our local ecosystems > 200,000 plant species worldwide
depend on pollination Imagine life without these plants
They are required for production of many of our food, medicinal and other crops ~80% of the world’s crop plants
depend on pollination – 150 crops in the U.S. alone
A combined annual $20+ billion industry in the U.S
Without them, our gardens would not sustain themselves; many flowering plants would eventually become extinct.
© Project SOUND
Many pollinators at risk:
Non-native pollinators are vulnerable to environmental factors - limited genetic variability [Example: Honeybee Colony Collapse Disorder]
Native pollinators are at risk due to habitat loss, climate change and use of pesticides
Crop production world-wide is decreasing due to decreasing numbers of pollinators
So we all should be worried
The time to take action is NOW, in our schools, home gardens, places of work and anywhere else that we can promote the well-being of pollinators
Honeybee Colony Collapse Disorder
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National Pollinator Week
U.S. Senate designated the 3rd week in June as “National Pollinator Week” . The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture signs the proclamation every year.
Now an international celebration of the valuable ecosystem services provided by bees, birds, butterflies, bats and beetles.
“Pollinating animals are vital to our delicate ecosystem, supporting terrestrial wildlife, providing healthy watershed, and more.
Pollinator Week is a week to get the importance of pollinators’ message out to as many people as possible. “
© Project SOUND
Even before colony collapse disorder,
some people were concerned…
Depending on a single source – for anything – should make us nervous
Better to ‘diversify the portfolio’
© Project SOUND
http://therealnewsjournal.com/?tag=colony-collapse-disorder
http://urbangardencasual.com/2009/04/28/possible-cure-
for-honey-bee-colony-collapse-disorder-discovered/
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Why worry about other pollinators? Can’t
the bees do the pollination work?
Flies and bees are the two most important insect pollinator groups.
Depending on the region, the time of the day, the flowering phenology and weather conditions, flies may be the main or exclusive pollinators, or share pollination services with bees and other pollinator groups.
Native pollinators play an important role – not just in the wild, but in gardens and agricultural fields
© Project SOUND
It turns out that pollination is
a lot more complex than
early agricultural studies led
us to believe
© Project SOUND
Who are the living (biotic) pollinators?
Bees – of all sizes Butterflies Moths Flies & other fly-like insects
Beetles Hummingbirds Ants
Bats Even small reptiles & mammals
Most common
Least common
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Mother Nature plays it safe with regards to
pollination
Most insect pollinated flowers receive visits from several different types of insects: bees, flies, beetles, bugs, etc.
In a study of 2200 CA plant species:
71% of the out-crossing species were visited by two potential pollinators
49% were visited by three or more potential pollinators
Redundancy in pollination systems is probably the rule, rather than the exception.
© Project SOUND
By hedging her odds
We too should hedge our bets and support
many different types of pollinators…
© Project SOUND
…but how, particularly given our small urban gardens?
http://non-secateur.blogspot.com/2011/05/southern-
californias-best-garden-blog.html
Planning for pollinators: knowledge and
making good choices
© Project SOUND © Project SOUND
Knowledge is power: what we each can do to
promote our native pollinators
Plant the plants they need for food – at all stages of their lives.
Provide places where they can reproduce and provide for their young
Protect them by practicing Integrated Pest Management – limited/no use of pesticides
Teach others – by word and example – about the value of native pollinators
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Many butterfly larva require specific food
sources – more on that next month
© Project SOUND
Fortunately, many generalist pollinators
are less picky than we once thought
© Project SOUND
http://mommyculture.com/?p=678
There are just five basic principles for planting to
support a wide range of pollinators
What makes a good pollinator landscape?
5 elements according to the latest evidence
S (size) - The larger the area covered by flowers/plants the better
A (abundance) - The greater the number of flowers the better
L (length) - It’s important that something is flowering from early spring through fall
U (useful attributes) –The plants must provide quality pollen and/or nectar
D (diversity) - Diversity of plants to attract both generalists and specialists
© Project SOUND
SALUD! – To your health!
