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2017 has gotten off to an interesting start. :-\ We have had 5 days of dry weather since a series of powerful storms moved through Northern California. As of today, Monday 16 January, we are still dealing with the after effects of the storms. Today the levees system continues to fail along our major rivers; more huge sink-holes have opened; and rocks and trees continue to tumble from the mountainsides.
Today was the last day of a 3 day holiday in the U.S.A. The crowds were still out, but I felt it would be a good time to check on the countryside and get a first hand idea what might be going on, and what sort of outings might be appropriate in the coming weeks. The scenic route to the farm is an easy, short, and safe auto trip to make, even with my 91 year old mother. The road travels through a sparsely populated and very natural part of the canyon above the South Fork of the American River. There are many places to stop along the road and see interesting plants.
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The last 2 days have been foggy and with low overcast, temperatures hovering around 2C to 3C - ah! :) typical weather in Northern California during the winter.
It is a good time of year to observe native ferns.
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Many of the shaded cliffs are covered with Polypodium calirhiza growing directly out of the vertical rock faces.
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Goldback fern, Pentagramma triangularis, grows almost everywhere, but especially in shaded locations.
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Pellaea mucronata prefers dry sunny rock crevices, but here it is with a sprig of Polypodium calirhiza.
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The low overcast cloaked the canyon rim in fog. Look closely at the river in the canyon and you can see the high water mark left from the recent storms/flooding.
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The high water mark was much higher than I thought it might be. The flooding certainly scoured out a goodly portion of the lower canyon. This will be very interesting to check on later in the season.
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This time of year one can get an idea of the plants that might be blooming come spring. Pictured are Clarkia seedlings. I have observed five different Clarkia species in this area. The show can be spectacular.
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Dudleya cymosa likes growing from vertical rock crevices and generally prefers a bit of shade.
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Lupinus albifrons, Bush Lupine, on the other hand prefers hot, sunny cliffs and steep hillsides.
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This was a banner year for Toyon, Heteromeles arbutifolia. Many plants are still loaded with berries.
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On close inspection the berries look tired, however from a distance the show is still very pleasing. It is great seeing the Toyon scattered about the chaparral.
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Woolly Sunflower, Eriophyllum lanatum, is even attractive without its bright golden yellow flowers. Their flowering show on Poho Ridge last year was amazing.
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There is still plenty of water cascading down the mountiansides.
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There were many mudslides along this route. Although the mess had been cleared away, it appeared that the slides had made the road impassible.
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There was no shortage of large rocks that had slid down the mountain.
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There was much evidence that many trees, shrubs, and other debris had come down the mountain during the storms.
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In well shaded rocky areas there were large colonies of Micranthes californica. The white flowers of this species are quite small, however they are very beautiful when seen blooming in large colonies.
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Sedum spathelifolium can be found on shaded rock rock faces. They often form large colonies directly on rocks. During the summer they can dry to the point that they look dead, yet they easily come back once the rains return in the autumn.
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This time of year the mosses on the rocks can be very interesting.
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A number of different species are often seen together, creating beautiful textures and a spectrum of greens.
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Many trees have an amazing structure especially when viewed without foliage. This California Buckeye, Aesculus californica, caught my attention.
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The young bark of Bigleaf Maple, Acer macrophyllum, can be striking.
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Rock Creek was running high and clear. This is a good sign considering the rain we have received.
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Another view of Rock Creek with White Alder, Alnus rhomibifolia, in bloom.
It was good to get a first hand assessment of the current conditions out in the countryside. At this time, conditions limit the sites I can visit. Access to many places I like to visit may be restricted due to flooding, high water, or poor road conditions. More stormy weather is in the forecast. I wish to get out soon, however I will have to monitor current conditions and plan accordingly.
Stay tuned.... :)
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Stay tuned.... :)
Definitely!
Lovely to see all that water rushing down the hillside but it has obviously done damage as well,
cheers
fermi
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Many trees have an amazing structure especially when viewed without foliage. This California Buckeye, Aesculus californica, caught my attention.
It looks almost like a pre-bonsai. In any case, it could be worked like that.
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I'd say it was a good start for your botanical adventures Robert!
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Definitely!
Lovely to see all that water rushing down the hillside but it has obviously done damage as well,
cheers
fermi
Fermi,
I am eagerly awaiting the spring season. I predict that the wildflowers will be dazzling!
It looks almost like a pre-bonsai. In any case, it could be worked like that.
Fred,
California Buckeye is a favorite of mine. This time of year they definitely get my attention and yes some can have a beautifully sculptured appearance.
I'd say it was a good start for your botanical adventures Robert!
Gabriela,
I was thinking that I was off to a very slow start so far this year :-\ , but yes this is a very positive way of looking at the situation. 8) Thank you for the comment. :) The next series of storm are starting to move in now. I will certainly be rained out this week if the forecast holds. The next batch of storms will also be cold with low snow levels. This is very welcome, however if the snow keeps piling up the high country will not be open until late June.
The positive side of all of this is that the stormy weather may create the perfect opportunity for me to visit Mount Diablo.
The short of this all is that all the stormy weather has ended the drought in Northern California. The wildflowers will most likely be amazing this year. This is a good start to my botanical adventures! 8)
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Very interesting to see the wintery landscape, Robert. In a way, it has much in common with ours here at the coast. But of course, the plants are not the same - except maybe the mosses. They look very familiar!
You even seem to have more rain than we for the time being ;D And more snow in the mountains for sure.
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Very interesting to see the wintery landscape, Robert. In a way, it has much in common with ours here at the coast. But of course, the plants are not the same - except maybe the mosses. They look very familiar!
You even seem to have more rain than we for the time being ;D And more snow in the mountains for sure.
Trond,
We have had over 800mm of precipitation to date. This is about 180% - 190% of average for this date. It seems like our weather cycles go from one extreme to another - drought to floods, then back again. Personally I can do without the droughts. I do not mind the rain at all and I enjoy "normal" (cool, wet, and overcast) winter-like weather in our part of California.
Right now it is raining again (actually storming - strong winds too). The snow levels are fairly low and are expected to move lower with each storm. By Sunday we might have snow at the farm. At the Sierra crest there is 4 meters of snow on the ground.
I know what you mean, our north facing slopes this time of year have the feeling of the coast - in almost any temperate climate - Northern California, Oregon, and from what I have seen Norway too. It is not surprising that Sitka Spruce has naturalized on the Norwegian coast.
It looks like I will be delayed by one day - returning home to Sacramento. I have all my all rainy weather gear there. By next week I hope to get out rain or shine.
Today I went to Skunk Hollow near Salmon Falls (a low elevation site on the South Fork of the American River). It was pouring rain! Nobody was there. If I had my rain gear I would have hiked around anyway. When I was young and Gorex outdoor gear became popular I loved hiking around in the rain and snow. Now I use a fishing suit like the ones used by fishermen in Alaska. Keeps me dry and warm!
Well, I will just have to wait a bit longer to get out..... :(
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Today the levees system continues to fail along our major rivers
Off-topic but we don't use the word 'levee' in the UK and I've never been too sure what one of these is (apart from somewhere to drive your Chevy to - in the lyrics to 'American Pie'). I looked it up and it seems to be an artificially constructed river embankment ('embankment' being the term in common use here). Is that correct? I still cannot make sense of 'but the levee was dry' because if levee means embankment you would expect and want it to be dry, wouldn't you?
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Alan:
Levee is a word from our south probably around the New Orleans area. I would imagine it has it's derivation somewhere in a French word. It was an artificial mound of earth constructed to keep the land on the other side of it dry. Dyke comes to mind as a similar construction.
The reference to Don McClean's song probably refers to the fact that there wasn't a leak or overflow.
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An embankment is usually right at the edge of the normal river course. I'm wondering if a levee could be some way back, so as to allow the river a flood plane but restricting the size of that flood plane? Or am I imagining this distinction?
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An embankment is usually right at the edge of the normal river course. I'm wondering if a levee could be some way back, so as to allow the river a flood plane but restricting the size of that flood plane? Or am I imagining this distinction?
Alan,
Actually in California levees are constructed and used in several different ways. Sometimes a levee is constructed next to what was the natural river bank. Sometimes they are constructed, as you point out, some distance from the natural bank of a river. In the case of the city of Sacramento there can be several levees constructed; one perhaps near the river bank; then sometimes one or more some distance from the river in case the first levee fails.
It is interesting to note that the City of Sacramento is at risk for a catastrophic levee failure like New Orleans. They (the city planners) continue to approve housing in very risky areas. It is only a matter of time until there is a flood disaster in Sacramento.
As I remember Led Zeppelin had a song about levees, ".....cryin' wont help you, prayin' wont do you no good, when the levee breaks....." I am sure they were trying to be poetic, however it does make more sense. :)
Oh.....! I did forget one thing. The powerful storm that passed through 36 hours ago knocked-out power for 10,000 folks in the Sacramento area. Our Sacramento home has no electricity. For us this translates into no heat, lighting, or cooking. We have hot water as it is heated with natural gas. A large redwood tree, Sequoia sempervirens, fell over destroying part of our neighbors house and taking out the power lines and part of a power pole. Before the power line snapped our power service, as well as some of our neighbors services, was pulled completely from the house and meter. We could be without power for a week or more. There is much to repair and more stormy weather will slow the repair process.
Right now I am still at the farm, where we still have electric power. I will be returning home as soon as my brother arrives from Washington State, however he my be delayed too, as the Interstate highway system is closed due to ice storms. When I return home I may lose contact for awhile. The batteries on my lap top will not stay charged forever, and the internet service is terrible during the day in Sacramento (the system clearly needs to be upgraded!). Not lights at night! :P There are about 80 folks in our neighborhood without electric power, but our neighbor across the street does have electric power. We can cook a bit, God Bless them! :) We are going to have to stay put as we can not find a pet friendly hotel that will accept all of our companion and rescue birds.
It is pouring rain again and the wind is howling. The lights are flickering here at the farm.........
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Power was restored to our home yesterday, Tuesday. 6 days without electricity, but we were not the only ones. The inspector had a long list of homes to visit so that their power could be restored too. We now have heat, lighting, etc.! :)
It is looking like there will be about a week over dry weather. I hope to get out soon, before the stormy weather returns.
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A great relief to be reconnected to the power supply- hope all is well for the rest of the winter.
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It will go now, I hope for you.
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What a relief to have the power on again Robert!
I know how bad it is without, especially in the cold season.
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It is very good to have the power back on. I do not mind camping out - but not in my own home, especially in the winter.
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Yesterday I was able to return to the North Fork of Cache Creek (Northern Inner Coast Range) with my Concow Maidu friend Dalton. We had all day to hike and explore the area. We traveled south over the ridge to the South Fork of Cache Creek and spent the day exploring the ridge top above the South Fork of Cache Creek.
The views of Snow Mountain to the North were awesome. I feel drawn to return to the Snow Mountain area soon. It seems a very special place. There are certainly many interesting plant species to see in this region. I am a little bit under the weather right now so it will be a few days until I will be reporting on this outing. It was a very good outing. Spring is awakening.
Until then...... :)
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SOUTH FORK OF CACHE CREEK
Part I
Thursday, 26 January 2017
Sacramento Weather
Weather: Clear
Temperature, High:56 F, 13 C
Low:41 F, 5 C
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The morning mist was still lingering when Dalton, my Concow Maidu companion, and I arrived at the trailhead on the North Fork of Cache Creek. The temperature was 41 F (5 C) much warmer than I had expected. A month ago when I had made a preliminary reconnaissance of this area it had been much colder in the morning, well below freezing. We set off (elevation 1004 feet, 306 meters) across the flats toward the north facing ridge that I had started to climb on the previous visit.
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As we hiked southward, the morning mist quickly burned off as we climbed the ridge through the burned oak woodland I had encountered last time. Looking back northward toward the North Fork of Cache Creek the snow capped peak of Snow Mountain started to appear.
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As we hiked, it became apparent that spring flowering season was beginning unfold. Everywhere there were signs of quicken growth and budded plants that would be blooming shortly. Primula (Dodecantheon) hendersonii was one of the species well advanced and nearing its blooming stage. In this photograph it is seen with small seedlings of Nemophila heterophylla.
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As we climbed higher out of the cold air drainage, blooming plants started to appear such as Ranunculus occidentalis ssp. occidentalis. (Sorry, the best photograph I had to tell the story :-[ )
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In a few areas there were swathes of Erysimum capitatum var. capitatum in bloom. When I passed this location last month only a few plants were showing color. Now there were many plants in full bloom.
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The recent fire had encouraged the regeneration of Ehrendorferia (Dicentra) chrysantha. In the southern foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains it can be seen frequently soon after a burn cycle. It is a fairly common species in the Coastal Mountains, however this was only my second observation of this species in this region.
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Further along, blooming colonies of Primula (Dodecatheon) hendersonii started to appear. My old camera was acting-up in the cool morning air. What a shame, they were so beautiful!
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The first flowers were also showing on this nice clump of Cynoglossum grande.
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At scattered sites, the striking red new growth of Indian Warrior, Pedicularis densiflora, was emerging from the ground. Later the foliage will transition to a brownish-green or all green color.
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A few plants were in full bloom and a delight to see. This hemiparasitic species prefers growing in semi-shaded oak woodlands which we were still climbing through.
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After a short hike we arrived at the ridge top. To the south, down in the canyon below the South Fork of Cache Creek raged through the canyon.
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Cache Creek takes a torturous route through the Coastal Mountains, twisting and turning as it works its way eastward toward the Sacramento Valley and the Sacramento River. The rapids and falls around this rocky promontory were quite dramatic as the mist rose and the water roared far below.
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The view of Snow Mountain off to the north was spectacular and drew our attention throughout the day. The Manzanita seen in this photograph is Common Manzanita, Arctostaphylos manzanita ssp. manzanita.
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Most of the plants were finished blooming, with only a few plants still in full bloom such as this one. This and A. manzanita ssp. elegans were the only Manzanita taxa seen this day.
Subspecies elegans is very similar to subspecies manzanita, however the fruit (and ovary) of subspecies elegans is sticky and glandular. Subspecies elegans is also generally a noticeable upright grower. Subspecies manzanita can be both a rounded or an upright grower. Sometimes it is possible to identify subspecies elegans this time of year by finding old fruit around the base of the plant. Using a hand lens to examine the ovary of blooming plants, or the immature fruit is the best method to identify subspecies elegans at this time of year.
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Once we had reached the ridge crest we had to determine which direction to explore. As is often the case in California, the habitat shifted dramatically at the top of the ridge. This view is to the southeast and the route looked quite interesting, however the two forks of Cache Creek join in this area and we would be boxed in very quickly if we traveled in this direction. We could ford the creek, but certainly not with the raging waters.
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Our other route was off to the southwest as seen in this photograph. We traveled off in this direction along the ridge crest. Initially the steep south facing terrain was clothed in grassland with scattered Blue Oak, Quercus douglasii, however it quickly shifted over to burned over chaparral.
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In places there were dense colonies of Ehrendorferia chrysantha that had sprouted vigorously after the fire.
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Garrya congdonii was a frequent member of the chaparral community seen this day. The plants had respouted from their bases strongly after the fire, in some cases with over 1 meter of new growth in just one season.
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We followed an old trail or perhaps the fire line along the ridge. In places Coyote Mint, Monardella villosa, grew giving off its minty fragrance as we brushed its foliage.
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At one point the "trail" tucked in and traversed along a steep north facing slope. Here we found many interesting species. Ribes malvaceum var. malvaceum grew abundantly in this area. It had also resprouted strongly after the fire. We even found a few blooming plants, clothed with their attractive pink flowers.
To be continued.........
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SOUTH FORK OF CACHE CREEK
Part II
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There were a number of plants I could not identify to species, such as the dried remains of this Fritillaria.
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The Iris growing on this north facing slope could not be identified to species either. I hope to be able to return to this area several times to follow the progression of the blooming cycle.
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Once we rounded the north facing slope, the route along the ridge line opened up before us. In the distance I could see that there was an end to the burn. Throughout the burned area there were many young seedlings of obligate seeders such as Ceanothus jepsonii, Ceanothus oliganthus, Actostaphylos, and others. I wished to reach an unburned site where I could observe closely mature specimens, particularly that of Ceanothus jepsonii.
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From this open ridge the vistas of Snow Mountain were stunning.
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This view is off to the southeast with Blue Ridge in the distance (right side of the photograph).
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Despite the recent fire there was still an excellent variety of plants to see. Castilleja foliolosa is one of my favorite Paintbrush species from the Sierra Nevada Foothill. This species can also be found growing in the coastal mountains and was blooming abundantly along this ridge.
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There were also isolate patches of Lomatium dasycarpum. Many Lomatium species bloom very early in the season. I was somewhat surprised that they were not further along in their bloom cycle.
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We hiked a considerable distance along the ridge and we still had not reached the unburned area. Our days are still short so unfortunately we had to turn back before reaching the unburned area.
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At this end of the ridge the snow topped peak of Mount Saint Helena could be seen through the glare off to the southwest.
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At this point we turned back up the south fork canyon.
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It was very interesting how the vegetation was regenerating after the fire. There were masses of seedlings from the obligate seeder as well as the regrowth from species that can sprout from dormant vegetive buds from below ground level. A few species will do both, resprout after a fire as well as produce seed that will germinate after a fire.
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A strong new seedling of Eriodictylon californicum.
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Garrya congdonii on left and Adenostoma fasciculatum on right resprouting after the fire. Along the ridge there were thousands if not millions of new seedlings of Chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum. This species is often the dominant species within a chaparral plant community. After what I observed this day, this is not surprising.
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Heteromeles arbutifoia, Toyon, was another species that was regenerating itself from dormant vegetive buds.
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When we arrived back to where the trail traversed the north facing slope, I found some beautiful colonies of Cardamine californica in full bloom. How did I miss them on the hike in? ???
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Eventually we arrived back to where the trail descended northward to the North Fork of Cache Creek and the trailhead. Pictured is the departing view back southwestward down the canyon of the South Fork of Cache Creek.
It is still very early in the season, however there was still much of interest to see and even a few plants in bloom. For me it was a productive and very enjoyable outing.
My next outing will be to Snow Mountain. This time of year the temperatures are much lower in the Snow Mountain region. I am not expecting to see much in bloom, however I feel a need to see this region in all its seasons. I am sure that this too will be an interesting, productive, and enjoyable outing.
Until next time.........
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Robert,
it is interesting to see the regrowth of such burnt areas although I like the woods better. I have seen the result of big fires in both Madagascar and Kenya and they have much in common with your area. Although a lot of biodiverity is lost many species get a new chance also.
Beautiful landscape also!
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Trond,
I had a very interesting outing near Snow Mountain yesterday. I explored an area of burned over chaparral. The diversity of species was somewhat limited, however I found a number of extremely interesting species in the area including Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. cushingiana, A. manzanita ssp. elegans, and A. viscida ssp. pulchella. As far as I know this is the first documented finding of A. glandulosa ssp. cushingiana in this area, however I have to admit that I was not surprised to find it here either. I will have a full report soon.
The whole study of fire and its impact on an ecosystem is extremely fascinating. In most parts of California fire has a regenerating positive effect on many different plant communities. Right now I consider the extreme crown fires that frequent California as unnatural, however I think that it is important to remain open minded to other possibilities. I do admit that I find the destruction after a crown fire depressing, but then the chocked over-grown forests due to fire suppression lack diversity and are not healthy. Under the right circumstances fire is beneficial and the aftermath can be beautiful, at least it can be here in California.
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SNOW MOUNTAIN
Mill Creek & Tough Springs Ridge
Part I
Wednesday, 1 February 2017
Sacramento Weather
Weather: Cloudy
Temperature, High:56 F, 13.5 C
Low:43 F, 6 C
Placerville Weather
Weather: Cloudy
Temperature, High:66 F, 19 C
Low:37 F, 2.5 C
After the outing last week, I quickly decided that I wanted to return to the Snow Mountain region in Colusa County, California. With the "normal" wintertime weather this season, the early spring wildflowers have not started to bloom in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. The Snow Mountain region is botanically rich and quite fascinating, but it is relatively cold there too. Most likely not much would be in bloom in this area either. I am quite determined to get well acquainted with the Snow Mountain region in all its season. This would be a good opportunity to explore the lower canyons and ridges well below the summit of Snow Mountain.
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I started out early on Wednesday morning from Sacramento again accompanied by my companion Dalton. When we arrived in Mendocino National Forest we checked the maps and decided to explore the burned over chaparral south of Fouts Springs up the east side of the Mill Creek drainage. The mountains in this region rise quickly and steeply. The trail we choose was no exception.
The morning was very overcast and cool, 44 F, 6.5 C.
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Arctostaphylos manzanita ssp. manzanita, Common Manzanita, was seen frequently at the lower elevations (starting elevation, 1,652 feet, 504 meters) as we started up the mountain. The growing season in this area is at least a month or more behind the southern end of the Northern Coastal Mountains where it have spent the last month or more exploring. The nascent flower buds of this species were just starting to open. This same species was in full bloom a month ago 50 miles to the south.
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Another Manzanita species seen as we started out was Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. cushingiana.
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Quercus palmeri was a commonly seen "dwarf" Oak species in the chaparral as we climbed up the mountain. This species has a distinctive acorn cap, so it is easy to identify this species if the caps can be found.
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Before starting the steep ascent, we followed Mill Creek for a short distance. Occasionally there were the dried remains of a Wyethia species, either helenioides or glabra.
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Along this lower stretch of the trail I found a few specimens of Eriogonum wrightii var. subscaposum. This variety of the species is not known from this region, however the specimens I saw did seem to match the variety subscaposum.
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The trail was rising quickly and Mill Creek started to disappear into the canyon below. Before this area burned this mountainside was a tapestry of chaparral and small areas of Knobcone Pine, Pinus attenuata, forest. In the photograph the burned remains of Knobcone Pine can be seen.
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Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. cushingiana was a species that we were going to see all day as we ascended and then descended the mountain. This burled taxon has short white non-glandular hairs on its young branched. This characteristic was quite variable among the plants I observed this day, some plants being thickly hairy, others somewhat sparsely hairy.
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Another distinctive characteristic of Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. cushingiana are the leaf-like bracts on the inflorescence.
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Most of the chaparral in this area consisted of Chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum. Occasionally we would see Toyon, Heteromeles arbutifolia. In most cases, most of the berries had been stripped by birds from the plants we saw.
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The trail, if you want to call it that, was very steep. At times we needed both hands and feet to "climb" up the trail. The vistas were superb. This photograph is of the upper Mill Creek drainage.
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Across the valley to the north Saint John Mountain is a prominent landmark.
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As we approached the snowline, at about 2,950 feet (899 meters), the trail started to enter a pine-oak forest (Quercus chrysolepis and Pinus attenuata). The fire had only partly burned the vegetation in this forest.
We had just hiked through an extensive stretch of chaparral. This stretch of chaparral was noteworthy in its lack of diversity - even invasive species! Bromus madritensis (pictured) was one of the few grass species that grew along this trail. I noted very few bulbs - one Themidaceae species and a Toxicoscordion. Chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum, dominated this chaparral plant community.
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Right before we entered the forest we found a nice colony of Ribes malvaceum var. malvaceum in bloom.
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It is such an attractive species. I have never grown it in our gardens, however it would most likely thrive in our hot inland gardens.
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Robert,
Once more a nice outing!
I wonder, is ribes always flowering that early - seems to be among the first spring bloomers? I have a Ribes rubra in the garden and it is not that early!
I like the oak also Q. palmeri reminds me of holly which is common around here.
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SNOW MOUNTAIN
Mill Creek & Tough Springs Ridge
Part II
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Many Ceanothus species are obligate seeders, and require fire to stimulate seed germination. Within this burn area there where very few Ceanothus species regenerating themselves in any manner.
Pictured is a health specimen of Ceanothus parryi seen within a burned out portion of the forest high on the ridge.
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Ceanothus parryi as well as Ceanothus cuneatus (pictured), C. oliganthus, and C. jepsonii were seen all along our route, however never in quantity.
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In addition, I found only one specimen of Frangula californica ssp. tomentella all day. In general, I would expect to find more in this type of habitat.
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Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. cushiniana is often found in mixed populations with A. glandulosa ssp. glandulosa. Here they can be seen growing side by side, A. glandulosa ssp. glandulosa on the left, A. glandulosa ssp. cushingiana on the right. Both taxa were seen all along our route, however plants of subspecies cushingiana were much more numerous.
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At 3,348 feet, 1,020 meters, the snow started to become thicker and more widespread. Without cross country skis or snowshoes walking on the snow can be slow and difficult - this would be a good location to turn around.
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A nice find at the turn around point was this blooming specimen of Arctostaphylos manzanita ssp. elegans. A blooming plant can be easily identified by examining the ovary which is very glandular. Subspecies roofii which might also be found in this area also has sticky, glandular fruit, however it is also burled, subspecies elegans is not. I checked around the base of this plant and also found some old dried-up fruit. It was sticky, glandular.
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Dalton and I decided at this point to return by a different route. We were not certain that this route would lead back to the Outback, however we were willing to take a chance. Shortly, on the way down the mountain we found a burned over area full of regenerating seedlings of various species. This Arctostaphylos seedling is most likely A. manzanita ssp. elegans, judging by its upright growth habit (another characteristic of this subspecies).
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I found an interesting specimen of Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. cushingiana with very serrated leaf margins. This is not a common characteristic of this subspecies, but this peculiarity is not rare either.
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Still high on the ridge there were some nice vistas of the snow topped ridges off to the southwest.
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To the west was the ridgeline leading up to the summit of Snow Mountain. The bare snow covered area seen in this photograph shows the high point of my outing in this area last October.
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Off to the northeast was an excellent vista of Indian Valley.
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Our route took us down along the top of Tough Springs Ridge. Here I found Coastal Whiteleaf Manzanita, Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. pulchella.
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This taxon too has glandular, sticky fruit, however Arctostaphylos viscida is very different in appearance to A. manzanita, except subspecies glaucescens, which too can have glaucous foliage. The two species can be easily distinguished from each other by examining the nascent inflorescence, that of Arctostaphylos viscida being distinctly glandular sticky while the inflorescence of A. manzanita is not.
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Not all burled plants survive a fire. The burl of this Chamise plant, Adenostoma fasciculatum, was damaged by the fire and did not resprout with new growth.
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On the way down the mountain, I occasionally found some rosettes of this Cirsium species. It is most likely a form of C. occidentale.
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Near the base of the mountain Ericameria arborescens started to appear. This species is very common within recently burned areas in many parts of California. The seeds of this species are easily triggered into germination after a fire.
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Here too I saw Cerocarpos betuloides, a very common chaparral species in this part of California.
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Dalton and I finally arrived back at the parking area. Our circular route worked out perfectly without any glitches.
Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. cushingiana was the plant of the day. Its gray foliage contrasted with the surround green of the other chaparral species - mostly Chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum - making it easy to spot them as we hiked the trail.
Despite the lack of species diversity (only 46 taxa recorded) this was an excellent outing. There were a number of good finds on this hike and I was able to get a good overview of this part of the Snow Mountain area.
It looks like rainy weather this coming weeks. If it is worth while to get out, I hope to explore the Red Hills area of Toulumne County, one of the best wildflower sites in California.
Until next time.....
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Robert,
Once more a nice outing!
I wonder, is ribes always flowering that early - seems to be among the first spring bloomers? I have a Ribes rubra in the garden and it is not that early!
I like the oak also Q. palmeri reminds me of holly which is common around here.
Trond,
I find the good forms of Quercus palmeri to be extremely attractive evergreen shrubs. It is a species that I want to include in the garden sometime in the future. It is not a common species in our area. The Snow Mountain area is the only place where I have found it growing extensively..... at least at this moment.
Ribes malvaceum is not native to the Sierra Nevada Foothills. I have not had much opportunity to observe its habits, but some forms, but not all, bloom extremely early in the season. Some of our other Ribes species bloom early in the season too, however they seem to bloom late only because they are native to high elevation sites where "spring" might not arrive until June. When they are grown at low elevations they can bloom extremely early in the year.
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Robert, I wonder if you are familiar at all with the work of the late Canadian folk singer and song writer, Kate McGarrigle, and in particular to her song "Talk to me of Mendocino". She comes into my mind every time I sit down to look at the reports of your journeys?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fcBEGjK3cM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fcBEGjK3cM)
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Why David , what a surprise - me too - it so happens that I have been an admirer of the McGarrigles for decades - and that happens to be my favourite song. I sing it often.
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Great minds.......? ;D
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Robert, I wonder if you are familiar at all with the work of the late Canadian folk singer and song writer, Kate McGarrigle, and in particular to her song "Talk to me of Mendocino". She comes into my mind every time I sit down to look at the reports of your journeys?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fcBEGjK3cM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fcBEGjK3cM)
Hi David,
I have to admit that I am not familiar with Kate McGarrigle. I will have to listen when I get a chance. :) I do appreciate pleasant music. I think that my music taste must be odd, as I liked Beethoven's 3rd Symphony when I was in grade school. I remember the teacher thinking that it was odd that I even knew what it was, let alone liked it and listened to it. I think that the teacher would have thought it as even more odd that I also liked Fred Astaire when he sung "Cheek to Cheek" to Ginger Rogers in "Top Hat"! :o I still sing the song to my wife. :)
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It was a rainy and at times a windy stormy day in Morgan Territory on the southeastern flank of Mount Diablo. Mount Diablo is located at the northern end of the southern Coast Range near San Francisco, California. There is a considerable number of species I would like to see in this area and it was good to make a preliminary reconnaissance. Despite the crazy drivers and only one traffic jam, I found a site in this region where I feel comfortable.
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There were some pretties in bloom. I will have a full report on this outing in a few more days..... and an interesting story about the Morgans.
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Hi Robert:
I like to throw you locations in Google and see where you are going. You where near a spot call Devil's Pulpit. Can you describe that.
Thanks,
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Arnold,
The weather was poor most of the time we were in the area. The cloud deck hung low all day. Sometimes it was at ground level accompanied by driving rain. Needless to say we never saw the higher portions of Mount Diablo. There are a number of endemic species on Mount Diablo that I want to see. Calochortus pulchellus is one, as is Arctostaphylos manzanita ssp laevigata. The flowering season is just starting and there will be plenty of time to return, or at least I hope there will be time. The Snow Mountain area is a high priority for me, as are a number of sites in the Sierra Nevada. We will see how it all turns out. :)
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MORGAN TERRITORY PRESERVE
Wednesday, 8 February 2017
Sacramento Weather
Weather: Rain Showers
Temperature, High:63 F, 17 C
Low:56 F, 13.5 C
On 6 February another series of intense storms arrived in Northern California. It was questionable if an outing would be practical, however with a last minute check of the weather forecast it was decided that an outing to the Mount Diablo area might be possible. We set off from Sacramento early on the morning of Wednesday, 8 February amidst a squall of heavy rain and wind. The hope was that the weather would improve and we could have a productive outing.
As you might have guessed by now Dalton is now a semi-permanent hiking companion with me on my botanical outings. He has other interests than botany, however he enjoys going out with me and the arrangement is mutually agreeable.
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The Morgan Territory Preserve was our destination this day. The Preserve is located on the southeastern flank of Mount Diablo and is a reasonably remote region considering Mount Diablo’s proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area.
The greater San Francisco Bay Area is notorious for its traffic congestion and the discourteous, unsafe driving habits encountered. Fortunately traffic congestion was minimal and we arrived safely despite the awful driving encountered.
The staging area at the Preserve is located on a col (2,031 feet, 619 meters) between the summit Mount Diablo and some higher ridges to the southeast. When we arrived strong winds were driving the storm clouds through the col accompanied by a pelting rain. We dressed into our rain gear and set off to the northwest into the surrounding oak savannah.
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Occasionally there would be a brief vista through the swirling, wind driven clouds.
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The Blue Oak, Quercus douglasii, savannah we hiked through was still being used for cattle grazing, creating a situation where species diversity was limited and invasive species were prevalent. The gusting winds and rain made photography extremely difficult. Erodium botrys (pictured) was one of many weedy species seen.
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Geranium molle was another common frequently seen weedy species.
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There were native species such as the commonly found Sanicula crassicaulis. I did find a few Lomatium utriculatum in bloom, however the rain and wind prevented me from taking any photographs of this species.
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Sanicula bipinnatifida was another frequently seen native species in this heavily grazed area.
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This time of year Claytonia perfoliata can be found in lush stands in semi-shaded oak savannahs such as this one.
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We hiked around for some distance hoping to find a more promising habitat to explore, however we soon decided this would be fruitless. Our best option was to return to our starting point and set out in a completely different direction.
One our way back, we did find a small area with rock out-croppings and some chaparral species. Cardimine californica was blooming abundantly in a shaded site, seen here with Toxicodendron diversilobum, Poison Oak, and Polypodium calirhiza.
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In addition to the Cardimine, Primula (Dodecatheon) hendersonii grew with the Polypodium ferns. Here they can be seen as the tiny green rosettes at the base of the ferns.
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Considering the cattle range, it was refreshing to see Chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum. At this site there, at least, might be the possibility to find something different.
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Ah! There indeed were a few interesting species. I was very pleased to find Ceanothus cuneatus var. ramulosus in this area. This variety has unique obovate to round, truncate tipped foliage that is often notched at the tip. The flowers are pale blue to lavender, while as variety cuneatus generally has white flowers.
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This area was also a transition zone between the habitat of Coastal Live Oak, Quercus agrifolia and Interior Live Oak, Quecrus wislizenii. When we hiked eastward toward the Central Valley we saw some Interior Live Oak, as we returned westward Coastal Live Oak completely replaced Interior Live Oak. Pictured is the foliage of Quercus agrifolia with its typical strongly convex adaxial leaf surface. Generally the leaves of this species are a bit more rounded, however like most plants there is variation.
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A mossy, lichen covered trunk of Quercus agrifolia.
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We arrived back at the staging area and started off on a new route to the northwest toward the summit of Mount Diablo. The weather was improving but still poor. These ghostly silhouettes of California Buckeye, Aesculus californica, were picturesque was they emerged from the mist.
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Spring is slowly arriving. Some of the Buckeyes were starting to leaf out. In addition, I found two species of Ribes flowering and leafing out, Ribes amarum with its glandular hairy leaves, and Ribes californicum var. californicum. Sadly, the poor weather hampered my efforts to get good photographs of them.
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Along this route we found hundreds of Cardimine californica blooming in shaded areas. Rain, wind, and darkness made photography such a challenge!
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Cynoglossum grande also grew in many of the shady sites. Their flower buds were not emerging yet. Spring is arriving, but slowly with fits and starts.
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I found a number of ferns along this route. Dryopteris arguta, Wood Fern, is a common species found at low elevation foothill sites in California.
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Goldback Fern, Pentagramma triangularis, is another very common fern in this part of California.
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The base rock in this area consisted of a very soft sandstone.
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The base rock easily broke down into sticky clay that was very difficult to hike in, especially with all the rain and mud. The soft soil was also subject to considerable erosion. Cattle grazing exasperated the situation. Not only did we see many small slides such as this one, but the raging creeks were extremely muddy with silt and clay eroded down from the surrounding hills.
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Near the end of the day the rain started to abate and the clouds lifted a bit. We started to get a view of the surrounding terrain. The vistas of the surrounding oak savannah were very beautiful, however the savannah was not very productive from a botanical standpoint.
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There was not time to explore this forested ridge. I found out later that cattle were not permitted in this area. This will be one of a number of areas to check on when I return in the future.
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This outing was not a complete bust. This meadow full of Ranunculus californicum var. californicum was in full bloom.
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Finding this meadow full of blooming Ranunculus was a good way to end this outing. Our reconnaissance was very successful and we now have a number of promising areas to explore upon our return to this area. There are a number of Calochortus species known to this area, including the local endemic Calochortus pulchellus, that I would like to find. I did find a few Arctostaphylos manzanita ssp. manzanita on this outing, however I would like to see another local endemic, Arctostaphylos manzanita ssp. laevigata. There are also many other species I would like to see in this region that are not found in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. I am looking forward to many more outings in this area in the future.
Until next time…….
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Looks very wet, Robert! Hope your rain gear kept you dry.
I suppose landslides are common where cattle remove much of the vegetation? Possibly also after wildfires especially now with all the rain you have gotten lately.
Ranunculus californicum looks very similar to R repens which is common here. Geranium molle is native here (and no problem). Claytonia perfoliata is a very rare foreign plant in Norway but C. sibirica is very common in my garden!
Cardamine is a favorite genus!
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Trond,
Yes our rain gear kept us very dry. :)
The soil in the coast hills and mountains can be very unstable. Mud slides and slippages are common during extremely wet weather. Excessive livestock grazing exasperates the situation. The wildfires can create the same situation, however mud slides have not been too bad in the Sierra Nevada. Maybe when I start looking around this spring I will see something different.
I was impressed with the Ranunculus californicum. In the Sierra Nevada foothills I frequently see R. occodentalis var. occidentalis and near the Sacramento Valley R. canus.
The Cardamine californica were in full bloom and very impressive. They like the shade where the lighting was quite dark this day. A good photograph could have been very impressive, but it was not to be this day.
We will be going to the Red Hills on Wednesday. It will be a bit early to see much in bloom, but it will be good to check things out anyway. There are several endemic species in this area too.
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Cliff falls are a big problem in my area Robert and also on the coasts of Eastern England.
http://metro.co.uk/2017/02/07/huge-chunks-of-cliffs-collapse-after-heavy-rain-taking-back-gardens-with-them-6433928/ (http://metro.co.uk/2017/02/07/huge-chunks-of-cliffs-collapse-after-heavy-rain-taking-back-gardens-with-them-6433928/)
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David,
The internet decided to work today (Sunday :) ) At times, the sea cliffs break-off like that in California, luckily in remote areas.... most of the time. I would hate to live in a situation like that! :o Our coastal hills and mountains are also subject to earthquake activity, mostly very minor, however the shaking of the waterlogged soil adds to the soil instability.
My hiking companion, Dalton, wants to have an outing near the Mendocino coastline (some of his tribal members live there). I have my hands full right now, but agree that an outing in this area would be extremely fascinating.
I am still curious about Kate McGarrigie. I will have some alone time soon where some pleasant music will not bother anyone. Today we went to the Japanese market and bakery for treats! ;D Nori maki, fresh genmai, divinely flavorful miso (the real stuff made in Japan), some wonderful freshly made Japanese Pastries, and delightful company. Now back to the get-together.
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Hi Robert,
just hearing on the news about the risk of collapse of the Oroville dam!http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-13/oroville-dam-northern-california-threatens-collapse-evacuate/8265532 (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-13/oroville-dam-northern-california-threatens-collapse-evacuate/8265532)
I hope you are not too close downstream from it!
cheers
fermi
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Fermi,
At the moment it appears that the situation is under control. 160,000 people had to evacuate the potential flood area and the town of Oroville would be under 100 feet of water if the spillway fails. The Feather River flows into the Sacramento River. The Sacramento River is a "stone throw" from our Sacramento home. If the spillway fails we are being told that the river would rise 1-5 feet. The Sacramento River is already running high. 5 feet would put water over the top of the levee! Somebody needs to do the math! However we are being told not to worry. ??? I might have been young, but I do remember what happened when Hell Hole Dam failed in 1965. Some of the twisted debris from that disaster is still around. Hopefully everything will be okay. If you do not hear from me you know we had to flee to higher ground. More rain is forecast starting on Thursday.
