
January 2025 was dry in our part of Northern California. The precipitation abruptly ended on 4 January and there was no precipitation in our region until 31 January. We ended January with 1.43 inches (36.32 mm), which is 24.7% of average for the month of January. Since then, into early February, there has been abundant precipitation. As of 5 February we have already received nearly 100% of our average precipitation for the month of February. Dry periods like this during our winter precipitation season are not unusual.
Pictured above is a scene from the upper slopes of our El Dorado County property. Our property is situated in an oak savannah. Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii) is the dominant tree species. California Gray Pine, Pinus sabiniana, and Interior Live Oak, Quercus wislizenii, are also frequently found in this ecosystem, however generally in much lesser numbers.
The grasses consist entirely of non-native invasive species. Remnants of the native bunch grasses, which once flourished, are rarely found in our Blue Oak Savannah ecosystems today. The ecosystems in our region have been profoundly impacted and altered by the changes that have taken place over the last 300 to 400 years as foreign settlers moved into the region. Mining, agriculture, and the extraction of wood for fuel have completely obliterated or transformed most of our native ecosystems from their former state before 1600.

Pictured is a view to the east in the direction of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. So far this season, snow levels have been extremely high. To date, there has been no measurable snow at 4,000 feet (1,219 meters). At 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) there is currently no snow and the number of snow cover days at this elevation stands at 74% of average. The lack of snow and snow cover directly impacts the hydrology of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and thus all the flora of the various ecosystems in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Snow levels have been steadily rising over the last 40 years, and the amount of snow lingering into the summer is declining. Due partly to the changes taking place in regards to rising snow levels profound ecosystem shifts are taking place in the Sierra Mountains. Much of the native flora is adjusting to these changes, however in time, vulnerable species may be lost.

Ranunculus occidentalis var. occidentalis is a very common perennial species in the Blue Oak Savannah ecosystem. This species emerges quickly as the late autumn precipitation season begins and temperatures cool.

Forms of Ranunculus occidentalis var. occidentalis with maroon markings on the upper leaf surface are not unusual. This is an attractive characteristic of this species. I am always on the lookout for plants with desirable variations of this characteristic.

Primula hendersonii is generally found in somewhat shaded locations. This species is among the first species to bloom in the early spring.