http://picturesforcoloring.com/2012/05/bee-coloring-pages-for-honey-lovers/
Using these elements in our gardens…
© Project SOUND
Really not so difficult
once we understand
the principles http://non-secateur.blogspot.com/2011/05/southern-californias-best-garden-blog.html
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© Project SOUND
Why are some plants pollinator magnets? Characteristics of ‘pollinator magnet’ plants
Lots of little flowers
Flowers have simple, open architecture – ‘accessible to all’
Flower color often white, pink or yellow
Often – but not always – long bloom season (or several)
May be sweetly scented (but not necessarily noticeable to us)
© Project SOUND
Lots of little flowers: many popular choices
Apiaceae (Carrot family)
Asteraceae – (Sunflower family) Baccharis
Grindelia
Hydrophyllaceae (Waterleaf family) Phacelia
Lamiaceae (Mint family) Salvia (Sage) and others
Polygonaceae (Backwheat family) Eriogonum – Buckwheats
Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn family) Ceanothus, Rhamnus
Rosaceae (Rose family)
© Project SOUND
Most people envision pollinator gardens
as looking something like this
© Project SOUND
Salvia species
Buckwheats
CA Fuschia
Penstemons
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© Project SOUND
California Buckwheat - Eriogonum fasciculatum
© Project SOUND
California Buckwheat: sprawling sub-shrub
Size: 2-5 ft tall
3-5 ft wide
Growth form: Low mounded sub-shrub
Semi-evergreen shrub
Many-branched
Foliage: Leave alternate, but densely
clustered at nodes
Evergreen, narrow lanceolate (sometimes nearly needle-like)
Roots: Net-like; hold soils well
http://www.newportbay.org/plants/index.html
© Project SOUND
CA Buckwheat cultivars make good, life-
friendly groundcovers
‘Dana Point’ - brighter green leaf, more mounding than species
'Bruce Dickinson' – good for
groundcover; stays close to the ground, spreads nicely, and holds good form throughout the year.
‘Theodore Payne' – low groundcover (1 ft high; 1-3 ft spread)
'Warriner Lytle' - A sprawling low growing California buckwheat; can grow to 2 feet tall but is often more prostrate, hugging the ground like a mat
‘Dana Point’
‘Warriner Lytle’ © Project SOUND
CA Buckwheat: showy for months
Great for summer color: May-Nov. possible
As an alternative to the non-native Rosemary; far better pollinator habitat plant
In perennial beds
On parking strips & bordering paths and driveways
For erosion control
Larval foodsource for Morman
Metalmark, Bramble Hairstreak,
Common Hairstreak, Avalon Hairstreak
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Native plants: what’s their secret?
© Project SOUND © Project SOUND
Native plants attract pollinators by
providing quality nectar and/or pollen
What about non-native species? Herbs are
often your best bet Mint family
Basil
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Catnip
Lavender
Mints
Monarda/Monardella
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Apiaceae (Carrot family) Parsley
Dill
Borage
Chives
© Project SOUND
http://jimlongsgarden.blogspot.com/2010/05/bees-arrive-at-long-creek-herb-farm.html
Many can be combined with natives;
most attractive to bees
Non-native flowering plants for pollinators
– you may have to search to find them!
Non-native flowers: look for
Old-fashioned – open-pollinated / ‘heirloom’ varieties
Search on ‘butterflies’ for plants that may have broader appeal to pollinators
When buying bedding plants, look for plants with pollinator insects flying around them at the nursery
© Project SOUND
Some ‘modern’ flowering
plants are specifically bred to
NOT be attractive to bees
and other pollinators
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© Project SOUND
Buckwheats, Salivas (Sages) and other local sub-
shrubs are great pollinator plants…
But they do need sun and space
Achieving adequate floral coverage in each
season: it takes some thought if space is limited
Flower patches: at least 3 ft x 3 ft per species – the bigger the better A few well-chosen plant species
might be better than many
Most bang for buck: shrubs vs. annual wildflowers (depends on situation)
Likely will need to use vertical space Some shrubs and trees are quite
adaptable to small/narrow spaces
Lots of ‘flowering area’ with a small footprint
One yard can’t do it all - “it takes a neighborhood”
© Project SOUND
http://www.northwestbotanicals.com/portfolio_chcraftsman.htm
You can make any yard more pollinator
friendly – no matter how small or shady
© Project SOUND http://www.northwestbotanicals.com/portfolio_chcraftsman.htm
http://bammorgan.blogspot.com/2008/04/payne-foundation-garden-tour.html
You just have to garden ‘smart’
How can I possibly supply lots of little
flowers year-round?