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Cliff falls are a big problem in my area Robert and also on the coasts of Eastern England.
http://metro.co.uk/2017/02/07/huge-chunks-of-cliffs-collapse-after-heavy-rain-taking-back-gardens-with-them-6433928/ (http://metro.co.uk/2017/02/07/huge-chunks-of-cliffs-collapse-after-heavy-rain-taking-back-gardens-with-them-6433928/)
Hi David,
I finally had a chance to listen to the music link to Kate McGarrigle. I had never heard her music, however the song on the link was very pleasant and enjoyable! :) The song seems a very personal experience - the reference to Mendocino. There is a town named Mendocino near Fort Bragg, then there is the whole county which has many different facets. Anyway wonderful music. Thank you for sharing. :)
An update on Oroville Dam.
As of 8:00 A.M. local time water was no longer flowing over the emergency spillway. The badly damaged main spillway is holding - so far - however additional damage is still occurring to the main spillway. Also, the main river channel at the base of the dam has been damaged. Water can not be released by the power plant at the base of the dam. Attempts are being made to lower the lake level by 50 feet before the next in a series of storms arrive on Wednesday night - Thursday. Attempts are also being made to make temporary repairs to the emergency spillway. There has been extensive damage to the emergency spillway. Now it is a race to repair the emergency spillway before the next storm arrives and attempt to lower the lake level before the main spillway is damaged to the point where it fails too or can not be used safely. People are not being allowed to return into the "flood zone" so the threat still seems to exist. They "think" the up stream levees will fail before the flood waters reach Sacramento so the city of Sacramento will not flood, however they are uncertain about this. So we are all hoping that the lake level can be lowered before the next set of storms arrive and the temporary repairs to the emergency spillway hold.
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The dramatic situation was shown on TV here also. I cross my fingers and hope that nothing gives way. Seems you have gotten your share of water now!
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Robert:
Had a look at the geography of the area. You look to be directly south of the dam in Sacramento (75 miles) and further away in Placerville. (114 miles).
Of course distance and geography could be deceiving.
I've read that there were warning ten years ago about this very situation happening. Is that true/
We are keeping all of the folks there in our thoughts.
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Robert:
Had a look at the geography of the area. You look to be directly south of the dam in Sacramento (75 miles) and further away in Placerville. (114 miles).
Of course distance and geography could be deceiving.
I've read that there were warning ten years ago about this very situation happening. Is that true/
We are keeping all of the folks there in our thoughts.
Arnold,
Yes, the warnings were true!
We are at risk in Sacramento. Our house is a very short distance from the Sacramento River. Interstate 5 is the only barrier between our neighborhood and the river. The farm in Placerville is at 1,500 feet and safe from any dam or spillway failure.
There are other problems now. South of Sacramento another levee on the Mokelumne River is severely eroding and leaking and will most likely fail. Tyler Island will flood if the levee fails. Most of the land is agricultural, however parts of the town of Walnut Grove will flood if the levee fails.
Highway 50 between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe is closed due to mudslides. There are 3-4 slides blocking the highway and it is not expected to reopen any time soon. Interstate 80 between Sacramento and the Nevada border is also partly closed due to mudslides. I guess this answers my questions about erosion and slides in the Sierra Nevada.
Trond,
We have approximately 225% of average precipitation to date! March can also produce abundant precipitation and at some point all of the snow will start melting this spring in the Sierra Nevada. There is still the potential for major flooding for a number of months. We have also been warned about other flood control projects that were not done correctly. These too could raise their ugly heads.
Most of the time the things we fear not not occur, so most likely everyone will be okay. But then the last thing we need now is an earthquake in our area! There was an earthquake just last month.
More rain, possibly heavy, is to arrive Thursday. The first storm is subtropical thus there will be high snow levels. Rain on top of the deep snow pack could create more flooding and mudslides. This is only the first storm to arrive. My guess is that everything will be okay, but there is certainly plenty of risks.
Life goes on. I still plan on visiting the Red Hills in Tuolumne County on Wednesday. The early wildflowers have started to bloom at the farm. It is still a bit early, however the Red Hills are in an area of serpentine rock south of Sacramento and Placerville in the lower foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Certainly there will be some flowers in bloom. March will be even better. Bear Valley near Snow Mountain is top on my list of places to visit in March. There are several Fritillaria and other bulbs I want to see in this area.
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Dalton and I had an excellent outing to the Red Hills in Tuolumne County, California. The weather was overcast but remained dry. It is still a bit early in the season to see much in bloom, however some early bloomers had started and there were some good finds, such as Lomatium congdonii. I will be busy for the next few days so my report on this outing might not be until early next week.
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RED HILLS
TUOLUMNE COUNTY
Wednesday, 15 February 2017
Sacramento Weather
Weather: Cloudy
Temperature, High:65 F, 18 C
Low:49 F, 9.5 C
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On Wednesday, Dalton and I traveled to the Red Hills in Tuolumne County, California. The Red Hills are a unique geological formation located in the lower foothills of the Central Sierra Nevada. The ultramaphic rock, in this case a form of serpentine with very high concentrations of nickel, chromium and cobalt, limits the growth of many plant species to those that are tolerant of these toxic minerals. In addition, low levels of potassium and phosphorus, as well as a low ratio of calcium/magnesium limits plant growth. The harsh growing conditions have created a unique habitat where a high number of endemic species find a home.
The day was overcast, but between storms, so we enjoyed reasonably good hiking conditions. The vegetation was obviously unique. With a first glance, all that was seen were hillsides covered with Buckbrush, Ceanothus cuneatus and scattered California Gray Pine, Pinus sabiniana. The staging area (1,196 feet, 365 meters) had the usual mix of invasive species, however I did spot dense colonies of our native annual, Lepidium nitidum, in full bloom. This small, early blooming Brassicaceae can be easily overlooked due to its unassuming tiny white flowers.
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Bushbrush, Ceanothus cuneatus is an extremely drought tolerant and tough evergreen species. It is commonly seen in chaparral plant communities at lower elevations in interior California.
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As we hiked southward through the hills, the habitat appeared to be dominated by a small number of species. Sanicula bipinnatifida was a very common perennial found growing around the Ceanothus.
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Rosettes of Chlorogalum were frequently seen. Chlorogalum pomeridianum and C. grandiflorum can look very similar at this stage of growth, especially when growing on serpentine. Both species can be identified by the characteristics of their bulbs, however I will wait until they bloom to make a determination based on the length of their pedicels and other characteristics.
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Pentagramma triangularis grew thickly, sometimes almost as a ground cover, in the Ceanothus chaparral.
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As we reached the crest of a high hill, a beautiful panorama of hills and mountains opened to our south and east. This view is to the southeast and with the canyon of the Toulumne River and Yosemite off in the distance.
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A scene with Ceanothus chaparral in the foreground and the Sierra Nevada far in the distance to the east.
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We followed a path down into a ravine where Eriogonum wrightii was found growing near a seasonal creek. I generally find this species at much higher elevations in the Sierra Nevada. The distribution of this species may need more study as I have also found it growing in the inner coastal mountains.
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Many clumps of Eschscholzia californica were seen in this ravine. On our drive home I saw this species blooming on sunny south facing road cuts, however the plants at this site were not showing any flower buds.
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Chaparral Honeysuckle, Lonicera interrupta, was well into its current season growth. Here it is seen twinning through California Coffee Berry, Frangula californica ssp. tomentella.
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Another look at the evergreen, Frangula californica ssp. tomentella.
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They were not seen very frequently, however Toyon, Heteromeles arbutifolia, were observed at scattered sites in the chaparral. The birds had eaten all the red berries leaving the stubby pedicels.
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In some areas there were large stands of Delphinium hansenii. It will be stunning to see such large stands in full bloom.
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It was still a bit too early to see much in bloom, however Lomatium utriculatum was starting into its bloom cycle. This species has cauline leaves that have a large conspicuous sheathing.
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Lomatium congdonii is an endemic species, known to only a few locations in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. Its glaucous foliage is quite distinct. I did not find any plants in bloom, however many were well budded. Lomatium congdonii is one of the few Lomatium species without bractlets.
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There were other plants starting into bloom. The annual Asteraceae, Leptosyne stillmanii were seen in scattered drifts throughout the chaparral. This species is easily identified by its lance shaped palea subtending the disk flowers, the gland tipped hairs on the base of the phyllaries, and their distinctly lobed linear foliage. They were very prolific and will be very pretty when they are in full bloom.
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Large colonies of Primula (Dodecatheon) hendersonii grew in shaded portions of the chaparral. Many plants were budded, however it will be another 2-3 weeks before they start flowering.
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Once in the chaparral I did not notice many invasive species, however Medusa Head, Elymus caput-medusae, is very persistent and the dry inflorescences of this species were seen throughout this area.
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Eriogonum nudum is a very tough species, so it was not surprising at all to find it growing in this area. Here it is seen with small seedlings of Mimulus guttatus. This is an unlikely combination of a xeric species growing with a mesic/hydric species. Maybe the abundant rainfall this season can account for this phenomena.
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Our original goal this day was to hike to the north shore of Don Pedro Reservoir. Unfortunately we missed the correct trail through the thick chaparral and ended up traveling off the west.
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Here I found the first stands of Common Manzanita, Arctostaphylos manzanita ssp. manzanita.
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I found one extremely interesting plant that resembled Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. mariposa, however it was also quite different. The twigs and young fruit were densely hairy but completely non-glandular. In addition, the inflorescence was also non-glandular. It grew in proximity to a stand of Arctostaphylos manzanita ssp. manzanita, however I did not find any other plants of Arctostaphylos viscida on this whole outing. This plant was most likely a hybrid, however the cross pollination must have occurred elsewhere and the seed distributed to this site by animal droppings. On future outing to this area I will be checking for nearest stand of Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. mariposa.
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Eriophyllum lanatum var. achilleoides was a commonly seen species. I found them in all stages of maturity, from young first year seedlings to much older plants.
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Eventually our path led us to the western edge of the serpentine formation. Here the chaparral abruptly ended and a Blue Oak Savannah, Quecrus douglasii, started. Unlike any other serpentine formation I have visited, I did not find even one Quercus species growing in the Red Hills.
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Along the western edge of the chaparral many of the Ceanothus cuneatus had started into bloom.
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Many bulbous species grew in the Red Hills. I saw many dried pods of Calochortus. They were most likely Calochortus superbus, a species I often associated with serpentine, however they could easily have been another species. 3 years ago I found a good stand of Calochortus luteus growing near Chinese Camp. The small village of Chinese Camp is a short distance to the east of this site. Dichelostemma capitatum is the fuzzy image in the foreground, right.
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Our path led us back to the staging area. There was plenty of time remaining before we needed to return so we set of to the north to explore the surrounding hills and ravines in this area. Here there were subtle differences in the vegetation. In moist areas Calandrinia ciliata was in bloom.
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First we hike to the summit of the highest hill, elevation 1,395 feet (426 meters). I found one plant of Castilleja affinis ssp. affinis in bloom. It was so striking in bloom I had to share the photograph even though it is fuzzy.
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There were other interesting plants in this area. This Monardella did not quite fit any species description well. I will be curious to see it in bloom later in the season.
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The hills in this area were carpeted with the native perennial grass, Elymus multisetus, Big Squirreltail.
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From the top of the hill there were more pleasant vistas of the surrounding landscape.
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We hiked through the hills without finding anything interesting so we decided to return to the staging area via a ravine and small creek.
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Sickly stands of Eriodictyon californicum grew along this route. Were they unhappy growing in soil full of toxic metals?
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Thousands of Clarkia seedlings had sprouted along the stream. What a show they will put on later in the season!
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All day I checked many rock outcroppings for lewsias. I did not find any, however I did find some beautiful Lithophragma growing in some of the rocky locations. They were not advanced enough to make a positive identification, however based on the leaves they were possibly Lithophragma parviflorum.
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The shadier rock formations were home to Micranthes californica. Their small white flowers were very charming on their long stems blooming above the rocks.
As with all outings the time arrived to return home. Despite our misdirection on the path to Don Pedro Reservoir, we had an excellent day out. There may not have been much in bloom, but there were still many fascinating plants to see. I definitely plan on returning. There are a number of endemic species that grow in the area that I would like to find, among them: Rawhide Hill Onion, Allium tuolumnense; Chinese Camp Brodiaea, Brodiaea pallida; California Verbena, Verbena californica; and Layne’s Ragwort, Packera layneae. But all of this will have to wait until another day.
Until next time……
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It looks like we are going to have a pause in the precipitation for awhile. The weather has turned cool with a trace of snow at the farm in El Dorado County. The early spring wildflowers have started to bloom at the lower elevations of the Sierra Nevada. At 525 feet, 160 meters, many of the early blooming species can be found blooming.
This is a view of the South Fork of the American River where it enters Folsom Reservoir near Salmon Falls. I found plenty in bloom the other day and I will be posting some photographs soon enough. A snow shower lingers over the mountains. There is over 7 meters of snow near the Sierra Crest!
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We have had 1,359 mm of precipitation to date at the farm in El Dorado County. The South Fork of the American River at Skunk Hollow is running high.
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There has been a, more or less, continuous human presence at Skunk Hollow for 150 years or so. It is not surprising that I logged 19 non-native invasive species along the margin of the parking lot in about 30 minutes. Some can be pretty such as Henbit, Lamium amplexicaule.
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Some invaders can give a Genus a bad reputation. Cirsium vulgare (pictured) is a common invasive weed in our area. Some of our California native Cirsium species may have some potential as ornamentals in the garden. I hope I do not regret planting our native Cirsium andersonii in our garden. It is perennial and spreads by root runners! I will report later on its progress in our garden. Will it be a beast or friendly?
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At Skunk Hollow, I did not have to look far for signs of the beginning of the spring blooming season. The flower buds of Buckbrush, Ceanothus cuneatus, were swelling and getting ready to open with the first sunny day.
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Castilleja foliolosa is a gem when blooming. With xeric conditions, they can look dead in the wild by the end of the summer. Under garden conditions, I can keep them looking respectable all season, however they have been short lived in our garden.
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It was a beautiful day and I was so easily drawn down the trail into the chaparral.
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In this area, Salvia sonomensis is a very common creeper under the taller chaparral shrubbery. Their blooming season has just started. At this site I have observed some interesting variation in flower color. Some plants have very deep almost purple flowers and I know of one colony with pink flowers.
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Pellaea mucronata (pictured) and Pentagramma triangularis are the most frequently seen fern species in this area.
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I have explored this area since I was a teenager (40+ years), yet there is always something new to see. At the base of a Chamise plant, Adenostoma fasciculatum, I spotted Aspidotis californica. This is my first sighting of this fern species along this trail.
Pine Hill is only a few miles away and is well known for its rare and endemic plant species. This area shares the same Gabbro soil type as is found on Pine Hill. I have crawled around under the chaparral shrubbery looking for unusual species. I suspect that some of the same rare and endemic species on Pine Hill can be found in the chaparral in this area if one is willing to look for them.
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I delighted in seeing these excellent examples of pink flowering White Leaf Manzanita, Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida.
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Generally Arctostaphylos viscida ssp viscida has white flowers and these can be very beautiful, especially when lit by the light of a full moon. Pink flowering forms of this species are not rare, however these were exceptional plants with a number of excellent qualities.
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There are species that I see very frequently but rarely report on. Galium porrigens var. tenue is one such species. This woody perennial is often seen rambling through chaparral shrubbery. Recurved hairs on the slender stems support their climbing growth through the chaparral shrubbery.
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Their flowers are small and unassuming. It is a common species that I have never considered planting it in our garden.
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The first flowers of Blue Dicks, Dichelostemma capitatum, have just started to emerge.
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The geophyte, Dichelostemma capitatum, has an extended blooming cycle, as different plants come into bloom at various intervals during the spring season.
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Hi Robert,
the pink flowered Manzanita is very showy!
And it's always nice to see the geophytes - I didn't realise that the Dichelostemma would be in bloom so early.
cheers
fermi
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Sorry for the fuzzy photograph. :( :-[
Many of the small and tiny flowered Brassicaceae are easily overlooked when hiking around, however I see them frequently in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. Two annuals, the Eurasian invader, Arabidoposis thaliana, Mouse-ear Cress (pictured) and the California native Cardamine oligosperma, Idaho Bitter Cress, are two species I often see blooming in dense colonies this time of the year.
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Hansen’s Spike-Moss is often seen growing over rocks ledges and out of crevices. During part of the season some of their leaves are often bright red creating a very beautiful scene on the rock faces.
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The foliage of Pitcher Sage, Lepechinia calycina, has a very pleasant scent. On a warm spring or summer days the scent of Lepechinia is quite distinct in the chaparral.
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The annual Phacelia cicutaria sends up erect stems topped by a coiled one-sided inflorescence with white to creamy white bell-shaped flowers.
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Spider Lupine, Lupinus benthamii will be blooming soon with its bright blue flowers.
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Bush Monkey Flower, Mimulus aurantiacus var. aurantiacus is found in many parts of California. This xeric species is generally found with orange-yellow flowers and will often bloom for a prolonged period of time during the spring.
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Deerweed, Acmispon glaber, is a small rounded xeric species frequently seen in the chaparral. When in bloom with its bright yellow pea-shaped flowers it can be quite lovely. In the wild they generally defoliate and often look half-baked by the end of the summer. I have never tried it in our garden, however it may perform well, and even look good at the end of the summer, under garden conditions.
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The distant ridge covered with chaparral was alluring. Many years ago I crawled to the top of this ridge under the chaparral shrubbery. Now there are trails to the top. Sadly I did not have time to continue my exploration of this ridge on this day.
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Our California Native Bunchgrasses have been exterminated from much of their original native range. I am always pleased to see them, especially when they are thriving and propagating themselves. There was not much left on the inflorescence of this Stipa species to make a determination to the species level, however my guess is that it was Stipa cerna.
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This is not the best example of Bush Lupine, Lupinus albifrons. The best forms have a dense bushy growth habit; stunning silvery evergreen foliage; and a large upright inflorescence with bright lavender blue flowers. They are well worth growing in the garden.
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Hi Robert,
the pink flowered Manzanita is very showy!
And it's always nice to see the geophytes - I didn't realise that the Dichelostemma would be in bloom so early.
cheers
fermi
Fermi,
Yes, the pink flowered Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida were very good indeed! :) They root very easily from cuttings taken in December-January. The plants are very easy to find and I will certainly take some cuttings next year. A colony of Salvia sonomensis with pink flowers grows very close to the Manzanitas as well as a huge ( :o ) colony of Erythronium multiscapodeum.
I have a huge list of geophytes I want to see this year, especially in the northern Coast Range and central Sierra Nevada. The first one on the list is Fritillaria pluriflora. They may be blooming near the end of March. Today I received a tip from a very reliable source where Fritillaria recurva might be found in El Dorado County. They grow abundantly in Butte and Plumas Counties to our north. Confirming their existence in El Dorado County would be a large extension of this species range.
Dichelostemma capitatum is always the first Themidaceae I see in bloom in our area. The ones in our Sacramento garden are budded but have not bloomed yet. They can be variable as to when they bloom.
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Robert,
I am enjoying your outing again! At the moment I am up in the snow in the mountains and therefore it is a huge contrast to follow in your footsteps. (We don't have much snow though, it is in fact much less snow than normal.)
Arctostaphylos species are always interesting but I also like the modest woody Galium. We have several Galium species here but they are all herbs. And of course the Castillejas are showy!
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Robert,
I am enjoying your outing again! At the moment I am up in the snow in the mountains and therefore it is a huge contrast to follow in your footsteps. (We don't have much snow though, it is in fact much less snow than normal.)
Arctostaphylos species are always interesting but I also like the modest woody Galium. We have several Galium species here but they are all herbs. And of course the Castillejas are showy!
Trond,
I have been able to go out a little bit every day. Not enough to really call it an outing, but I am still happy to get out and see all the plants thriving with the abundant rainfall this season. :) 8) I will keep posting photographs as I can. Maybe not everyday, but often. :)
We have a number of Galium species that grow in our area. Galium aparine, G. bolanderi and G. porrigens are the species that I see most often. Galium aparine is native to California (and a lot more!), however it can be very weedy in a garden. Another Rubiaceae, Sherardia arvensis, is not native. It is also somewhat weedy.
The Castillejas are great! I wish that they were easy for me to grow in the garden. Maybe when we get our "Sunroom" removed and we can expand our rock garden (more sun and space) I will have more success with Castilleja.
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A typical Blue Oak woodland forest. This forest community is generally found in the 150 meter to 500 meter elevation range in our part of the Sierra Nevada Foothills, and differs from a Blue Savannah ecosystem. Blue Oak, Quercus douglasii is the dominant species, however California Gray Pine, Pinus sabiniana, and Interior Live Oak, Quercus wisilzenii are also canopy species.
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Iris macrosiphon is a common resident of this forest community. I was very surprised to find this half-spent flower as well as many budded flower stems that were showing color. In our Sacramento garden the flowering stems of this species are just starting to emerge.
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The emerging stems of Wyethia helenioides are densely tomentose and very attractive. This species enjoys the filtered light of the oak forest.
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The stems of Wyethia angustifolia are also emerging from their winter rest. Occasionally I find both species growing in close proximity to each other. Wyethia helenioides generally blooms early in the season, followed by W. angustifolia. Their flowering cycles generally do not coincide with each other, however there are instances where cross-pollination has occurred. I have observed hybrids between the two species in several locations in Northern California.
Primula (Dodecatheon) hendersonii can also be seen in this photograph. I found many plants in bloom, even a few that had already gone over. Many of the blossoms looked somewhat pale this year, even those blooming in our Sacramento garden, although, today while at home I noticed that the flower color of our garden plants had intensified. I have never noticed this phenomenon before on this species.
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An Apiaceae, Sanicula crassicaulis, a very common species in our area, is starting to flower.
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Robert,
It is interesting with all the different plant communities you have with different species dominating. Although we have some differences here also it is not like that. Supposedly this is because we have much fewer species here and the plant communities are much younger. An example is the Sanicula. We have just one species - you have several!
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Robert,
It is interesting with all the different plant communities you have with different species dominating. Although we have some differences here also it is not like that. Supposedly this is because we have much fewer species here and the plant communities are much younger. An example is the Sanicula. We have just one species - you have several!
Trond,
There are 5 species of Sanicula that are native within El Dorado County (where the farm is located). 12 or so species are native to California.
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Repeatedly, I have observed the apparent the breakdown of species boundaries within the Genus Arctostaphylos within El Dorado County (and perhaps elsewhere in California). Pictured is a stand of Arctostaphylos viscida taken a few days ago near Jenkinson Reservoir. Within this stand I found plants that exhibited the characteristics of ssp. viscida (completely glaberous), ssp. mariposa (glandular hairs on stems), and intergrades in between. For me this raises a number of questions. In California, such mixing (and other factors) has given rise to our impressive diversity of species. As horticulturalist there are a number of ways we can exploit this diversity to bring new varieties into cultivation. Fun! 8)
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Polygala cornuta var. cornuta also grows near Jenkinson Reservoir (trace of snow in this photograph - the next day it was buried under snow). It is a very unassuming species that grows on the forest floor in this area. Who knows what potential this species might have? Some members of this Genus have showy flowers and are planted in gardens. I think about the diversity of some vegetables, such as squash. What possibilities are there with a species like this?
Everything is in a state of constant change. 8) Trond, if I understand correctly there is not much species diversity as well as plant community diversity in Norway. Many species remained in "California" during the Ice Age(s). Also, the Ice Ages were not uniform, there were considerable temperature variations throughout these periods. The fact that species remained and moved around as conditions fluctuated must partly account for our species diversity here in California.
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I was very surprised to see this Calochortus albus so far advanced in its flowering cycle. Generally, this species will bloom later in the season. It enjoys a partly shaded locations.
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Chlorogalum pomeridianum, Soap Plant, is a very common species in our foothill region. The flowers of this species open in the evening.
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This time of year it is easy to spot Clarkia seedlings. We have a fair number of species that are indigenous to our part of the Sierra Nevada foothills. They will bloom much later in the season, however it is nice to know where the show will be preformed.
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Poison Hemlock, Conium maculatum, is generally associated with Socrates. I do not see this species often, however in the seasonally moist areas that it enjoys, it is generally very persistent.
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Ranunculus californicus var. californicus (a dyslexic moment or something like that, should read R. occidentalis var. occidentalis :-[ ) is one of our early blooming species. Under the right conditions they can be found in large drifts and create a beautiful ocean of yellow flowers.
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The Buckeye trees, Aesculus californica, are leafing out. I like the ghostly, smooth white bark of this small, bushy tree.
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A parting scene of the trail as it winds it way through the chaparral. This photograph was from a few days ago when there were lingering showers in the Sierra Nevada.
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Trond,
There are 5 species of Sanicula that are native within El Dorado County (where the farm is located). 12 or so species are native to California.
Robert,
That is exactly what I mean! And this is not the only example. In addition you have far more of both species and genera.
Repeatedly, I have observed the apparent the breakdown of species boundaries within the Genus Arctostaphylos within El Dorado County (and perhaps elsewhere in California). Pictured is a stand of Arctostaphylos viscida taken a few days ago near Jenkinson Reservoir. Within this stand I found plants that exhibited the characteristics of ssp. viscida (completely glaberous), ssp. mariposa (glandular hairs on stems), and intergrades in between. For me this raises a number of questions. In California, such mixing (and other factors) has given rise to our impressive diversity of species. As horticulturalist there are a number of ways we can exploit this diversity to bring new varieties into cultivation. Fun! 8)
Such mixing can as you say lead to a breakdown of the species. You risk getting a continuum - one very wide species. I think the old species evolved when the climate were harsher (drier/colder) than now and different populations were separated by uninhabitable areas. This goes for several (all?) genera with many close species.
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Polygala cornuta var. cornuta also grows near Jenkinson Reservoir (trace of snow in this photograph - the next day it was buried under snow). It is a very unassuming species that grows on the forest floor in this area. Who knows what potential this species might have? Some members of this Genus have showy flowers and are planted in gardens. I think about the diversity of some vegetables, such as squash. What possibilities are there with a species like this?
Polygala is a nice genus! We have 3 or 4 species of Polygala here. I try to increase the number in my garden!
Everything is in a state of constant change. 8) Trond, if I understand correctly there is not much species diversity as well as plant community diversity in Norway. Many species remained in "California" during the Ice Age(s). Also, the Ice Ages were not uniform, there were considerable temperature variations throughout these periods. The fact that species remained and moved around as conditions fluctuated must partly account for our species diversity here in California.
Robert, We have several different plant communities in Norway but it is many of the same species that occur there. Take "blueberry" Vaccinium myrtillus, a typical woodland plant. But you find it from the seashore and up to above the treeline. It grows rather wet but also in drier sites, in dense shade and full sun. This species ought to have differentiated in several species! But it has not - probably the time has been too short. Rather few species immigrated to Norway when the glaciation period ended and the time has apparently been to short for diversifying.
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This time of year it is easy to spot Clarkia seedlings. We have a fair number of species that are indigenous to our part of the Sierra Nevada foothills. They will bloom much later in the season, however it is nice to know where the show will be preformed.
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The leaves of Clarcia looks very similar to Fuchsia! And also similar to some Epilobiums! Clarcia is nicer than Epilobium though!
Conium maculatum is a native here also :)
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A beautiful view of Jenkinson Reservoir and the snow capped Crystal Range in the background. With 7+ meters of snow at the Sierra Nevada crest, it will most likely be July before I can venture into this territory.
Trond,
Undoubtedly different species respond to evolutionary pressures differently (I'm thinking about your comment concerning Vaccinium in Norway). I guess I enjoy pondering such things with my right brain imagination.
Clarkias are very nice, however we also have a few Epilobium species in California that are quite nice. Epilobium obcordatum from the high elevations of the Sierra Nevada comes to mind.
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I was out the other day checking on some of our local patches of Erythronium multiscapideum. I did see a few flower buds, however they are still a few weeks away from opening.
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At another location Erythronium multiscapodium can be found growing with Salvia sonomensis. This is an odd combination as S. sonomensis enjoys exposure to full sun and E. multiscapodium generally enjoys some shade.
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At this same site, one of our El Dorado County endemic species can be found, Wyethia reticulata. With our Mediterranean climatic conditions, this species thrives in our Sacramento garden, blooming well both in full sun as well as fairly shady conditions.
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Leather Oak, Quercus durata var. durata thrives under the most trying circumstances. It is frequently found growing on serpentine, however it can also be found growing under other challenging conditions.
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The flowers on the pendant, catkin-like inflorescences of Garrya congdonii are starting to open.
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I checked on Traverse Creek the other day. The elevation at Traverse Creek is closer to 750 meters. Most of the early spring wildflowers are still a few weeks from starting into their spring blooming cycle.
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Lomatium utriculatum is an early bloomer, however only a few plants were showing any color.
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The same was true for Lasthenia californica. When they are in full bloom, the whole ground can be carpeted with their flowers. This day I saw only a few open flowers, however there were plenty of flower buds waiting to open.
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The California Bay Trees, Umbellularia californica, were in full bloom. During the drought years, I would often find open flowers on this species in January and February at the same elevation. I think that the native flora is enjoying the precipitation and cooler temperatures this year.
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I checked some sites where I generally find Viola douglasii. I did not find any, but then it is likely too early for them to emerge yet. Down in our Sacramento garden this species has already emerged and is well into its spring growth. I am hoping for many flowers this season. This species is a real gem!
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While walking around, I found this nice form of Eriogonum tripodum. I was very dense and compact compared to others at this site.
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Leather Oak, Quercus durata var. durata thrives with the serpentine conditions at Traverse Creek.
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The flowers of Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. mariposa are just starting to open. I keep finding this Taxon in unexpected locations.
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Cardamine oligosperma is an unassuming annual species. It is a native species, however it can be a bit C. hirsuta is weedy and it frequently turns up on farms, in nurseries, and gardens.
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I finally was able to get a halfway decent close-up photograph of this tiny, early blooming species.
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Cardamine oligosperma looks a bit like C hirsuta which is a cumbersome weed!
Lomatium utriculatum looks great!
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Cardamine oligosperma looks a bit like C hirsuta which is a cumbersome weed!
Lomatium utriculatum looks great!
Thank you Trond!
Cardamine hirsuta has been a weed here in California for a long time. Although the photograph is of Cardamine oligosperma in a wild setting my statement about it being weedy should have read C. hirsuta. In our foothill region both species can be found. The chromosome count of both species is 2n=16. Cardamine hisuta has been around for so long that it seems possible, in some cases, that there may have been some mixing of the two species. There is way too much stress while I am at the farm and I make so many stupid mistakes! :-[ Thank you for your comment! 8)
Lomatium utriculatum is nice and I have had some success growing it in our garden. Slugs like it! :P The slugs came close to destroying the batch this spring, but now they are doing better.
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Most days I have been going out for a short period of time to make a brief survey of various local sites. This day I visited the Deer Creek Hills, an area of low hills that is a transition zone between the Central Valley of California and the Sierra Nevada foothills.
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The fallow fields look devoid of flowers at this time, however there are plants blooming out there. Later in the season there will be a riot of color with Dichelostemma, Triteleia, Eschscholzia, Calochortus, and many other species in bloom.
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In contrast is the rangeland in this same area. Later in the season the heavily grazed rangeland is more or less devoid of wildflowers. Last year the only “flowering” species that I noted was Trifolium subterraneum. The majority of the species are non-native invasive annual grasses such as Bromus diandrus and Bromus hordeaceus. The vernal pool in the center of this photograph is more or less barren!
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There are many streams that run through the Deer Creek Hills, Deer Creek being the primary water coarse. These riparian habitats are too often very fragile and extremely susceptible to damage by cattle. This seasonal creek has been off limits to the cattle for a number of years.
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A storm was moving in and it was too windy for photography. I did get this photograph of Popcorn Flower, Plagiobothrys fulvus var. campestris in bloom. In the photograph you can almost see the dense dark brown hairs on the calyx. A few other noteworthy species in bloom were Amsinckia intermedia, Dichelostemma capitatum, as well as some invasive species such as Erodium botrys, and Raphanus sativus.
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I returned the next day, however an intense squall moved in very quickly. No point in hanging around this day! On the return trip to the farm the heavy rain turned to snow. The snow quickly accumulated on the roadway. No chains! Fortunately the car did not slide on the snow and I arrived safely back at the farm.
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When I was out at Rock Creek several days ago I did see this beauty, Claytonia parviflora ssp. grandiflora. With a casual glance this species resembles Claytonia perfoliata, a common species in our area known as Miner's Lettuce. C. perfoliata is quite good to eat and the seed is sold in the U.S.A. as a salad green. Claytonia parviflora differs from C.perfoliata having long narrow basal leaves. Claytonia parviflora ssp. grandiflora can have flowers that are white or pink. The plant pictured has very nice pink flowers. It really stood out.
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I am always looking fw to the spring beauties Robert! They are among the first flowers to appear in the woods here, both C. virginica and caroliniana.
The common name suits them all very well :)
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I am always looking fw to the spring beauties Robert! They are among the first flowers to appear in the woods here, both C. virginica and caroliniana.
The common name suits them all very well :)
Gabriela,
I especially like the pink flowering form of Claytonia parviflora ssp. grandiflora. :)
We use Miner's Lettuce as a common name (at least for C. perfoliata), do you use another for the Claytonia species in your region?
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The snow was not much and never lasted around the farm. It was a bit too warm. I did take the scenic route into town. There was still snow on the ground on the ridges above the South Fork of the American River. The photograph is of one of the many ponds in our area.
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The bits of white on the ridge top is the remaining low elevation snow. In 3 or 4 days the forecast is for 20C+ temperatures. The low elevation snow will be gone, the wildflowers will be blooming.
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Water is cascading down from the ridge tops into the canyon far below.
I will be home Wednesday and I have an outing planned for the following Wednesday. Weather will play a factor in the destination. Maybe the Coastal Mountains if the weather remains dry. The wildflower season will be progressing in this region. As a backup, the Sierra Nevada Foothills will have to do. There are plenty of places to check on, rain or shine.
In the mean time I will get some rest. :)
Until the next time.....
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Robert,
it looks like a very wet spring in California!
Claytonia sp. are commonly called here Spring beauties :) (no one uses the specifics Carolina spring beauty and Virginia spring beauty because they are very similar).
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Robert,
it looks like a very wet spring in California!
Claytonia sp. are commonly called here Spring beauties :) (no one uses the specifics Carolina spring beauty and Virginia spring beauty because they are very similar).
Gabriela,
Thank you for responding! Spring Beauties seems a very fitting name.
I also wanted to thank you for the link to eFloras.org I have my hands full" right now, but I did check some of the links on the main page. It seems that there could be a considerable amount of fascinating information through the various links. 8)
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Robert,
Interesting as usual!
Only one spring beauty is common here - Claytonia siberica. It is not native though. I have lots of them in my woodland.
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I do love this thread - my head spins with the delights from California and Norway - international delights indeed!
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I do love this thread - my head spins with the delights from California and Norway - international delights indeed!
It is strange, so far apart and so different but also many similarities :)
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Yes, it is quite fascinating.
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As I plan outings for the coming season, I like to research species that I wish to study in more detail, or settle discrepancies that I encounter in the field. On 17 August 2016, I explored the Smith Lake area high on the western slope of the Crystal Range near Mount Price. On the approach to a false peak above Smith Lake, I found and photographed a fern that I identified, in a cursory way, as Cryptogramma acrostichoides. A comment on my botanical diary suggested that this fern was possibly Cryptogramma cascadensis. Recently I have investigated this issue, and now believe that this fern may indeed be C. cascadensis.
Although both Cryptogramma acrostichoides and C. cascadensis have a distinct general “form” this characteristic alone is not enough to accurately distinguish between the two species. Superficially they can look quite similar, especially if they are not examined closely. After receiving pertinent information and re-examining the fern photograph from Smith Lake, my conclusion is that most likely the fern is indeed Cryptogramma cascadensis.
There are a number of details that have led me to this conclusion: Cryptogramma cascadensis is deciduous; the fronds are shed each year and replaced by new fronds each season. The previous year’s fronds are dispersed or decompose leaving more or less nothing around the crown. In the photograph it can be seen that there is no visible debris from the previous season around the crown. In contrast, with Cryptogramma acrostichoides the previous year’s fronds are retained creating a thatch around the crown. In most cases this is very apparent.
Further, Cryptogramma acrostichoides is a xeric species and is generally found growing in rock crevices on very dry slopes. This species can go completely dry during the summer and will come back into growth once rehydrated. Cryptogramma cascadensis is a mesic species, thus found growing where there is always a supply of moisture. Under drought conditions, C cascadensis has been observed to wilt, then dry, and die without moisture. Unlike Cryptogramma acrostichoides, once completely desiccated, C. cascadensis will not regrow when rehydrated.
Cryptogramma cascadensis has often been observed growing in association with Athyrium distentifolium var. americanum. On the talus slope above Smith Lake, this Lady Fern species was seen frequently in rock cervices along with the Cryptogramma fern. A presumably constant supply of water could be heard trickling through the rocks below, as both species are mesic.
I do grow Cryptogramma acrostichoides in our Sacramento garden. It is a fine compact growing fern that seems very amenable to garden conditions as long as there is excellent soil drainage and shade from the hot summer sun is provided. I have never grown Cryptogramma cascadensis; however I suspect that it would prove equally amenable to garden culture as long as a regular supply of moisture is supplied.
Fairly recently (Alverson,1989), Cryptogramma cascadensis was identified and described as a unique and separate species. Presently Cryptogramma cascadensis has a known range that is fairly well established. It is distributed throughout the Cascade Range: from southern British Columbia, through Washington and Oregon, into northern California. Its range continues in the high Sierra Nevada as far south as Fresno County. To the east, C. cascadensis is found in the northern Rocky Mountains. This summer I plan to return to the Smith Lake area. At this time a positive identification of this Cryptogramma species can be made. Favorable habitats also exist in the high elevations of the Northern Coast Range where this species might be found. I will be looking for C. cascadensis this summer as I explore the Snow Mountain region of the Northern Coastal Mountains.
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Spring is advancing quickly now that the weather has cleared and warmed. In our Sacramento garden Fritillaria affinis is now in bloom. This is one of many indications that the spring blooming season has arrived in the lower elevations of our region of California. It is time to get out! My next outing is planned for this Wednesday.
Until then…..
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Trond,
Thank you for sharing the photographs of Claytonia siberica. Not native. I guess you have your own invasive species in Norway. I liked how the petals are deeply lobed. 8)
I have to admit that I am having difficulties planning my next outing. There are a number of interesting places where I would like to focus my attention. :-\ Now that spring weather has arrived, where ever I go it will be good.
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Robert,
If your difficulties when planning your next outing are too many interesting places, I can't say I feel sorry for you :D
Good luck at your outing wherever it may be!
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Robert,
If your difficulties when planning your next outing are too many interesting places, I can't say I feel sorry for you :D
Good luck at your outing wherever it may be!
Yes, you got me on that one! :-[ :)
I did make up my mind and will be traveling to the northern coastal mountains. There are a number of geophythes that may be in bloom: Fritillaria pluriflora is top of the list right now, however there are a few Calochortus species I want to see in this region too. The Calochortus will bloom a bit later. Then there is Erythronium helenae near Mount Saint Helena and other Erythronium species even closer to the coast. I might have to wait until next year to see them. :'( I know, I know ;D you don't feel sorry for me. I don't either. ;D
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I did make up my mind and will be traveling to the northern coastal mountains. There are a number of geophythes that may be in bloom: Fritillaria pluriflora is top of the list right now, however there are a few Calochortus species I want to see in this region too. The Calochortus will bloom a bit later. Then there is Erythronium helenae near Mount Saint Helena and other Erythronium species even closer to the coast...