Think outside the (horizontal) box – use your vertical space
Shade trees
Vines & climbers
Espalier
All other things being equal, choose the plant with greater pollinator habitat value
© Project SOUND
http://www.the-philosopher.co.uk/
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Let’s see how Mother Nature’s Garden
became a ‘pollinator haven’
© Project SOUND
Map of site – rough draft
© Project SOUND
Wall with large condo building behind as view
‘Ugly
wall’
– 1
2 f
t. t
all
cin
derb
lock -
no
rth
-fac
ing
back porch
paths
Two walls to hide – potential for habitat?
© Project SOUND © Project SOUND
hedgerow
esp
alie
r
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Several good habitat choices: trees &
large shrubs
*Arctostaphylos spp – Manzanitas
Baccharis salicifolia – Mulefat
* Ceanothus spp.
Cercocarpus spp. – Mountain Mahoganies
*Chilopsis linearis – Desert Willow
Comarostaphylis diversifolia – Summer Holly
Sambucus nigra – Blue Elderberry
© Project SOUND
Desert Willow
Blue Elderberry Note: bold species are included in garden
Several additional habitat choices: trees
and large shrubs
* Frangula/Rhamnus californica – Coffeeberry
Heteromeles arbutifolia – Toyon
Prunus spp. – native Cherries
* Ptelea crenulata – Hoptree
© Project SOUND
Wanted one species that could be used both for hedgerow
and espalier – to demonstrate the adaptability of some large
native shrubs.
Toyon/California Christmas Berry – Heteromeles arbutifolia
Toyon/California Christmas Berry –
Heteromeles arbutifolia
Member of the Rose Family (Rosaceae)
Occurs from SW Oregon to Baja CA
Occurs in several plant communities
Chaparral – throughout CA Coastal Sage Scrub Oak woodlands Coastal prairie
Var. macrocarpa found only on Catalina and San Clemente Islands
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?6677,6731,6732
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Toyon is a joy of color year-round
Evergreen large shrub/ small tree w/ stiff foliage
Usually 6-10 ft tall, can be 20-30 ft. in right location
4-10 ft wide (to 25 ft)
Spring – new growth is light green
Plant takes anything from full sun to very shady
Quite drought-tolerant
Toyon is a mass of blooms in summer
Blooms June-July
Showy flowers in dense bunches
Flowers small – look like little white rose blossoms (Rose family)
Bee-pollinated – so good plant for native bees
Good nectar plant for butterflies
Even quite young plants (several years old) will bloom)
Fall/winter – red berries
Traditional uses for
Toyon
Background/specimen plant
Large shrub – anywhere that you would consider Pyracantha or Holly
Grows well with Coastal Live Oak & other dry trees
Shady parts of the garden
Slopes – good for erosion control
In a habitat garden featuring local native species
But what if we don’t have room for a
large, free-standing shrub?
Toyon is very adaptable
Prune up: makes a very acceptable (and life-friendly) shade tree
Use in a hedge or hedgerow; can hedge-prune or leave more natural
Bonsai in a pot
Even espalier it along a wall
© Project SOUND
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Size of area and abundance: what
matters is the shear number of flowers
© Project SOUND
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mechanoid_dolly/5895279617/
Hibiscus hedge – several 100 flowers Toyon hedge – many 1000’s of flowers
http://www.flickr.com/photos/just_jane/938744081/
If you were a pollinator (other than a hummingbird) which
would you visit?
When choosing a shade tree or other
large shrub, maximize habitat value
Nesting places/cover
Perching/sunning places
Flowers for nectar/ pollen
Fruits
Foliage useful as larval food source
© Project SOUND
The majority of our pollinators flew from April to Oct. last year.
We’ll want to supply food throughout this period.
Mother Nature’s mixed hedgerow (to cover the
short ugly wall)
Size: 6 ft wide – 30+ ft long
Large shrubs – all provide good, multispecies habitat value
Big-berry Manzanita (winter)
Lemonadeberry (early spring)
Chaparral Whitethorn Ceanothus (spring)
CA Coffeeberry (later spring)
Toyon (summer)
Understory/filler – Yarrow (summer)
Pollen/nectar: winter to summer
Toyon espalier: transforming the ugly wall
at Mother Nature’s Backyard
Young Toyon branches are very flexible – simplicity itself to espalier
Start shaping the first year
Choose design – ‘informal fan’
Select branches appropriate for design
Remove unwanted branches (those growing in wrong direction; crowded branches)
Tie branches to support lines with soft ties (cut from old stockings)
Continue to remove ‘inappropriate’ branches
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Some non-native edibles attract pollinators
© Project SOUND
Fruit trees/canes Apples – ‘Anna Apple’ espalier in
Mother Nature’s Backyard
Stone Fruits
Citrus
Nut trees
Berries
Vegetables Onions & Shallots
Melon family: Cucumbers, Melons, Pumpkins, Squash, Watermelons
The range of pollinators visiting
food crops can be surprising!
© Project SOUND
California Hoptree – Ptelea crenulata
©2009 Barry Breckling
Lower elevations of N. CA
Banks of the Sacramento River; foothills of the Sierra Nevada & Cascade mountain ranges
Foothill Woodland, Yellow Pine Forest between 0 and 2000 feet
Often grows in part-shade
Ptelea - small genus with only 15 species of trees or shrubs native to North America and Mexico.
© Project SOUND
California Hoptree – Ptelea crenulata
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptelea_crenulata
http://byrdiebotany.livejournal.com/199457.html © Project SOUND
Hoptree: shrubby
Size: 8-15 ft tall
10-15 ft wide
Growth form: Large shrub to small tree
Winter deciduous
Variable growth form – can be shaped to tree, espalier
Foliage: Medium green, shiny leaves
Citrus-like scent (same family)
Contact dermatitis in some people; wear gloves when handling
© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College
©2011 Neal Kramer
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/ptelea-crenulata
5/20/2013
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© Project SOUND
Flowers: pure citrus
Blooms: in spring – usually April-June in S. California
Flowers: Many white flowers in
clusters; showy like Elderberry
Similar in form to orange or lemon flowers
Sweet scent attracts tons of native pollinators – and the birds that eat them
Seedpods: Unique; papery wings
©2009 Barry Breckling
Charles Webber © California Academy of Sciences © Project SOUND
Likes its water!
Soils: Texture: most
pH: any local
Light: Best in part-shade in our
climate; fine for north-facing exposures
Water: Winter: adequate
Summer: likes regular water – Water Zone 2-3 or 3
Fertilizer: light fertilizer OK; leaf mulch appreciated.
©2005 Brian L. Anacker
©2011 Neal Kramer
© Project SOUND
Hoptree = habitat
Most often planted for its habitat value – excellent value!
Makes a nice lawn tree; OK in even full sun if gets regular water
Background shrub; winter deciduous
©2011 Zoya Akulova
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ptelea_trifoliata_MN_2007.JPG
http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Ptelea-crenulata/
California Coffeeberry is another pollinator
magnet shrub – in large or small size
© Project SOUND
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=1850
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© Project SOUND
CA Coffeeberry – Frangula (Rhamnus) californica
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
© Project SOUND
Coffeeberry: another versatile, dense evergreen shrub
Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Size:
6-12 ft tall (usually 8-10)
8-10 ft wide
Growth form: Evergreen shrub/small tree
Mounded form; ultimately at least as wide as tall
Bark red, becoming gray
Moderate growth rate; long lived (several 100 yrs)
Foliage: Attractive, medium green
Leaves simple, attractive; smaller & thicker w/ less water
Deer love it!; Pale Swallowtail larva
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils:
Texture: well-drained; sandy or rocky best
pH: any local (5.0-8.0)
Light: full sun to part-shade
Water: very flexible Winter: needs good winter
moisture
Summer: Best with occasional summer
water: Zone 2 to 2/3; don’t over-water in clays
Very drought tolerant once established
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: very undemanding (if you so desire)
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database © Project SOUND
With Coffeeberry, the
berries are the show…
Blooms: late spring; usually Apr-June in western L.A. Co.
Flowers: Small and not very noticeable
Hummingbirds and insect pollinators adore them (in MNBY)
Fruits: Small – ¼ inch
begin green, ripen to orange/red and finally black in August – October
Eaten by many: Quail, Mockingbirds, Thrushes, Robins, Finches, Towhees, Thrashers and Jays, etc., even humans!