Really looking forward to your next report :D
cheers
fermi
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Really looking forward to your next report :D
cheers
fermi
Hi Fermi,
The weather has changed radically. I is very warm now, at least for this time of year. The outing site is a hybrid of sorts; south of Bear Valley, but north of the lower portions of Cache Creek. A friend of mine found Fritillaria pluriflora near this site. This was back in the 1980's, so who knows. :-\ Anyway the outing will give me a good assessment of the current conditions in the area. I have a strong hunch that there will be plenty to see.
Thank you for the comment(s). The internet service is terrible here in Sacramento! Much of the time I can only up load my data from my outings in the middle of the night. I have ended up per-writing my outings and then using cut and paste to transfer information. This works well, however at times I can get wordy. :-\ Hopefully the quality has stayed the same or is still interesting. The last upload turned into a brief essay! :-\ I'm not sure this is well received or not? After all the idea is to stimulate interest and convey useful information. :)
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Robert, no need to worry about being too wordy! I look forward to all of your posts, and learn plenty from each one (you somehow manage to make me google some new plant or location, after each post ;D ) Keep up the wonderful work.... I'm sure I'm not the only one who eagerly awaits your next botanical adventure! It is like being in the backpack of a plant hunter.
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Gordon is spot on! Couldn't agree more. Don't cut back your word output, Robert!
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Thanks Ralph and Gordon for encouraging Robert in his efforts for us.
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Gordon - Ralph,
Thank you for the feed-back. 8)
I may be in a position to write more. Your comments are helpful and will help shape my new approach.
Gordon,
There is certainly a fascinating variety of plants to see in the wild. There is often considerable variation within a species. New surprises pop-up all the time, even with species that are old fiends.
You have mentioned that you have friends - family in the Clear Lake region. I am sure that when you check with Google (mapping) you can see that I am often not far from Clear Lake.
Thanks again for the feed-back.
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You get it spot on every time Robert.
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You get it spot on every time Robert.
Hi David,
Thank you for the comment and the reality check! I do not want to get too caught up in my own reality. Certainly I benefit from my participation in the forum, however I want to make sure that whatever I do on the forum is useful to others too.
California has a somewhat long history of exporting beautiful horticultural plants around the world. The world of horticulture is ever changing. New possibilities and ideas are constantly coming forth. I enjoy taking part in this process, even if in only a very small way.
My wife sometimes says that we have the world's smallest botanical garden. It seems that way sometimes. Although I grow plants from every part of the globe (expect Antarctica ;D ) it is not surprising that I have many California native species, many from my recent outings (past 4-5 years or so). The fun and challenge is turning this all into a beautiful garden that has interest during all seasons. It is an ongoing and never ending process, however our Sacramento garden is slowly taking shape. The vista from our kitchen windows is captivating and it is pleasant looking out into the garden. :)
Thanks again for your good words! :)
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Yesterdays outing to the Cache Creek Wilderness was quite the adventure. I did finally arrive! ??? Yes, just getting to the destination was quite the adventure.
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Although the early blooming species have not peaked, there were a few spectacular displays. In addition, there were a number of subtle early blooming plants I found that I am glad that I did not miss. My current work schedule is quite hectic, so my report will be posted, as I am able, during the next 3 to 7 days.
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Robert:
I can tell you that from side of the country we area very much looking forward to spring. Had a late season snow storm that wasn't as large as first predicted but still trashed some early Narcissus.
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Robert:
I can tell you that from side of the country we area very much looking forward to spring. Had a late season snow storm that wasn't as large as first predicted but still trashed some early Narcissus.
Arnold,
We too can have some late season foul weather. It can snow as late as 1 April even at low elevations. Right now it looks like we will be returning to our rain. The last 10 days of rain free and warm weather has certainly brought on the wildflowers.
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Although no snow storms here we had a rain storm the other day. My big leaved rhododendrons were already defoliated from previous storms so they had no more leaves to loose. No warm weather either so it is the same plants blooming as last month!
Looking forward to the rest of your report Robert!
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Hi Trond,
I look forward to posting my next report too! I am going to have to find a new internet service provider. Now even at 2:00 a.m. (out time) the system is overloaded and does not work when I am in Sacramento. Getting connected, not to mention even posting the outing, is impossible much of the time. At least I am able to get through right now! :)
It looks like, our wintery-rainy weather will be returning soon.
It sounds like the seasons progress slowly in your part of Norway?
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Robert,
The Internet is as fast as I want here, but the spring is slow! The spring develop much faster in the inland of course but it hasn't started yet.
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CACHE CREEK WILDERNESS
NORTH CENTRAL REGION
Wednesday, 15 Mach 2017
Sacramento Weather
Weather:Cloudy
Temperature, High: 75 F, 24 C
Low: 56 F, 13.5 C
This winter I started exploring the southern portion of the Northern Coastal Mountains in California. Much has changed since I last visited the region on 1 February, when Dalton and I explored the ridges below Snow Mountain. 30 days of torrential rainfall has caused considerable land slippage and extensive flooding in northern California. In addition, 10 days of dry weather with temperatures 10 to15 degrees Fahrenheit above average has triggered the early spring wildflowers into bloom. I was quite eager to assess the current conditions in the area, as well as observe the early spring wildflowers. Gathering information on the range and health of populations of Fritillaria pluriflora and several Calochortus species including C. uniflorus are high on my list of priorities.
I set out early on Wednesday morning, 15 March. Today I was traveling alone as Dalton’s work schedule has changed and he was unavailable to accompany me. My goal this day was to explore the north central region of the Cache Creek Wilderness Area. If I arrived early I could explore a good portion of Cache Creek area below the confluence of the North and South Forks of Cache Creek. The most direct route is through the Capay Valley, then through the Blue Ridge Mountains to Highway 20 and then on to the trailhead.
Capay Valley is home to the Cache Creek Casino, a large resort-gambling hall out in the middle of “nowhere”. The casino owners want to keep a steady flow of gamblers arriving at their gaming hall, so it is important to them to keep the highway open. Unfortunately, it was not until after I drove past the casino that the signs announcing the closer of Highway 16 in Cache Creek canyon appeared! Now, to get to the trailhead would require a lengthy amount of backtracking and a completely new route far to the north taking me to the town of Williams where I could connect with Highway 20.
Beyond the casino, north on Highway 16, there is a short-cut via Sand Creek that could save me a lot of time, so I decided to take a chance and check it out. Sand Creek Road is an unimproved road running northeast through the hills to Williams and Highway 20. I bought an AWD vehicle so I could easily travel on less than idea roads. Unfortunately, this road was completely washed-out by the February storms. Now I had a long drive back to the town of Capay before traveling north to Williams.
When I arrived at Williams I thought that my delays were over. Sadly, there had been considerable damage to highway 20 in the Coastal Mountains west of Williams. The highway was still open, but there were long delays due to road repairs and construction. I was not going to give up easily, so eventually I arrived at my desired destination.
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The trailhead, elevation 1,736 feet (529 meters), into this part of the Cache Creek Wilderness is in a Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii) savannah, the trail traveling south in the hills.
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There were large patches of Ranunculus occidentalis var. occidentalis blooming on the hillsides above the staging area. In the past this land had been used as rangeland for cattle. The invasive species were prolific. The dried seed heads of Cynosurus echinatus, Dogtail Grass an invasive species, can also been seen in the photograph. I spent some time surveying the invasive species around the staging area before setting out southward toward Cache Creek.
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Miner’s Lettuce, Claytonia perfoliata, is a prolific native species found in shaded moist areas this time of year.
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Less common is Claytonia parviflora ssp. parviflora. The cauline leaves of this species are similar to those of Claytonia perfoliata, however the long narrow basal leaves distinguish this species from C. perfoliata.
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There was a considerable number of species to check on. In a half an hour I progressed about 30 meters up the hillside. Sanicula bipinnata was blooming everywhere along my route up the hill.
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My route traversed a hillside along a ravine with a small seasonal creek. The north facing slopes of the ravine were covered with large swathes of Primula (Dodecatheon) hendersonii and Ranunculus occidentalis var. occidetnalis in full bloom. It was an awesome sight.
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In sunnier areas there were patches of a white form of Collinsia sparsiflora var. sparsiflora in bloom. These too were very beautiful to see.
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Growing on hot south facing exposures were mats of the annual Fabaceae, Acmispon wrangleianus. The gray-green leaflets are covered with attractive long soft hairs.
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Common Manzanita, Arctostaphylos manzanita ssp. manzanita was the dominant Manzanita species in this plant community, however I did find a few specimens of Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. pulchella (pictured). The fruit of this subspecies is very glandular and sticky. This characteristic can even be observed on old fruit as well as on the developing ovary.
Another interesting plant I found in this area was a specimen of what appeared to be Quercus palmeri. Quercus palmeri is not common in this part of California and has not been found in Lake County. I have found this oak in eastern Colusa County about 30 miles north of this site. In the autumn I will return to this site and check the acorns to confirm this finding.
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I found large colonies of Primula (Dodecatheon) hendersonii throughout the shaded north facing hillsides. I checked the developing seed capsules and found them full of developing seed. Another indication that the plants in this area produce viable seed was the variance in characteristics I observed, such as flower color. It was quite obvious that they were reproducing from seed.
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Near the crest of a ridge I found a large colony of Fritillaria affinis growing in the shade of some very large Common Manzanitas, Acrtostaphylos manzanita ssp. manzanita.
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They grew in a full range of colors; from dark, almost inky, purple mottled with yellow through pale yellow-green mottled with purple. Some of the previous season’s seedpods still remained, however the seed was long gone.
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A fire had passed through this area one or two years ago. Ehrendorferia chrysantha is a species that often regenerates well after a fire. Young seedlings of this species were growing abundantly in this ridge top area.
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Cynoglossum grande was also enjoying the shaded protection of the trees and shrubs on this north facing slope.
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As I continued toward the crest of the ridge I found a small number of Delphiniums in bloom. They were D. patens ssp. patens, a species that I frequently see in the Sierra Nevada foothills. There are a number of Delphinium species that grow in the Coastal Mountains that are not found in the Sierra Nevada. Unfortunately, I did not see any on this day.
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Near the Delphiniums I found Lomatium utriculatum. I was surprised to find this species growing in this type of environment. Generally this species enjoys growing in rocky areas with full sun.
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Lupinus albifrons was another species I found near the Delphiniums that seemed a bit out-of-place.
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Common Manzanita, Arctostaphylos manzanita ssp. manzanita, may not have grown abundantly along this route, however they did grow in a considerable variety of forms. Some of the plants had twigs that were densely non-glandular hairy and resembled A. glandulosa ssp. cushingiana. The plants did not have burls so they were not A. glandulosa ssp. cushiniana, and the hairs were not glandular, so they could not be A. manzanita ssp. wieslanderi. I am sure that they represented part of the natural variance within this species.
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There was much to see thus my progress was extremely slow, however I eventually reached the top of the ridge. I was quickly running out of time and I had only hiked 2 km!
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On the sunny ridge top a few Lupinus nanus were coming into bloom. I needed to make a decision soon. Would I return to the Outback and check on the road to Bear Valley or continue on? There certainly was not enough time to reach Cache Creek.
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I am always curious; so I continued on to see what I might find. After a short distance, there were some nice stands of Blue Dicks, Dichelostemma capitatum, blooming near the dried pods of a Calochortus species.
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From the top of the ridge there was a striking vista of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the southeast.
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As I continued on, in the distance I noticed an area of dense chaparral that had burned during the recent fire. This looking interesting, so I decided to investigate this habitat.
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This burned over hillside turned out to be an extremely interesting site to explore. Young seedlings of Ceanothus jepsonii (pictured), an obligate seeder, were growing throughout this site. Other chaparral species such as Chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum and Eriodictyon californicum were grow back strongly.
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I was extremely fascinated by the annual / perennial species that were recolonizing this area after the fire. I could not key this Camissonia / Camissoniopsis to species.
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The native Brassicaceae, Caulanthus lasiophylla California Mustard, had colonized portions of this hillside.
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With it, another native Brassicaceae could be found, Athysanus pusillus. Erigeron canadensis, Epilobium brachycarpum, Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens, Acmispon wrangelianus, Trifolium hirtum, and Lactuca serriola were among the mix of species observed in this burned over chaparral.
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The shrubby Fabaceae, Acmispon glaber, was making a strong comeback after the fire.
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I could have spent all day exploring this burned over section of chaparral, however I had now definitely run out of time and needed to return to the Outback quickly.
Too bad! There was still fascinating territory to explore.
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I raced back to the Outback hoping I would not be returning home late. I still needed to deal with the traffic delays on Highway 20!
I guess I can still hike quickly. When I arrived at the Outback there was still time to do something productive. I drove back toward Williams and turned off on Bear Creek Road. There was not enough time to reach Bear Valley, however I could check on the condition of this gravel/dirt road. I did not find Fritillaria pluriflora this day and I would most likely need to travel this road to reach Bear Valley where I know I will find this species.
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Both sides of Bear Creek Road are well posted with “No Trespassing” signs. Bummer! This was extremely fascinating territory. The banks of the road were lined with Eschscholzia caespitosa in full bloom.
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In other areas there were wide swaths of Gilla tricolor in bloom.
It is easy for me to get carried away when I am exploring areas like this, however good reason did over come me and I turned around and headed home.
Despite the road closures and delays this outing turned out well. I have business to tend to this coming week so the next outing will be to the Salmon Falls area of El Dorado County. I hope to check on the “mega” Erythronium patch and continue my exploration of the South Fork of the American River.
The following week I hope to reach Bear Valley to see Fritillaria pluriflora and all the other wildflowers in this area. Time permitting I will continue on to the Snow Mountain area. There is much to look forward to.
Until the next time……..
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Another very successful outing Robert! So very nice to see so many wildflowers coming into bloom :)
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Another very successful outing Robert! So very nice to see so many wildflowers coming into bloom :)
Thank you Gabriela!
The rain has returned to Northern California. My rain gear works well, however photography can be problematic. I will see what I can get done on Wednesday. :)
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Robert, we also have Claytonia/Montia perfoliata. Here it is an introduction from the US and is called springbeauty. It flowers later in the year in the UK.
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Robert,
Very nice to follow in your steps to look at the spring flowers! If I had accompanied you your speed had been considerably slower :)
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Robert, we also have Claytonia/Montia perfoliata. Here it is an introduction from the US and is called springbeauty. It flowers later in the year in the UK.
Ian,
Claytonia perfoliata seed is also sold in the U.S.A. as a salad green - vegetable crop! Of coarse I never have to plant it as it grows abundantly in the wild.
Robert,
Very nice to follow in your steps to look at the spring flowers! If I had accompanied you your speed had been considerably slower :)
Trond,
I am actually pleased to hear that you would travel at a slower pace than I. ;D Sometimes I think I go too fast and miss things. When I am out with my wife I go much slower.
When I was looking over the plants in the burned over chaparral area I was crawling around on my hands and knees with a hand lens. Some people came hiking up a nearby draw and saw me crawling around - actually their dogs saw me crawling around! :-[ They must have thought I was "mad" (insane).
Tomorrow I will be in El Dorado county checking on the plants near the South Fork of the American River - maybe Traverse Creek too.
Today it rained so hard that we almost had to pull off the highway because we could not see where we were driving! There were tornado warnings to the south of us today. Wild weather! I hope it is not so rainy tomorrow! I was out in heavy rain earlier in the day with my rain suit on. It works extremely well. I stayed nice and dry. Tomorrow I will be out rain or shine. :)
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I love reading about your explorations.
Thank you!
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I love reading about your explorations.
Thank you!
Hi Julie,
Thank you for your comment.
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Despite some rain on Wednesday I had a good outing to the Salmon Falls area. I have much business to attend to this weekend. My report on this outing may be delayed until I work through a back long to items that need my attention. I will be traveling to Bear Valley next Wednesday.
It is Erythronium season. The plants were a bit beat-up by the rain, however they still looked fairly good.
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Grean meadows, trees that leave out and flowering Erythroniums. Nice :)
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Grean meadows, trees that leave out and flowering Erythroniums. Nice :)
Hi Trond,
Now that I am back in town, I can write-up a report on my last outing. In addition, we will have fiber-optic land lines in our neighborhood soon. 8) This will improve our internet quality and my ability to participate in the forum. The old systems worked 20% of the time (mostly at 2 a.m. our time) and one could be cut-off at any time.
The Erythroniums were kinda' beat-up from the rainy and stormy weather. I always enjoy their season. Up the mountain they will start to bloom in a month. In a way, this extends their season.
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SALMON FALLS
SKUNK HOLLOW - WEST
Wednesday, 23 Mach 2017
Sacramento Weather
Weather:Cloudy
Temperature, High: 67 F, 19.5 C
Low: 43 F, 6 C
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Wednesday morning was stormy with heavy rain showers. I left our Sacramento home early to explore the Salmon Falls area on the South Fork of the American River in El Dorado County. Skunk Hollow (elevation 473 feet, 144 meters) is located on the South Fork branch of Folsom Reservoir near the “new” (1950’s) Salmon Falls bridge.
As I drove into the foothills the rain was pouring in heavy sheets. I came prepared for rain; however even with good rain gear I was skeptical how productive I might be. First before botany, there was some bureaucratic government paper work I needed to deal with in El Dorado County. Hopefully this would not take long.
Unfortunately, but not unexpectedly, the bureaucrats at the DMV had more paper work than expected and they were unwilling to look at the VIN number on the Prius in the rain. Now I needed to make an appointment for a “sunny” day so they could go outside and look at the VIN. Needless to say all of this delayed my arrival to the Skunk Hollow staging area. Maybe the delays did not matter much, as it was still raining steadily when I arrived at Skunk Hollow.
My goal this day was to reach the top of the ridge pictured in the photograph. There are many interesting plant communities on this ridge. In the past I have found a number of interesting and unusual species on this ridge, so I was very eager to get up there and see what I might find.
I tucked myself securely into my rain gear and slogged off into the chaparral in the driving rain.
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The chaparral was alive with new plant growth and emerging flowers. Photography was challenging. Small opening in the chaparral were filled with Dichelostemma capitatum in full bloom.
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I have been exploring this area since my teenaged days in the early 1970’s. To this day I am still finding unexpected species or unusual forms. On this day I found the white form of Dichelostemma capitatum. This was a “first” for me in this area.
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Castilleja foliolosa is quite common in this area and certainly brightens the chaparral this time of year. It is hard to believe that this species can look dead by late summer, yet come back to life and bloom so beautifully in the spring.
Another surprise for me was to find that some of my Castilleja species back at home in the garden have come back to life too and are in full growth.
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After some distance the rain stopped and the sun came out for a short time. The annual, Phacelia cicutaria var. cicuraria enjoys growing among the rocks on hot south facing slopes.
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Salvia sonomensis carpets the ground under the chaparral shrubbery in this area. This species generally blooms with pale lavender to medium lavender-blue flowers. I have found dark inky blue forms, as well as white and pink flowering forms. I wish the photograph of this pink form had turned-out as it was quite nice!
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This is a typical scene of Salvia sonomensis blooming in its usual pale color phase.
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Among the population in this area there are many plants that bloom with flowers that are a bit darker in color.
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The annual, Lupinus benthamii, has large trusses of flowers and is quite striking in its chaparral home.
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The sunshine brought out the butterflies. One species was white with a bright orange border on the edge of its wings. Sadly, I know the names of only a few species.
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The Bush Monkey, Mimulus aurantiacus var. aurantiacus, is a very showy species that brightens opening in the chaparral at this time of year.
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The chaparral in this region is broken with areas of woodland or grassland. After a fairly short distance I reached an area of Blue Oak, Quercus douglasii, woodland. Many of the Iris marcosiphon in this woodland had been broken down by the wind and rain, however a few still remained standing.
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The color range in this woodland was fairly typical for the species – light to medium lavender blue.
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The oak woodland was a perfect habitat for Ranunculus occidentalis var. occidentalis. They formed large drifts of yellow flowers throughout this woodland.
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There are 4 species of Wythia native to the lower elevations of El Dorado County and one species found at the higher elevations. Wyethia helenioides is generally the first of our local Wyethia species to come into bloom. Its large woolly leaves are very attractive as well as its large bright yellow flowers.
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As I left the oak woodland I entered a small grassland area where large sheets of Triphysaria eriantha ssp. eriantha were in full bloom. This is a very common species that is frequently seen in bloom in Northern California this time of year.
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Soon I was back in an area of dense chaparral. Some of the Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida grew quite large in this patch of chaparral. The bark on their large trunks was very striking, especially with the lichen and the rainwater dripping off the branches.
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The sky darkened and the rain returned for a while. Ceanothus lemmonii is a beautiful blue-flowered evergreen species that is seen frequently in the chaparral in this area. Unlike many Ceanothus species, it tends to grow low and shrubby.
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Slowly I was making progress toward the base of the ridge I wished to explore.
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Buckbrush, Ceanothus cuneatus var. cuneatus, is a very common species throughout Northern California.
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The flowers of Ceanothus cuneatus have a sweet pollen-like fragrance that fills the chaparral this time of year. The fragrance is a delight!
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Dichelostemma capitatum is generally the first of the Themidaceae to come into bloom in this area. Triteleia laxa is an early bloomer too, however it generally is found in the open plains of the Central Valley or the surrounding open hill country on the valley fringe. I was very surprised to find several blooming plants of Triteleia laxa on this outing.
Triteleia ixioides ssp. scabra (pictured) blooms a bit later in the season. A few plants that had started into their spring bloom cycle.
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Most of the plants of Scutellaria tuberosa were bent to the ground by the rain. It is a pretty little species that has rhizomes that form little tubers. The plants form small colonies in sunny openings among the taller chaparral shrubs.
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I always keep my eyes open for plants that exhibit unusual characteristics. It was easy to spot this creamy-white variegated form of Sanicula crassicaulis growing among its green leafed friends.
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This time of year there are seasonal streams everywhere, especially with the torrential rainfall we have experienced. This stream was easy to cross; however some of the streams were swift and quite wide. I wear rubber-Gortex hiking boots so I can hike through the water without getting my feet wet.
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Now as I approached an oak woodland, there was only one stream to cross at the base of a ravine before the trail traversed upward toward the top of the ridge.
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There was also a thunderstorm approaching. I really did not want to be on the ridge during a thunderstorm!
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I had hiked a considerable distance already so I decided to cross the last stream and cautiously move up the ridge. I found this grotto of ferns growing under a Buckeye tree, Aesculus californica. The Maidenhair Ferns, Adiantum jordanii, caught my attention, and they looked nice with the Goldback ferns, Pentagramma triangularis.
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The Bush Lupines, Lupinus albifrons, are starting into bloom now. The rain too was starting to fall again as the thunderstorm approached.
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At this point I decided that it would be best to turn back and avoid high ground. As I worked my way down off the ridge I found clumps of Lupinus latifolius coming into bloom. It was a bit unusual to find this species growing at this elevation, about 624 feet (190 meters).
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I had covered more distance than I thought, so it took a considerable amount of time for me to return to the Outback. As it turned out, the thunderstorm tracked off to the northeast and center of the storm missed the area where I was hiking. Aahh! It also turned out that I still had plenty of time to check on the “mega” Erythronium patch.
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I enjoyed my visit with Erythronium multiscapideum, however with the rain and cloudy skies very few of the flowers were open or standing upright. I would have to return on another day to enjoy the open flowers.
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The Western Redbud, Cercis occidentalis are in full bloom now and dot the chaparral with their bright magenta flowers. I first visited this area and saw this Redbud (pictured) in 1970. At times it is hard to believe that I would spend summer nights out here, sleeping under a huge Cottonwood tree, Populus fremontii, and swim out into the reservoir in the moonlight. Back then an Erythronium was a bulb in a nursery catalog and I am sure I was sleeping on top of hundreds of dormant bulbs.
So now it was time to head back home.
Well, for me this was another enjoyable outing. My next outing will be to Bear Valley. I am looking forward to this outing and the plants I hope to find.
Until next time……..
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Yesterday's outing to Bear Valley was amazing!
I used all the memory in my camera and could have taken even more photographs. It will take me awhile to process all the photographs (100+) and write up a report.
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Wow! That one view is enough to excite me to see the rest, Robert!
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Robert,
your spring looks like full summer to me!
Sometimes it can be very rewarding to hike in rainy weather - as long as you don't get soaked! - because the fragrances are different, the colours look differently and the sounds are different.
Any bears in bear valley?
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Wow! That one view is enough to excite me to see the rest, Robert!
Hi Maggi,
I can not remember ever seeing any wildflower display like this. I even traveled into the nearby hills and the wildflowers continued on and on. Some day soon I hope to invest in a new camera. There is quite the story to tell and I missed a fair amount with my old camera (limited capabilities). One thing at a time and it will all work out! :)
Robert,
Any bears in bear valley?
Trond,
Most likely bears visit Bear Valley. All the beekeepers have electric fences around their bee hives. This is a good sign that bears are a likely threat.
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SORRY FOR THE DELAY! :)
I am making progress on the Bear Valley report. I should have something ready by Thursday... at least part one.
Now back to work. ;D
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I will certainly wait, Robert. No problem :)
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BEAR VALLEY
Wednesday, 29 Mach 2017
PART I
Sacramento Weather
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Temperature, High: 79 F, 26 C
Low: 50 F, 10 C
Placerville Weather
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Temperature, High: 75 F, 24 C
Low: 39 F, 4 C
For some time now I have read about the amazing wildflower displays at Bear Valley. During the 1980’s I would frequently visit Wilbur Hot Springs, only a few miles south of Bear Valley, but I never drove up the dirt road to see the wildflowers. Now I was quite eager to visit the valley and see for myself what sort of floral display this remote valley might contain.
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Morning on Bear Creek
I checked the road reports before departing and found that Highway 16 was still closed due to rock and mud slides. I drove directly north on the Interstate Highway to Williams and then west on highway 20 to Bear Creek Road.
Bear Creek is cattle country. At the junction to Wilbur Hot Springs I encountered a cattle drive that slowed my progress up the dirt / gravel road to Bear Valley. When I lived in Gold Hill (cattle country) I became accustom to the slow pace of a cattle drive, when Uncle Elwin drove his cattle down the country roads. This cattle drive was not such a bad situation as gave me an opportunity to stop frequently and inspect the plants growing along the road.
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The Redbud trees, Cercis occidentalis, were in full bloom, accented by the yellow flowers of Erysimum capitatum var. capitatum.
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Along the road cuts the silvery rosettes of Cirsium occidentale var. candidissimum were starting to send up there flowering stems.
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Eventually the cowboys drove the cattle into a corral and I could continue the short drive into Bear Valley. The road left the canyon and rose over the crest of a low pass. At the top of the grade I had my first view of Bear Valley. The vista of the valley was quite spectacular, however the first wildflowers to greet me were not impressive. The hills straddling the pass were carpeted with Butter and Eggs, Triphysaria eriantha ssp. eriantha, a very common sight in California this time of year.
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I stopped the car to have a close look at the plants and photograph the vista. Quickly it became apparent that floristically there might be much more to see than it first appeared. I found a few nice patches of Layia fremontii (pictured) in bloom as well as the clover, Trifolium depauperatum var. depauperatum, a few Goldfields, Lasthenia californica ssp. californica, and Lupinus bicolor in bloom.
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As stated before Bear Valley is cattle country and the land is privately owned. One can freely walk the fence line on each side of the road, however all the open land beyond the fence is private property and off limits. As I drove down the dusty gravel road to the north there was still not much to see floristically, but the panoramic views of the countryside were very beautiful.
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Eventually I reached a bridge that crossed Bear Creek. Here the wildflower displays started to get very interesting.
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Colonies of Goldfields, Lasthenia californica ssp. californica, started to expand into larger drifts and make a good show.
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The Goldfields were joined with Cream Cups, Platystemon californicum and Gilia tricolor ssp. tricolor, as well as many other species of wildflowers.
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In addition to the Goldfields, Lasthenia californica ssp. californica, Gilia tricolor ssp. tricolor started to fill the rangeland creating impressively large mixed drifts with the Goldfields.
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Joining the other wildflowers were scattered isolated stands of the Apiaceae species Lomatium utriculatum.
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The colorful annual paintbrush Castilleja exserta ssp. exserta accented the landscape with there purplish flower heads. The plants I examined exhibited characteristics of both Castilleja exserta and Catilleja densiflora, and indeed may have been hybrids between the two species. The two species are known to hybridize with each other and can be highly variable.
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The drifts of Gilia tricolor ssp. tricolor were quite spectacular.
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… especially as the sheets expanded into large fields of Gilia mixed with many other wildflowers.
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At this point, the rangeland was covered with sheets of wildflowers stretching off to the distant edges of the valley and into the surrounding hills.
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Each segment of the valley consisted of different combinations of wildflowers generally with one species dominating an area. Along this section of the valley Cream Cups, Platystemon californicum, was the dominant species.
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Cream Cups, Platystemon californicum, are an annual member of the Papaveraceae family. I wish that this photograph had turned out much better as this small growing species is very attractive and well worth growing in the garden.
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As the soil type changed and the grazing practices differed, the mix of wildflowers changed. The soil on this rangeland was quite heavy and waterlogged. Ranunculus occidentalis var. occidentalis thrived in this situation.
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On drier gravelly rangeland Goldfields, Lasthenia californica ssp. californica thrived.
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Of coarse there were many other showy species in the valley. Layia platyglossa has large ray flowers and easily stood among the other wildflowers. This specimen had yellow-ray flowers, however some can have ray flowers that are tipped white.
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A great find was the endangered species Astragalus rattenii var. jepsonianus. The inflorescence of this annual species is relatively large and very attractive.
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There were common species to see too. Eschscholzia californica is the state flower of California. Wild forms of this species are very beautiful and wonderful to see in their native habitat.
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Acmispon wrangeliannus is another common species that I encounter throughout much of California (low elevations). This annual member of the Fabaceae family has small yellow pea-like flowers and is generally found growing in dry, sunny sites.
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This time of year Fiddleneck, Amsinckia intermedia, can be found blooming in almost any sunny, grassland habitat in the lower elevations of Northern California.
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At the northern end of Bear Valley the road crossed Bear Creek once again.
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In moist ditches along the road grew Valley Popcornflower, Playgiobothyrus canescens var. canescens. The various species of Cryptantha and Playgiobothyrus can be difficult to distinguish from one another. The round-ovate nutlets and the bracts throughout the inflorescence help identify this species.
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At the north end of the valley I reach this prominent peak.
The valley was very interesting and certainly had impressive wildflower displays in some areas. I was encouraged that some of the cattle rangeland could be managed to support both cattle and a large percentage of the native flora. Other parts of the valley seemed to have very few wildflowers, however soil type, lack of fire, invasive species and other factors could have contributed to this condition.
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Unfortunately there was no public land to explore in the valley. There was plenty of time left in the day so I decided to travel westward in the hills above the valley where there was plenty of public land to explore on foot.
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The chaparral above Bear Valley turned out to be floristically rich and extremely interesting.
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The chaparral shrubbery was varied and consisted of diverse array of species. Coastal Whiteleaf Manzanita, Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. pulchella was common, however Styrax redivivus, Ribes malvaceum var. malvaceaum, Garrya congdonii, and Ceanothus jepsonii were some of the other species seen in the chaparral.
In part two I will discuss the fascinating species I found in the hills above Bear Valley.
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Beautiful, Robert!
Some lovely annuals also :)
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Trond,
Bear Valley was very beautiful.
For me the best part of the outing was exploring the chaparral above the valley. The plants were certainly interesting, however getting out and hiking around must have been part of the pleasure for me. I know that I want to return to this area as I can. I have some projects I need (and want) to get done in the Sierra Nevada and I want to continue my exploration of Snow Mountain to the north. Exploring this area might have to wait. That' okay! :)
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BEAR VALLEY
PART II
The open vistas and floral displays of Bear Valley were inspiring, but I also felt frustrated, restless, and confined. The barbwire may have kept the cattle in, but it also confined my adventuresome spirit from a true experience of exploring this beautiful valley.
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Lasthenia californica and Leptosiphon latisectus
As I drove into the hills it was a relief to find large drifts of wildflowers in the meadows and openings of the chaparral. I was free to get out and walk among the wildflowers and the chaparral species. Here I could examine everything closely. As an example, I like examining subtle species such as Plantago erecta, which can be easily overlooked when the flowers of Goldfields and Leptosiphon are creating such a vibrant display. Plantago erecta is quite interesting and beautiful when examined with a hand lens.
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Of coarse, in the hills the mix of species was very different from those found in Bear Valley. In places there were large sheets of Leptosiphon latisectus blooming with other annual species. The calyx lobes on this species are densely hairy and glandular. This is very different from many of the species of Leptosiphon I find in the Sierra Nevada.
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Blue Dicks, Dichelostemma capitatum, blooming among Leptosiphon latisectus
In general, bulbous species appeared to be missing from the valley, even along the road easement. This seemed odd. I would like to investigate this further if possible. In the hills the situation was very different. There were bulbous species of all types: Calochortus, Fritillaria, Allium, and Themidaceae of many sorts, to name a few.
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Triteleia laxa is among the early blooming Themidaceae species. As I walked the meadows and openings I found them blooming throughout this hill country. Other Themidaceae species were in growth, ready to bloom later in the season.
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The geology of the hill country seemed a bit complex. There were serpentine extrusions as well as other rock formations. In California, serpentine formations are excellent places to look for interesting species. Minuartia douglasii is one of many species that are often found growing on serpentine. With small flowers and thin wiry stems and leaves it can be easily overlooked.
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Indian Warrior, Pedicularis densiflora, is a hemiparasitic species that I found growing in various sites among the chaparral shrubbery.
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Pedicularis densiflora is an early blooming species. Many plants I found had already finished blooming, however a few were still in full bloom. The flowering heads are quite dramatic due to their bright red color.
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The Paintbrushes can also be very dramatic with their brilliant colors. On the lower portions of the hills I found Castilleja affinis ssp. affinis, another hemiparasitic species, in bloom. At one site, a large group blooming on a road cut created a beautiful display.
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I slowly worked my way up into the hills. Sometimes I walked the dirt road, at other times I hiked through the chaparral. Bush Lupine, Lupinus albifrons, was a species that I encountered frequently on this outing. The silvery foliage and large flowering trusses are striking.
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Eventually, I came across a naturally occurring flat bench cut into the hillside. Most of the open space consisted of a seasonally moist meadow. The lower end as quite swampy, the upper parts were much drier. Here I found a considerable variety of interesting species. From a rock outcropping at the edge of the bench there was a nice view of Bear Valley.
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Angelica tomentosa grew throughout the drier portions of the meadow, as well as in other open sites in the surrounding chaparral.
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Angelia has a special significance to California Native Americans. The plant is still used as a food/medicine, in ceremony, and in medicine baskets. There are several Angelica species native to California. As told by my California Native American friends, other species are preferred for their practices.
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Growing in the dry chaparral surrounding the meadow was California Ash, Fraxinus dipetala. This Ash is generally shrubby and unlike the riparian species F. latifolia, Oregon Ash, our other native Northern California Ash species, Fraxinus dipetala can withstand extremely dry conditions.
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Scrabbling through the chaparral shrubbery Lathyrus vestitus could be found in bloom. This Lathyrus species is known to hybridize with other native species, however the plants I observed seemed pretty much true to form.
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In sunny areas along the margin of the meadow this Lupinus species was blooming. I must have been very distracted as I photographed the plant without identifying it to species. Oooppss!
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The drifts of Viola douglasii in full bloom would certainly distract me. They were found growing in the upper and drier portions of the meadow. Here the soil was moist, however it most certainly became bone dry during the summer.
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I found various color forms of Collinsia sparsiflora ssp. sparsiflora growing in and near the meadow.
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Pink, white, and bicolored forms of Collinsia sparsiflora grew in the meadow and the surrounding chaparral. Each colony was different exhibiting its own unique gradation of color.
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As I left the meadow and continued up the hill I found a few Primula (Dodecatheon) hendersonii in bloom on a shady bank. All the plants that I have observed in the Northern Coastal Mountains have been completely fertile, the seed pods plump and full of seed. In contrast the plants in the Sierra Nevada foothills are more or less sterile, and set very few viable seeds.
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Also sharing the shady slopes with the Shooting Stars were healthy clumps of Cynoglossum grande, some of which were still in bloom.
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Intermingled with the Cynoglossum and Shooting Stars were colonies of the annual Valerianaceae, Plectritis macrocera. The head-like inflorescence consists of many tiny white to pale pink flowers.
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The glowing chartreuse flower bracts of Euphorbia spathulata contrasted sharply among the neighboring plants. It certainly stood out! I rarely encountered this native annual species, however it seems like it would be an interesting species to cultivate in a garden.
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I found Coffee Fern, Pellaea andromedifolia growing in both sunny and shady sites. On one rocky outcropping I found both Pellaea andromedifolia and P. mucronata growing side-by-side among the rocks. This is the first time I have seen the two species growing together. In the Sierra Nevada, I rarely find them growing in the same area.
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Back in the dry chaparral the first flowers of Clematis lasiantha were opening. This Clematis species can be very showy in bloom as it vines through and over the chaparral shrubbery. Their mature seed heads are also very interesting in the autumn.
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I encountered a number of Castilleja species in bloom on this outing. As I climbed higher into the hills Castilleja foliolosa became the dominant Castilleja species. On this specimen, the gray stems and foliage contrasted beautifully with the bright red flower bracts.
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A great find was this yellow form of Castilleja foliolosa. Occasionally, I will encounter forms with orange bracts, however this is the first time I have found the yellow bract form.
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Higher on the hill in a dry rocky meadow I found a small colony of Mimulus douglasii in bloom. Each long corolla tube opens abruptly with large magenta upper lobes and smaller lower lobes. This tiny annual species is quite showy. The flowers are often larger than the remaining above ground parts of the plant.
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The annual Polemoniaceae, Collomia diversifolia, grew in open rocky areas between taller chaparral shrubs. The plants are quite small, however both the foliage and flowers are quite attractive. Collomia species are delightful and I have had considerable success with them in our garden.
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The find of the day was Lomatium hooveri. From a rosette of dissected fern-like gray foliage rose umbels of purple flowers. The scarious bractlets contrasted boldly with the flowers. The blooming plants were quite striking growing on the north face of an open rocky slope.
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Near the end of the day I climbed to the top of a rock outcropping (1,952 feet, 595 meters) and took my last photograph. I had used all the memory in my camera!
Sadly before the day ended, I encountered additional blooming species: Allium, Delphinium, Fritillaria, and others. I guess this is a good reason to upgrade my camera and a good excuse to return to this area (like I really need one!). I also missed Fritillaria pluriflora. I will have to try again next year.
Exploring the hill country above Bear Valley was the most productive and interesting part of my outing. The car botany in Bear Valley was not for me. Next time I return to this area I hope to press westward to the extremely remote Yuki Wilderness.
Until next time……
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It looks a lovely area Robert
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It looks a lovely area Robert
Yes, it was indeed very beautiful!
More cows than humans in Bear Valley. ;D
The following may be of interest to you.
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A number of years ago I gathered seed of a Penstemon species I found growing in Mono County, California (the east side of the Sierra Nevada). I had no idea as to its identity. It was autumn and I there was only foliage to examine. Tentatively I used the name Penstemon grinnellii aff. when I shared some seed with a few forumist. This Penstemon started blooming in our garden a few days ago and I can now give its correct name, Penstemon deustus var. pedicellatus. I guess I did okay with the tentative name considering I only had foliage to examine. :-\ At least I had the subgenus correct.
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I tried to go out to Poho Ridge yesterday and was greeted by this sign. The road was closed before it dropped down into the American River canyon. I am glad that I am checking on conditions now. Many mountain roads are likely to be closed this spring until they can be repaired.
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One sign was not enough. Given the foolishness that goes on I'm surprised they didn't have an armed guard. ;D Unfortunately, I was not in a position to hike down the road. I often find many interesting plant when I walk a closed road.
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It is still very early in the season at this elevation. Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. mariposa, an early bloomer, is still in bloom.
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The California Black Oaks, Quercus kelloggii, are just starting to leaf out.
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More Quercus kelloggii.
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I did have some time to poke-around and see what I might find.
Some other early bloomers are out. Primula (Dodecatheon) hendersonii are looking good.
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Phlox speciosa well budded and ready to bloom.
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Hosackia incana - A real beauty! (both flowers and foliage) So far it has been impossible for me to cultivate it in our garden. :'(
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We have a saying locally that it "snows on the dogwoods". This morning I am sure it snowed on this dogwood. I was kinda' surprised to see it so far advanced. The flowers were only starting to open on most of the other dogwood trees in this area. In our Sacramento garden our Cornus nuttallii is at the same stage of flowering! :-\
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It is so beautiful, Robert!
All those exciting, colourful species :) + the diverse foliage.
I can understand your frustration regarding fences - here it is common to place "gjerdeklyvere" where people want to cross fences - even on private land:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5293/5506203515_f1e7a15ab2.jpg)
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It is so beautiful, Robert!
All those exciting, colourful species :) + the diverse foliage.
I can understand your frustration regarding fences - here it is common to place "gjerdeklyvere" where people want to cross fences - even on private land:
Trond,
I am very curious as to what goes on in a plant community. Private land and barbed wire can be very frustrating for me, however given the general disrespect of the land in California I can understand the position of the land owners. People even steal flowers out of our front yard garden in Sacramento! It is very sad. :'( I figure they are hurting souls and they need compassion, however the general disrespect does not help things at all. :'(
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The spring blooming season is advancing quickly here in Northern California.
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Stormy and relatively cold weather has returned.
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This and the previous photograph were taken at 600 meters (about 2,000 feet) in El Dorado County yesterday.
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Down the hill a few hundred meters there was no snow, however the rain and cloudy weather "dampened" the wildflower display. The deciduous trees are leafing out and the tapestry of greens on the hillsides is so very beautiful.
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The wildflowers would have been beautiful to view, however many flowers were closed due to the rain and cloudy skies. Eschscholzia caespitosa with tightly closed flowers.
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Lupinus albifrons is in full bloom now. The are spectacular! ...especially when found in large groups on the hillsides.
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Silene laciniata ssp. californica is in bloom now. They can be found growing abundantly on partly shaded east and north facing slopes.
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It will take a day of dry weather for the flowers to perk-up again.
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Lupinus benthamii is one of a number of Lupinus species that are in bloom now.
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In some locations there are large drifts of Pseudobahia heermannii in bloom.
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They are generally found on sunny slopes. The colonies I observed were often mixed with Mimulus kelloggii and Lupinus bicolor. The mixture of color was fantastic!
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In other areas Mimulus kelloggii grew in think colonies.
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Their flowers are fairly small, however they can make quite the display when they are blooming in mass.
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A typical hillside in the canyon of the South Fork of the American River in El Dorado County.
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Dichelostemma capitatum
Of coarse, many of the geophytes are in bloom now.
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Blue Dick, Dichelostemma capitatum, may be very common in our part of California, however they are so beautiful when they are blooming in large colonies or mixed with other wildflowers.
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Some of the Calochortus are blooming now. Calochortus albus is generally white , however some can be found that are flushed pink. Hybrids are said to occur, however I have never seen any.
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Calochortus monophyllus is low growing. They are generally found on rocky slopes where they are easily seen.
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Triteleia ixioides ssp. scabra can be found both in sunny and partly shaded locations. In our Sacramento garden they will bloom for 4-5 weeks. :)
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In other area there are large patches of Layia pentachaeta ssp. pentachaeta in bloom.
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Even Dudleya cymosa is starting to flower.
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In sunny, rocky, waste areas Lomatium utriculatum thrives.
It appears that the stormy weather is going to continue for awhile. Cool weather will slow the wildflowers, however it will be difficult for me to get out as much as I would like to. There is so much action (wildflower) locally, right here in El Dorado County! I hope that I can get out to Traverse Creek. I am sure that it snowed there yesterday, however the snow should not last long.
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Very nice, Robert :)
I especially like Mimulus kelloggii!
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I agree, the Mimulus kelloggii is lovely - but I'm a huge fan of the Californian poppies and I love them, even when they're closed!
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I like our annual California native Mimulus species. Mimulus kelloggii has been the most difficult for me to keep going in the garden. The slugs ate them all this winter. >:( Mimulus guttatus grows in the ditch along the road up at the farm. All I do is transplant a few where it is moist and they do the rest. M. guttatus has worked well in the past in our Sacramento garden, however I didn't get any going this year. Mimulus bicolor is coming along in our Sacramento garden and they should be blooming soon! :)
We have three Eschscholzia species that are native to El Dorado County (where the farm is located). They can be tricky to identify while in leaf, however they are easy to identify when flowering. E. californica has a collar that subtends the petals; E.caespitosa has cauline leaves; E. lobbii lacks cauline leaves. E. caespitosa and E. lobbii are annuals. I like them all and grow all of them in our Sacramento garden.
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I was out scouting El Dorado County today.
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My first stop was Traverse Creek at about 2,000 feet elevation (610 meters).
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It was snowing at Traverse Creek yesterday at this time. Today it was a balmy 55 F (13 C) and all of the snow had melted.
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Viola douglasii was in bloom.
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I know where most of the Violas are growing at Traverse Creek and was pleased to see that the seedlings that had sprouted last year were blooming this spring.
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Viola douglasii from the rear of the flower. I like the dark coloration on the back of the 2 upper petals.
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The flowering season is progress slowly at this elevation. Lomatium utriculatum is quite plentiful at Traverse Creek.
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Lomatium marginatum var. marginatum can also be found at Traverse Creek.
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The two species are very easy to distinguish from each other. The cauline leaf petioles of L. utriculatum have a distinct sheathing. L. marginatum does not have cauline leaves. In addition, the foliage of L. marginatum is thread-like - long linear.
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It was cold last night and the Mimulus guttatus was frosted down. They will recover. I did not notice any frost damage on any of the other species at Traverse Creek.
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Some of the open meadows at Traverse Creek were carpeted with early wildflowers. Different species will follow as the season progresses.
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All over parts of El Dorado County there are large drifts of Goldfields, Lasthenia californica ssp. californica, in bloom.
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This tiny annual can put on a big show.
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Butter and Eggs, Triphysaria eriantha ssp. eriantha, were carpeting the ground too.
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The Goldfields and Butter and Eggs were creating sheets of yellow throughout the area.
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I left Traverse Creek and traveled up the mountain along the Georgetown Divide. I wanted to find the current elevation of the snowline and at what elevation the deeper snow might start. I was very surprised to find the snowline at 4,000 feet (1,219 meters). Even here there was very little snow. It was 45 F (7 C) and the remaining snow was melting quickly.
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From Lake Edson I got a good idea of the elevation where the deep snow would start. Pyramid Peak was poking out from behind the distant ridge.
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The eastern portions of Lake Edson suffered considerable damage from the King Fire several years ago. Up stream, on Pilot Creek large tracts of land were completely clear-cut of all the trees - living and dead. At least they left the burned and dead trees near the Lake.
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Greenleaf Manzanita, Arctostaphylos patula, was in full bloom around the lake.
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Some of the Greenleaf Manzanitas had deeper pink flowers.
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I did some sampling of the Greenleaf Manzanitas around the lake to compare them to samples form the Northern Coast Range (Snow Mountain).
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There were a few Whiteleaf Manzanitas, Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. mariposa, around the lake too. It is not unusual to find the two species growing next to each other at this elevation.
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Ribes roezlii var. roezlii in bloom. The flowers of this species are not extremely showy, however I like this species enough to have it in our Sacramento garden. There it will most likely bloom in January or February (the plant is too young to bloom yet). The fruit can be good too if one can work around the spines.
This was a good reconnaissance to help me plan future outings this spring season. Depending on the weather I might be able to check on Peavine Ridge within a week. Beyond Peavine Ridge the snow will still be very deep.
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Hi Robert
Some very beautiful plants and flowers - I especially like the variety of manzanitas
cheers
fermi
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Hi Fermi,
There is a lot to see this time of year!
There is definitely a considerable amount of variation within the Genus Arctostaphylos and some are very beautiful. In California, very few species are used for landscaping or in personal gardens. This is unfortunate, as many species would most likely be excellent garden plants. I am testing many in our garden, both for garden use as well as for other research interests.
Viola douglasii is a gem! So far, I am having some success with it in our Sacramento garden. Lomatium hooveri is a new one for me. Beautiful flowers and foliage - in my mind, the perfect xeric rock garden plant for a hot, dry climate.
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Robert,
The flora is so much richer than here. It is a pleasure to see! Thanks for showing :)
Among all these I think I vote for the Viola douglasii this time!
I wonder, is the soil frozen at the snowline?
This is how the forest often looks up here, lichen and moss, but few flowering plants (picture from yesterday)
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And the Sphagnum moss adds the colour:
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Trond,
I have to agree that California appears to be one of the biodiversity hot spots on the planet, like South Africa. Here in California, there can even be considerable diversity within a species. Many species still appear to be poorly understood. My field observations certainly get me thinking about how the evolutionary process works. My imagination sees a non-linear web of interactions that operates differently depending on time and space. Something closer to a quantum type reality than a 100% Newtonian system.
For me this translates into endless possibilities for our gardens. :) In our Sacramento garden I am constantly experimenting with different species. I certainly do not give-up with certain plants that I like. An example is Mimulus kelloggii. I will keep attempting to have success with this species until I find the combination of circumstances that work. In the mean time the garden is gorgeous and is a constantly changing paradise. I see the same with other gardens that I visit through this forum.
Thank you for sharing the photographs. Norge many not have the diversity of species like California but there is still so much beauty and I am fascinated by the species that you show and their natural habitats. The current set of photographs reminds me of parts of the Sierra Nevada near the crest. In some places the terrain can be covered with mosses and lichen too.
Depending on the current snowline, yes the ground can be frozen. When the snowline is low in elevation the ground does not really freeze. When the snowline is moving up the mountain in the spring, the ground can be frozen or will be in the process of thawing. I am not sure how deep the ground freezes at higher elevations. Something for me to look into. :)
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The depth of the frozen soil (called tele in Norw.) depends of course of the amount of snow and wether the freezing starts before or after the first lasting snow.
Here is Arctostaphylos alpinus. The buds have started to swell despite the cold nights.
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Trond,
Where your recent photographs were taken, how deeply is the ground frozen at this time?
In the Sierra Nevada depending on the elevation, when the winter snow melts and the first patches of soil are exposed there is only a beginning of new growth. No flowers. The landscape looks very similar to your recent photographs.
The Lyon's Creek area is still buried in snow, however maybe I can get there when the soil is just starting to be exposed. It would be interesting to find out now deeply the ground is frozen. My guess is that it is not frozen very deep at all.
Getting there at that time of the season would be difficult. The snow melts very unevenly and cross country skis are useless. Back in the 1980's I would hike in there during the spring under those conditions. It was very quiet and peaceful - no people, not any birds yet either - just the wind, if it was that sort of day.
Hum! Tele = the depth of the frozen snow in Norsk. Is there any connection to the county Telemark?
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Robert,
I use skis also where the snow has melted away if the bare patches not are too wide ;)
Tele, frozen soil, has nothing to do with Telemark which is named for a Germanic tribe thousends of year ago ( þelir) + forest, borderland (mǫrk).
Telehiv, on the other hand, is connected: the humps and bumps created in a frozen road, especially when the underground begins thawing!
I think the soil is frozen 3-4 ft deep where my last picture was taken. That means the soil is frozen down to the bedrock and the rock is also below 0C at least a couple ft, probably more. It is no or very little, snow cover on the hilltops during winter.
On the other hand it is possibly no tele where the snow accumulates early.
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Så jeg lære Norsk eller så lære jeg Norsk? ;D
Deretter, er “Tele” et ord en eller et?
On the western slope of the Sierra Nevada there is rarely exposed soil - (ground) as the winter progresses and the snow accumulates. Most likely the ground does not freeze deeply, but it would be good for me to find out.
In the spring on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, the ups and downs of the melting snow can be extreme, especially in the forest. Skis only work out in the open, as you say, if there are not too many open spots.
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Så jeg lære Norsk eller så lære jeg Norsk? ;D
Deretter, er “Tele” et ord en eller et?
On the western slope of the Sierra Nevada there is rarely exposed soil - (ground) as the winter progresses and the snow accumulates. Most likely the ground does not freeze deeply, but it would be good for me to find out.
In the spring on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, the ups and downs of the melting snow can be extreme, especially in the forest. Skis only work out in the open, as you say, if there are not too many open spots.
Robert,
You can say both "Så lærer jeg norsk" and "Så jeg lærer norsk?" The last is a question ;)
"Tele" is used without an indefinite article. "Det er tele i bakken" (It is tele in the ground).
Here we are "Cross country" skiing through the birch forest!
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Trond,
Considering the snow conditions in the photograph, I can see how you easily cross-country ski during the spring snow melt. In the Sierra Nevada it is completely different in the high elevation coniferous forest. At the drip line of the conifers there is often a meter of hard compacted snow. A meter away there might be only 5 cm of snow. This undulating mass of snow makes any sort of travel difficult. The snow is often rock hard, especially early in the day. There are soft spots where one can sink to the knee. It is good if one can "read" the snow and avoid buried shrubs, rocks, and of coarse, crossing running water requires caution. Snowshoes do not work either. I find that an ice ax is useful, but the going is slow and difficult.
Despite some wind, rain, and dense clouds I was able to check on another road into the South Fork of the American River. There was a slide were part of the road gave way, however the road is still passable at this time. Iris hartwegii was in full bloom near the bottom of the canyon. Not one photograph turned out. Conditions for picture taking were extremely poor.
The only days without precipitation in the 7-10 day forecast are Friday and Saturday. I'm not sure when I will be able to get out again.
As for your photographs of the spring landscape in the mountains. Så vakker!
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There was a pause in the rain today. Clear skies.
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I decided to take a chance and check on things up on Peavine Ridge. I was very surprise to find that there was not much snow at the 5,000 foot level (1,524 meters) on the crest of the ridge. The snow started at 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) and was spotty all the way to the top of Peavine Ridge.
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There were beautiful vistas of the Crystal Range and the surrounding mountains.
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Where the snow had melted Viola sheltonii was coming into bloom.
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New growth of Viola sheltonii.
There was plenty of snow still lingering, however this time of year it comes and goes with the passing of each storm.
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Viola purpurea ssp. purpurea grows abundantly in this area. It will begin blooming a little later in the season. Viola lobata also grows nearby, however this site was still buried with snow.
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On Peavine Ridge, Viola purpurea ssp.purpurea can be found growing in somewhat open, sunny locations.
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Primula (Dodecatheon) hendersonii can be found growing in similar locations on the ridge.
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The main wintertime snow pack on Peavine Ridge must have melt several weeks ago. A few Primula (Dodecatheon) hendersonii were in full bloom. It is interesting to note, accessions from this area are blooming in our Sacramento garden at the same time.
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Primula (Dodecatheon) hendersonii growing with Sanicula tuberosa. The foliage of Sanicula tuberosa and Viola sheltonii can look very similar. It is important to look closely!
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Sanicula tuberosa, another early bloomer, with a flower bud emerging.
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Several species of Manzanita are found growing together on Peavine Ridge. Arctostaphylos patula, Greenleaf Manzanita, is getting ready to bloom.
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Other specimens of Arctostaphylos patula were already in bloom.
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On Peavine Ridge, Arctostaphylos mewukka ssp. mewukka can be found growing abundantly.
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Arctostaphylos mewukka ssp. mewukka was coming into bloom too.
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Arctostaphylos mewukka ssp. mewukka is often found growing with Arctostaphylos patula. Arctostaphylos viscida is sometimes found in the mix too. There is considerable variation in the plants, which is quite interesting.
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A beautiful view of the southern portion of the Crystal Range. Pyramid Peak is to the right, the highest peak in the Crystal Range.
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I drove up the mountain to see where the road might be blocked by snow. I did not have to drive far before the snow pack started to become much deeper. I did get a good view of the northern portion of the Crystal Range. There is still a tremendous amount of snow at the higher elevations. It will be quite a few weeks before I am able to drive to the Lyon's Creek area, although I could hike in over the snow.
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At 5,100 feet, even sunny open areas have a blanket of snow.
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There is an electric powerhouse up the road to Loon Lake so this part of the road is clear of snow. The turn-off to Lyon's Creek is completely blocked by snow. It would be fairly easy to ski up the road toward Lyon's Creek.
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Once one enters the forest the snow conditions change and any sort of travel becomes difficult.
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The snow is very uneven and there are many hidden obstacles. Shrubs, logs, stumps, and rocks are covered with snow. It is often easy to break through the snow in the spring as the winter snow pack is melting. Plants like Ceanothus cordulatus have spine tipped twigs. It can be very uncomfortable to break through the snow on top of this shrub. Using an ice ax or staff to probe the snow can be extremely helpful. An ice ax is also helpful to cut steps on steep portions of hard, icy snow.
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There was not much I could do where the snow was deep, so I drove back down Peavine Ridge. At 4,100 feet I stopped to look at the Manzanitas. This slope is covered with Whiteleaf Manzanita, Arctostaphylos viscida. The plants were a mixture of two subspecies, A. viscida ssp. viscida (the twigs are glaberous, or sparsely short hairy), and A. viscida ssp. mariposa (the twigs are glandular hairy). Later in the season I will check the fruit. Ssp. viscida will have glaberous fruit, ssp. mariposa will have sticky glandular fruit. When the two subspecies are found growing together there can be considerable variation in the plants.
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Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida coming into bloom. Near the base of the ridge near the South Fork of the American River this species has already finished blooming.
It looks like I will have one more clear day before the rain / high elevation snow returns. I will see what I can get done. :)
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The snowline is not too far away from the Spring growth - quite something to see this.
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Maggi,
In our part of the Sierra Nevada, during the winter, the start of a persistent winter snow pack will generally be found between 4,000 to 5,000 feet (1,219 to 1,524 meters). As spring progresses the persistent snow cover moves up the mountain. Below this level, during the spring, the snow level can drop to 2,000 feet (609 meters) or even lower. This snow generally does not last long and plants will come into spring growth.
On Peavine Ridge (5,000 feet + or -) the winter snow cover must have melted 3 to 4 weeks ago (at least in some locations – southern exposures), as there was considerable new growth on some species. At 5,100 feet there was no new growth and most of the ground was still covered with snow. In the few places where the ground was bare of snow there were no signs of new growth yet. The winter snow pack must have just melted. Even higher on the mountain I could see that the conifers were still covered with snow from the storm the previous day. In addition, the depth of the snow pack increased rapidly as I drove higher into the mountains. My guess is that there is still 1-2 meters of snow on the ground at the lower end of Lyon’s Creek. The way the weather has been this season it might be the end of May before I can drive to Lyon
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Yesterday I checked the road conditions on Iron Mountain road in the southern portion of El Dorado County. Someone had plowed a single lane up to the 5,785 foot level (1,763 meters). The view of the snow capped Crystal Range to the north was spectacular.
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Despite the fact that there was nearly a meter of snow on the ground in most places, there were a few bare spots on the rocky ridge tops. Allium obtusum had emerged from the ground. A few plants had flower buds nestled between their new leaves.
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I also spotted a few plants of Viola purprurea ssp. purpurea.
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There were also a number of Greenleaf Manzanita, Arctostaphylos patula, that had been used by bucks in rut the previous autumn.
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Some plants had been partly stripped of leaves as the bucks attempted to remove the velvet from their antlers. Most often the bucks use short young conifers for this purpose.
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The snow had just melted. Most of the plants were still dormant, such as this Eriogonum wrightii var. subscaposum. It looks dead, however new growth will emerge shortly.
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There were a few plants of Arctostaphylos mewukka ssp. mewukka. 1,763 meters is, more or less, its published high elevation limit. This was a first for me to find this species at this elevation. There were many people in this area, and few shooting guns, so I decided to leave.
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As I drove down the mountain, I stopped at the Flemming Meadow Trailhead, 3,795 feet (1,157 meters). It was crowded with people too. I guess this is why I almost always go out on week days! I did take this photograph of Ceanothus integerrimus var. macrothyrsus with new growth.
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I still had some time, so I traveled down into the canyon of the South Fork of the American River.
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Near the bottom of the canyon, 1,692 feet (516 meters), I found a few nice clumps of Iris hartwegii in bloom.
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Another Iris hartwegii.
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One of the clumps had a number of open flowers.
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Claytonia parviflora ssp. grandiflora was still in bloom.
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Some large drifts made attractive displays.
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There were even larger drifts of Nemophila heterophylla in bloom.
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Nemophila heterophylla is a small annual with equally small flowers. One plants is hardly noticeable, however when blooming in mass they are very pretty pretty.
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Nice views as usual, Robert!
Your picture of the snow condition in the forest reminds me very much of my youth in Oslo! The winters lasted much longer in those days :)
I also remember that the moose liked to use young pines to remove the velvet from their antlers. They destroyed quite a few nice young pines!
Have just come home from the mountains. We got an inch of snow last night and it was snowing but not blowing when we drove so we crossed the mountains easily. Full winter at the Hardangervidda plateau and spring and trees leafing out in the valleys and along the fjords. Very nice - but no pictures...
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Trond,
The Hardangervidda Plateau. Thank you for including the geographic name. I will look it up!
It would have been nice to see some photograph, but I do understand. It is not always possible. I deal with the same situation(s). Just the other day I wanted to take a photograph where a plow had cut through the snow at Iron Mountain. With people shooting guns all over the place and other people speeding around in their jeeps, it was better to move down the mountain than risk getting run over or shot accidentally.
I do not know how I forgot this photograph from the other day.
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Calochortus monophyllus
They are blooming now in the American River Canyon near Mosquito Bridge. Generally I have a difficult time getting a good photograph of this species. I wonder if anyone else is growing this species? It has been so easy for me in the garden - both at the Placerville farm as well as in our Sacramento garden. Repeatedly, this species seems very tolerant of some summer moisture, or at least much more than many other Calochortus species.
Now that spring has arrived, at least at the lower elevations, it is time for me to return to Snow Mountain. Not this coming Wednesday, but next. After that I hope that enough snow has melted that I can get into Salt Springs Reservoir. I only visited one time last year and got rained out by a thunderstorm. This week will be busy - not sure I will be able to get anything done. That is how it goes sometimes. :)
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Guns? Are they hunting at this time of the year or is it "just for fun"?
I don't grow Calochortus monophyllus but are willing to try ;D Looks very nice. The other plants in your photograph look easy anyway - if it is Trifolium and Geranium! Looks like some spots at my summerhouse!
This one greeted me at home (at the shed roof - almost out of reach for the slugs!
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Beautiful wildflowers Robert, as usual! Such a rich flora - I am envious, in a good way :)
I like Calochortus species, never had the chance to see any in the wild though.
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Guns? Are they hunting at this time of the year or is it "just for fun"?
Trond,
Yes Guns! Hunting season is in the autumn. I think that what was going on is considered fun. ??? I feel very uncomfortable with the guns and shooting, especially alcohol and guns. The mess of lead, empty shell casings, beer bottles, human excrement, and trash of all sorts is nothing that I like to see and gives responsible gun owners, hunters, and target shooters a very unnecessary poor reputation. I also feel very uncomfortable with drunk, semi-drunk, gun toting, adult (?) males speeding around in jeeps heedless of anyone else on the road. The law (sheriff-police) was not in the area. It made good sense to leave. During the week (especially Tuesday to Thursday) there are no people and it is very peaceful.
I don't grow Calochortus monophyllus but are willing to try ;D Looks very nice. The other plants in your photograph look easy anyway - if it is Trifolium and Geranium! Looks like some spots at my summerhouse!
The clover was most likely Trifolium hirtum, a very common invasive species. When in bloom, Trifolium hirtum can be surprisingly beautiful at times. I'm not sure of the Geranium - maybe G. molle or G. dissectum both very common (invaders too). The flowers didn't look quite right to be one of the weedy Erodium species.
I think that Calochortus monophyllus could work for you. Keep the slugs away if you can. I guess good luck with that one. :-X Anyway, I will do my part in the effort. ;)
Beautiful wildflowers Robert, as usual! Such a rich flora - I am envious, in a good way :)
I like Calochortus species, never had the chance to see any in the wild though.
Gabriela,
Yes, thank you. 8) It is that time of year. From what I have seen posted, it looks like spring is arriving in your part of Canada. Such beautiful plants! I have never tried growing Hepatica. I guess it is possible in our area, but I think that it might be torturous for them considering our long hot summers.
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Yesterday 17 April, I set out for Peavine Ridge to gather information on the Manzanitas (Arctostaphylos) and a few other species. I was hoping to get everything done before the rain arrived. You can see from this view of the canyon of the South Fork of the American River that the skies were threatening.
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This was my first opportunity to gather information on the Manzanita species mix at various elevations along this section of the canyon. On this slope at 3,624 feet (1,105 meters) the Manzanitas consisted of Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida. The plants had finished blooming and fruit had been set.
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Farther up toward the canyon rim, this slope at 4,616 feet (1,407 meters) consisted of a mix of subspecies viscida and ssp. mariposa.
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Here the plants were still in bloom.
When I arrived at the top of Peavine Ridge it started to pour rain! It was 46 F (8 C ) and the snow that I saw on Friday was long gone. I did gather some additional information on the Primula (Dodecatheon) hendersonii and Viola species at one site, however it was raining extremely hard (no photographs) so I returned to the farm in El Dorado County.
Today I will be at home in Sacramento, before I attempt another visit to the canyon of the South Fork of the American River on Wednesday. More rain is in the forecast. :-\ Friday and beyond the forecast is for sunny and warm weather. With the crowds and the guns there is no way that I will be going out over the weekend! I'll stay at home. :) The following Wednesday I hope to spend all day in the Snow Mountain area. The timing could be excellent. :)
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Gabriela,
Yes, thank you. 8) It is that time of year. From what I have seen posted, it looks like spring is arriving in your part of Canada. Such beautiful plants! I have never tried growing Hepatica. I guess it is possible in our area, but I think that it might be torturous for them considering our long hot summers.
Manzanitas are my favourites :)
Regarding Hepatica americana - they are quite hot/drought resistant as long as they are in the shade. Last year there was a record drought, really bad, and I thought the flowering will be poor this spring, but I was wrong. I don't know how they would react to your mild 'winters' though :D ;D
There will be seeds if you want to try them ;)
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Manzanitas are my favourites :)
Regarding Hepatica americana - they are quite hot/drought resistant as long as they are in the shade. Last year there was a record drought, really bad, and I thought the flowering will be poor this spring, but I was wrong. I don't know how they would react to your mild 'winters' though :D ;D
There will be seeds if you want to try them ;)
Gabriela,
Concerning Manzanita, do you grow any of the high elevation California species? Some species like Arctostaphylos patula and A. nevadensis grow in the Lake Tahoe Basin where winters are cold. If you do not have any, I would be glad to share some seed this autumn if this is something you want to try. There are possibilities with other species too. Understanding how they perform under different climatic conditions would be extremely interesting to me too.
We have plenty of woodland type conditions in our Sacramento yard. It sounds like Hepatica americana would be worth a try. I have had success with other eastern species like Jeffersonia.
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Robert,
If you can grow Jeffersonia then for sure H. americana is worth a try (pm with your address please)
Concerning high elevation Californian species - no, I don't have any and I have no knowledge of someone else growing them here. The region in Canada where is possible to grow them is BC - Vancouver Island.
That's the way it is, we cannot grow everything, there is not enough space in our garden anyway ;) Thank you for the offer, if I see something I would like to try I'll let you know.
Maybe some annual species...I just planted outside the Mimulus alsinoides, grown from the seeds coll. last year :)
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It was a beautiful day to check on our local wildflowers. I had some business in town, but I also had some time to take the scenic route along the South Fork of the American River.
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The rain has not quit yet and there is still plenty of water cascading down the slopes into river at the bottom of the canyon.
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The canyon slopes are full of blooming wildflowers.
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Tangier Pea, Lathyrus tingitanus, is an invasive annual, however they are quite beautiful this time of year.
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The huge trusses of Lupinus benthamii look great with the annual poppies.
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Some of the slopes are covered with the annual Poppy, Eschscholzia caespitosa.
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The large patches of Lupinus nanus fill the air with their musky fragrance.
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Miniature Lupine, Lupinus bicolor, has very small flowers, however they look good sprinkled in with other blooming wildflowers. In burned over areas or disturbed sites they can sometimes grow in mass and can be very striking.
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Petrorhagia dubia is another invasive species that is frequently seen in bloom this time of year.
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In areas that are a bit shaded Nemophila menziesii can be found.
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The rocks on shaded ledges are covered with blooming plants of Sedum spathulifolium.
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They form tight mats directly on the rocks. During the late summer-autumn they can dry up and almost disappear. The first autumn rain starts them back into life.
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In the garden with a bit of summer irrigation they stay green. Two clones have been sold in California for ages; 'Cape Blanco' with silvery-gray foliage; and 'Purpurea' with a purple cast to the foliage.
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Calochortus albus is blooming in semi shaded locations.
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Back in the sun Lupinus albifrons can be found blooming almost everywhere.
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Mats of Silene laciniata ssp. californica are scattered about on semi-shady slopes. Most have many more flowers than this specimen and look great.
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The annual Mimulus kelloggii is still blooming.
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I liked the combination of Mimulus kelloggii with Lupinus albifrons.
On Wednesday I will have a full day in the field! 8) I will be exploring the lower slopes around Snow Mountain. If there is no rain, the timing seems like it will be perfect!
Until then.....
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As a fan of snowdrops, I was quite taken with the look of Calochortus albus - a spring bulb with white nodding flowers. I wonder if it will grow here in the UK? The RHS says it was last listed in the Plant Finder in 2013 so I cannot answer this question for myself by trying.
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Spring has sprung Robert.
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As a fan of snowdrops, I was quite taken with the look of Calochortus albus - a spring bulb with white nodding flowers. I wonder if it will grow here in the UK? The RHS says it was last listed in the Plant Finder in 2013 so I cannot answer this question for myself by trying.
Alan,
There might be challenges growing Calochortus in the UK. In general, the bulbs need a dry rest in the summer while they are dormant. Moisture around the bulb at this time normally causes the bulb to decay. Maybe this is a good question to put out there on this forum? I'm sure that Calochortus can be grown in a glasshouse or a covered frame like many other bulbs are grown such as many dryland Fritillaria. In an alpine type garden open to the weather? Maybe others have the answer to this. :)
Clearly in our part of California summer moisture in not an issue. I have tested a few Calochortus species for tolerance to conditions in an irrigated garden. I have only had success with Calochortus monophyllus (A big surprise!). Calochortus albus is one of the easier species for me to grow and I have numbers that I can use for testing out in our garden. So far, C. albus has never survived a summer with irrigation. Still I think that it could be worthwhile to find out the experiences of gardeners in the UK. Is there anyone who would like to share their experiences cultivating Calochortus in the UK?
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Spring has sprung Robert.
David,
Yes, spring has sprung.
I am looking forward to Wednesday and getting out to see the details. Right now the weather forecast is for a chance of rain, especially in the Snow Mountain region. I may need to adjust my plans. :-\
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Hi, I was wondering growing Calochortus in my part of the world. We have very dry summers about 2 months long. However never as hot. So I might face lack of summer temperature as an hindrance. It would be very easy to place them in semishade next to our native Alstroemeria aurantiaca, that die down in early summer for that dry spell. Alplains carries quite a selection but monophyllus is not mentioned. Many years ago in my youth I passed thru Sacramento towards Yosemite, while visiting friends in UC Berkeley. I still keep fond memories of the area. Your wildflowers are stunning, (and so your pics) and whets my appetite in trying some of them in a very similar environment. My regards from the S. Hemisphere.
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Arturo,
Very pleased to hear from you.
I am very curious, in what part of Argentina do you garden? With such short summers it seems like you could live far to the south (maybe Patagonia?) or in the mountains near the border with Chile.
With dry summer weather it seems that some type of Calochortus species would certainly do well for you. Are the winters cold? There are a number of Calochortus species that are native to the Sierra Nevada Mountains as well as other mountainous regions of the western U.S.A. These species might be appropriate if your winters are very cold. Those species that are native to lower elevations, especially in California may not be extremely cold hardy. Having said that, I encourage you to try whatever Calochortus species come your way. We all certainly fail if we never try! I also admit that I would be very curious with what sort of success or failure you have with them; the climatic conditions you garden with; and any other challenges you may have to deal with.
Thank you so much for your comments. If I can be of further assistance to you please do not hesitate to PM me.
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Robert:
I'm sure Arturo will step in, but in the mean time.
San Carlos de Bariloche is the area close to the border with Chile in Western Argentina. Looks very much like Swiss mountains. Well known as a popular ski region. Not far from the fruit growing region in Rio negro.
A very beautiful place.
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Arnold,
Thank you for the information. I googled San Carlos de Bariloche and Rio Negro. Very fascinating! Yes, the photographs do look something like the European Alps, at least what little I have seen of them in Switzerland and Austria. I look forward to what Arturo has to say!
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There might be challenges growing Calochortus in the UK. In general, the bulbs need a dry rest in the summer while they are dormant. Moisture around the bulb at this time normally causes the bulb to decay.
Thanks to Robert and Arturo for their thoughts on growing Calochortus. A dry rest over the summer is not difficult where I am in the south east of England; I'm told we get less rainfall than in Mexico. However hot and dry could be difficult. Tulip bulbs tend to need a hot dry summer. Some tulip cultivars flower reliably year-on-year if left in the ground here but the majority decay away producing smaller and smaller leaves for a few years until they vanish completely. How do tulips do in California?
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Alan, I grow a range of Calochortus including kennedyi which is essentially a desert species (I have only flowered it twice). The easier species are amabilis, albus, amoenus and monophyllus. I transferred these from my greenhouse to a bulb frame last autumn to free growing space. Unfortunately this bulb frame has been exposed to run-off from the greenhouse roof. The wet plunge over winter was fine for many Frits but caused rot in the Calochortus -I still have albus and amabilis but have lost amoenus and monophyllus.
I find Calochortus grow best here planted in a deep pot in very well-drained compost (>50% grit). Water control is paramount. They need a long dry warm summer (easy in a greenhouse -even in Scotland). I delay first watering until the end of October, the compost is kept barely damp throughout winter. Top growth is later to rise than for Frits, etc with new growth appearing in early April. I increase watering as growth advances until flower buds plump up. At this point new vegetative growth has ceased and so I provide some shade and try to keep the plants cool whilst reducing watering drastically. If seed capsules are ripening I keep the plunge just damp but add no water to the pots, otherwise the pots are dried-off. Re-potting is in mid-October.
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Hi Robert amd Steve, I have the suspicion that the genus Calochortus should do well here. Of course there's no local experience. I live on the east side of town overlooking the Nahuel Huapi lake, on the southern edge. I've been living on my farm (2.5 hect=6.2acres) for almost 30 yrs now. Growing all sorts of things from trees all the way to (recently) rock garden plants. I turned over the farming part to my godson who thus keeps a small organic fresh vegetable production for local sale. I maintain my activity in gardening . My farm, is placed on a north facing ( warm) slope about 900 mts. elevation(above sea level). We have three greenhouses, the smallest is 20x32ft and can be heated in winter to just above freezing, which we share growing our seedlings and frost tender plants. The larger ones are used for the vegetables and frost tender fruit trees. The east side is much drier than right at the Chilean border. There is an amazing precipitation drop west to east. The west being very, very wet, (4000mm plus) while the eastmost end only reaches 700 mm on an 100 km gradient. I'm placed where annual precipitation reaches to 1500mm aprox. However natural summer drought starts mid December and stays drier as summer continues until the end of March, where the first autumn rains start, at first only dampening the surface. The initial rains are intermittent. Then sometime late April to May starts the rainy season ( we can have solid 20 days of rain). Having said the above, with warming up plus general climatic pattern change, these climatic patterns are no longer so strict. I guess everyone is experienceing it everywhere. In terms of hardiness is where I see greater changes. We used to get cold winters with ground frozen for at least 4/5 days. This is no longer happening. Winter lows are normally in the -5ºC/-8ºC, ( in 2007 we had two weeks of -20ºC, but never again). This past winter we didn't even have a single day of frozen ground. The other great difference with the N. Hemisphere is that we hardly have standing snow except that occurring during a snow storm. So we normally can't count on the cold mitigating effect of snow cover. My trials of wintersowing methods outdoors have had poor results in general terms. Controlled conditions of stratification in my fridge are much more reliable.
With the above explanation plus what I already read about what you've achieved I hope to get a few seeds of various species of Calochortus and try to germinate them. If I succeed in getting them to sprout, then initially I'll grow them in pots before placing them permanently outside. I'm imagining them similar to hardy Mediterranean cyclamens. If anyone suggests a better procedure please let me know.
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Arturo,
It seems that you have an extremely sound plan for cultivating Calochortus. Most likely you will have a high degree of success. Keep us posted on your progress.
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Thanks to Robert and Arturo for their thoughts on growing Calochortus. A dry rest over the summer is not difficult where I am in the south east of England; I'm told we get less rainfall than in Mexico. However hot and dry could be difficult. Tulip bulbs tend to need a hot dry summer. Some tulip cultivars flower reliably year-on-year if left in the ground here but the majority decay away producing smaller and smaller leaves for a few years until they vanish completely. How do tulips do in California?
Alan,
Yes, I do grow tulips. I do not have many, and the species definitely perform much better in our garden. For the most part, the few hybrids that I still have in the garden, do as you say; they slowly fade away with smaller and smaller leaves each year and then vanish completely.
Hot and completely dry conditions are not a prerequisite for all Calochortus species. The Calochortus minimus / nudus complex can often be found growing and blooming in semi-moist meadows. Especially at the higher end of their altitude range, these meadows do not always dry completely by the end of summer. Having said that, they have not been the easiest species for me to maintain in our garden. The bulbs generally are found in the first few cm of soil. The ground freezes and stays frozen for many months during the wintertime where the remain semi-"dry" over the winter. I have had success getting plants to blooming age, however I have only had one plant return to bloom again. The C. minimus / nudus group are tiny plants, only a few cm tall. The flowers can be extremely variable, especially where I suspect that the two "species" overlap in their range.
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A few photographs of Calochortus minimus / nudus taken in June of 2014 in the Lyon's Creek basin. The plants in this area are extremely variable and may be hybrids. The question as to whether they are hybrids is something I would like to pursue. Plants growing in the upper reaches of the basin can be found in small meadows that do not dry completely by autumn. At the lower end of the basin their habitat can become very dry by autumn.
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Thanks Robert, If I'm lucky I'll try get some seeds to begin with! stage one of the path is getting seeds as any botanicaly inclined rock gardeners knows. We tend to get hooked on plants that grow in most bizarre origins, usually as far away as one's soul can imagine. I'm no exception, rather the rule...trying to grow, Primula, Campanula, Penstemon... all northern hemisphere temperate genera...
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Arturo,
I have to admit that for me it has been very difficult for me to obtain seed of species that I would like to grow. By concentrating on our local California flora I can be proactive and accomplish a great deal. :) I certainly am not in the "seed business", however I do gather tiny amounts of seed for my own projects. I will keep you in mind and PM you late summer - autumn if I come across species that I think you might be interested in. Good luck with everything! It will be a pleasure to learn about your gardening experiences on the forum.