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
5/20/2013
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© Project SOUND
Coffeeberry can be used in so many ways…
For erosion control on slopes; great combined with other CSS or chaparral plants
As an accent plant
For backs of mixed beds
Under oaks; great for sun/shade transition zones
Particularly suited for hedging: Formal or informal
hedges, screens
As a partner in hedgerows
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/rhamnus-californica © Project SOUND
Plenty of cultivars: most of them low-growing compared to the species
‘Eve Case’
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-
california/plants/rhamnus-californica-eve-case
‘Mound San Bruno’ http://www.smgrowers.com/products/pla
nts/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=1850
‘Leatherleaf’
http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=0521
‘Salt Point’
http://www.calfloranursery.com/pages_plants/pages_r/rhacalsalpoi.html http://www.agikehoe.com/mcgregor-garden.html
Coffeeberry cultivars: habitat
at ¼ the size
‘Little Sur’ Very compact; 3-4 or 5 ft.
Best nearest the coast; some shade inland
Makes good hedges; pot plant
‘Seaview Improved’ 2-3 ft tall; 3-6 ft wide
Takes quite a bit of shade to part shade; sun on coast
Good groundcover or small shrub
© Project SOUND
http://www.horticopia.net/media.details.php?mediaID=OTg4MTI2ZWMxZThiZDk2
Length of bloom coverage: our goal - flowers
from early spring through fall
© Project SOUND
Pictures can provide
a helpful reality check
– take plenty!
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© Project SOUND
Winter-Spring transition Conclusions: winter-spring
Good (better in future)
2 ‘early/mid’ Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman’ – tree
‘Yankee Point’ – groundcover
Two ‘early’ Manzanita Arctostaphylos densiflora
'Howard McMinn‘ – shrub
Arctostaphylos glauca – large shrub
CA Encelia (1) – shrub
Miniature Lupine – annual
Consider adding
At least 1 more CA Encelia - ?? Where
More Miniature Lupine – around the pruned shrubs to cover bare spots
?? Wall Flower - Erysimum insulare Early bloomer
Yellow color - ? Early spring is becoming yellow-blue color scheme; spring summer is pink-purple
© Project SOUND
© Project SOUND
Transition from Spring to Summer
© Project SOUND
Transition from summer into fall
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Conclusions for summer-fall
Good – better in future
Still blooming Yarrow (Achillea millefolia)
Buckwheats (E. cinereum; E. fasciculatum)
Coming into season – fall-blooming sunflowers Coastal Aster
CA Goldenrod (Solidago californica)
Sweet Scent – Pluchea odorata
Consider adding
???? Any ideas
© Project SOUND © Project SOUND
The Sunflower family
(Asteraceae) provides
important food in fall
Bloom in late summer/ fall
Long bloom season
Nectar and pollen available to many types of pollinators (even ants, beetles)
Lots of small flowers
Goldenbushes – Hazardia & Isocoma
Baccharis species
Another possible ‘pollinator place’ is the
rain garden – yes, really!
© Project SOUND © Project SOUND
Salt Marsh Baccharis – Baccharis douglasii
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Lower elevations from OR to Baja
Moist places: Coastal salt marsh, coastal salt scrub, moist places near streams to 2500‘
In Coastal Sage Scrub, Northern Coastal Scrub, Redwood Forest, Foothill Woodland, Yellow Pine Forest
© Project SOUND
Salt Marsh Baccharis – Baccharis douglasii
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?609,781,783
© Project SOUND
Characteristics of Marsh Baccharis
Size: 4-6 ft tall
6-8+ ft wide, spreading
Growth form: Sub-shrub with part-woody
stalks; evergreen with water
Numerous stalks from rhizomes; generally upright
Foliage: Simple leaves – quite like
Mulefat but not serrated
Leaves sticky, resinous
©2008 Keir Morse
© Project SOUND
Flowers like Mulefat
Blooms: blooms off and on in warm weather – like Mulefat – usually June to fall.
Flowers: Dioecious – separate male/
female plants
Flowering heads like Mule-fat, though mostly clustered at tops of stems
Very important nectar source – summer to fall
Seeds: Tiny, air-borne seeds with
fluffy hairs
© Project SOUND
Wetland plant – but
hardy once established
Soils: Texture: any – sand to clay
pH: any local, including alkali, salty
Light: Full sun to afternoon shade
Water: Winter: adequate
Summer: very adaptable
Pondside/bog
Regular water (Zone 3)
Little summer water (with p.m. shade)
Fertilizer: not picky; likes leave mulch
Other: consider containing
Marsh Baccharis gets no water in
Heritage Creek Preserve - CSUDH
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© Project SOUND
Fabulous habitat plant
Good pond-poolside plant – will need to divide
Attracts very wide range of insects (like Mulefat) Butterflies – including
American Painted Lady, Buckeyes and Acmon Blue
Bees & flies
Many other weird & wonderful insects
Makes an attractive pot plant
Medicinal: Used as a disinfectant for
wounds and sores
Infusion or dried powered foliage
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/baccharis-douglasii
Limit insecticide use – or use none at all
Pesticides can kill more than the target pest – some kill pollinators for several days after the pesticide is applied.