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Thanks again! You might wonder why I don't do the same. There is a local flora, high mountain. Some genera very interesting. Very scarce sources of seed.It has yet the reach the specialized nursery. Only recently with emphasis put on growing native flora some students that are studying at the local horticulture program at the university are trying out multiplication schemes. Us gardeners will have to wait. Also the overall diversity is much less. In the southern hemisphere the temperate region is very small. This part, western Tasmania and southern south Island NZ.On the contrary the mediterranean climate is much wider and it includes a large portion of California and west coast. The northern hemisphere offers us gardeners so much diversity!. After all thinking globally, ex situ conservation can be achieved anywhere!
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Arturo,
I am very fortunate to live in California. Our flora is quite diverse. From what I have heard, other parts of our planet seem to lack the diversity of native flora that is found in places like South Africa, China, etc. From my perspective the potential of California's flora has been only partly utilized. I am more than happy to spread a few things around. :)
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Thank you, I'll keep you posted with my endeavors!
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I have heard it suggested that the UK, being an island, is particularly lacking in a diversity of native flora. Perhaps we subconsciously recognise this and compensate by having a larger proportion of the population interested in gardening than elsewhere? That we we achieve our own diversity where it doesn't exist in nature.
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Alan, it has been suggested that much of our wildlife has colonised the UK since the last ice age. I think the ice sheet reached as far as london. Even though not covered by ice the area south of the ice sheet would probably have been something like a Tundra. Wildlife is slowly re-colonising from the south and "southern" species are being recorded in "new" areas but I expect you already know this. As an island we don,t have the land mass of europe for such a great diversity but we do have a varied geology, which in turn creates a diversity of habitats. The problem with "official" figures regarding our wildlife is the lack of data. If people don,t record the wildlife of an area, that area looks poor. In an area where an active bird watcher lives and records, that area looks better for birds on a map. The same applies to any branch of natural history. On a site near me over 5,000 species of invertebrates have been recorded. The reason for this is that there have been very active entomologists visiting the site in the past. As you say, gardeners can and do provide a habitat for wildlife. It is surprising how many habitats can be provided for wildlife in our gardens. As wild habitats are increasingly destroyed with government blessing for "progress" with yet more business parks and housing estates, it is time we said "enough destruction, where is the conservation?"
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The latest weather forecast is for partly cloudy weather on Wednesday. No Rain! 8) I am looking forward to my outing to the Snow Mountain region. Hopefully to explore the middle and/or north fork areas of Stony Creek.
Until then.....
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The latest weather forecast is for partly cloudy weather on Wednesday. No Rain! 8) I am looking forward to my outing to the Snow Mountain region. Hopefully to explore the middle and/or north fork areas of Stony Creek.
Until then.....
I am also looking forward to your outing, Robert! Here the spring is still in its beginning. Cold weather with hail and rain and strong northerly wind have set the plants back. No frost though. Seems the weather will improve a lot in a few days. I really hope so, the last week has been much colder than normal.
Nice Nemophila! I have tried it a few times and it do very well here as an annual! The Sedum is also used as a garden plant here :)
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Arturo,
I remember the area around Bariloche as very green and lush! Although I also remember that it was considerable very local differences. To me, the flora in the area looked very rich and with many garden worthy plants :)
From the Pilcaniyeu road (if I remember right):
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Hello Trond! If I'm right I read an article about a group visiting our area some years ago, including you, lead by our enthusiatic botanical guide Marcela Ferreyra. ( I can't remember where I stored that article). My farm lies south of the road that goes to Pilcaniyeu still within the Nahuel Huapi basin. We are placed in an ecotone with much more forested areas in the west and the typical patagonian steppe in the east. The picture you posted with a Chloraea ground orchid, also has some Eryngium magellanicum rosettes on the right side. These grow naturally here and have been included in my gardening scheme. In the background are some Oenothera if I'm correct. The ephemeral Tropaeolum polyphyllum grows wild at our place and they are protected by me. So are my native Alstroemeria aurantiaca. I also have ubiquitous Rodophiala elwesii (bulb- Amaryllidaceae) growing wherever it wants. It refuses to be transplanted! Gavilea lutea is one other ground orchid that pops up in the lawn in early spring. They are there to stay. I've yet to learn how to cultivate them. Years ago we had Triteleia nivalis showing up but they dissappeared after the Puyehue volcano eruption (2011) that spread a cm thick layer of volcanic sand/ash over everything. There are possibly quite a few of worthwhile plants to include in my rock garden plan. With my past working for the National Parks system, I refuse to collect wild plants. I could get a permit to collect wild seed but I'm still a newbie with growing from seed for many of the alpines , so for the present time I'm happy to get what is offered locally from small nurseries.
Finally I want to add to my place a different thematic region. My family was originally Armenian from the Pontus in Turkey. If possible, honoring my ancestors , some lost during the genocide, when I achieve cultivating rock garden plants originated from the Western Caucasus, the Pontus and the Taurus mountains in the south, I feel I will have paid tribute to their love of mountains which was passed along to me. It is a personal trip as a way of regaining our lands lost then. On both of my parents side they were landed gentry. I'm very grateful to my present country that allows me to both value my local flora as well as try to grow a different set that hopefully will be a sample of our original lands.
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Arturo,
I think I can remember a little how it looks like where you live - no details but forest and steppe like areas. We were there in Nov. 2013 and Marcela was with us a short time only as she was busy elsewhere. But we are coming back this year about the same time and Macela will be our guide.
We also did see areas covered with thick layers of ash and dead shrubs and trees. The ash seemed quite fertile though and some plants seemed to grow very well in it.
I would not dream of digging wild plants! Collecting seeds illegally is also out of the question (few seeds to find in November anyway).Previously I have bought seeds from Chile as I have not found any source in Argentina.
I have grown native plants as long as I can remember but climate and critter set rigid limits to what I can grow from abroad.
Two of the plants we found growing in ash and sand. Viola volcanica and Oxalis adenophylla(?)
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Hello Trond,It would be a pleasure if you have time available to visit my place when you are back again in my region. Let me know and we can arrange for that!.Hopefully by that time some of my gardening pursuits may have bloomed and we can share their beauty. We had a major source of new material with the ash. Actually, yes, quite fertile, light, ideal for seeding mixtures. The ash experience showed us locals what was explained through theory elsewhere as how soils are formed in volcanic areas. When I dig deep I find traces of ash deposits in the ground. Now I understand how it all comes about. For our seed mixtures we no longer have to get outside sand. The ash is not useful for making mortar or any buiding purposes like concrete . It could be used in making cinderblock though.
I enjoyed your picture of the Viola, there are few more native alpine violas. Then of course there is viola magellanica that is a woodland species found easily in spring in the Nothofagus forests. Apart from alpines there are quite a few woodland garden species. These require a much more humid environment than what I've got here right now. As my trees grow perhaps then I can try to grow some of them: various Calceolarias, Mimulus and wet loving Ourisias. I'm aiming towards that perhaps in two or three seasons from now.
Keep me posted.
Arturo
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A beautiful view, to the east, down the canyon cut by Stony Creek to Indian Valley in the distance. Beyond the distant hills is the Sacramento Valley.
My outing to the Snow Mountain area was very successful. With adequate rainfall this winter, conditions have been perfect to create an abundance of wildflowers this spring. In some ways the abundance has been too much for me to process with just a single outing. I spent over four hours exploring the Middle Fork of Stony Creek and only progressed 1 mile (1.6 km) up stream. The quantity and variety of species was tremendous. This limited the territory I could explore, and I also exhausted, once again, the memory chips for my camera. I was also able to spend a few hours exploring the ridges above the North Fork of Stony Creek.
There is a great story to tell. I am now processing everything for my next report. I hope to get the first part of this report posted soon.
Until then….
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Hi Robert, I'm in great expectation for your report.I'm assuming that it will be the first spring flush of wildflowers. Will you be able to return later in the season? I would expect a great profusion of second spring flush with changing species. I would also expect an early summer flush as well, given that there should be ample moisture stored. In many ways it would be the wooded counterpart of the desert flush in southern California. Fascinating!! Thanks for sharing it!
Arturo
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SNOW MOUNTAIN
Middle and North Forks of Stony Creek
Part I
Wednesday, 26 April 2017
Sacramento Weather
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Temperature, High: 72 F, 22 C
Low: 55 F, 13 C
It is a 2.5 hour drive to the Middle Fork of Stony Creek from our home in Sacramento. I started early on Wednesday morning and arrived about 8:00 a.m. The sun was up, it was light and despite the cloudiness, the temperature had already risen to 58 F, 14.5 C.
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I arrived at the confluence of the South Fork and the Middle Fork of Stony Creek (1,497 feet, 456 meters) hoping to explore the gorge of the Middle Fork. The Middle Fork gorge is extremely rugged and inaccessible. I was glad that I had arrived early so that I could explore as far as possible into the upper reaches of the gorge. In addition to the rugged terrain and thick brush, high water from snowmelt might limit my ability to traverse far into the canyon. I was very eager to get started and see what I could get accomplished.
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The pullout and the nearby road cut where I parked the Outback were clothed with a diverse array of blooming wildflowers. Sheets of Miniature Lupine, Lupinus bicolor covered a level area near Stony Creek.
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Accenting the drifts of Miniature Lupine were scattered spikes of Lupinus microcarpus rising above surrounding foliage of invasive grasses and other annuals.
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Also in the vicinity of the grassy flat, colonies of the annual Castilleja attenuata, Valley Tassels, where in bloom.
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The nearby road cut and rocky slopes were also filled with interesting plants. Rosettes of the gray and hairy leaved Lomatium macrocarpum were scattered about on sunny exposures. I was hoping to find this species in bloom. I looked around for signs of flower buds or even spent flower heads, but I did not find any. Later in the day, I observed that deer like to eat both the flowers and the maturing seeds.
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Eriophyllum lanatum var. grandiflorum is a very common species throughout Northern California. This species grew abundantly in the area and was at peak bloom.
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Perched on the road cut was Calochortus amibilis. I saw it frequently throughout the day.
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On a rocky north-facing slope near the Middle Fork, Delphinium nudicaule was blooming among the sparse grasses and rocks. This species can also be found in the foothills and lower mountains of the northern Sierra Nevada – south Cascade transition zone on the other side of the Sacramento Valley.
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There were some excellent examples of Lupinus albifrons var. albifrons in bloom. The prostrate or decumbent Lupinus albifrons var. collinus can also be found in the Snow Mountain region. Last autumn I observed this variety on some of the higher slopes of Snow Mountain.
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Near the banks of Stony Creek Bigleaf Maple, Acer macrophyllum, was one of a number of tree species that enjoyed the extra moisture from the creek. The pendent racemes of flowers were quite showy. Alnus rhombifolia, White Alder, and various Salix species also grew on the creek banks.
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My attention was so fixed on the diverse array of plants near the Outback that I lost track of time. When I finally decided to move on, more than an hour had pasted. I had cataloged 60 to 70 different species in this small area. Not bad!
Now it was time to move on. I crossed the bridge over the Middle Fork of Stony Creek and was intent on hiking up into the canyon. Directly across the bridge, at the edge of the dirt road a large patch of Rose Clover, Trifolium hirtum, in full bloom, greeted me. Trifolium hirtum is an annual, non-native species that seems to grow everywhere throughout Northern California. At times it can be extremely beautiful when in bloom, by itself or mixed with other blooming species.
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The Rose Clover grew at the base of an exposed serpentine cliff and slope full of a wide array of blooming plants.
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The Allium falcifolium grew throughout the serpentine scree and rubble. The flowers were spent. This was disappointing as this common species is very showy when in bloom.
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The serpentine slopes and cliffs had their own unique mix of wildflowers. Carpets of the annual Chaenactis glabriiscula var. glabriscula with their yellow flowers bloomed in large sheets. Most of the time, it appeared as the dominant species on the serpentine slopes.
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I slowly followed the north bank of the Middle Fork of Stony Creek into the canyon. At first there was an old trail used by fishermen, however the trail slowly disappeared as I moved up into the canyon.
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As I moved up stream, in places mixed among Chaenactis glabriuscula were pink flowering Sidalcea hirsuta (pictured). Very similar in general appearance is Clarkia gracilis ssp. gracilis. The two species were sometimes mixed together and one had to look into the flower to make a positive identification.
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In other areas, the purplish-blue annual Salvia columbariae combined beautifully with the yellow Chaenactis glabriuscula.
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Mimulus kelloggii grew abundantly on the sunny, dry serpentine slopes. This beautiful annual species is quite abundant throughout the lower elevations of the Sierra Nevada and the Northern Coastal Mountains.
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There were a number of Asteraceae in bloom along the creek. The annual, Malocothrix floccifera was a very common sight on the hot, dry, south facing serpentine screes.
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As the morning progressed the cloudiness dissipated from the lower slopes of Snow Mountain. The highest snow covered ridges were still shrouded in clouds.
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On many of my outings, most of our native bunch grasses have been crowded out and displaced by non-native, annual, invasive species: Bromus, Avena, Hordeum, and many more. Too often I never see any native grasses. I was very pleased to see Melica californica (pictured) as well as Elymus multisetus in flower in the canyon.
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Collinsia greenei was the only Collinsia species that I recorded on this outing. The deep purplish-blue flowers are very striking against its sivery-gray foliage.
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Occasionally I spotted Clarkia concinna ssp. concinna blooming on the sunny portions of the serpentine slopes.
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The annual poppy, Eschscholzia caespitosa, was often seen blooming among rocks on the sunny canyon slopes.
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Some of the canyon been burned over by a past fire. In places on the north facing, south side of the canyon a young and lush forest had regrown. The vegetation on the south facing canyon slope was predominantly chaparral shrub with a few scattered California Gray Pine, Pinus sabiniana.
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In one location there was a nice colony of Gilia capitata. The plants were a bit unusual, however they still keyed out as subspecies capitata. Normally I do not find Gilia capitata growing on serpentine. Perhaps the serpentine has some effect on their growth? This would not be usual!
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I found a number of Themidaceae growing in the canyon. Both Triteleia laxa (pictured) and Dichelostemma capitatum were blooming. There were a few other species in the area, but they were not even close to bloom.
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I have mentioned serpentine frequently. It can be found in areas throughout California. Serpentine is a relatively soft rock with generally a green color, however it can also be very dark, almost black in color. It has a greasy look and feel. When wet it can be very slick. One must be very careful when hiking or climbing on serpentine, wet or dry.
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Serpentine is a metamorphic rock composed of, for the most part, lizardite and chrysotile, however it can also contain high concentrations of toxic metals and asbestos. I encountered this band of serpentine in Solano County approximately 100 miles (161 km) to the south, again in Napa County near the Cedar Roughs Wilderness, and then in the southwestern portion of Colusa County above Bear Valley. In the future, I will be curious to see if the same band in exposed to the north in the vicinity of the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness in Tehema County.
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At one point up stream, the fishing trail, or what was left of it squeezed through a cleft in a huge rock outcrop. In a shaded crevice colonies of Asidotis californica filled the crack.
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Hi Robert, I'm in great expectation for your report.I'm assuming that it will be the first spring flush of wildflowers. Will you be able to return later in the season? I would expect a great profusion of second spring flush with changing species. I would also expect an early summer flush as well, given that there should be ample moisture stored. In many ways it would be the wooded counterpart of the desert flush in southern California. Fascinating!! Thanks for sharing it!
Arturo
Arturo,
Yes, I will be returning throughout the season. Snow Mountain is an extremely interesting area.
In our part of California there is a succession of flowers by time and elevation. Often I can see one species in bloom at one location early in the season and see it in bloom again at a higher elevation later in the same season.
I have to admit that I have rarely traveled to Southern California. I did see many beautiful plants in the desert and it might be interesting to visit some areas again. Right now Northern California keeps me very busy. :)
Always feel free to ask questions. I can only report a small fraction of the information I gather.
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SNOW MOUNTAIN
Middle and North Forks of Stony Creek
Part II
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High water levels and sheer rock cliffs along the creek bank eventually prevented my progress up the canyon. At this location flooding during the winter season had left large debris piles and scoured out huge pockets into the streamside. Somehow, Clematis ligusticifolia had survived the mayhem and was sending its vining stems into the air looking for something to cling to.
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There was one location where I might be able to scrabble (in some cases climb) up out of this area into the surrounding chaparral. After several attempts I finally climbed out into an extremely steep serpentine wash. I spotted a Toyon plant, Heteromeles arbutifolia, with red fruit. This is unusual for this time of the year. Generally by this time the wildlife has eaten them all.
…., but now I had more climbing to do!
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On the lower slopes before entering the chaparral there were a few Erysimum capitatum var. capitatum in bloom.
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At the edge of a cliff face as I pulled myself up over the side I found, to my surprise, Allium falcifolium in bloom.
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The plants were right at eye level and were beautiful to examine in detail, close up!
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At this point I continued up the steep slope in a serpentine filled ravine.
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The ground was somewhat barren of plant life, however I did encounter this beautiful specimen of Calochortus amabilis.
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Often rare and/or unusual plants can be found in serpentine barrens. Streptanthus breweri is such a species. I found this annual serpentine endemic scattered throughout this site.
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Castilleja foliolosa grew at the edges of the wash where there was more soil.
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When I reached the top of the wash, I traversed the slope into the surrounding chaparral. In one clearing, consisting of serpentine rubble, there was a large colony of Lewisia rediviva in full bloom. What a sight!
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There was a full range of colors, including many white flowering specimens.
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Others had deep pink flowers.
I was very pleased to find this isolated population.
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In another nearby area there were sheets of Minuartia douglasii in bloom. They too grew in the rubble of serpentine rock. Here they can be seen with Acmispon wrangelianus (yellow flowers) and a gray Eriophylllum lanatum (lower right).
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Where ever I hiked I sooner or later came across Mimulus kelloggii.
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Hiking through the dense scrub of the chaparral was extremely difficult. At this point I had only progressed 1 mile (1.6 km) into the canyon. I made the decision to return to the Outback and check the North Fork of Stony Creek. I also wanted to see some different territory on my return to the Outback, so slowly snaked my way through the brush and back toward the Outback.
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In some places the chaparral was so thick it was easier to lower myself down a cliff face or a steep slope of loose gravelly serpentine than attempt to blaze my way through the brush. Eventually the chaparral thinned to the point where there were open grassy areas that were very easy to hike through.
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The chaparral was dominated by Chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum. Coastal Whiteleaf Manzanita was one component of the chaparral. In this photograph one can barely see the glandular outer surface of the berries.
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In places the vining flowering stems of Dichelostemma volubile could be found twinning through the shrubbery.
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A very interesting find was this blooming specimen of Solanium parishii scrabbling through a dwarf Leather Oak, Quercus durata var. durata.
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Slowly I worked myself down out of the chaparral and toward the entrance to the canyon. The Leather Oak, Quercus durata var. durata, pictured looks like a giant bonsai. The rock lined trail can also be seen below the oak.
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Thanks Robert for your report!. I was wondering about the amount of annuals in bloom. Perhaps they start up early keeping pollinators busy until perennials come into bloom. I used to grow Eryophilum lanatum (hairy sunflower). It was a compact grey leaved rounded mound covered in yellow flowers. Perhaps not the same ssp. I also noted that very beautiful annual Mimulus. Are there any perennial Mimulus growing there? So many of the wildflowers have garden potential! (including the annuals!). Needless to say the Calochortus and Allium have caught my eye!. Thanks Arturo
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At this point I was very close to the “fishermen’s” trailhead and the entrance of the Middle Fork canyon. As it turned out it was a very short hike down the dirt road to the North Fork of Stony Creek.
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Along the dirt track, Gilia tricolor ssp. tricolor could be seen blooming among taller grasses.
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Here the terrain was dominated by serpentine, however there was a single outcropping of a dark hornfels (also a metamorphic rock) consisting of very dark small crystal minerals (i.e. the original rock was very dense and cooled quickly).
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I found a number of species growing on the hornfels outcrop that I found nowhere else during this outing. One species was Cheilanthes gracillima.
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The hornfels outcrop was very sunny and exposed. Dichelostemma volubile growing at this site was well advanced in growth compared to other plants I saw during the day.
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Sedum laxum shared the rock cervices with the Cheilanthes fern. This species too was only found growing on the hornfels rock formation.
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There were some very impressive clumps of Triteleia laxa growing on the hornfels outcrop.
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It was now getting late in the day. I left the hornfels outcrop and started hiking up a dirt track toward the ridge top between the Middle and North Forks of Stony Creek. On a bank along the track I spotted a few specimens of Toxicoscordion fremontii. Later in the day after I exhausted the memory of my camera, I also found Toxicoscordion micranthum.
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A bit higher on the ridge there were scattered drifts of Leptosiphon latisectus growing in the rocky scree.
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It would have been good if I could have reached the top of the ridge. From there I could survey the land and perhaps see possible sites to visit in the future. Unfortunately I only made it to 1,907 feet (581 meters), about ¾ of the way to the ridge top.
I did find Lomatium macrocarpum in bloom! Sadly, there was no memory space remaining in my camera when I found the dramatic yellow umbels of Lomatium californicum. Lomatium californicum also has striking ternate, wedge-shaped, glaucous foliage. I found them growing out of shear rock faces and in dry serpentine rubble.
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On my return trip I continued to find interesting plants (and no memory space on my camera). Near Fouts Spring there was a nice colony of Viola purpurea ssp. purpurea in full bloom. This was a low elevation site for this species. Another good find was Lathyrus vestitus ssp. vestitus growing and blooming near the Viola purpurea. Baccharis salicifolia ssp. salicifolia (in bloom), Wyethia glabra (in bloom), Arctostaphylos manzanita ssp. elegans, Ceanothus parryi (in bloom), and Platystemon californicus (in bloom) were some of the other noteworthy species observed on my way back to the village of Stonyford.
Despite the fact that I covered very little territory and I used all of my camera memory before the day ended, this was an excellent outing. I logged 142 different taxa in a relatively small area. I also spotted a few elk and some deer.
With so much to see this time of year now I need to decide where to go next week.
Until next time…..
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Thanks Robert for your report!. I was wondering about the amount of annuals in bloom. Perhaps they start up early keeping pollinators busy until perennials come into bloom. I used to grow Eryophilum lanatum (hairy sunflower). It was a compact grey leaved rounded mound covered in yellow flowers. Perhaps not the same ssp. I also noted that very beautiful annual Mimulus. Are there any perennial Mimulus growing there? So many of the wildflowers have garden potential! (including the annuals!). Needless to say the Calochortus and Allium have caught my eye!. Thanks Arturo
Arturo,
Yes, this time of year there are many annual species in bloom. As one travels higher into the mountains the percentage of annual species decreases and the perennial species increase. At lower elevations the peak blooming season is in the spring, however there are some tough, drought tolerant species that will blooming in the late summer and autumn even at lower elevations. Madia species come to my mind.
We have many beautiful annual and perennial Mimulus species, not to mention our native Calochortus and Allium species. Allium falcifolium and Calochortus amabilis are quite common within their range, never-the-less very beautiful and very garden worthy. Allium falcifolium is blooming at our Sacramento home at this time and well as Calochortus monophyluus.
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Robert,
I enjoyed this outing very much! Thank you. (I have several things to do at home today or else I would be on an outing too!) Difficult to pick one favorite among all your beautiful plants :)
Although the weather here has warmed slightly the last two days not many plants have come into bloom yet. But the birch trees will leaf out today!
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Robert, some nice plants in that area, the Leptosiphon reminds me of Androsace. It looks a bit unstable in some of the gullies. We only have fairly small outcrops of serpentine in the UK but they do contain uncommon plants.
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Robert,
Many thanks for these impressions - especially for showing the serpentine sites!
Gerd
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Thank you for all of the comments
Now for some background information:
My wife and I both took college classes in geology. Just enough to get us into trouble! :) I brought home a sample of the "Hornfels". Now we are debating what the sample represents. To me it looks a bit like Peridotite. "...but it is not green!", "yes, but there are black forms of Peridotite." and so it goes. :) For the time we are calling it hornfels, as hornfels can consist of almost anything. Now we will do more research and find out what type of rock the sample represents. The plant life was very different in this rock formation. It would be good to have a better understanding of what is going on.
Gerd,
I wanted to get a photograph of the Viola purpurea. They looked superb. In addition, they were growing at a very low elevation - not impossible or unlikely just at a very low elevation limit. I checked and re-checked the plants just to make sure they were indeed Viola purpurea. The good news is that they are easily accessible but not obvious. I can easily observe the plants though the season as I return to the Snow Mountain area.
Trond,
Our weather is starting to warm. In a few days the forecast is for 30 C. In a month is could easily near 40 C. Typical weather in our part of California. More on this later.... :)
Ian,
Leptosiphon is a Polemoniaceae, however I can clearly see a resemblance to Androsace.
Sorry, I have been very busy for the past week. I haven't been able to follow along with your diary. I will get back to it soon enough.
Serpentine in the UK! Thank you for sharing that bit of information.
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I will be very busy the next two days. This week's outing will be on Thursday. I am still undecided as to the destination. This time of year there are many very good choices. :)
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I had a very enjoyable and productive outing on Thursday. Originally my plan was to visit the Red Hills in Tuolumne County. Our weather had turned warm (hot, 34 C) and very dry. When I arrived at the Red Hills on Thursday morning there were still many wildflowers in bloom, however the peak was over and things were clearly starting to dry out. Fortunately I had a backup plan. I traveled up the mountain to the North Fork of the Tuolumne River.
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The canyon of the North Fork of the Tuolumne River is extremely rugged territory. From my vantage point I had to decide if I wanted to hike down into the Poopenaut Valley.
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I could see that the Tuolumne River and the feeder creeks and streams were swollen with snow runoff. This might add to my difficulties hiking in the Poopenaut Valley.
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On the other hand it might be interesting to explore the granite canyon slopes.
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Fortunately from my vantage point on O'Shaughnessy Dam the decision was very easy! The rapture of exploring Hetch Hetchy Valley could not be resisted! I will have a report on this outing as soon as possible. :)
Until then.....
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My word, Robert - wherever you choose to hike and share with us is great as far as I'm concerned- always something new to see or learn. thank you.
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My word, Robert - wherever you choose to hike and share with us is great as far as I'm concerned- always something new to see or learn. thank you.
You are welcome! :)
Hetch Hetchy Valley is an amazing place. I hope to visit many more times in the future!
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HETCH HETCHY
Part I
Thursday, 4 May 2017
Sacramento Weather
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Temperature, High: 89 F, 31.5 C
Low: 66 F, 19 C
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Hetch Hetchy Valley is located north of Yosemite Valley and in many ways mirrors, the better known, Yosemite Valley. Like Yosemite Valley a number of waterfalls plummet a thousand feet or more over sheer granite cliffs. Hetch Hetchy Dome is spectacular and is very similar to El Capitan in Yosemite Valley. On the south side of the valley, the massive and towering Kolana Rock dominates the valley. The “bathtub ring” created by Hetch Hetchy Reservoir does detract somewhat from the majestic beauty of the valley, however there are fewer visitors to this part of Yosemite National Park which for me is a real plus. Most locations in the valley can only be reached by hiking. One can encounter numerous hikers on the trail to Wapama Falls, however few hike beyond Wapama Falls or hike the less popular trails.
My goal this day was to hike to Wapama Falls, a distance of about 2.5 miles (4 km). From my previous trip to Hetch Hetchy four years ago, I knew that there were many wildflowers to see along this route to the falls. I started my trek at O’Shaughnessy Dam (3,828 feet, 1,167 meters), and entered the tunnel at the north end of the dam. Upon exiting the tunnel the trails traverses the hot south facing canyon face to Wapama Falls.
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Lupinus albifrons is at its upper elevation limit in the valley, however there were some beautiful clumps along the trail as I left the tunnel.
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On shaded cliff faces, Sedum spathulifolium clung to the near vertical rock faces. Many of the plants were still in full bloom.
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Castilleja applegatei ssp. pinetorum was the only perennial Castilleja species that I logged on this outing. They appeared in scattered patches on the first portion of the trail. They shared the somewhat open, rocky habitat with the mounding Keckiella breviflora and larger specimens of Philadelphus lewisii.
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Cirsium occidentale grew in one location on the first leg of the trail. They were most likely variety californicum, with tightly appressed phyllaries with only the spines spreading. I have to admit I was not pay close attention at the time as another species had my attention.
Throughout my journey I encountered Boechera pinetorum. The small purplish flowers of this Brassicaceae are not that showy, however the stems of reflexed seedpods are quite striking. Sorry, photographs did not turn out well.
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Pellaea mucronata (pictured) and Pentagramma triangularis were the two most frequently seen ferns in this area. Often growing with or near the ferns were Blue Dicks, Dichelostemma capitatum. The flowers on the plants in this area were very pale in comparison to specimens I see on my outings in Northern California.
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Under the shade of Canyon Live Oak, Quercus chyrsolepis, sheets of the annual Nemophila heterophylla were in bloom. Also pictured is Poison Oak, Toxicodendron diversilobum (upper left). It grew everywhere, so attention and caution were required as I hiked and examined plants.
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Deer Bush, Ceanothus integerrimus var. macrothyrsus was in bloom along the route. It was one of two Ceanothus species I logged this day. Ceanothus cuneatus was the other species. They had finished blooming earlier in the season.
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Only one species of Manzanita grew along this route, Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. mariposa. The photograph is of a nice rounded specimen, however most of the plants I saw had twisted, artistic trunks and a wind swept look to them.
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The plants in this area had dense glandular hairs on their stems and highly glandular fruit. This is very typical of this subspecies. If one looks closely in the photograph one might see these characteristics. Most of the plants I encounter of this subspecies in the northern Sierra Nevada are not quite as glandular-hairy. I often see them in mixed stands with subspecies viscida (stems and fruit glabrous) with many gradations between the two subspecies.
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There were numerous invasive grasses growing in this area. Bromus tectorum, the most frequently seen, is growing through a patch of the native Acmispon wrangelianus in full bloom in this photograph. Avena barbata, Bromus diandrus, B. madritensis ssp. rubens, B. hordeaceus and Hordeum murinum were some of the other invasive grass species seen on this outing.
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Melica californica was one of the few native grass species that I logged.
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Water was cascading down the cliff faces everywhere. Most of the waterfalls were ephemeral and would stop flowing as the summer dry season approached.
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Often there were dense groves of trees growing along the coarse of the seasonal streams. Under their shade canopy grew a completely different set of plant species. I found one nice stand of Fritillaria micrantha with some flowers that had not completely faded. Nearby I found a patch of Allophyllum divericatum in bloom. This lavender flowered Polemoniaceae is quite pretty. It is a shame the photographs did not turn out.
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The majestic Kolana Rock dominated the view across Hetch Hetchy Reservoir as I hiked the trail toward Wapama Falls.
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Eriodictyon californicum was another native shrub that grew prolifically throughout the area. They were in peak bloom. I was very fortunate to catch this butterfly as it sipped nectar from the open flowers.
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About midway to Wapama Falls the trail meanders through an area of flat exposed sheets of granite bisected by trickling streams of water. Where there was enough soil, dazzling displays of wildflowers were in full bloom. The annual Lupinus stiversii put on a great display.
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Lupinus stiversii was often found growing in mixed stands with the annual Lupinus nanus.
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Lupinus nanus was often growing in huge sheets. The musky scent of their flowers filled the warm springtime air.
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Another beautiful combination was Lupinus nanus and Trifolium willdenovii. This section of the trail was a miniature wildflower paradise.
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Great stuff, Robert!
I love that wildflower meadow of lupins and clover!
Keep up the good work, mate,
cheers
fermi
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HETCH HETCHY
Part II
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At times Trifolium willdenovii was seen blooming in dense stands. The flowers were deep and intense in color. Generally, when I encounter this species the flowers can be somewhat pale. I have a small stand of this species blooming in our Sacramento garden and hope that I can one day select a strain with deep colored flowers.
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Some of the sites within the slab granite were very wet and almost swampy. Limnanthes alba ssp. alba thrives with very moist conditions. They were in bloom in great sheets where water accumulated.
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Red Maids, Calandrinia ciliata, prefers moist sites too, however they are generally found where the soil is thin.
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Scattered plants of Toxicoscordion venenosum var. venenosum grew in this moist swampy area. Many Toxicoscordion species are found growing in much drier locations. Toxocoscordion venenosum prefers moist sites.
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I encountered a few Carex species on this outing. Stick Sedge, Carex multicaulis, grew in somewhat dry forested areas along the trail. The dwarf sedge, Carex filifolia var. filifolia, grew in open areas on granite slabs where seasonal water flowed. Carex whitneyii aff (pictured) grew in moist sites both shaded and open to the sun. Unfortunately, I missed some key features in my field notes and I am a bit uncertain as to its true identity.
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As I continued through the moist meadow-like area, I frequently encountered Mimulus floribundus growing in small drifts.
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Another clover species that truly delights me is Trifolium monathum ssp. monathum. This species forms tight mats near small streams or seeps. I have encountered forms that are extremely tight, low and mat forming. I have never tried this species in our garden, but it is high on my priority list.
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In rockier areas that dry more during the summer Drymocallis glandulosa could be found blooming. The whole Potentilla complex is a generally useful, beautiful, and easy-to-grow group of plants (at least our California native species). Many preform extremely well in our Sacramento garden and will bloom repeatedly throughout the season.
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Wyethia angustifolia was one of a number of Asteraceae I saw blooming on this outing. The large yellow daisies are quite beautiful, however the smaller flowers on Jensia yosemitana also intrigued me.
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Cheilanthes gracillima was a small rock fern that found its home in dry shaded cervices.
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Sedella pumilla grew on extremely thin slices of soil directly on top of granite slabs in full sun. Where they grew in quantity this annual Crassulaceae put on quite a show with their small yellow flowers.
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Occasionally, in drying rock crevices I found Phecelia vallicola in bloom. This Boraginaceae is another attractive California native annual.
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I only spotted on specimen of this Mimulus species. It is very reminiscent of the Mimulus layneae that I see at Traverse Creek in El Dorado County. A few of its characteristic were not quite right, so I have some uncertainty about this specimen too. I looked for other plants, but did not find any. It was growing directly out of a rock crevice. This may have had something to do with its appearance.
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I was now approaching Tueeulala Falls. In moist shaded areas large groups of Thalictrum fendleri were in full bloom. This species is generally dioecious. I find the pollen bearing male plants (pictured) with their hanging yellow anthers the most attractive.
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A thin ribbon of water descends the sheer granite face to create Tueeulala Falls. A considerable volume of water descends the cliff face creating waves of turbulence through the air. It is quite awesome to approach closely to the falls.
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Between Tueeulala Falls and Wapama Falls I caught a view of the upper portions of the Hetch Hetchy Valley, the beginning of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River and the high snow capped mountains beyond.
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The same vantage point had a good view back toward O’Shaughnessy Dam.
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It is a very short distance between Tueeulala Falls and Wapama Falls. This is as close to the falls as I could get and still take a photograph. Closer to the falls was like entering a rainstorm. Huge amounts of spray were coming off the falls, as an incredible volume of water thundered off the mountain. I was able to approach within a few meters of the falls before having to retreat. It would be very foolish to attempt crossing the cascade. One would be swept away instantly.
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Now it was time to return to the trailhead. I took my time to see what species I might have missed on the way in. Minuartia douglasii has small white flowers and thread-like foliage. Individual plants can be easy to miss, especially when there are larger showier plants demanding attention. Minuartia douglasii enjoys dry sites in full sun. I encounter this species frequently on many of my outings.
My return hike to the Outback was uneventful as I scanned the terrain for plants that I might have missed. On this outing, I logged 113 species within a fairly small area with few habitat changes. The park rangers seemed impressed and I was pleased with the outcome. I was also pleased to get a peek into the high country. The snow is melting quickly and I will be able to visit the high mountains within a few weeks. The scenery was, of coarse, breath taking. This is certainly a place I plan to return to as much as possible. I have only scratched the surface!
Until next time…….
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Great stuff, Robert!
I love that wildflower meadow of lupins and clover!
Keep up the good work, mate,
cheers
fermi
Thank you Fermi! 8)
The plan is to visit the Northern Coast Range this coming Thursday. There are several Calochortus species that I hope to locate. We will see how it goes.
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Hi Robert! your last hike just led me to fond memories. I visited Toulumne meadows in 1975, as part of a two day visit to Yosemite. This much higher elevation part of the National Park had a large expanse on rather wet montane meadows quite level with an amazing amount wildplants. At that tome we were visiting the site of a colleague from UC Berkeley, Dep of zoology who was studying the social colonies of ground squirrels. I don't remember seeing the valley dam then, so I'm wondering how we got up there.
Thank you so much for your pics! :)
Arturo
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Arturo,
There are two ways to get to Tuolumne Meadows. The first route is from the west. On the Big Oak Flat Road one turns on the Tioga Road before reaching Yosemite Valley. The other route is from the east starting at the town of Lee Vining. One just takes the Tioga Road up over Tioga Pass to Toulumne Meadows.
Believe-it-or-not when I was very young my father would put us kids in the truck Friday evening after work and we would all go to Yosemite to camp for the weekend. Now one needs to make a reservation months in advance to camp in the park. How times change!
Hetch Hetchy is in a remote part of Yosemite Park. Still there are a fair number of visitors, however there is nothing for tourist to do except hike. Not much can be seen except by hiking, so this cuts down on the number of people. This is perfect for me as I do not enjoy crowds of people.
Also, Hetch Hetchy is at a relatively low elevation. If I had more time I could have hiked to the top of the canyon rim and seen many more plant species. The only way to get to the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River is by hiking. It is extremely remote and there are very few visitors. The perfect place for me to visit, but this will have to wait for another time.
Tomorrow, Thursday I will be returning to the Northern Coastal Mountains south of Snow Mountain. I am hoping this will be a productive outing.
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Robert, I'm looking forward to your coastal mountain trip. My understanding of that part is very sketchy. I hear that it relies upon fog belts that deposit dew on the vegetation. Specially now in spring with great temperature range from inland to sea and day/night time temps. I'm again impressed with the amount of garden worthy annuals. I'll try to get seeds and see how they fare this far south. They could easily cover the early spring color demand beyond the traditional spring bulbs, specially for quickly drying sites. Thank you for posting your adventures; its a never ending stimulus for my horticultural adventures too!
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Arturo,
Tomorrow's outing will be to the Inner Coastal Mountain. This area is beyond the coastal fog belt. Temperatures are very hot and conditions are very during the summer.
Our California native annuals are fantastic in our Sacramento garden. Given your climatic conditions I think that they would preform well in your garden too. I do post some photographs of them as I can in another part of the forum. Right now Navarretia pubescens is coming into bloom. I gathered seed of this species on Snow Mountain last autumn. I just labeled the seed as Polemoniaceae species as they were completely dried up when I gathered the seed. Right now the wind is blowing like crazy - so no photographs. Maybe when I get back from my outing I will be able to get a good photograph of this species.
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Robert! I just googled images of Navarretia p. and they are fabulous!. It doesn't seem to have reached cultivation yet. Not at least from known sources ( ref Calflora). I wonder how many of these garden worthy annuals are out there waiting to reach gardens! Thanks so much for mentioning them to me. This one along with Clarkia concinna, will be on my wish list.When you have time I'll be eager to listen to your suggestions, perhaps under a different topic. I grow annuals under glass for late spring and summer/fall flowers. But I've yet to understand these early spring annuals that dry up as soon as the heat strikes. They definitely fill a very interesting horticultural gap in my type of dry summer climate. That is the reason of my great interest in them.
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Arturo,
Growing California native annuals has its challenges .....and certainly its rewards!