Pesticides can also kill natural predators, which can lead to even worse pest problems. Instead:
Encourage native predators with a diverse garden habitat
Expect and accept a little bit of pest activity
Try removing individual pests by hand if possible (wearing garden gloves)
If you must use a pesticide, choose one that is the least toxic to non-pest species
© Project SOUND
Using fewer pesticides is more
life-friendly for all species
© Project SOUND
Saltmarsh Fleabane – Pluchea odorata
http://www.kenbowles.net/SDWildflowers/FamilyIndexes/AsteraceaeDisciform/AsteraceaeDisciformKey.htm © Project SOUND
Saltmarsh Fleabane – typical for genus
© 2003 BonTerra Consulting
Size:
2-4 ft. tall
2-3 ft. wide
Growth form: sub-shrub Woody base; ends of stems are
herbaceous
Upright growth habit
Annual in colder climates; perennial in ours
Dies back in winter
Foliage: Pretty color; like
Arrow-shaped leaves
Roots: fibrous; good soil-binding
http://www.kenbowles.net/SDWildflowers/FamilyIndexes/AsteraceaeDisciform/Aste
raceaeDisciformKey.htm
5/20/2013
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© Project SOUND
Saltmarsh Fleabane does well in gardens…
Soils:
Texture: any local – does very well in fine-textured soils (clays)
pH: any local, including alkali, salty
Light:
Best in full sun with some water
Fine with partial shade; not too particular
Water:
Winter: likes it’s water; plant in moist areas of garden, rainswale, etc.
Summer: quite flexible; looks better with some to regular summer water (Zone 2/3 probably optimal; takes 3)
Fertilizer: fine with none; organic mulches work well (leaf mulch)
© 2003 BonTerra Consulting
© Project SOUND
Versatile in the garden
Excellent choice for moist places in garden: Stream or pond banks/edges
Rain gardens/swales
Areas with sprinkler drift
Fine with other natives needing similar water requirements – remember, dies back in winter
Showy choice for fall habitat/ butterfly garden; great with yellow fall-flowering plants
Does great in pots; give it an occasional dose of fertilizer or top-dress each spring
http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=13929
http://www.sibleynaturecenter.org/daytrips/naturetrail0709/index.html
Watch pollinators by the hour…seriously!
© Project SOUND
Lack room and/or water? Try a ‘wetland in
a pot’ for a touch of wetland
Guilt-free – saves space & water
Can contain 1 plant or several – depending on size of container
Choose a pretty container; locate in at least part-sun
Requires some yearly maintenance – dividing plants
See May posting – Mother Nature’s Backyard blog for more
© Project SOUND
A ‘wetland in a pot’ serves several
functions when you include pollinator
plants like Marsh Baccharis
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Idea for small gardens: tuck small pollinator
plants into pots and around shrubs
© Project SOUND
Western Yarrow – Achilla millefolia
J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Western Yarrow: the ultimate ‘tuck-in’ plant!
Slopes, hillsides
Mixtures
Good garden plant for fresh or dry floral arrangements
Foliage is pleasantly fragrant when crushed; medicinal
Can be mowed to form a highly competitive ground cover to control soil erosion.
Flowers!!!
Good butterfly/pollinator plant – one of the best in Mother Nature’s Backyard
J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
© Project SOUND
Cliff Aster – Malacothrix saxatilis
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© Project SOUND
Cliff Aster – Malacothrix saxatilis var. tenuifolia
Local distribution: common
in the Transverse Ranges (Santa Monica, San Gabriel, and San Bernardino mountains)
coastal areas in Los Angeles to San Diego counties
on Santa Catalina Island
Found in several habitats:
Coastal strand/coastal shrub Canyons, coastal-sage scrub Chaparral
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Malacothrix+saxatilis+var.+tenuifolia
var. tenuifolia
© Project SOUND
Cliff Asters are
versatile locals
Herbaceous perennial
Size: 3-5 ft tall & wide
Open growth habit; sort of ‘unfurls’ as it blooms
Lacy leaves – mostly basal
Summer dormant with no water
Long bloom period:
Mar-Dec. in good years
Often many blooms; quite showy
http://www.newportbay.org/plants/cliffaster.html
© Project SOUND
Wonderful with its
natural partners
Welcome spot of white against darker foliage in a mixed bed
On slopes, cliffs, hillsides
Natural partners (mostly Zone 1/2):
Salvia mellifera & leucophylla Diplacus aurantiacus Quercus agrifolia Native clovers Many spring-blooming annual
wildflowers
Charming plant – should be used more in local gardens
Tuck-in plants: Annual wildflowers are
enjoyed by all in Mother Nature’s Backyard
© Project SOUND
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© Project SOUND
Providing homes for native pollinators
Native bees don’t build the wax or paper structures we associate with honey bees or wasps, but they do need places to nest, which vary depending on the species.