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I returned to the Bear Valley region of California yesterday. This outing was excellent and extremely productive. Bear Valley is located in the Inner Coast Mountains of Northern California. I did not spend much time in Bear Valley, but traveled west into the hills. Very fascinating plants and terrain. Right now my work schedule is extremely busy. It will most likely take me 5-7 days to get anything posted. Stay tuned, I just checked the first batch of photographs. Most of them have turned out well. I still have 2 memory cards to look at, so hopefully they will be equally good. It was extremely windy all day. I am glad that some of the photographs look good!
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I have had a very hectic schedule for the past week. I was able to get away today for a quick peek at some of our low elevation wildflowers here in El Dorado county before the big heat arrives. Today's high was 70 F, 21 C with 4 mm of rain last night. The forecast is for the temperature to rise to 97 F, 36 C by Saturday.
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I needed to get a loaf of bread at the market and used it as an excuse to take the scenic route back from town. The canyon slopes of the South Fork of the American River are starting to dry and turn golden-brown.
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Gilia capitata ssp. pedemontana is blooming in every sunny site on the canyon slopes.
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Gila capitata ssp. pedemontana with the opposite canyon face in the background.
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The blooming season is winding down for Eschscholzia caespitosa, however there are still a few plants with flowers.
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Triteleia ixioides ssp. scabra continues to bloom in shadier locations.
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The South Fork of the American River is running high with snow melt - but very clear!
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Triteleia bridgesii is quite lovely and can be found at a few select sites in El Dorado County.
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Bush Monkeyflower, Mimulus aurantiacus var. aurantiacus can put on a tremendous show. It thrives in the sunny xeric environment of the canyon slopes.
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Under the Monkeyflower, I found this nice specimen of the annual clover, Trifolium willdenovii in bloom.
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The yellow/white phase of the annual Castilleja exserta ssp. exserta was blooming in large sheets throughout the canyon.
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It was late in the day for the flower of Leptosiphon monatanus to be open. They must have looked great in the morning.
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In sites shaded from the afternoon sun a few flowers were still open.
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Lathyrus tingitanus is a somewhat weedy invasive species. I have to admit that they looked very nice this day, and they do bloom for many week during the spring.
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Dudleya cymosa growing directly out of a tiny rock crevice.
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With a bit more soil the flower heads can get quite large.
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Along shaded sections of the canyon Calochortus albus could still be found in bloom.
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Dichelostemma volubile was also twinning around neighboring plants in somewhat shaded areas.
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The native perennial pea, Lathyrus sulphereus, has started to bloom.
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I enjoy this species however I have had some difficulty getting it established in our Sacramento garden. The seed germinates fairly easily however it has been difficult for me to keep the seedlings going.
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Back in the sun I found a few Lupinus nanus still in bloom.
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Penstemon heterophyllus var. purdyi looking good.
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Penstemon heterophyllus var. purdyi is an excellent species for a xeric landscape. There are some very good selection available - at least there were some in California.
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Chinese Houses, Collinsia heterophylla, likes shaded locations. It is a great annual for the garden. I am looking at a bouquet in front of my lap-top as as write (from garden at our farm!). It is wonderful as a cut flower.
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Rock Creek is full of water and running clear. A great sight to see!
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The INNER COASTAL MOUNTAINS of NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
BEAR VALLEY and INDIAN VALLEY REGIONS
Part I
Thursday, 11 May 2017
Sacramento Weather
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Temperature, High: 74 F, 23.5 C
Low: 52 F, 11 C
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Last Thursday I returned to the Bear Valley region of Colusa County to continue my exploration of the area. Bear Valley is an ancient lakebed that filled with sediment. To the east of the valley, the folded hills of the Great Valley Sequence, consisting of muddy sandstones and shale, are clothed with Blue Oak, Quercus douglasii, savannah. To the west lies the Coast Range ophiolite consisting mostly of serpentine. This area is densely vegetated with chaparral species.
I arrived at Bear Valley, elevation 1,302 feet (397 meters) at about 7:30 a.m. The temperature was a pleasant 56 F, 13.5 C, however it was very breezy.
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The spectacular wildflower event earlier in the season had ended, however a few late season flowers could still be seen in bloom. Wyethia angustifolia grew in dense colonies along the roadside as I entered the valley.
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Calochortus luteus was also scattered infrequently along the roadside. In addition, occasionally Calochortus superbus was seen in this setting.
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The landscape was drying, but Bear Creek still had a strong flow of water.
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Most of Bear Valley was still quite green. In the moist parts of the valley, Mimulus guttatus was blooming among the rangeland grasses. There were also the lingering flowers of Layia chrysanthemoides, Layia platyglossa, and Eschscholzia californica scattered about the valley floor.
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A number of annual Castilleja species can be found in or near Bear Valley. Some seem to hybridize with each other and identification can be challenging at times. This specimen of Castilleja exserta ssp. exserta matched the species description perfectly.
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My goal this day was to explore the serpentine ophiolite to the west, so I did not linger in the valley.
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As I drove into the western hills it was not long before I encountered the first of many fields filled with blooming Calochortus species.
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Calochortus luteus was the dominant species blooming among the drying grasses. Clarkia and Themidaceae species often accompanied the Calochortus creating beautiful mixtures of flowers.
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Calochortus luteus grew in a variety of yellow and cream shades with various petal markings. Some of the variation could certainly be attributed to natural genetic variation, however there was also plenty of evidence of hybridization with Calochortus superbus.
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The first meadow also had large drifts of Calochortus splendens. Calochortus splendens seemed to prefer higher, drier, and rockier ground. The two Calochortus species rarely mixed and there was no evidence of hybridization.
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At the first site, a third Calochortus species was seen. Calochortus amabilis grew in the shade of the chaparral species that ringed the meadow. This Calochortus species seemed to prefer growing under Coastal White-leaf Manzanita, Arctostaphylos viscida ssp pulchella.
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There were plenty of other species in bloom. Eriophyllum lanatum var. grandiflorum was in peak bloom and was seen frequently throughout the region. Here it can be seen growing at the base of Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. pulchella, a common chaparral species in this area.
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The large bowl-shaped flowers of the annual Clarkia gracilis ssp. tracyi were extremely showy. The gusting wind blurred this photograph.
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There were a number of prominent rocky peaks as I progressed toward the summit of the ridge. Throughout the serpentine ophiolite, the variety of species in each exposure and habitat was almost overwhelming. I was very busy all day!
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My next destination was a meadow I had visited on my previous trip to this area. There were a number of species that wanted to check on and see how they were progressing.
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Clarkia purpurea ssp. quadrivulnera grew throughout the meadow. The species is quite common in many parts of California. I saw this species in bloom almost everywhere I traveled on this outing.
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The stately stems of Delphinium hesperium ssp. pallescens were quite striking as they rose above the sea of grasses. The flowers of this subspecies were all a creamy white in this meadow, however I saw this subspecies in a variety of pastel lavender shades at other sites.
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As I walked out into the meadow Triteleia laxa was in seen blooming among the grasses.
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This meadow is ringed by dense chaparral. Calochortus amabilis was blooming abundantly under the surrounding shrubbery.
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Thanks for sharing, Robert,
This looked like a very rewarding trip.
Seeing the hybrids between Calochortus luteus and C. superbus, but not with C. splendens, makes me wonder if there is some other barrier to cross pollination. I wonder if anyone has actually made the cross artificially? Also, do the "Mariposa" and "Fairy Lantern" types ever cross?
cheers
fermi
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Thanks for sharing, Robert,
This looked like a very rewarding trip.
Seeing the hybrids between Calochortus luteus and C. superbus, but not with C. splendens, makes me wonder if there is some other barrier to cross pollination. I wonder if anyone has actually made the cross artificially? Also, do the "Mariposa" and "Fairy Lantern" types ever cross?
cheers
fermi
Hi Fermi,
These are very good questions that will take me some time to come up with a clearer picture of the situation. I observed clear hybrids between Calochortus luteus and C. superbus. Undoubtedly, there is less noticeable introgression going on. Calochortus vestae is reported from this area, however I did not see any. It seems reasonable to think that C. vestae and C. superbus could cross. The two species are very similar in appearance, hybrids could be a real mess to sort out. I do wonder if Calochortus vestae occupies a completely different niche in the ecosystem. Perhaps it grows at a higher elevation or it is dependent on a particular substrate (soil, geology), or any number of different conditions.
It would be very interesting to make an artificial cross between Calochortus luteus and C. splendens, if this is even possible. I did consider that one color trait might be dominant, thus making hybrids difficult to detect. This does not seem very likely. I have seen forms of Calochortus superbus that are flushed lavender (in the Sierra Nevada, with no other species in the vicinity). The plants are quite beautiful.
I have also heard reports of hybrids between Calochortus albus and C. monophyllus. I see the two species blooming next to each other at the same time and have never noticed any hybrids. Unusual and unlikely scenarios do occur, so I always keep my eyes open for unexpected hybrid combinations.
For a number of years now I have been watching potential hybrids of Calochortus nudus and C. minimus. It is interesting scenarios like this that make me wish for more time out in the field. Personally, I like to make my own independent observations and come to my own conclusions before considering other ideas and conclusions. Having said that, do keep us posted on your growing results in Australia. I am always keenly interested in the plants you grow and any potential hybrids you might create. I believe that there is much potential within the genus and not much has been done to date.
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Catching with several pages of your recent adventures Robert, and enjoying them immensely. We have been having a period of drought this spring more similar to your experiences in California - virtually no rain since early March (and less than 40% of our normal rainfall since the beginning of the year). Fortunately the weather has turned and the last few days have been wet! We have grown a few of the plants you show, especially Penstemon heterophyllus purdyi, which is superb. I once had small plants of Lomatium macrocarpum but if I try them again must make a coarse open scree for them akin to your picture. Thanks for an interesting evening.
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The INNER COASTAL MOUNTAINS of NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
BEAR VALLEY and INDIAN VALLEY REGIONS
Part II
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This small meadow had many different aspects. The upper margins were rocky, somewhat dry, and bordered by dense chaparral shrubbery. Near the center and at the lower edges the meadow still held a considerable amount of moisture in the soil. Some parts were almost swampy.
Large colonies of Wyethia angustifolia were in bloom in the upper, drier portions of the meadow.
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Wyethia angustifolia is one of three Wyethia species that grow in this region. Wyethia angustifolia is the last species to bloom in the spring. Sometimes there are late flowers on Wyethia helenioides and the two species will sometimes hybridize with each other.
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Also occupying drier sections of the meadow were mats of Astragalus rattenii var. jeponianus. Earlier in the season I found this species growing in Bear Valley. I was very pleased to see it in this meadow.
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Both Calochortus luteus and C. superbus grew in the dry upper parts of the meadow. Many of the plants appeared true-to-type, however the were also hybrids present.
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A good portion of the central part of the meadow was very moist, almost swampy. Mimulus guttatus thrives in such conditions. The Mimulus shared this niche with Juncus xiphioides and Carex various species.
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In late March when I first visited this meadow Viola douglasii was in full bloom. This day, with some difficulty, I was able to find many of the same plants. The plants were not dormant yet, but in many locations the annual grasses had grown much taller and thicker that I had expected.
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Back in the shade of the chaparral shrubbery I found a small colony of Castilleja applegatei ssp. martinii. Within a small area I found 3 different perennial Castilleja species, not to mention some distinct color forms and other variations. Under such conditions, it is understandable that there is a considerable amount of hybridization taking place between the different species and that identification can sometimes be problematic.
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At the edge of the meadow there was a pleasant view of Bear Valley.
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I spent a considerable amount of time recording the diverse selection of plant species in the meadow, however there was new territory that I wished to explore. It was now time to hike to another set of clearings up near the ridge crest. Castilleja foliolosa grew abundantly in this dry, rocky terrain.
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The upper clearing and slopes were very dry and rocky. Calochortus superbus seemed to prefer these areas. Calochortus luteus and C. splendens were absent from these sites.
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In some locations sheets of Clarkia concinna ssp. concinna covered dry, semi-shaded banks. They were a very beautiful sight.
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Malacothrix floccifera was just one of many Asteraceae species blooming in this area.
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Many of the chaparral trees and shrubs were coming into bloom. The large white flower trusses of Aesculus californica were very dramatic set off against the lush greens of the various chaparral trees and shrubs.
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Eriophyllum lanatum var. grandiflorum was prolific on the open, dry rocky slopes. This species created large swaths of yellow color that dotted the open slopes between the dense chaparral shrubbery.
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At one site, I found an interesting Allium species. In general, it fit the description of Allium serra, a frequently seen species in this region. The foliage was flat, not rounded; however the remaining characteristic seemed to fit the species well. I have encountered unexpected Allium hybrids in the past, so this is one possible explanation for this plant. Unfortunately, there were only 3-4 plants that may have been clones, so no comparison could be made with other plants.
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California Snowdrop Bush, Styrax redivivus, is gorgeous and also has fragrant flowers. When in bloom, this species is a striking component of the chaparral plant community.
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Sharing the open slopes with Eriophyllum lanatum were masses of Gilia capitata ssp. capitata. 8 subspecies of Gilia capitata are found in California. Most of the subspecies have pale to medium blue-violet flowers, however subspecies tomentosa has bright blue-violet flowers. Subspecies tomentosa, too, can be found in the Inner Coastal Mountains, but I did not come across this subspecies on this outing.
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On exposed rocky slopes Calystegia collina ssp. tridactylosa grew in especially difficult dry sites. This species generally does not trail as many other Calystegia species do, but rather grows as a small, low, tight bunch of gray tomentose foliage. The large white flowers are very showy.
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The flowers of Cirsium occidentale ssp. venustum are quite showy. The phyllaries of this subspecies can be glabrous to somewhat cobwebby.
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The various subspecies of Cirsium occidentale can sometimes be difficult to separate from one another. The foliage of subspecies venustum is a very attractive gray and can be moderately tomentose. Other forms of Cirsium occidentale can have phyllaries that are extremely cobwebby and foliage that is very tomentose.
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Catching with several pages of your recent adventures Robert, and enjoying them immensely. We have been having a period of drought this spring more similar to your experiences in California - virtually no rain since early March (and less than 40% of our normal rainfall since the beginning of the year). Fortunately the weather has turned and the last few days have been wet! We have grown a few of the plants you show, especially Penstemon heterophyllus purdyi, which is superb. I once had small plants of Lomatium macrocarpum but if I try them again must make a coarse open scree for them akin to your picture. Thanks for an interesting evening.
Tim,
I have been very impressed with the range of Apiaceae I have seen in the Inner Coastal Mountains of Northern California. The forms of Lomatium macrocarpum with extremely tomentose foliage are first rate foliage plants. The glaucous foliage and flower heads of Lomatium californicum are dramatic. Angelica tomentosa is also very attractive. I have been conducting trials with various California Apiaceae species in our Sacramento garden. Some of the Lomatium species are doing quite well, but I have yet to bring them to blooming age. Still, I have been impressed with their adaptability. I have been surprised that Lomatium utriculatum has been tolerant of limited summer moisture while dormant, providing the soil drainage is excellent.
I believe there is tremendous potential with many of our native California Apiaceae species. We only need to work with them; select forms well adapted to our climatic and garden conditions; and develop domestic seed lines to unlock their genetic potential. I will do the best I can to promote this. Right now I am tied-down with work and will not be able to return to the coastal mountains until the first part of June. In addition, the winter snow is melting in the Sierra Nevada and I have several important projects that need my attention immediately after the snow melts. Anyway, I will post and/or PM results as I can.
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The INNER COASTAL MOUNTAINS of NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
BEAR VALLEY and INDIAN VALLEY REGIONS
Part III
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Twining Brodiaea, Dichelostemma volubile, has globe-shaped heads of pink flowers. Their vining scapes can extend 1 meter or more in length placing their flower heads out in the open where pollinators can find them.
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As I traveled on toward the ridge summit, each grassy clearing had it own unique mix of Calochortus species and hybrids. Calochortus superbus was the dominant species on the higher slopes.
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Some of the plants exhibited varying degrees of introgression with Calochortus luteus. The picured blossom more or less matches Calochortus superbus, however the creamy yellow petals hint at the genetic influence of Calochortus luteus.
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Eventually I reached the crest of the ridge, 2,181 feet (665 meters). As I descended into the opposite drainage, I found a different set of species as I explored the first meadow I encountered. I encountered some beautiful specimens of Iris macrosiphon that grew in scattered sites near the upper meadow.
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The blooming Iris I observed produced blue-violet flowers with various markings. I encountered some excellent forms and was very impressed by them.
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Out in the center of the meadow, Toxicoscordion fontanum was blooming in standing water joined by Carex species.
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My route descended into a ravine where a number of springs and seeps opened along the route. The orchid, Epipactis gigantea, grew prolifically in the wet soil near the seeps or along (sometimes in) running water.
This species grows throughout the western U.S.A., however I rarely encounter it in the Sierra Nevada. The best stand that I know about in the Sierra Nevada is on a remote section of the West Branch of the Feather River. This colony, which I found in 1980, extends along the bank of the river for a considerable distance.
The black-purple foliage form, Epipactis gigantea forma rubrifolia was discovered by Roger Raiche at the Cedars, Sonoma County, California. He made the selection ‘Serpentine Night’ in 1982. At one time there was also a variegated form selected by Mr. Raiche called ‘Serpentine Candy’. ‘Serpentine Candy’ was evidently weak and is most likely no longer in existence.
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Eventually I drove the Outback down a steep dirt track into the canyon. As the dirt track approached the creek I noticed an unusual coniferous forest on the other (north facing) side of the canyon. I parked the Outback and started hiking up the creek to investigated this forest.
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As I hiked up the stream, I was very surprised to find Lilium pardalinum. In the distant past (1980’s-90’s) when I would visit my friend’s, somewhat nearby, ranch I spent days hiking his section of the Eel River Canyon looking for Lilium pardalinum, other lily species and Rhododendron occidentale. I never found Lilium pardalinum near his ranch, and even though I knew the species grew in this region, I was still somewhat surprised to find it along this creek.
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The serpentine soil was quite leached in this area. The soil supported very few geophytes, annual, or perennial species. In most places the shrubbery was also somewhat sparse. I did encounter a few Styrax redivivus as I worked my way up stream.
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Silene campaniulata ssp. glandulosa was one of the few perennials that grew on the forest floor. The arching flowering stems were quite attractive.
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Packera greenei shared the open space with the Silene. I looked in vain for a specimen with an open flower, but never found one.
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Travel along the creek was slow and at times a bit difficult, so I decided to work my way up through the open forest. Along this route I found mats of Eriogonum umbellatum. Without more information and some open flowers it was impossible for me to make a determination of the variety. I suspect it is variety bahiiforme as it is different (completely tomentose) from the specimens of variety smallianum that I had observed on Snow Mountain last year. I am sure it is one of the two varieties.
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I found a few Iris macrosiphon in bloom as I moved up the slope. Most were not very robust. The soil conditions were likely very challenging.
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As I moved up a steep slope of barren serpentine I found myself in the center of the Cypress forest. The species was Hesperocyparis sargentii, Sargent Cypress. I had definitely entered a surreal landscape. Much of the ground was barren broken serpentine rubble and lifeless soil. In many places, Sargent Cypress and Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. pulchella were the only species that could endure the harsh conditions.
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Hesperocyparis sargentii is actually quite attractive. Even in this difficult environment the trees looked healthy and vigorous.
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As I climbed higher, the landscape became increasingly desolate.
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As I cleared the crest of the ridge there were areas that were nothing more than a moonscape. The ground looked devoid of plant life, however I did hike out (very carefully) into this wasteland to see what it was like. I did find one species growing in this sterile landscape, the rare serpentine endemic Streptanthus hesperidis.
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Beyond this barren landscape, the surrounding slopes were once again clothed in chaparral species. In one ravine there was clearly a perennial source of water. It was another big surprise to find Rhododendron occidentale growing in this hostile environment.
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The plants that were in bloom at this site were quite nice. All the plants I observed had a large bright yellow dorsal blotch. There was no sign of pink on the corolla tube, as I sometimes find among plants of this species in the Sierra Nevada. The interior forms of Rhododendron occidentale are quite different from those found on the coast in the summer fog belt. The plants from the interior most survive extreme summertime temperatures (40 C + at times) and very low humidity. Attempts at cultivating the coastal forms of R. occidentale in interior California usually fail.
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Very interesting once again! Although the summer is approaching here also it is not that many species in bloom yet and it is more or less the same species everywhere!
I found one which I rarely see though, Erodium cicutarium.
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Temperatures a rising quickly now and the winter snow pack is melting rapidly. The snow is melting so quickly that a flood warning has been issued for the creeks and rivers flowing from the Sierra Nevada. I had a few hours of open time, so I traveled up toward the Crystal Range in El Dorado county, California to see for myself what the snow condition were like at Lyon's Creek.
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Through the coniferous forest one can see that there is still a considerable snow pack on the high peaks.
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Another view of the Crystal Range through the trees.
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The road was blocked by snow at 5,802 feet, 1,768 meters. The Lyon's Creek trailhead is at approximately 6,800 feet, 2,073 meters. At the current rate of snow melt I will be able to drive to the trailhead in about 2-3 weeks.
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I did not have any time for field botany, however I did see this patch of Fragaria virginiana in bloom as I drove down off the mountain.
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Spring has arrived a this elevation level. The early blooming species, Arctostaphylos patula was in bloom.
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"Spring" is progressing very quickly at this elevation. Ribes roezlii var. roezlii, also an early blooming species, has already gone over.
Very interesting once again! Although the summer is approaching here also it is not that many species in bloom yet and it is more or less the same species everywhere!
I found one which I rarely see though, Erodium cicutarium.
Trond,
Erodium cicutarium is a very common invasive species at lower elevations in Northern California. It certainly likes the warmer parts of Eurasia where it is native! I never see this species at high elevation sites in the Sierra Nevada.
A very persistent invasive species at higher elevations is Sheep Sorrel, Rumex acetosella. Above 5,000 feet the roadside is lined with this species in full bloom right now. There are actually books on the history of Wright's Lake and the adjoining Lyon's Creek area. Cattle grazing and dairy farming existed in the past, as well as sheep grazing. The dairy farm and the sheep grazing are part of the distant past, however I remember the cow bells when I first went to Lake Sylvia (Lyon's Creek drainage) in 1960. All animal grazing is prohibited now, however the Sheep Sorrel still remains. Other invasive species are slowly being crowded out as some (only some! :'( ) of the ecosystems recover. Sadly, new terribly noxious weeds are also being introduced via stock feed for horseback riding, commercial logging, and other means.
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Hi Robert, both species Rumex acetosella and Erodium cicutarium are invasive here. The former is a noxious weed almost impossible to erradicate in any cultivated bed . The latter is an adventitous weed only in the early part of spring and can cover quickly seedling beds. Its dissappears by mid summer. I can successfully remove the lattter. Both however only appear in cultivated/disturbed ground not in native grassland. ( mainly Stipa tenuis).
Needless to add how valuable your posting is to my own search. I was wondering about Hesperocyparis sargentii under cultivation. I grow H.glabra here as wind breaks. They reseed freely. They are very drought resistant. I would expect the same for H.sargentii, perhaps even more by your pics!
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The INNER COASTAL MOUNTAINS of NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
BEAR VALLEY and INDIAN VALLEY REGIONS
Part IV
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After exploring the Sargent Cypress forest and the neighboring serpentine barrens, I drove down the dirt track to Indian Valley Reservoir. Here the serpentine bedrock transitioned over to the hopelessly scrambled assortment of rock known as the Franciscan Complex. Here almost any sedimentary rock can be found with oceanic basalt or serpentine. One outcropping can seem completely unrelated to the next. There were clear but subtle differences in the vegetation as I traveled into this geologic mélange.
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I continued to see Calochortus superbus on the open grassy slopes. There were considerable differences in the petal markings with each individual plant.
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In addition, Calochortus luteus x superbus hybrids still appeared scattered among the Calochortus superbus. Like the Franciscan mélange the Calochortus species seemed to be a jumbled mess.
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With the change in the geology there was also a change in the flora. Penstemon heterophyllus var. purdyi began to appear as I traveled westward.
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I saw some very floriferous plants. From my experience working with Penstemon heterophyllus there still untapped potential in this species.
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If time allowed, I hoped to explore the chaparral on the southern flank of Goat Mountain and the transition zone coniferous forest above the chaparral belt. In the distance, I could see the mixed Ponderosa Pine forest on the crest of the mountain.
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As I traveled toward the North Fork of Cache Creek, the mix of plant species continued to change. On one slope I spotted scattered groupings of Eriogonum wrightii var. trachygonum mixed with blooming plants of Eriophyllum lanatum var. grandiflorum.
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Chick Lupine, Lupinus microcarpus var. densiflorus, shared the slope with the Eriogonum. Chick Lupine followed me throughout this outing, mostly in its creamy yellow form. In Bear Valley there were pale lavender-blue forms and on Bear Creek before entering Bear Valley I also observed Lupinus microcarpus var. microcarpus.
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If I was going to explore the lower flanks of Goat Mountain, I needed to cover some territory quickly. I drove off on the dirt track up the North Fork of Cache Creek hoping to reach the junction with a forest service road that connected to the Goat Mountain area. There were interesting plants to see everywhere and I stopped frequently to check to flora of a meadow or promising looking slope. One meadow was full of a pale lavender form of Delphinium hesperium ssp. pallescens in full bloom.
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Some of the meadows were still wet with pools of standing water in places. The ground was quite rich and Trifolium willdenovii grew in thick, lush stands. The species was almost unrecognizable compared to the lean plants I generally see in rocky but seasonally moist chaparral settings.
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In the Cache Creek canyon, Ceanothus parryi grew thickly on the surrounding slopes. The plants were in peak bloom and cast a blue haze on the surrounding chaparral.
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I did stop to examine some of the Ceanothus. Plants with good lavender blue flowers were quite attractive. In late summer / early autumn this species looks half dead and is generally partially defoliated. In a garden setting I believe it could look nice late in the season, however I need to experiment with this idea in my own garden to find out.
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More Iris appeared as I moved up the canyon. The plants were tangled in Poison Oak, however they look to be a yellow form of the highly variable species, Iris macrosiphon.
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I was getting late in the day, so I did not take much time to examine the Iris closely. I was hoping to arrive at the forest service road, but as it turned out I had missed it. The idea that I was off course was sinking in. Clearly I was paying attention to plants and not the road.
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The chaparral country I was traveling through look very interesting and promising, however I was far out of my way now and needed to return home.
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The dirt road I was traveling on was in reasonably good condition. I made good time on my return trip to Bear Valley.
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The hills drop off steeply to Bear Valley and there are some fantastic vistas from the summit.
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I arrived back at the paved highway much sooner than I had expected so I stopped for a time near Rumsey Canyon on the lower portion of Cache Creek. During the winter I had explored a small portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Some time this season I will return to continue plotting the distribution of Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. pulchella in Yolo County.
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Cache Creek still has plenty of water flowing down stream, but water is no longer flowing over the old cement bridge. I now have much easier access to the southern side of Cache Creek.
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I will end this posting with a familiar sign I encounter on my outings.
My search for interesting plants does take me to some out-of-the-way locations. I encountered a similar sign on the dirt road to Steen Mountain in south central Oregon. Unlike today, back in the 1970’s Steen Mountain was a remote mountain out in the vast eastern Oregon desert. Back then there was a sign warning travelers of violent thunderstorms and flash floods. Of coarse, I had to get stuck in the mud – in a desert! :-[ I had to hike 38 miles back to French Glenn to get some tools. There is not much in French Glenn and there was even less back then. A cowboy gave me the tools in needed and a ride back (99% of the way – his van could not pass the difficult sections of the dirt track) to my 1952 Chevy pickup listing in the mud. That was an adventure!
Anyway, my outing to Bear Valley and beyond was extremely successful. I logged over 150 taxa on this outing and certainly saw a diverse array of plants.
Now to plan my next outing. The snow is melting quickly in the Sierra Nevada and there are many locations I wish to return to, including Ebbetts and Sonora Passes. Snow Mountain, in the Coastal Mountains, is also on my mind.
Until next time…….
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Hi Robert, both species Rumex acetosella and Erodium cicutarium are invasive here. The former is a noxious weed almost impossible to erradicate in any cultivated bed . The latter is an adventitous weed only in the early part of spring and can cover quickly seedling beds. Its dissappears by mid summer. I can successfully remove the lattter. Both however only appear in cultivated/disturbed ground not in native grassland. ( mainly Stipa tenuis).
Needless to add how valuable your posting is to my own search. I was wondering about Hesperocyparis sargentii under cultivation. I grow H.glabra here as wind breaks. They reseed freely. They are very drought resistant. I would expect the same for H.sargentii, perhaps even more by your pics!
Arturo,
I have to admit that I have no information about the cultivation of Hesperocyparis sargentii in California. Calflora might be a good place to look. Given its native habitat it must be extremely drought tolerant. At the site I visited, I did notice that there was a ground water supply - otherwise there would not any Rhododendron occidentale. It was not determined if the ground water was localized or widespread. I suspect that it was localized and that the Sargent Cypress were indeed very xeric.
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Arturo,
. At the site I visited, I did notice that there was a ground water supply - otherwise there would not any Rhododendron occidentale. It was not determined if the ground water was localized or widespread. I suspect that it was localized and that the Sargent Cypress were indeed very xeric.
Could that mean that sargent's Cypress is a phreatophyte perhaps? I had searched Calflora but didn't find much info than which you already have given. Here's another potential to explore! On my farm, Maytenus boaria, native evergreen quite handsome tree ( Celastraceae) grows as a phreatophyte and seeds itself. Seedlings develop very long tap roots very early until they hit an underground source of water. Thanks for your post.
Arturo
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Arturo,
I do not have enough information to determine if Hesperocyparis sargentii is a phreatophyte. I have read about other sites where this species grows and hope to visit these sites in the future. Given my knowledge of serpentine and soil conditions associated with serpentine my guess is that Hesperocyparis sargentii is not a phreatophyte - at least not in the way Platanus racemosa is (i.e. always indicative moisture or ground water). Serpentine is generally associated with extremely harsh and xeric growing conditions. Seasonally, serpentine based soils can be waterlogged due to poor soil drainage. The same site can be parched dry during the summer. Here in our part of California Mimulus guttatus is commonly associated with these wet-dry extremes.
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Then logic would tell that in a very dry unwatered site C.sargentii should do well here. I've got quite a few places like that here on my property. Hm... very interesting. It seems a better alternative for dry sites than H.glabra. Very worth the while exploring. Our soils are desert type soils, quite skeletal, but not necessarily shallow. The area receives at least 700 mm. rainfall during the rainy season. (May thru November). Then it dries up completely. It is exposed to drying winds all the time. I would suppose that is the case there too. Possibly they should fare well unattended beyond the initial seedling stage at my nursery. Since our highs hardly ever go beyond 30ºC (86ºF) the evapotranspiration demand is much lower here than in their original location so that they should do better with summer drought here. I wonder why it never went into cultivation. Perhaps its not so glamourous (?) as H.arizonica or glabra. H.macrocarpa which originated from just one site at the Monterrey peninsula is cultivated throughout the world and here too. It asks for much more watering. Perhaps one day I can give a try to this species. Thank you very much
Arturo
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As I find time, I have continued by probe into the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada. The other day I was able to drive up Iron Mountain road into the high country. This road follows the ridgeline south of the South Fork of the American River and provides some excellent views of the Crystal Range to the north.
The road was clear of snow until I reached 6,400 feet, 1951 meters.
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There was still a fair amount of snow out in the forest. I want to closely monitor conditions as the snow melts so I can study Carex species as they quickly emerge from the soil and come into bloom. At high elevations in the Sierra Nevada, Carex is often a pioneer species that will quickly revegetate disturbed sites. A surprising number of species are involved and it is very interesting to watch the process.
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Where the snow has just melted Prunus emarginata is starting to break dormancy and coming into growth.
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Sanicula tuberosa is one of the first species to starting into growth immediately after the snow melts. It, Dicentra uniflora (which looks very similar before it blooms), and Lewisia triphylla are often seen growing together and will come into bloom within days of emerging from the soil.
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Hackelia (pictured) and Sidalcea glaucscens are quickly coming into growth too.
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After turning around at the snow, I drove down the road a very short distance to take a photograph of the Crystal Range.
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Here Sanicula tuberosa was already flowering.
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It was not taking long for the growth of Prunus emarginata to advance.
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Viola purpurea ssp. purpurea grows abundantly in this area.
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Penstemon laetus is another common species.
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Eriogonum umbellatum var. polyanthum with the needles of Jeffrey Pine.
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Even Eriogonum umbellatum var. polyanthum had flower buds. There are some nice specimens of this taxon in this area. I have grown plants from seed gathered in this area and have some fine plants from this accession.
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Lupinus grayi is a beautiful species with large flower trusses.
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Many of the Viola purpurea ssp. purpurea were in bloom.
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Another Viola blooming next to a clump of Pedicularis semibarbata.
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The flowers on this Viola were interesting. I liked the white margins on the petals.
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Viola purpurea ssp. purpurea surrounded with chunks of rhyolitic tuff. The ridge in this area has layer upon layer of rhyolitic tuff. Farther up the ridge there are the original lava flows, which are now rocky outcroppings of rhyolite. This volcanic area is very different from the surrounding portions of the Sierra Nevada granite batholith. Although many species will grow in both regions there are still differences in the plant distribution associated with each geologic feature.
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Seedlings of a Castilleja species, most likely Castilleja applegatei.
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Allium obtusum var. conspicuum does not waste time coming into bloom either.
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Eriogonum wrightii var. subscaposum will grow directly out of the rhyolitic tuff. Tuff is much softer than rhyolite, but the growing conditions are still harsh and extremely xeric.
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A nice plump flower bud on Agoseris retrorsa.
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Sheep sorrel, Rumex acetosella, is a noxious weed. I am surprised it hasn’t taken over the planet (with a few other noxious weeds). I have seen evidence that our native Carex species can out compete and eventually crowd out Sheep sorrel. I have observed sites where it seems to be occurring, however much more study is needed.
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An example of the rhyolitic tuff and other volcanic debris along Iron Mountain road.
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Then logic would tell that in a very dry unwatered site C.sargentii should do well here. I've got quite a few places like that here on my property. Hm... very interesting. It seems a better alternative for dry sites than H.glabra. Very worth the while exploring. Our soils are desert type soils, quite skeletal, but not necessarily shallow. The area receives at least 700 mm. rainfall during the rainy season. (May thru November). Then it dries up completely. It is exposed to drying winds all the time. I would suppose that is the case there too. Possibly they should fare well unattended beyond the initial seedling stage at my nursery. Since our highs hardly ever go beyond 30ºC (86ºF) the evapotranspiration demand is much lower here than in their original location so that they should do better with summer drought here. I wonder why it never went into cultivation. Perhaps its not so glamourous (?) as H.arizonica or glabra. H.macrocarpa which originated from just one site at the Monterrey peninsula is cultivated throughout the world and here too. It asks for much more watering. Perhaps one day I can give a try to this species. Thank you very much
Arturo
Yes,
Hesperocyparis sargentii would most likely thrive on your property. Hesperocyparis sargentii grows where 750 mm to 900 mm of precipitation fall each season.
The same socio-economic forces that have lead to the down-sizing of Glendoick (read the thread on this forum) have been active here in California. Many worthy species such as Hesperocyparis sargentii will never be in the horticultural trade. Small specialty nurseries have almost disappeared. Those that remain are most likely not economically viable, but more a labor of love. Who knows what the eventual outcome will be, but it appears it is up to us to find the opportunities in this adversity. There many aspects of horticulture that can always benefit from innovations and improvements. I look forward to more reports from your garden in Argentina.
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Yes Robert, <The same socio-economic forces that have lead to the down-sizing of Glendoick (read the thread on this forum) have been active here in California. Many worthy species such as Hesperocyparis sargentii will never be in the horticultural trade>. I think those same forces are destroying our planet by downsizing biodiversity everywhere. Leading to a monotonous boring uniform world...not my cup of tea. On the brighter side those of us that have reached a certain age class, still have time , energy and (limited) resources to spend in enhancing those values. Perhaps the markets will reshape eventually to provide for the demand of the aging which are outnumbering the younger generations in so many parts of the world. Although I've reached 68, I still am sowing, growing and planting trees on my property. My dad reached 100 before he passed away...so perhaps I might see my trees reasonably well grown. If not, then my godson who will inherit my place will benefit from that. We share the same worldview. He tries to instill these values to his children.
When I worked as conservation officer for the Argentine National Parks Administration, we used to argue in favor of conservation of in situ diversity as away of providing biological resources for the future. ex situ conservation is hugely benefited by growing plants that yet need to be introduced into the horticultural world on a global scale. Unexpected benefits can appear as more "weeds" become ornamentals , herbals, wood products, fibres and even alternative food source, etc. With more people involved in gardening and understanding the value of adding diversity to their gardens the already huge gardening economy can grow even more. At my age, with most of my life concerns already fulfilled, I can spend my time and work force in developing a wider array of gardening alternatives. Initially it may be only a small drop in the ocean. Any change always started very small...
Thank you for posting your comments.
Kindly
Arturo
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Arturo,
Thank you so much for your last posting. There are certainly troubling trends on the planet. These same forces have been plaguing humanity since the beginnings of civilization, the only difference now is that we have the scale and capacity to destroy most, if not all, humanity and a goodly part of the planet. Like you I do not have much, or any, control over the fate of the planet or humanity. Still, I do understand that my thoughts and actions have an impact that extends far beyond “me”. The inter-net, or this forum for that matter, can be an addiction…....... or it can be a tool used to bring a tiny touch of something better for oneself, others, and to this planet. This is what motivates me to do field botany, write the forum diary, garden, and other related activities. In terms of economy, power, or glory (some big driving forces on this planet) my activities in these regards are a failure. Still I think that I have been successful by sharing my horticultural experiences with others. Years ago, I sold many nursery plants to folks in Sacramento. To this day I still might see someone in the supermarket or elsewhere who tells me that they still have some wonderful plant in their garden that they bought from me. Others have told me that all the plants in their garden came from me! They seem very pleased and their lives enriched, even if only in a tiny way. Some have been inspired to become gardeners. For me this is success. I see people spreading good things on this forum everyday. This too is success. So like you, I continue to seed out, transplant, move plants around, tend my garden, do field botany, continue my education and write a horticultural diary. I also experiment, innovate, and plan, then share my experiences, good or bad, with others.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I enjoy them immensely!
P.S. Maybe I am asking for trouble but….. My wife’s ‘Papa’ (Grandfather) is (was – now in the realm of spirit) Austrian. He fled Austria in the 1930’s and ended up in Argentina. My wife is more or less fluent in Spanish and does well in German too (she lived in Vienna, when ‘Papa’ returned to Austria). The other half of her family is Norsk, but that is another story.
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Our prime minister, thatcher, said she wanted the UK to be like america. American political policy is dictated by big business. Did she get her way? OUR environment is not an optional extra, it is the reason we are here.
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Our prime minister, thatcher, said she wanted the UK to be like america. American political policy is dictated by big business. Did she get her way? OUR environment is not an optional extra, it is the reason we are here.
Ian,
Economic considerations are not always a good motivating force to get something done. Most likely other things too. What ever happened on Easter Island clearly did not work. Hopefully we can come up with something so that the Earth does not become the next Easter Island. I do not like American hegemony, however the idea of National Parks was a good idea. :)
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The spring blooming season is progressing at all elevations here in Northern California. The road to Poho Ridge is still closed, however many of the same wildflowers can be seen on the southern ridge of the American River canyon.
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Iris hartwegii can be seen blooming everywhere on the southern ridge.
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There numbers are almost overwhelming in some locations. It is quite the sight.
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The range of Calochortus monophyllus extends up into the mid-elevations of the Sierra Nevada. They too are blooming in great numbers. They are a bit difficult to photograph when to sun is bright.
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The silvery gray foliage of Hosackia incana contrasts with the many greens on the forest floor.
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Many shrubs are putting on a beautiful show of flowers this season. Dendromecon rigida is out doing itself this year. Some of the plants are stunning.
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Dendromecon ridiga is a member of the Papaveraceae family, so yes, the flowers look a bit like golden poppies.
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Everywhere, Deer Brush, Ceanothus integerrimus var. macrothyrsus can be seen with its white flower trusses. The flowers have a distinctive pollen-like fragrance that fills the forest during the heat of the day.
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The foliage of Bear Clover, Chamaebatia foliolosa, is also very fragrant. Some folks find the fragrance over powering thus its other common name Mountain Misery. When I was young the odor would make me car sick, but then maybe it was the car exhaust. This was back in the late 1950's - early 1960's before engine improvements.
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Sidalcea asprella ssp.asprella with its pink Malvia-like flowers.
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Delphinium gracilentum is generally seen on semi-shady slopes, however this batch was growing in full sun in a open meadow.
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Delphinium gracilentum is very similar to Delphinium patens. The two species can generally be quickly distinguished from one another by how the pedicels are held on the main axis of the stem.
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Triteleia ixioides ssp. scabra was found blooming in the same meadow. The range of this species extends from the lower foothills to the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada. They will be blooming in July in the meadows along Lyons Creek (high elevation).
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Drymocallis glandulosa ssp. glandulosa is a common species throughout the mountains of Northern California. This species is also blooming in our Sacramento garden. It likes some moisture, however it can survive some xeric conditions. With a little irrigation it will bloom on and off all summer and looks good in a mixed plant community.
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Phlox speciosa can also been seen throughout the mid-elevations of the Sierra Nevada.
We have such a wide diversity of native plants in California. My wife and I have decided to remove most of the Rhododendrons from our Sacramento garden and remodel with our wonderful native species.... with some other xeric species from around the world. We are keenly aware of the need for habitat in our urban setting. We hope to attract and provide habitat for more birds, insects, reptiles, and maybe even fish with a little pond. We also want flowers and beauty at all seasons.
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Robert, I agree. What is conveniently overlooked is that the half life (the time taken for some radio-active materials to degrade to half their strength) can be up to 10,000 years. I wonder if some of the cancers are a result of nuclear explosions? Perhaps the decendants of todays habitat and wildlife destroyers will realise that their own ancestors were so ignorant?
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Ian,
The saying around our household is something like this:
God: "Welcome to heaven!"
New arrival: "Heaven? This doesn't seem like heaven! Look what I did while on earth! How do I get away from this."
God: "You don't! I didn't make you do any of that stuff. I gave you complete free will. I am not responsible that you turned heaven into hell! I do have a hospital for you. If you choose you can get better."
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Today I did a quick tour of some of our unique geologic formations in El Dorado County, California. A large band of highly weathered gabbro runs through parts of western El Dorado County. Many unique plant and endemic species grow on the soils derived from this rock. Gabbro generally contains magnetite, so much so that one can feel the pull when one puts a magnet to the surface. The soils are bright red due to the large amounts of iron oxide.
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Wyethia reticulata is one of our local endemic species. It is found only on the gabbro soils of El Dorado County. Remarkably, this species has been easy to cultivate in our Sacramento garden. In the wild this xeric species seems to prefer part shade, however it can also be found in full sun. The plant pictured is budded and will be blooming soon with large yellow 'daisies'.
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This Ceanothus lemmonii is blooming a bit late in the season, most have already finished. Ceanothus lemmonii grows well on the gabbro based soils, but it can also be found growing on serpentine. Ceanothus roderickii is another El Dorado County endemic that is found only on the gabbro soils. I did not visit any of their populations on this day.
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Packera layneae is a California endemic. It is found on the gabbro soils in El Dorado County, as well as on the serpentine of the Red Hills in Tuolumne County. I was hope to see this species when I stop at the Red Hills on my way to Hetch Hetchy. Maybe next year.
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Dichelostemma multiflorum is blooming throughout the lower elevations of El Dorado County. It is very similar to Dichelostemma congestum which can also be found in bloom here in El Dorado County. At times I have been suspicious that the two species hybridize with each other. This is something I will have to investigate further.
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Chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum, is a common chaparral species and is blooming throughout the lower elevations.
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On somewhat shady slopes sheets of the annual Clarkia biloba are in bloom.
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Allium peninsulare var. peninsulare is a fairly common species in the Sierra Nevada foothills. I found this batch blooming on the top of a gabbro rock outcropping. This was a bit of a surprise. They were quite pretty even though they were past their prime.
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From the gabbro and chaparral slopes, I traveled to the Deer Creek Hills. This is open county; the transition zone between the Sierra Nevada foothills and the Central Valley of California.
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I was hope to see our local Calochortus luteus. It was the tail end of their season, however there were a few lingering flowers.
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I was hoping to make a good comparison between our local population and the Calochortus luteus I observed in the coastal mountains of Colusa and Lake Counties. Our local population seems isolated from any known population of Calochortus superbus, at least any that I know about. Another interesting project....
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At the lowest elevations Brodiaea elegans ssp. elegans has come into bloom. This is one of our late blooming Brodiaea species.
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Sometimes Brodiaea elegans is confused with Brodiaea coronaria. Superficially they look similar, however there are obvious differences in the arrangements of the stamens and the staminodes, as well as other differences if one looks closely at the flowers. I found Brodiaea coronaria in bloom in the hills above Bear Valley in Colusa County. This was a surprise as the species is generally found in the Central Valley or the low foothills that ring the Central Valley. This was a fascinating find that I will continue to pursue as I return to the Bear Valley area.
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I finished my short tour by traveling through the lower foothills to some of our local serpentine formations. This is a view off to the south and Amador County in the distance.
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The main flower display on the serpentine rock outcroppings is over. The serpentine formations dry very quickly as summer approaches. Eschscholzia californica is one of the few species that was still in bloom.
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I was thrilled to find Streptanthus polygaloides in bloom. This serpentine endemic is quite unusual for the Genus Streptanthus. The upper calyx lobe is relatively large and rounded. It looks very much like the banner on a Fabaceae. So far I have logged 3 serpentine endemic Streptanthus species this year, 2 of which I have never seen before.
As usual, I ran out of time. There is much more for me to see, but this will have to wait.
Until next time......
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I had a window of opportunity to visit Peavine Ridge yesterday. Generally when there is a holiday in the U.S.A. it is best for me to stay at home and avoid the crowds. There were plenty of cars on the major roads, however there were very few people on Peavine Ridge.
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There are some good vistas of the high peaks from Peavine Ridge. There is still plenty of snow, however it is melting quickly now.
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Maybe no one hangs around Peavine Ridge because there does not seem to be much there. Wonderful! If one knows where to look there is plenty to see in bloom. Not far from the road I spotted Clarkia arcuata in bloom.
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Nearby there were sheets of the annual Navarretia prolifera ssp. lutea in bloom.
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I was thrilled to find this, more or less, El Dorado County endemic. Evidently, this taxon has been found near the El Dorado County border in Amador county to the south. It has taken me 4 years to track-down this taxon. Persistence has paid off. This taxon is very beautiful and blooms profusely.
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Also in the vicinity, were sheets of Calochortus minimus in bloom.
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I have observed this species at this site for many years. It is amazing what a few years of adequate precipitation will do. 2 years ago I found maybe 50 plants in bloom at this site, yesterday there were thousands. The plants at this location are very uniform in petal color and markings. This is much different from the considerable variation seen at Lyon's Creek.
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Some of the Viola species at this site were still in bloom. Viola sheltonii blooms very early in the season and had finished, however the foliage was still up. Pictured is one of the few Viola purpurea ssp. purpurea with a few open flowers remaining. Viola lobata ssp. lobata was in bloom a short distance down the road. The Viola lobata had been sprayed with weed killer by the lumber company and did not look very happy. :'(
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Peavine Ridge is close to the high altitude limit of Mimulus bicolor. At lower elevations Mimulus bicolor can be seen blooming with Mimulus kelloggii, a wonderful color combination. I am getting M. bicolor established in our Sacramento garden. In cultivation the plants get 3 x the size, but still bloom profusely. At this time, I still gather seed from our plants in our Sacramento garden, however as I build up seed stock, I am hoping they will re-seed themselves without my help.
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Triteleia ixioides ssp. scabra has a large altitude range in our area. Back in March they were in bloom in the lower foothills at about 150 meters. Later in the season they will be blooming at Lyon's Creek at 6,800 feet, 2,073 meters. This California species is easy to cultivate in our Sacramento garden. It blooms for a month or more, and it is tolerant of some moisture while dormant.
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A few more photographs from the top of Peavine Ridge, El Dorado County, California.
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Another view of the annual Clarkia arcuata.
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A fine form of Viola purpurea ssp. purpurea growing in a shadier location.
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Phlox speciosa. This is close to its high elevation limit in this area.
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Iris hartwegii. The top of Peavine Ridge is about 5,000 feet, 1,524 meters, in elevation.
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The ridge top is a thermal belt and temperatures can be mild compared to the bottom of the canyon. I also find Iris hartwegii farther up in the canyon of the South Fork of the American River at the same elevation. Some sites are at the bottom of the canyon, an extreme cold pocket. Both areas can receive a considerable amount of snow during the winter, however occasionally there can be no snow cover during parts of the winter with bitter cold temperatures.
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In moist areas Lupinus polyphylus var. burkei is blooming.
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In rocky, dry, sunny sites Lupinus grayi is seen.
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Lupinus grayi forms mats of beautiful silvery-gray foliage, topped by large colorful flower trusses. This perennial species is very difficult to cultivate in the garden - at least for me.
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The annual Gilia capitata ssp. mediomontana is often found in the same locations as Lupinus grayi. Gilia capitata is fairly easy to cultivate in our garden.
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Ceanothus integerrimus var. macrothyrsus, Deer Brush, is in full bloom and a sweet pollen-like fragrance fills the air.
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That caenothus looks amazing. I've only seen the blue ones here and not come across a fragrant one. Has anyone been hybridising? I'd like pure blue but that form and fragrance!
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That caenothus looks amazing. I've only seen the blue ones here and not come across a fragrant one. Has anyone been hybridising? I'd like pure blue but that form and fragrance!
Hi Gail,
The fragrance of some Ceanothus species is very sweet, pollen-like, not sweet like Daphne. Having said that, the fragrance of various Ceanothus species can fill the air in a large areas. While driving up to Peavine Ridge the whole canyon is filled with the fragrance of Ceanothus integerrimus on a warm day. At lower elevations, Ceanothus cuneatus fills the chaparral with fragrance.
I am very disconnected with the horticultural scene in California. I have no idea if anyone is currently breeding Ceanothus. There is certainly much potential and many possibilities. In the past many selections were chance seedlings from botanical gardens or selections from plants found in the wild. Some are still around and are excellent selections. Maybe someone out there has knowledge of current breeding activities with the Genus Ceanothus.
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That caenothus looks amazing. I've only seen the blue ones here and not come across a fragrant one. Has anyone been hybridising? I'd like pure blue but that form and fragrance!
I have a white one in flower at the moment. I'll have to see if I can find the label.
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A few more scenes from Peavine Ridge, El Dorado County.
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Good forms of Ceanothus prostratus var. prostratus have bright blue flowers. Some have washed out flowers. It is quite the gem, but unfortunately it can be difficult to cultivate. Perfect drainage is essential i.e. a rock garden could be perfect.
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Ceanothus cordulatus is another Ceanothus species seen on Peavine Ridge.
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The foliage is glaucous-gray and quite attractive. This species has wicked thorns, or more like short stout twigs with a wickedly sharp point.
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With strong convection, the clouds can build quickly.
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In a hour or less small cumulus clouds can build into a thunderstorm. This storm formed in less than an hour and was producing lightning as I was photographing it.
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A number of nice bulbous species were in bloom or budded.
Allium campanulatum is a very common species in the Sierra Nevada. This species prefers growing on soil derived from granite. A short distance to the south on the volcanic rhyolite based soils, Allium obtusum is encountered more frequently.
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Quite a few specimens of Fritillaria micrantha can be found growing under the Jeffrey Pine (Pinus jeffreyi). There is a surprising degree of variation in the flower color at this site.
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Later in the season Lilium washingtonianum ssp. washingtonianum will come into bloom. I have found a few sites where they grow by the thousands on forested slopes. They have a nice clove-like fragrance. When they bloom in quantity their fragrance fills the whole forest.
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Deer like the lilies too.
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At another nearby site Calochortus leichtlinii grows in the rocky rubble. Peavine Ridge is near the low elevation limit of this species. They are much more common at higher elevations.
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Very nice late blooming forms of Primula (Dodecatheon) hendersonii grow on Peavine Ridge. Some are quite fertile, unlike populations found at lower elevations. I grow forms from various elevations in the Sierra Nevada. They all bloom at different times in our Sacramento garden. In addition, they appear to be obligate out breeders, i.e. they will not self pollinate. A batch of seedling can show considerable variation in a number of traits.
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The annual, Lupinus stiversii is one of many Lupine species found on Peavine Ridge. Lupinus stiversii is found throughout the Sierra Nevada at various elevations.
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Where the soil holds some moisture sheets of Mimulus bicolor are blooming.
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Mimulus torreyi prefers sites that are a bit drier. They are often seen blooming on dry, rocky flats.
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Calyptridium monospermum is a very common species throughout the Sierra Nevada. It too likes sunny, dry, rocky sites.
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Occasionally I encounter the perennial vetch, Vicia americana ssp. americana. A small patch grows at one site on Peavine Ridge.
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There are some wonderful views of the Crystal Range from Peavine Ridge.
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Pyramid Peak is the southern most peak of the Crystal Range. Mount Price is the next peak to the north. Lake Sylvia is located at the base of Pyramid Peak. Lyons Lake is located at the end of a glaciated valley at the southwest base of Mount Price. A creek flows west from Lake Sylvia. Shortly after leaving Lake Sylvia, another creek, descending a steep granite slope from Lyons Lake, joins it forming Lyons Creek. Eventually Lyons Creek flows into Silver Creek.
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There are some wonderful views of the Crystal Range from Peavine Ridge.
There certainly are! But then again, you show us fascinating views every time, Robert!
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Robert, your mountain views could look like any around home. Also since Jeffrey's pine is so commonly planted here and also grows from self sown seed, those pine lands are a very commonplace sight. What I've realized that we miss, are all the wonderful understory plants i.e Alliums, Lilies, Ceanothus and that incredible Pussy Paws. It could be a gem in a rock garden! One other prostrate Ceanothus is C.pumilio. Is it also associated with your general area? The prospect of growing different prostrate bushes in the rock garden is one of my hort goals. There's a huge potential in that section too! Thank you for your lovely photos they are so inspiring....!
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Maggi,
The peaks of the Crystal Range are like home. My father brought me to Lake Sylvia in 1960, I was 5 years old. I still remember parts of that "outing". Some time around 1965 my father built a cabin near Tells Peak, the most northern peak of the Crystal Range. Before 1960, my father would get off work on Friday and we would drive to Yosemite to camp for the weekend. Back then one could drive into Yosemite Valley on Friday evening and find an open camping site and spend the weekend. I grew up looking at Yosemite Valley and other parts of the Sierra Nevada. There is no end to the learning, which is a actually such a blessing. Here I am, 62, and there is so much to learn - just the plants that grow on Peavine Ridge. I find and discover something new constantly. Folks that travel to China, the Middle East, Turkey, Patagonia, and elsewhere only scratch the surface on their outings. We will never be bored by a lack of new plants for our gardens, or endless possibilities of design and arrangement within our gardens. I enjoy and learn a get deal on my outings and enjoy conveying what I can through my diary on the SRGC forum. Just for the record.... I have zero interest in Facebook. You can find me right here on the SRGC forum. :)
Arturo,
Ceanothus pumilus grows in Northwestern California and Southwestern Oregon. Unfortunately, Ceanothus pumilus has been confused with Ceanothus roderickii and plotted as growing in El Dorado County where C. roderickii grows (by the way this is very close to the El Dorado County farm) on the Calflora web site. The Calflora web site is fantastic. Anyone can post information on the Calflora site, but sometimes it is not accurate. In my world this is okay, Calflora is still excellent. I add data to the Calflora web site and some of my data is purposefully inaccurate! :o Many of the plants that I plot on Peavine Ridge are shown to grow in the middle of the pavement at the junction of Peavine Ridge Road and Ice House Road. I learned this lesson from Wayne Roderick himself. Sadly, one has to be very careful about disclosing the location of certain plants, or in my case, on going projects.
There are so many outstanding plants in the Sierra Nevada. There are also endless possibilities within each species. There can be considerable genetic variation, both as expressed in the phenotype as well as hidden in the genotype. Our Sacramento garden is turning into an educational "classroom" to learn what I can about the possibilities of our California native flora. I still grow species from other parts of the Earth, however there are many native species. What I grow in my garden is certainly different from what others grow in there garden. We can all learn from each others experiences and share ideas. Pretty good if you ask me! :) 8) 8) 8)
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It takes quite a lot of deep breathing and sighing to acknowledge that there are out there people that will use information for dishonest behaviour and actually contribute purposefully to the decline of diversity! You've been blessed with an incredible diversity. What would be known as a diversity hotspot. My ancestral homeland in northern Turkey and Caucasus one other. Its always intriguing to speculate why such hot spots exist. There are quite a few high altitude alpines even here in Patagonia; yet they've not reached cultivation. They are quite difficult to multiply even under specialized growing conditions. Marcela Ferreyra a local very knowledgeable botannical guide innocently showed where some ground orchids grew' till her next visit proved that they had disappeared much to all our dismay! :'( :o >:( Still I believe that bringing into cultivation wild species reduces the risk of overall extinction...
PS I've been using Calflora website as you post your different pics. I'm gradually understanding your incredible flora with their information added to your postings. As you can imagine I'm way behind... :-[
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Arturo,
For me it is important to be extremely mindful about my attitude about wild plants. I always try to encourage folks to learn how to grow and maintain pure seed lines. There seems to be a craving to grow "the real species", which can lead to the despoiling of nature. Wild plants want to live in their home habitat and are to often unhappy in our gardens. Species can be encouraged to adapt to our home garden, but this is best done through growing our own seedlings (i.e. Ian Young is constantly trying to impress this upon us in his bulb log!). I do gather tiny amounts of seed from the wild (from very common species), but only as a start. For me it is much more important to maintain a population of a species in my garden and then let them evolve and adapt to my garden through generations of seedlings. When I farmed and breed vegetable I needed to know how to maintain pure lines. It is not that difficult, however it does take some know how, especially if one is growing species that easily cross with each other.
I am against the commercialization of seed gathered in the wild. The making of money too often clouds ones judgement. This is not to say wild seed should not be available. Unfortunately I do not have an answer how best to accomplish this, but I do think that a win-win situation can be found where wild populations are maintained or even increase and thrive, while new genetic material is introduced and horticulture can thrive and prosper with a never ending supply of new and exciting plants. Humans have a tremendous ability to create good. We can do it and do it well.
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I have a white one in flower at the moment. I'll have to see if I can find the label.
Here it is - Ceanothus 'Snow Showers'. Don't know which species it derives from.
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Ralph,
'Snow Showers' must be quite nice. I am not familiar with this variety. It is most likely very common? Does anyone know its parentage? :)
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Robert, in your just above post you present a very interesting set of issues. Some are quite difficult to answer. In the latter part of my career as conservation officer I was often faced with problems of conservation beyond the boundaries of protected areas. My often raised question was how effective is a protected area if the rest of the land can be used irresponsibly? Is reasonable land use compatible with conservation of diversity? Some say no. I do think that if we can behave with very clear minds while we are trying to achieve and are ready to listen in the inner world, the word enough...then we can be guided to the right proportion of everything. My interest in bringing into cultivation wild plants also is in response to a rather narrow choice of plants that is set by a generally accepted way a garden "ought " to be. A garden is a cultural artifact and so is agriculture and our eating habits. Gardening is influenced by the ecosystems where this development occurred in Europe, mainly in England, France and Italy which established the mode worldwide in temperate regions. Once one departs from those wet low lying lands into different types, then the available diversity is considerably reduced. My region is much nearer to yours than that of where the Chelsea Flower show is now running! Of course one can create microsystems emulating the English conditions, however at a great expense of energy, water, and labour all which are becoming extensively scarce. So that is where a judicious search for other wild plants is reasonable. There's also something about the way hort breeding has evolved as we search for "natural or wilder" forms. When I was working at National Parks I was confronted with a very differing view of what nature conservation meant in the Old world vs the Americas. Still in this part of the world we can find primeval land. Not so in the other continents except Australia. There is growing awareness about the value of such "wilderness" in spite of climatic change that affects everything. Outstanding men like Henry Thoreau or John Muir didn't show up just because, nor just anywhere. In my country, Francisco P.Moreno, was the equivalent and he bequeathed a large tract of land that was given to him in payment of his extensive work as surveyor of the border between Argentina and Chile in very difficult terrain. That became the core donation of the first national park (1901): Nahuel Huapi N.P including the lake N.Huapi which I oversee from my farm. I live beyond the boundaries of a protected area but I'm faced with the challenge of what to grow and how to do so in such a way that it is environmentally sound and sustainable along time. This is where my interest starts searching for other sources.
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Arturo,
Conservation of the natural elements of our Earth certainly presents challenges. Imperfection is inherent in humanity, but despite this positive and beneficial actions can be taken. Self-regulation and mindfulness are productive first steps that can be taken to help conserve seed stocks of wild plant species, both common and rare or endangered. There are always those that are lost in darkness that cannot be relied upon to act wisely. What and whom we choose to support can have a beneficial effect. Non-cooperation with those that plunder nature can be highly effective. Government intervention generally becomes necessary when we fail to govern ourselves. Government can certainly be very effective when dealing with the violent and bullies. I was always grateful for CAMP and/or the sheriff’s department when they dealt with marijuana growers on wild lands. Unfortunately, government cannot always be relied upon to act wisely.
It can be useful to improve how government perceives horticulture. Horticultural collecting is often sited as one cause for the decline of a rare or endangered species. In some cases this is true, but more often, at least in California, development, logging, and other large-scale commercial activities are extremely detrimental. Very sadly, government has, too often, a perverted concept of economic activity. I agree with Scott Nearing 100% when he stated that the purpose of economic activity should be livelihood, not “making money”. Lust for money has created so much suffering on this planet. The ill effects of this misguided concept, base on desires to cope with insecurity, reverberate through humanity and all parts of our physical world. I know of individuals that gather wild seed to secure livelihood. They are very mindful of their activities and aware that if they plunder the seed stocks they will have nothing to return to the next time. Their activities can be very beneficial, raising awareness not only of our wild plant species, but also the benefits of “right livelihood”. I can support activities like this. Sadly we know of those that plunder and abuse nature based on acting upon their base dark desires. It is best if such things are not supported. Government is less likely to take action that is harmful to horticulture if we are perceived as self-regulating in a beneficial way. This forum can certainly be a vehicle toward improving horticulture’s image, as well as promoting responsible actions. It already is! Let’s keep on, keeping on.
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Today, I had an opportunity to check on snow conditions at the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada in El Dorado County. The snow is melting, however above 6,500 feet (1,981 meters) the snow is still deep. Early this morning it rained 5 mm at the farm and most likely snowed on the summits of the highest peaks. I'm quite anxious to get into the Lyons Creek basin as soon as the road is snow free to the trailhead. I had a few hours to check on the road conditions through the Crystal Basin (pictured) then up in the direction of Lyon's Creek.
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The Crystal Basin is timber country. Sugar Pine, Pinus lambertiana, is a common species in this area. The species is known for its long, large cones and their grand size. There are still some giant specimens remaining in the forest.
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The Crystal Basin is also the upper elevation limit for Pacific Dogwood, Cornus nuttallii.
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Many are still flowering at this time. The "flowers" (bracts) are huge on some specimens.
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Ribes nevadense is showing color, but I did not find any with open flowers.
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Incense Cedar, Calocedrus decurrens, is another common forest tree in the Crystal Basin. The foliage is indeed fragrant. The fragrance of the foliage can fill the forest on a warm day.
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The bark on older trees is quite striking.
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On the forest floor Maianthemum racemosum is up and getting ready to bloom.
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Maianthemum racemosum is quite easy to cultivate. In the autumn they produce bright red berries that are very attractive.
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Senecio integerrimus can be found blooming scattered throughout forest clearings.
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A nice example of jointing in granite. Perhaps another possibility in rock garden design.
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Jointing also occurs on a grand scale. This is a view of Rockbound Valley taken from the summit of Tells Peak (the northern most peak of the Crystal Range - October 2003). Lake Tahoe can be seen in the distance. In this case the cracks in the granite can be seen as green lines (most likely Lodgepole Pine, Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana) against the white-gray granite.
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There was a lot of debris in the road, such as this large snag that came down during the winter.
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Near the snow line spring is just arriving. Bitter Cherry, Prunus emarginata, is in full bloom.
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I knew that I was close to the snowline when I found Ribes roezlii var. roezlii in bloom. This species blooms extremely early in the season, at the higher elevation immediately after the snow melts.
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Snow Plant, Sarcodes sanguinea, in bloom was another indication that more snow would be encountered shortly as I traveled higher.
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A Red Fir forest, Abies magnifica var. magnifica, with lingering snow. Red Fir will often grow in pure stands in the Sierra Nevada. Sometimes Red Fir forest can still be found that have never been logged. They have a primeval feel to them.
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The end of the road, 6,272 feet (1,912 meters). 52 F (11 C ). I was hoping to hiking into the Lyons Creek area next week. At this rate I may need to change my plans and try the following week. It may be July or later before the snow melts at Lyons Lake or Lake Sylvia. No doubt, snow will still be lingering on the highest peaks when the snow returns next autumn.
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Does Calocedrus decurrens grow ( in nature) as isolated individuals within a mixed stand of conifers, or does it grow in small groves ?. Are there understory plants associated with them?. I happen to grow some splendid specimens here. They are already quite sizeable and slowly shedding their lower branches. I was wondering what could fit best in their shade. Thank you, Arturo
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Does Calocedrus decurrens grow ( in nature) as isolated individuals within a mixed stand of conifers, or does it grow in small groves ?. Are there understory plants associated with them?. I happen to grow some splendid specimens here. They are already quite sizeable and slowly shedding their lower branches. I was wondering what could fit best in their shade. Thank you, Arturo
Arturo,
Your simple question is excellent as it brings up many issues.
Calocedrus decurrens generally grows in mixed stands with other conifers. Depending on the conditions, a wide assortment of understory species can be found growing with them. This is the simple answer. Incense Cedar grows over a wide area in California, as well as other western states in the U.S.A. and northern Baja California. They can be found growing over a wide altitude range as well as under very different soil conditions. They are associated with different species depending on the various conditions. Commercial logging in many areas has dramatically altered the coniferous forest. In many areas where there has been repeated logging very little grows under the coniferous trees. It is sometimes very difficult to piece together what might have grown under the conifers.
In general, I have found it difficult to grow much under Incense Cedar in a garden situation. I am sure much has to do with poor soil conditions, dryness, and dense shade when they are "young". At the farm I never irrigate them, and the serpentine based soil is very poor. On good ground, in Sacramento, it is much easier to garden under them, especially with a bit of irrigation during the summer.
Over time, I will be very curious how you incorporate California native species into your landscape. As you have noted they will most likely be very well adapted to your climatic conditions. My travels take me to a wide variety of ecosystems with many nuances. Always feel free to ask questions about the plants or a specific site. Geology, exposure, altitude, proximity to the ocean are just some of the variables.
Maybe over time you can share your experiences with your native species from your part of Patagonia. I know next to nothing (more likely nothing) about the species in your area. Another forumist directed me to photographs from your region. It seems that there is incredible natural beauty. And I am always curious about what others grow in their gardens and how.
As I learn more about your growing conditions, I will be better able to come up with a list of California species that might thrive within your garden environment and specific situation. Do you irrigate? The wind sounds like an issue. Is the site protected from the wind? Are interested in herbaceous perennial species? Small shrubs too? There could be many possibilities. In our Sacramento garden I often put native species together that are not associated with each other in nature. In one area I have Salvias from southern California with Mimulus from northern California and various Eriogonum species from differing elevations. Mix in are all sorts of native bulbs and annuals from all sorts of locations. I am sure the same could work in your garden.
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Thank you so much Robert!
I'm blessed with the incredibly beautiful landscapes that surround me. I'm also blessed with high quality agricultural land for a high proportion of my 6.2 acre farm. We do have wells from which to draw undergound water which is plentiful in winter but gets scanty in summer natural drought. So in terms of providing water for gardening purposes I've got to behave wisely. Some areas can have sprinkler watering. Most could have drip irrigation watering. Once established, growing trees do not need watering. Somehow they have reached underground water table. That is the case of my various incense cedars. Because I've got a very skeletal type of desert soil in about two thirds of the land and very sandy also acid, there I could grow many evergreen conifers ( apart from those already growing) and many dry country herbaceous perennials also shrubs. ( ie. some of your native Ceanothus, and possibly quite a few less known in the general hort world). I also interplant some broadleaved as well for fall colour. Gradually the area that was originally an open Rose briar (R.eglanteria) is being regenerated into a planted woodland ( plus orchards and vegetable rows). Since the property is large in terms of urban sizes, I've designed 7 different gardens with some structural theme: the prairie garden, the rock garden, the rose garden, the dry xeric garden, the shady woodland garden, the moist garden etc. Next to the house I've got a conventional patio garden. I also keep a nursery where I multiply my plants ( from trees down to perennials), a nursery yard full of pots and a nursery greenhouse where I trial my little treasures. So basically I'm quite set to try out new introductions. Specifically where I'm placed there was no native forest. All native trees grew west of town. The eastern part is much drier and is part of the open grassland/patagonian scrub, but because of its proximity to town, it has been degraded and overgrazed which allowed the rose to take over. The area has been designated in the county land use plan, as an ecological regeneration area ( which is a bit confusing to me). Because initially wind was a major drawback, the property was planted along its boundaries with windbreak trees, mainly Hesperocyparis glabra and Populus nigra. Also there are windbreak lines inside the property too. This was done about 28 years ago and most areas are now quite protected. I still want to add more trees though, also for privacy from our front street, a dead end gravel street. Its quite rural in atmosphere, with cows, sheep and horses moving about in the neighborhood.
From a hort point of view, I've got so many possible situations here on my various gardens, that I can envision growing many different ecotypes, from relatively high altitude plants, desert( xeric)
dry or moist woodland ,plants, bushes and trees. One third of the property is a wetland that dries up in summer. It could harbor a summer moist meadow. The part that doesn't get waterlogged is where we grow our vegetables year round, including moisture loving berries and some fruit trees such as cherries and sour cherries. The rest is where my sheep graze. They are kept inside a barn dayly in the evenings. Thanks to their existence we have copious amounts of manure and good organic litter from their beds. So although the soil is originally poor, it can be easily upgraded into first class garden loam along the years. The only thing that I have to find out for each species as I try them out, to which type site they adapt best.
For instance under a Incense cedar I could grow some Calochortus and some of the dry site Erythroniums, plus some Tiarella perhaps. I still have a long way to learn though. Your different postings are a great stimulus to figure out possible introductions. It will take time and a lot of study on my part yet. Thank you very much.
Kindly
Arturo
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Arturo,
It sounds like your garden is ready for an influx of new plants. The timing could not be better. My wife and I are remodeling most of our Sacramento garden. I have been back and forth away from home and my wife has removed many shrubs that no longer fit into our new design. There is still much cleanup to do, but we have a lot of wide open space to plant now. I have a firm vision concerning the direction of the garden and the use of California native species. I like to breed plants and now have some wide open space to work with. I will be home again, for at least a month, so my wife and I will be working together to get the garden cleaned up. My wife likes the birds, including the wild turkeys that showed up. I get to do all the garden design and planting. 8)
Today my wife and I were out in our garden discussing many of the plants we like and the others that we will be replacing. We both agree that we like the California native Huechera species that are in our garden. The others will go. This is a good Genus to try under your cedar trees. I find considerable variation in the wild populations. They are fun to work with. Primula (Dodecatheon) hendersonii as well as many of our Erythronium species like some shade and can (or want to) be bone dry during the summer. I have already made some good progress with the Dodecatheon. Most of our California Iris species are xeric and enjoy some shade. There is much variation and fine plants can be selected without growing hybrids. The inland species are extremely xeric. I like Salvia spathacea. There are some good color selections. They do not come true from seed, however the traits can be recovered, so with a bit of effort and a few generations of seedlings, some very good plants can be produced. The list of good species could go on and on.... Have you thought about xeric ferns? Trond Høy has a simple method of starting them from spores. It has not worked for all the species I have tried (yet), but it is well worth the effort. We have some beautiful native ferns that are completely xeric. Some will even grow in the full hot sun (40 C) under xeric conditions and still look great. And then there are the species that are a bit more mesic............
I already have a lot of new California native species planted in our garden, as well as some species that have been around for awhile. As I can, I will post some photographs from our garden. Perhaps this will generate more ideas.
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Here it is - Ceanothus 'Snow Showers'. Don't know which species it derives from.
In the RHS Plant Finder it is only listed by one UK supplier, Burncoose Nurseries https://www.burncoose.co.uk/site/plants.cfm?pl_id=968 (https://www.burncoose.co.uk/site/plants.cfm?pl_id=968) . Burncoose sayCommonly known as: California lilac, Redroot.
Does that imply that it is Ceanothus americanus?
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Great progress Robert!. I feel already the challenge in trying out both xeric and mesic new plants. Although I don't mind hybridization in itself I do have a distinct taste for "wilder" forms. They suit much better and blend better into my general landscape. What I find obtrusive in my view is when we try to force a very formaly elaborate and tidy garden into my surrounding vast wilderness space:It just doesn't fit. The only place where I can find it fit , is a cottage garden in the immediacy of the house which is already a very modified landscape, and is of small proportions and could follow the conventional gardening schemes of the temperate world. That's also where my separate rose garden is located. Further away, the rest of the gardened spaces ought to be wilder (=aka naturalistic). I don't forget that anything deliberately planted is not natural however, so the question is how to make it look "natural".
Rock gardeners have been taking the lead already for some time. There the landscape is downsized into an assortment of small scale plants. However it is far from easy to make a right selection. I gather that most r.gardeners arrive through trial and error. Also the variety of available plants is bewildering in that section. My rock garden is thus developing slowly. I find it the most challenging of all. It includes the alpine spring moist meadows too. Here your Lewisias and some of the succulents should find home. Possibly some other bulbs too. ( i.e Allium falcatum)
The most advanced is my dry prairie garden. It already contains Echinaceas, Agastaches,Rudbeckias, some native bunch grasses ( i.e Stipa tenuis), a native quite sculptural Eryngium magellanicum, Achilleas, Salvias, and will add quite a few of the Penstemons. Dotted in spring , it will show the flowers of Rhodophiala elwesii ( Amaryllidaceae) that is a spontaneous wildflower in my farm. The prairie is placed on an open north(sun) facing slope, so it has excelent drainage and has shallow very sandy poor soil. Further up the slope it levels and there I plan to extend the prairie into a dry xeric garden, with more Penstemons ( a genus that I'm particularly fond of), hopefully with no watering during the dry months. I'm planning to include some of the annuals there, such as Clarkia concinna, or biennials like Gilia capitata or subnuda. I've yet got to study these ephemerals better ( perhaps some Mimulus, Navarretia or others that I've yet to discover). Basically the idea is spring flowers provided by annuals and slowly move onto summer/fall flowers provided by the perennials.
Finally I return to my least understood garden which is my shade garden (dry summer underneath). Here is a new chapter in my learning: Ferns. I love them but never went beyond drooling over pictures because I felt that it was beyond my hort skills to get ferns from spores. There are plenty of native ferns that grow under the shade of our native forests. Ferns from the drier part of the forests, which are dominated by the southern beeches (Nothofagus) and our native incense cedar (Austrocedrus chilensis) should grow well even without watering in summer. Perhaps once I learn to do so then I can add ferns from different sources and discover how they fare. Perhaps when I understand better my shade garden, then I can venture onto more mesic plants with minimal summer watering provided by hidden drip irrigation. The whole property has irrigation mains conveniently distributed from where I can tap a drip line with its valve. I'm hoping to get a water tank built in the highest point of the farm from where the drip system spreads out by flowing by mere gravity. This is something I need both for the vegetable commercial operation as much as the ornamental gardens.
All genera you mentioned are of great interest to me: Erythronium, Dodecatheon, Iris, Heuchera, Salvia. Possibly a few more will pop up as we move towards rock garden species ( i.e Phlox) or other prairie genera.I seem to approach my gardening selection by genus. It may be a botanical prejudice but once I understand the growth patterns of the genus then I can move it around and find the right spot, where it should thrive with minimal disturbance. I would then tend to group plants with similar requirements. Again I'¡m quite a way from achieving this. However these types of challenges are part of the joy of gardening.
Thank you again!
Kindly
Arturo
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Arturo,
Sorry I did not clarify. :-[ I enjoy intra-specific hybrids or species improvement. Generally this is done randomly, but I like to do this in a very purposeful way. There are many reasons: First is curiosity. Too often a species may seem uniform, however there is often much hiding in the genotype. I can learn a great deal about a species by working with it, which brings me to #2: Traits can often be uncovered that allow a species to preform better in our gardens. Disease resistance, cold tolerance, heat tolerance, insect resistance, and on and on. Which brings me to #3: I guess I am very selfish. :-[ I love our beautiful planet - all of its natural beauty. I guess I am pig-headed in believing that creating wild plants that are happier in our gardens will somehow be a tiny step toward saving our wild plants from various forms of plunder. If they have "value" ??? :P $$$$$ ??? in site then maybe they will not be dug, sprayed, bulldozed, flooded, into oblivion. I see no reason why the natural heritage of our planet can not be preserved. That humans can co-exist and make use of plants (and other things) without selfish exploitation and plunder. The other day I saw a large-scale logging operation that was "thinning" the forest. They were even cleaning up the mess left by the drag trails. All sorts of species still remained in the forest; a variety of conifers, shrubs, and herbaceous species on the forest floor. Sadly, I also see the clear cutting. The replacement of a mixed forest with a single species mono-culture, and the use of herbicides to suppress all other species. A species like Mimulus kelloggii is so beautiful but it can also be challenging to grow in the garden. A race of this species that is much easier to grow in a garden would be of great benefit. If species in the wild were seen as a gene-pool to work with and were seen to serve us better in the wild, then there might be the incentive to save them in site. As I write, there are people who search the planet for plant species or varieties that will improve agriculture, have healing qualities, or other beneficial attributes. Maybe I am just a fool that wants to have a hand in making things better.
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Robert,
I couldn't agree more :). I do think that wild species if brought into some form of cultivation will enhance the possibility of survival of their relatives that stay behind in the wild. Fortunately, there is a widening constituency in preserving wild tracts of land. These places have to provide a purpose to mankind too. The constituency gets stronger then. In the long chain of concerned individuals about the environment, making the biodiversity valuable to people that live beyond protected areas is a way of providing both the needs of people and nature. As you have stated a win win situation. That's where individuals that have strong interests in horticultural questions have a role to play. As I understand this is where we both stand. If a species goes into cultivation then the gene bank becomes valuable. The ecosystem that protects that gene bank also has a value attached to it. It may be a food plant, a fibre, an oil, lumber product or a source of a healing drug. Also for its sheer beauty. Ornamental gardening is already a multibillion operation worldwide. We also need to add beauty to our daily surroundings. This need will keep growing. That is where diversity steps in. Monotony is deadly...