Wood-nesting bees are solitary, often making individual nests in beetle tunnels in standing dead trees.
Ground-nesting bees include solitary species that construct nest tunnels under the ground.
Cavity-nesting social species—bumble bees—make use of small spaces, such as abandoned rodent burrows, wherever they can find them.
Learn about how you
can construct or
promote native
pollinator homes in
your garden
© Project SOUND
Island Buckwheat – Eriogonum grande
© Project SOUND
Island Buckwheat – Eriogonum grande
Channel Island endemic:
var. grande (Island Buckwheat)
Channel Islands; Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Catalina, San Clemente Islands
Bluffs and cliffs, coastal sage scrub and chaparral
var. rubescens (Red Buckwheat; San Miguel Island Buckwheat )
n Channel Islands; San Miguel, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa islands
Cliffs and bluffs, coastal grassland and scrub communities
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-
bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?5936,5994,6063,6
064
var. rubescens
var. grande © Project SOUND
Special features of Red Buckwheat
Size:
1-2 ft tall
3-4 ft wide
Growth form: Low-growing mounded form
Spreads slowly
Foliage: Attractive bright to gray-green with
wooly white backs
Medium-large ‘Buckwheat leaves’
Flowers: On stalks 2-3 ft tall
Color range from light to dark pink
One of the showiest CA native buckwheats
http://www.soquelnursery.com/shrubs_correa_fuchsia.html
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© Project SOUND
Garden uses for Red
Buckwheat
Super as a pot plant
Lovely massed as a ground cover
Makes a pretty smaller border plant
For a ‘silver’ (moonlight) garden
In any sort of habitat garden
As an unusual accent plant
In narrow beds & planters
Nice with dudleyas, purple sage, yarrow, sedums
Diversity of plants/flowers: food for adults
and juveniles of a range of pollinators
© Project SOUND
© Paul Mirocha 2004
© Project SOUND
Moths are important pollinators in western U.S.
More prevalent in the Southwest than in other regions due to warm evenings, hot daytimes, favorable climate
Moths visit flowers in search of nutritious rewards, usually nectar, and transfer pollen as a consequence of their contact with floral structures.
Some night-blooming plant species, especially in desert grasslands and dune areas, appear to be specialized for moth pollination
However, most moth-pollinated plants employ alternative reproductive strategies. These include self-pollination, recruiting other (diurnal, or day-active) pollinators, or simply waiting for the next flowering season.
Moth pollination is a risky proposition, and moth-flower mutualisms are not very exclusive.
© Project SOUND
Characteristics of flowers that attract large
dusk-to-dawn flying moths
Night-blooming
Large size – often > 1 inch
Light color – often white, but may be light yellow or pink
Tubular shape – those that attract the large moths
Sweetly scented – may be overpoweringly so
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© Project SOUND
Hooker's Evening Primrose – Oenothera elata
© Project SOUND
Flowers are fantastic
Blooms: Long summer bloom season;
sequential blooms
Usually July/Aug to Sept/Oct western L.A. county
Flowers: Good sized; ~ 1 inch diameter
Lemon yellow; iridescent
Really showy against green leaves
Seeds: Bulky pods; split lengthwise
Many tiny seeds
Re-seeds very well, esp. in sandy soils. Usually not a problem to pull up unwanted plant in spring
© Project SOUND
Garden uses for
Hooker’s primrose
As a summer perennial in the mixed bed – nice w/ purple accents.
Valuable addition to the habitat garden: Nectar: moths, butterflies,
hummingbirds, other pollinators (large bees)
Finches and other seed eaters love the seeds
In a dry garden
In the vegetable garden: Root - boiled and eaten like parsnip.
Young shoots - raw or cooked
Young pods – cooked vegetable
© Project SOUND
California Primrose – Oenothera californica
© 2005 Brent Miller
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© Project SOUND
California Primrose – Oenothera californica
Coastal, Sierra, Transverse and desert mountain ranges of CA to Baja – locally in San Gabriels
In foothills (mostly)
Sandy or gravelly areas, dunes, desert scrub to pinyon/juniper or ponderosa-pine woodlands
Same genus as Hooker’s Evening Primrose
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Oenothera+californica
© Project SOUND
Flowers are the reason to
plant native primroses
Blooms: In spring - usually Apr-May in
our area
Flowers open over long period – individual flowers short-lived
Flowers: White, becoming more pink
Fairly large (2 inch) and definitely showy
Sweet, slightly musky fragrance
Seeds: many tiny seeds in a capsule
Vegetative reproduction: sprouting from roots
© 2003 Lynn Watson
http://botany.si.edu/onagraceae/taxalist.cfm?genus=Oenothera
© Project SOUND
Evening Primrose has a specific cast of pollinators who work at dusk or dawn
Hawkmoths (White-lined sphinx moth - Hyles )
Bees (specifically Lasioglossum, Centris, Xylocopa, Andrena)
Hawk moth/White-lined
Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata)
Sweatbee
Lasioglossum oenotherae
Oil-collecting Bee
Centris species
Carpenter Bee
Xylocopa spp.
© Project SOUND
Care and management: plant & ignore
Soils: Texture: sandy/rocky best pH: any local to 8.5 (alkali)
Light: Full sun – coastal
Part-shade/morning sun inland
Water: Winter: good winter rains
Summer: drought tolerant but takes anything from 2 to 3; best to let dry out in late summer/fall
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: cut back as needed in fall.
http://botany.si.edu/onagraceae/taxalist.cfm?genus=Oenothera
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© Project SOUND
Native primroses
in the garden
Best planted with native grasses, perennials, annual wildflowers
Excellent choice for water-wise parking strip
Lovely in pots on a sunny deck
Tucked in around other plants – a ‘filler plant’
Attract a wild assortment of insects
http://botany.si.edu/onagraceae/taxalist.cfm?genus=Oenothera
In summary: you can turn your garden into a pollinator haven (and make a difference)
© Project SOUND
Make your garden water-wise and Life-friendly
Plant the right plants to attract and nourish native pollinators
Provide places for pollinators to hide and raise their young
Provide a source of water – can be as simple as patch of moist earth or a saucer with stones
Use pesticides sparingly
Respect the pollinators and the services they provide
© Project SOUND
‘The growing concern for pollinators is a sign
of progress, but it is vital that we continue to
maximize our collective effort.’
Do something to make your garden more pollinator-friendly
Celebrate National Pollinator Week – check for local events (Gardena Willows)
Learn more about a pollinator that interests you
Take photos of pollinators in your garden – they’re fascinating!
© Project SOUND
http://textileranger.com/2012/08/11/pollinator-quilt/
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Xerces Society
Nonprofit organization that protects wildlife through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitat.
Information, books, programs for schools, home gardens, etc.
© Project SOUND http://www.xerces.org/bringbackthepollinators/
http://www.dadant.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1392
Other resources on pollinators
UC Berkeley Urban Bee Gardens Site - http://nature.berkeley.edu/urbanbeegardens/
Pollinator Partnership - http://www.pollinator.org/pollination.htm
U.S. Fish & Wildlife – Pollinators Page http://www.fws.gov/pollinators/
USDA Insects & Pollinators page - http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/plantsanimals/pollinate/
© Project SOUND
http://resonatingbodies.wordpress.com/
resources/recommended-books-
downloadable-files-links/
Past ‘Out of the Wilds’ talks – links on
Native Plants at CSUDH blog
Butterfly Garden talks – Most July talks
Moth Pollinators – July, 2010
Bee pollinators – July 2011
Fly pollinators – July 2012
Hummingbirds – May, 2009
© Project SOUND
Take the message to your friends and
neighbors
Talk to others – including children – about pollinators
Encourage your neighbors to plants pollinator-friendly plants
Turn your neighborhood into ‘Pollinator Heaven’
© Project SOUND
http://eastcountymagazine.org/images/logo-guidelines.jpg