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Today might have been my last opportunity to scout the Crystal Basin and the lower portions of the Crystal Range, El Dorado County, California before my next outing.
The above photograph is an example of monoculture forestry. In 1992 the Cleveland Fire burned approximately 22,499 acres in El Dorado National Forest. Much of Peavine Ridge as well as much of the forest to the north (pictured) burned. This was the third major fire on Peavine Ridge within my lifetime. In 1959 the Ice House Fire burned 19,098 acres, mostly on Peavine Ridge, and the King Fire burned the western portions of Peavine Ridge in 2014.
Many rumors circulated after the Cleveland Fire speculating that the fire had been set intentionally by loggers. Much of the big timber in El Dorado National Forest had been cut during the 1960’s through the 1980’s. Many loggers were desperate for work and salvage logging could keep them busy for a good number of years. Nothing was ever proven and replanting started shortly after the fire.
As the remaining standing timber was removed Ponderosa Pine, Pinus ponderosa, was planted. Originally the forest contained a mixture of coniferous species as well as a number of deciduous broadleaf species. As the Ponderosa Pine monoculture became established, herbicides were applied to suppress the regrowth of shrubby competitors. The route to my father’s cabin crosses through this area, so I witnessed the whole process.
Over the years I have occasionally hiked through the new standing timber. From a distance the trees appear healthy, however upon close inspection many of the trees are sickly. Much of the area is still a monoculture, however slowly new species are starting to recolonize the area. Unfortunately, reapplication of herbicides, some very recently, occurs on some of the acreage. This method of forestry is responsible for the lose of much of the natural biodiversity of the original forest. It is almost mind numbing! I have made comparisons of the plant species found on the monoculture land, the burned land that was allowed to regenerate naturally, and portions of the forest where the fire only burned the under shrubbery. In some ways, the fire was beneficial to some species, except on the monoculture land. After the King Fire, it is apparent that the public land is now being managed in a very different way. Sadly, this is not true for the privately held tracts of land.
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I traveled to the north end of the Crystal Basin to the area where my father’s cabin was located. Tells Creek is a very familiar sight and it is full of rushing water.
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My father’s cabin was located near Gerle Creek. Gerle Creek flows into the South Fork of the Rubicon River (pictured).
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I bypassed Gerle Creek and headed up the mountain toward Loon Lake. The road traverses Chipmunk Bluff as it winds its way up toward Loon Lake.
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Chipmunk Bluff overlooks the drainage of the South Fork of the Rubicon River. Robbs Peak can be seen in the distance to the west-southwest.
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To the east there is a good view of Tells Peak. One goal is to explore the slopes below the summit. Last year I reached the lower portions of this area. The flora is much more diverse than I originally thought and is worth my attention.
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Penstemon newberryi was in bloom along much of Chipmunk Bluff. I did not have much time but I was glad I stopped. I saw a diverse array of species in a tiny area.
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Silvery buns of Eriogonum incanum were in bloom.
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Close by was Phlox diffusa, here growing with Cheilanthes (Myriopteris).
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Growing with this Penstemon was a fine form of Phlox diffusa.
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Here the tiny annual Leptosiphon ciliatus is in bloom surrounded by Eriogonum umbellatum, Sedum obtusatum, and Boechara retrotracta.
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Leptosiphon ciliatus is fairly easy to cultivate. In cultivation they are very showy and bloom for a considerable length of time.
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I did not key this Myriopteris (Cheilanthes) species.
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Aspidotis densa was growing near its high elevation limit.
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Castilleja pruinosa was looking prime.
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It is a short distance from Chipmunk Bluff to Loon Lake.
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At the far end of Loon Lake a trail takes one to Buck Island Reservoir, Rockbound Lake and Lake Winifred, as well as Rubicon Reservoir, the gateway to Rockbound Valley. When I was in High School I spent 3 weeks in Rockbound Valley.
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Brown Mountain (center-right) is a basalt plug of an ancient volcano.
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To the west of Loon Lake is the drainage of Francis Creek. Francis Creek drains into Gerle Creek. My father’s cabin was down in this drainage.
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I could not stay long, so I had to say goodbye, for now, to Tells Peak.
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Commonly known as California Lilac, Redroot.
Alan,
Redroot is a medicinal herb derived from the roots of Ceanothus species. The roots are dug in the wintertime. I generally use Ceanothus cuneatus, however my understanding is that any Ceanothus species can be used. It is important to clean the roots and cut them into small slices before they dry. When they are dry they are rock hard! A tea made from the roots is red! It is quite pleasant to drink and is very effective to clean out the lymphatic system. Used with Lomatium it is effective against viral flu. Lomatium is not only anti-viral but it was also used as a food by Native Americans. Many Lomatium species are beautiful ornamental plants, perfect for a rock garden. Anyway you look at it, a good plant to have around.
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My last day in El Dorado County for awhile. A typical chaparral scene at the lower elevations.
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Clarkia biloba is still in bloom.
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Lepechinia calycina has fragrant foliage.
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Salvia sonomensis finished blooming months ago. The foliage is very fragrant.
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I generally see Polygala cornuta ssp. cornuta in mid-elevation coniferous forests.
There were many plants in bloom but I did not have much time as I was also packing - ready to return to Sacramento.
A strange weather forecast for the coming week. Maybe some more rain. Generally we do not get much rain in June, so the forecast is a bit unusual. Next outing????????
Until then.....
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Lepechinia calycina has fragrant foliage.
and good to see that it's on our allowed list !
Salvia sonomensis finished blooming months ago. The foliage is very fragrant.
We grow a hybrid called 'Celesial Blue' which has similar foliage and is very fragrant
cheers
fermi
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Fermi,
During the drought years the seed crop on Lepechinia calycina was dubious. This year with more or less double average precipitation maybe I can get better germination. The same can be said for Salvia sonomensis. I am very pleased that there is a huge seed crop on the high elevation form of Primula (Dodecantheon) hendersonii. Of coarse, the coastal race sets plenty of seed and there is obvious and observable variation. Both are well worth growing in a shady xeric garden. 100% dry conditions during the summer is a must! So far, between all the different forms of Primula hendersonii I enjoy 2 months of flowers in our Sacramento garden. If you ever decide to grow any, it is good to grow a populations of different clones. All indications are that they are obligated out-breeders. I am sure that with some effort a range of color shades can be obtained as well as white. They are small and do not take up much space. This is an added bonus, considering how I am working with them.
Here in California we have Salvia 'Bee's Bliss'. Judging from its habitat of growth and the fragrance of its foliage I bet it is a Salvia sonomensis hydrid. I have had it in the garden, up at the farm, for 20 + years. It has never set seed, however I grow Salvia sonomensis in another part of the farm. 'Bee's Bliss' does grow next to a large Salvia clevelandii. I have never gotten any seed off the Salvia clevelandii. Odd, as Salvias generally self very easily.
I did see some other nice plants yesterday but did not have time to photograph them: Delphinium patens, Dichelostemma multiflorum, some excellent forms of Naravettia pubescens, and Brodiaea elegans. Leontodon saxatilis is a invasive weed and is in bloom everywhere at the lower elevations.
Lastly, the best find yesterday was an access point to some BLM land where I will most likely find Calystegia stebbinsii. Generally I am not around a TV, but I did see some video footage from the high Sierra Nevada. There is still 2 + meters of snow at Ebbetts Pass. At this point I am not sure when I will be able to access the high elevations in the Sierra Nevada. Fortunately, there are plenty of species blooming on the BLM site, as well as in the middle elevations of the Sierra Nevada.
Now I have to work for awhile, but hope to get out again soon.
It sounds like you were out-of-town for awhile. It must be good to be back to your garden!
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Hello Robert!
Looking and studying your Delphiniums my first question is which of the very many have you tried to cultivate. D.cardinalis; D. hesperium; D.hansenii; D.nudicaule; and many more...?Have you tried other native Delphiniums beyond California natives : D.novomexicanum; D.barbeyi. Perhaps you are ware of others working on this Genus from a horticultural view. In general western N.American species are much better adapted to mesic/low mesic and even almost xeric situations. At least even the forest species have to put up with 3 months long summer natural drought. The garden alternative which I'm greatly fond of requires a much more wet environment from Europe (D.elatum and its hybrids =D.cultorum).
Thank you.
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Hello Robert!
Looking and studying your Delphiniums my first question is which of the very many have you tried to cultivate. D.cardinalis; D. hesperium; D.hansenii; D.nudicaule; and many more...?Have you tried other native Delphiniums beyond California natives : D.novomexicanum; D.barbeyi. Perhaps you are ware of others working on this Genus from a horticultural view. In general western N.American species are much better adapted to mesic/low mesic and even almost xeric situations. At least even the forest species have to put up with 3 months long summer natural drought. The garden alternative which I'm greatly fond of requires a much more wet environment from Europe (D.elatum and its hybrids =D.cultorum).
Thank you.
Arturo,
At one time I grew some of the western Delphinium species that grow beyond the borders of California. At this time, I just grow California native species - I have my hands full with this! Many of the California Delphinium species grow under summer xeric conditions. Delphinium patens comes to mind. A week or so ago, I had a plant in bloom, of D. gracilentum, here at our Sacramento garden, however I did not have time to photograph it for the forum. :'( Very beautiful. Some of the California species can be a bit tricky to cultivate. Delphinium hansenii is another dryland species. In cultivation I have found that it needs a tiny amount of moisture while dormant. Too much water and it rots, not enough and it completely desiccates. I have yet to grow Delphinium hesperium. Each of the species have different growing requirements. Each species needs to be dealt with on an individual basis. The seedling stage is often very tricky, however once they get through the first season they are less fussy.
I am finding Castilleja easier to grow! At least the perennial species. I have not tried any of our annual species, however I hope to change this. :)
My next outing is planned for this Thursday. There is still too much snow at Lyons Creek. I will be able to be out ALL day! 8) 8) 8) It is a bit early but I hope to check on Calochortus clavatus var. avius a local endemic Taxon (El Dorado and Amador Counties). The weather forecast is for rain! I might have to make some last minute changes.
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Robert, yes Castilleja is a fascinating genus. Just within California I just read from Calflora 78 forms! I would love to know which you've tried. There's an excellent article by Paul Cumbleton in the Planstman Dec 2008. He has also been successful in growing them. However, those of us trying more xeric species should have the climatic advantage.Finally there's some literature about how to them along with host species,...if done soon enough they seem facultative about which host to attach themselves to. Even alfalfa ( which grows spontaneously here) serves that purpose!. Have you any experience in that?. It sounds a fun project. The genus has quite a few annuals too.I.E. C.campestris that seems associated with vernal pools that dry up in summer. Ephemeral annuals that are characteristic of winter wet, but dry summer should be easy to bring into cultivation. I wonder if they germinate with the first fall rains and grow slowly in not too cold winters and shoot up into bloom for spring bloom. They could easily find room in a gardening scheme for early bedding purposes, along with other similar cycle plants .
My next group are the milk vetches, Astragalus... ,more rock garden types. Any experience with those?
thanks for your patience,
Arturo
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Arturo,
So far I have somewhat limited experience growing Castilleja, however I do pay attention with my field studies and have made some useful observations. All my attempts at cultivation have been successful beyond any expectations I might have had. I tend to use Lupinus albifrons as a host (companion) plant. However I am now experimenting with Arctostaphylos (Manzanita) and will try other shrubby chaparral species as I can. As of today, I have not attempted any of the annual species. Species such as Catilleja attenuata and C. exserta clearly grow in association with Poaceae. Invasive grass species clearly seem to work, however I am more interested in experimenting with California native bunch grasses and herbaceous Eudicot species that grow in association with Castilleja. In addition, I have not tried any of the perennial high elevation species. There are some fine species to work with. Castilleja miniata ssp. miniata is very common in the Sierra Nevada, however there are other species that are quite attractive. Their habitat preferences are quite varied. Attention to these details might be important to success. From my experiences to date, Castilleja will easily grow without any host or symbiotic relationship, however they clearly seem to benefit at some time in their growth cycle.
Many of the fine Astragalus species are found on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada or in the Great Basin. There are a few annual species that I see on the western slope, as well as in the coastal mountains. I have never attempted to grow any of the annual species. I have grown the perennial species Astragalus whitneyi, however I lost the plants when I moved the bulk of my growing to our Sacramento garden last year. They seem very demanding as to their growing conditions. Just yesterday my wife and I were discussing the construction of a new planting bed for there cultivation here at our Sacramento garden. We have a good plan however I do not think anything will be ready to plant until Autumn. The eastern Sierra species seem to preform much better when they are seeded directly where they are to grow. I still have much to learn about this Genus and other projects are getting the bulk of my attention right now. Progress is slow.
I am looking forward to my outing tomorrow. I have a good plan(s) depending on the weather. There are several site I wish to explore on Peavine Ridge. The both the plants and the geology are quite interesting. If all goes well I will check on a site or two on Chipmunk Bluff too. With Poor weather, I may need to try something different. Next week I will be returning to Snow Mountain.
Stay tuned..... :)
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Despite less than ideal weather I had a very productive outing to various sites on Peavine Ridge.
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I like to trust my intuition. There was active logging at one site on Peavine Ridge, so I needed to change my plans. From Peavine Ridge, weather conditions near the crest of the Crystal Range looked terrible, however my intuition prompted me to check on plants on Chipmunk Bluff. Conditions were drizzly with a bitter cold wind, but the plants I saw were outstanding (photographs not so good :'( )
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On my return to Sacramento, I stopped shortly near Kanaka Valley (a low elevation site in El Dorado County).
As I can, I will be reporting on this outing.
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PEAVINE RIDGE
CHIPMUNK BLUFF
&
KANAKA VALLEY
Part I
Peavine Ridge
Thursday, 8 June 2017
Sacramento Weather
Weather: Cloudy
Temperature, High: 75 F, 24 C
Low: 54 F, 12 C
Precipitation: .14”, 3.5 mm
During the past few weeks I have been able to do a quick reconnaissance of a number of site on Peavine Ridge, El Dorado County, California. On this outing I returned to a number of these sites to do a more thorough survey of the plant species and geology of each site.
Early Thursday morning began overcast and gray with numerous rain showers passing through the region. As I set off eastward toward the Sierra Nevada the rain intensified to a steady moderate rain. Fortunately, I was prepared for rain and was quite hopeful that the day would be productive.
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I arrived at Riverton at the base of Peavine Ridge early in the morning. The skies were threatening, but the rain had not arrived yet. It was a balmy 60 F, 15.5 C.
Riverton is a deserted site along U.S. Highway 50 next to the South Fork of the American River. In the early days of Highway 50, Riverton boasted a grand hotel as well as other accommodations for highway travelers. Sometime in the past the hotel burned to the ground and was not rebuilt. In the 1960’s I remember the “Life or Death” billboard; a police office handing out a traffic ticket on the “Life” side and a car wreck on the “Death” side. The billboard remained for 25 years or so, but now Riverton can only boast its advertisements for the Nevada gambling halls.
Ice House Road begins its accent to the top of Peavine Ridge at Riverton. There is a small section of forestland in this area that did not burn during the Ice House Fire (1959) or the Cleveland Fire (1992). It is reasonable example of older growth forest on Peavine Ridge. I made my first stop at 3,369 feet (1,027 meters) just above the old site of Riverton.
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Here some of the eroded rocks of the Calaveras complex can be seen. Quartz veins fill some of the fractures in this schist outcrop.
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The forest in this area has certainly been altered from its original condition after the region became a major freight and transportation route during the 1850’s onward. The forest species were quite diverse at this site and many were still in bloom. Asclepias speciosa was one of two Milkweeds in bloom at this site.
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Asclepias cordiflolia grew and was blooming side-by-side with A. speciosa. There was no indication that there was any mixing (hybrids) between the two species.
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I forgot to key this Trifolium species, however it may have been Trifolium obtusiflorum. Trifolium obtusiflorum is glandular-hairy and quite sticky. My plan was to get back to it, but this did not happen.
At another site on Peavine Ridge I did come across another native clover, Trifolium breweri. Rain and wind prevented photography.
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Near the Milkweeds there were scattered plants of Cirsium occidentale var. venustum. This showy species is extremely variable. The flowers in this population were quit showy, however the foliage was rather bland compared to other forums of this species.
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The canyon slope in this area was very steep. In addition, the soil was very loose and the covered with pine needles, making the scramble up the slope very difficult. Lupinus grayi was blooming in scattered stands among the twinning stems of Calystegia malacophylla ssp. malacophylla.
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Malacothrix floccifera grew in loose colonies in areas open to fairly strong sun.
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Pellaea mucronata is not phased by sun or dry conditions. They were quite happy growing among the boulders on this dry slope.
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At first I thought that this fern was Pentagramma pallida, however on closer inspection it proved to be Pentagramma triangularis. Occasionally I come across specimens of Pentagramma triangularis with white exudate on the abaxial leaf surface but never on the adaxial surface. Plants of this type have sometimes been treated as P. triangularis ssp. semipallida and P. triangularis ssp. rebmanii.
I spent a considerable amount of time at this site and found a diverse array of species. There was much I wanted to accomplish this day, so it was soon time to move on to the next site.
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I drove up the to the next site, 3,644 feet, 1,111 meters. Here earlier in the season, I had observed a very interesting population of Manzanita, Arctostaphylos sp. In addition, there appeared to be healthy regrowth of the forest after the Cleveland fire in 1992.
The Manzanitas at this site have a number of fascinating characteristics. Arctostaphylos viscida is the dominant species. The plants exhibit characteristics that range from those of subspecies viscida to those that are associated with subspecies mariposa. There are also a number of plants that superficially resemble Arctostaphylos manzanita ssp. manzanita. On closer inspection, the nascent inflorescence of these plants closely resembles those of Arctostaphylos mewukka, another Arctostaphylos species found on Peavine Ridge.
After checking the Manzanitas, I worked my way through the brush into the forest above the road. I was a bit surprised to find a plantation type forest beyond the thick border of shrubbery near the road. It was disappointing to find a monoculture of Ponderosa Pine, Pinus ponderosa and the forest floor dominated by the invasive annual Dogtail Grass, Cynocurus echinatus.
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Many of the stumps from the salvage logging operations after 1992 Cleveland Fire still remain.
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There were also a diversity of species that had stump sprouted after the fire and were not sprayed with herbicides. The regeneration of this California Black Oak, Quercus kelloggii, was a typical scene among the regenerating woody species.
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I was very encouraged when I found a healthy and sizable stand of the native perennial bunch grass Stipa lemmonii ssp. lemmonii.
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As I hiked up the slope there were other encouraging features in the landscape. It was clear that slowly other indigenous species were slowly recolonizing the area.
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Occasionally, there were large drifts of Madia elegans.
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Iris hartwegii ssp. hartwegii had found its way to this site and there were some nice colonies scattered about the mountainside.
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There was still much to do. I moved on to the next site where there was an obvious plantation type forest, 4,001 feet, 1,220 meters.
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There was a good variety of native species growing in a waste area adjacent to the plantation of conifers. A thick stand of the native annual Navarretia intertexta spp. Intertexta was found blooming among the many grasses (all invasive).
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PEAVINE RIDGE
Part II
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Along with the Navarretia, Achillea millefolium had recolonized the waste area outside the conifer plantation. There were a surprising number of species in bloom: Dichelostemma multiflorum, Eriodictyon californicum, Madia subspicata, and Brodiaea elegans ssp. elegans to name a few.
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The “waste area”, public land owned by the U.S. Forest Service, turned out to be quite interesting. When I hiking into the Plantation forest (private timberland) the forest floor was almost devoid of plant life. A few Lathyrus sulphureus had escaped the herbicide sprays and were blooming.
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My goal was to reach a stand of conifers that had not burned during the Ice House Fire or the Cleveland Fire. For some, private land management does not seem inclusive of other plant species. There was not much growing on the forest floor. The marked trees will be thinned. I do not object to tree thinning or timber harvesting, however I would rather see much more species diversity.
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There was one huge clump of Lupinus polyphyllus blooming in the middle of this stand of timber. It seemed somewhat out of place all by itself.
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There was nothing much to see on the private land, so I hiked back to the public Forest Service land. There was a considerable contrast as I crossed back onto the public land. The young forest (planted after the Cleveland Fire) was carpeted with Lupinus grayi in full bloom. There was also a diverse mix of annual and herbaceous species, as well as many woody broad leaf trees and shrubs.
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I returned to the Outback and drove to the top of Peavine Ridge. My plan was to visit a site where Calochortus clavatus var. avius can be found. Unknown to me, there was active logging in this area creating conditions that were much too dangerous for my type of exploration. Fortunately there were alternative sites to visit.
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Much of the top of Peavine Ridge consists of volcanic rocks that erupted during the past 10 million years. They are part of the Mehrten Formation. In places the exposed Andesite Lahars (volcanic mud flows) create a unique environment for a diversity of plant species.
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By this time the wind and rainsqualls had arrived making photography extremely difficult. There was a large stand of Calochortus leichtlinii in bloom in this open area and I was lucky enough to get one good photograph.
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Allium campanulatum also occupied this open sunny area. Many were found blooming among the volcanic rubble.
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Mingling among the Calochortus and Allium were colonies of Triteleia ixioides ssp. scabra in bloom.
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At times the wind howled and the rain poured. Penstemon laetus was blooming throughout this open sunny site. This specimen was sheltered behind a large Manzanita, Arctostaphylos patula.
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A number of annuals shared space with the bulbous species. There were drifts of Clarkia rhomoidea (pictured), Mimulus bicolor, and Mimulus torreyi mixed throughout this site.
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Soon the wind became intense and I retreated onto the lee side of the ridge. This area was partly forested with a considerable understory of brush. Viola purpurea ssp. purpurea found a home in these protected semi-shades sites. Most had finished blooming, however I did find a few flowers here and there.
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The perennial vetch, Vicia american ssp. americana (pictured) was very common throughout this area. The best find was a specimen of Latyrus lanszwertii var. tracyi with a creamy golden yellow banner. I also found nice stands of Silene lemmonii in bloom.
The weather conditions continued to deteriorate. I decided to move on to Chipmunk Bluff where the weather conditions would most certainly be worse. This decision does not make sense, however I had a strong intuitive feeling that this was the right place to go.
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CHIPMUNK BLUFF
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Chipmunk Bluff, 6,417 feet (1,956 meters), is an open south facing granite bluff completely exposed to the elements. When I arrived it was a toasty 45 F (7 C) and a stiff breeze was pelting me with a heavy drizzle. With the wet and wind chill it seemed frigid.
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My first find made the trip worthwhile, Ceanothus fresnensis. I rarely encounter this Ceanothus species and I was very pleased to find it growing abundantly in this area.
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My timing was also perfect for Phlox diffusa. They were blooming abundantly among the granite boulders.
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Hiding in rocky nooks were blooming clusters of Cymopterus terebinthinus var. californicus.
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The Wild Buckwheat, Eriogonum incanum, is very common in this area. They are found in sunny, dry locations and are quite happy on Chipmunk Bluff.
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It was cold, but it was also quite magical hiking through the fog and mist.
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Juniperus grandis loomed like giant Ents on the high ridges. Their massive trunks and ancient looking branches created an ethereal feeling, as they appeared then disappeared back into the foggy mist.
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North facing slopes and sheltered sites were still covered with snow.
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Many of the rock crevices were filled with rock ferns. Here Cryptogramma acrostichoides shares a crevice with Cheilanthes gracillima.
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In other cracks the upright blue-green fronds of Pellaea bridgesii contrasted with the granite and the foliage of other plants. Here Pellaea bridgesii is sharing space with Arctostaphylos nevadensis.
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Penstemon newberryi var. newberryi was still another crevice dweller.
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Nice specimens of Penstemon newberryi var. newberryi are very showy when in bloom. Their flowers brightened the landscape even on this cold misty day.
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Juniperus grandis was the giant in this landscape and Juniperus communis was a miniature as it crept on the ground around large boulders and other shrubs.
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Here and there Penstemon roezlii poked through the grass or out of a crevice. Penstemon roezlii is, more or less, a smaller version of Pestemon laetus. They are very similar and can be very difficult to distinguish from one another when they are not in bloom.
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The orange-red bracts Castilleja pruinosa brighten many of the exposed cliff faces. This species is highly variable, however the plants at this site were quite uniform and matched the species description perfectly.
I stayed dry and warm in my rain suit, however my hands became bitter cold in the drizzle and wind. It was not safe climbing around the rock faces with cold, stiff, numb hands. It was also getting late, so I lowered myself off the cliff face and hiked back to the Outback and started back to Sacramento.
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KANAKA VALLEY
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It was still light and I had a bit of time, so I stopped off at Kanaka Valley, elevation 1,019 feet (311 meters).
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I was extremely pleased to find Calochortus luteus at this site. At one time this species grew abundantly in the lower foothills of El Dorado County. Now it is rarely seen, except at the margin of the Sacramento Valley in the Deer Creek Hills.
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Another good find was this pink form of Brodiaea elegans ssp. elegans. Occasionally I do find pink forms of this species. Very rare are the picotee forms with deep lavender and white flowers.
The sun was setting and I still had an hour drive to our house in Sacramento. It was time to go!
Despite some rainy and cold weather this turned out to be a very successful and productive outing. And Chipmunk Bluff turned out to be the perfect destination despite the misty drizzle and fridge wind.
Until next time…….
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Juniperus grandis loomed like giant Ents on the high ridges. Their massive trunks and ancient looking branches created an ethereal feeling, as they appeared then disappeared back into the foggy mist.
great images - and those with the rock outcrops.
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Thank you Maggi. :)
It must have been good luck. The weather was terrible on Chipmunk Bluff - not ideal for photography. It was a delight to scramble among the rocks and there were so many beautiful plants to see.
It looks like we are going to have a complete change in the weather - 39 C on Saturday.
Thursday the plan is to visit the Snow Mountain region in the Northern Inner Coastal Mountains. The following week I will travel to Lyon's Creek.
Now I have to have a tooth pulled today. Ugh! :P
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39C is too much !
I hope your visit to the dentist goes well !
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39C is too much !
I hope your visit to the dentist goes well !
My visit with the dentist went extremely well. The broken tooth is gone. No pain! No pain even without pain killers! 8) Now I just have to wait for the wound to heal.
The next two days will be extremely busy for me. Thursday will be an outing to the Snow Mountain region. The weather should be perfect. I will report back after I return from Snow Mountain.
They (weathermen) have upped the ante on the temperatures for this weekend - 40 C now. What a swing in the temperatures!
Until next time.......
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That's good news, Robert!
Less so about 40 C - we Scots folk melt in such temperatures! Take care!
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That's good news, Robert!
Less so about 40 C - we Scots folk melt in such temperatures! Take care!
It was a rare & unbearable 30.5c here yesterday and the sun was fierce. Dropped to 9c last night, a wonderful 15.5c today which I reckon is perfection.
john
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I had an excellent outing to the Bear Valley and Snow Mountain Regions of Colusa County (inner coastal mountains) on Thursday.
Now to survive the heat wave. Sunday through Tuesday the forecast is for 42 C high temperatures, cooling ??? to 40.5 on Thursday. Up to this point the weather has been relatively cool. We will see how the plants in our garden adjust to the swing in the temperatures. Today's high temperature is forecast to be a cool ::) 40 C. The hot temperatures are not that unusual for this time of the year (no records will be broken), however the swing in temperature is a bit odd.
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BEAR VALLEY
&
SNOW MOUNTAIN
REGIONS
Thursday, 15 June 2017
Sacramento Weather
Weather: Clear
Temperatures, High: 93 F, 34 C
Low: 59 F, 15 C
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I left Sacramento early on Thursday morning on a somewhat whirlwind trip to the Bear Valley and Snow Mountain Regions in Colusa County, California. There were a number of sites I wanted to revisit and I also wanted to explore another approach to the summit of Snow Mountain. This was a full agenda.
The dry season has arrived at Bear Valley and the rangeland has turned gold as the non-native grasses have withered in the dry heat. Before the overgrazing and the invasion of exotic non-native species, my understanding is that such open space was carpeted with native perennial bunch grasses and a plethora of bulbous and annual flowering plants. The native perennial bunchgrasses browned a bit during the summer dry season, but they also remained “green” to a certain degree too. The native landscape must have looked different then and certainly the nature and behavior of fire in the ecosystem was very different.
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My first goal was to revisit several sites just west of Bear Valley in the serpentine ophiolite.
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The chaparral is rich in plant species in this area. Although many native species have finished their yearly growth cycle; flowered, set seed, and have withered or gone dormant, there were still many well-adapted xeric species in growth or flowering.
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Toyon, Heteromeles arbutifolia, is a late blooming shrubby species. Their white flowers were quite prominent scattered about the chaparral.
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Coastal White Leaf Manzanita, Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. pulchella, is an early blooming species, however the peeling bark of their larger limbs and trunks is very beautiful at this time of year.
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A number of annual species bloom into the dry season. Clarkia gracilis ssp. tracyi (pictured) is very showy and many were still blooming as I worked my way around in the chaparral. Calycadenia fremontii was another prolific species blooming in dry clearings.
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Monardella villosa, Coyote Mint, is a common xeric species that finds its home in the dry chaparral throughout the lower elevations of Northern California. Some forms bloom prolifically and have very bright lavender-blue flowers. The foliage also has a pleasant minty fragrance.
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Elymus multisetus is one of our native perennial bunch grasses. Remnants of the native bunchgrass community can be found in many low elevation chaparral habitats. Various bunchgrass species: Stipa, Festuca, Melica, Elymus, and more can still be found in isolated areas.
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Where there is moisture throughout the season the Magnoliids, Calycanthus occidentalis, was still in bloom.
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I revisited one of my favorite meadows in the area and found that there was still a good flow of water flowing from the downhill side of the meadow. Here in the moist ground grew nice colonies of Triteleia peduncularis. Triteleia penduncularis is one of the few members of the Themidaceae family that prefers growing in moist sites.
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Much of the meadow was filled with Perideridia kelloggii (pictured) in full bloom. Where the soil was still moist Carex praegracilis formed large colonies. Occasionally, the stems of Horkelia californica var. elata poked themselves above the Carex topped with their small white petal flowers.
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I enjoy planting many species from the Apiceae family in our garden. Not only are the flowering umbels attractive, but they also attract many Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera order insects. The nectar is a food source for pollinators such as bees, predatory insects such as wasps, and adult butterflies.
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I could have easily spent all day in this area, however there were a number of sites I wished to visit near Snow Mountain, so soon I was back in the dry Bear Valley plain traveling northward toward Snow Mountain.
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The gravel road eventually reaches a high point between the Bear Creek drainage to the south (pictured) and the Indian Creek drainage to the north.
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From this vantage point there was a nice view to the north and Indian Valley off in the distance, the eastern gateway to Snow Mountain.
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This is a typical scene in Northern California, an oak woodland and oak savannah. The oaks are predominantly Blue Oak, Quercus douglasii. California Gray Pine, Pinus sabiniana, can also be seen in this photograph. Saint John Mountain (center distance) flanks the northern edge of Stony Creek, my next destination.
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Eventually I arrived at the small hamlet of Stonyford in Indian Valley (pictured) and drove westward into the hills and low mountains above the valley. Here I stopped to check on some interesting plant species I had seen on a previous outing.
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Here there were broad swathes of Eriophyllum lanatum var. achilleoides in bloom.
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Scattered among the Eriophyllum was the pink flowering Eriogonum nudum var. auriculatum. It is one of 14 varieties of Eriogonum nudum found in California.
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Scattered among the chaparral shrubbery were thickets of Rhus aromatic. Their bright red berries contrasted beautifully with its bright green foliage.
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There were many colonies of Wyethia glabera at this site. Their yellow “daisy’ flowers were finished for the season, however their large, bold, glossy leaves were quite striking in this setting.
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The plant I came to see at this site was Lomatium californicum.
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Lomatium californicum blooms very early in the season with bold umbels of yellowish flowers. I like the glaucous-gray foliage of this xeric species.
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My next destination was the canyon of the Middle Fork of Stony Creek. The gorge is extremely roughed territory and there would not be time to explore far into the canyon, however there were some sites that I could visit easily given my time frame.
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It did not take long to drive from the ridge top down to the confluence of the Middle Fork and South Fork of Stony Creek.
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Although the bulk of the snow pack has melted from the slopes of Snow Mountain and the surrounding ridges, Stony Creek was still running fairly high. The chaparral was green and lush. It was a wonderful day to be out.
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Monardella villosa was blooming profusely on the steep talus serpentine slopes along the Middle Fork of Stony Creek.
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I was pleased to see the native bunchgrass, Elymus glaucus var. glaucus. This specimen had especially nice blue-green stems.
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From a distance I spotted some interesting looking glaucous-green rosettes on the serpentine rubble that appeared to be Crisium occidentale, a common species at this site. Upon closer inspection the plants turned out to be Blazing Star, Mentzelia laevicaulis. This species has large showy yellow flowers. Although the plants were well budded and had also bloomed recently, I missed the open flowers on this day.
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Spotted many butterflies near the willow thickets along Stony Creek. The male Lorquin’s Admiral (pictured) is very territorial and will patrol “their” section of a willow patch. The Middle Fork of Stony Creek must have been very good habitat for butterflies. I spotted 5 species: Lorquin’s Admiral, Silvery Blue, Western Tiger Swallowtail, Common Buckeye, and Monarch.
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Once I spotted the Milkweed, Asclepias speciosa, I was not surprised that I found Monarch Butterflies in this area.
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It was easy to get focused on my botanical activities along Stony Creek and lose track of the time. When I finally checked the time, I noticed it was getting late in the day. I still wanted to explore possible routes to the summit of Snow Mountain, so I quickly returned to the Outback and started up the South Fork of Stony Creek.
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I drove high into the mountains on a steep gravel road. From the maps, it appeared that there was a route (i.e. hiking trail) along the southern ridge of Snow Mountain to the summit. I had reached this trail last autumn when I hiked the Deafy Glade trail.
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After a long drive on the gravel road, I reached a fork in the road (4,315 feet, 1,315 meters) with one branch leading to Summit Springs my hoped for destination. The road had washed out and so I set off up the mountain toward Summit Springs and the hoped for trail to the summit of Snow Mountain. The washed out road followed the ridgeline between the upper drainage of the South Fork of Stony Creek (pictured) to the east and Lake and Mendocino Counties to the west.
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To the west were vistas of Lake County in the foreground and the mountains of Mendecino County in the distance.
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At this point I had very little time remaining before I needed to start my return trip to Sacramento. I hiked as quickly as I could up the washed out road, however from a botanical perspective, the area was extremely interesting. This slowed my progress up the road considerably.
Many of the open slopes were covered with blooming stands of Gilia capitata ssp. capitata.
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The annual Fabaceae, Acmispon brachycarpus, carpeted the ground on sunny slopes.
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Several species of Manzanita grew in this area. The beautiful glaucous species, Arctostaphylos canescens ssp. canescens grew prolifically along the road. The new growth was striking, covered thickly with canescent hairs.
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Encounted less frequently was the non-glandular Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. cushingiana.
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Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. glandulosa was also a sporadic resident of this area. The glandular hairs and prominent burl of this species are characteristic of this species.
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This Silene species caught my attention. It had attributes that reminded me of Silene hookeri. It was well budded but I did not find any plants with open flowers. That would have been nice. It was a very striking plant.
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I was puzzled by this Viola colony. My best guess, without seeing any flowers, was Viola pedunculata. Viola pedunculata can be easily confused with Viola purpurea ssp. purpurea. Many of the plants were densely puberulent a characteristic I do not see in populations of Viola purpurea ssp. purpurea.
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On a nearby serpentine glade there was an astounding variety of plant species. Large colonies of Penstemon hetrophyllus var. hetrophyllus were getting ready to bloom. Yes, the flowers, when open, will be lavender-blue. At my feet were many colonies of Viola douglasii yellowing into dormancy. I was very surprised to find this species at 4,470 feet, 1,362 meters.
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In other areas large mats of Lupinus albifrons var. collinus carpeted the ground. The silvery mats were quite striking topped with their racemes of lavender-blue flowers.
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With so much to see, it was very difficult to leave. I had a very long drive ahead and I needed to leave promptly. In a very short period of time, I was able to explore a tiny portion of this extremely interesting, beautiful and botanically rich area. A return trip is a must!
Although I could not spend much time at each site I visited, this outing was still very productive and enjoyable. The Summit Springs region of Snow Mountain is extremely fascinating and I am looking forward to many return trips to this area.
My next outing will be to Lyon’s Creek in El Dorado County, California. With the extreme heat this week much of the area will most likely be free of snow.
Until next time……..
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I am seeing and learning so much here, Robert!
It seems you are driving very long distances on each of these trips - what would you say is your average mileage to reach these places?
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I am seeing and learning so much here, Robert!
It seems you are driving very long distances on each of these trips - what would you say is your average mileage to reach these places?
Hi Maggi,
I actually have a somewhat limited travel range right now. An outing might be 200 - 250 miles round trip. A lot of driving is often on dirt or gravel roads. Dirt roads can be slow. To get to the Summit Springs area near Snow Mountains required a long drive on a gravel road. Most of the road was in good condition, however there were places were the road had washed out during the winter and only a temporary repair was made. Having all-wheel-drive is extremely helpful. My efforts are very worth while as there are many very interesting sites to visit and plants to see.
I had a change of plans yesterday. Yesterday, I went to Lyon's Creek, in El Dorado County, California. I have a meeting I need to attend on Thursday, thus the change. I have not been able to look over the photographs from this outing yet but I have a feeling there are many good photograph - I took a lot! The outing was fantastic! I look forward to reporting on this outing. With much work these days, my progress can be slow, however I enjoy making the reports and am very pleased that they are enjoyed by others. 8)
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A view of the forest and Pyramid Peak in the distance.
Lyon's Creek drainage, El Dorado County, California
I am working on a report of this outing and will be posting it in a few days.
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LYON’S CREEK
Wednesday, 21 June 2017
Part I
Sacramento Weather
Weather: Clear
Temperatures, High: 102 F, 39 C
Low: 67 F, 19.5 C
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On Wednesday, 21 June I made my first outing to the Lyons Creek region in El Dorado County, California. While the Sacramento Valley was roasting in a heat wave (39 C to 42 C everyday), it was a pleasant 77 F (25 C) at 10:30 A.M. in the Lyons Creek Basin.
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My timing was prefect. Although there were still many snowdrifts on the north facing slopes, for the most part the access road was clear of snow.
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Spring had arrived to the high country. The trailhead (6,707 feet, 2,044 meters) was clear of snow; the mountain meadows were greening, and the early wildflowers were starting to bloom.
Evidence of past glaciation is evident throughout this area, shaping not only the terrain but also creating numerous habitats for various plant communities. The lower portions of the Lyons Creek basin consist of a series of meadows. Each meadow is quite unique consisting of differing combinations of plant species depending on available moisture, sun exposure, soil, and other factors. Some meadows can become quite dry as the season progresses, while a nearby meadow can remain quite moist.
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Lewisia nevadensis grows quite abundantly along the first portions of the Lyons Creek trail. Two years of adequate precipitation have been highly beneficial for the whole ecosystem. Many mature specimens of Lewisia nevadensis were in full bloom. In addition, 1 and 2 year old seedlings were getting well established, some of which were flowering for the first time.
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The meadows look green with grasses (Poaceae). Yes they are coming along, however the dominant monocots at this season are the Carex and Juncus species. In many locations the meadows are thickly covered with Carex integra, one of several Carex species native to this area.
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Early in the season when there is still considerable snow runoff, large colonies of Juncus exiguus can be found growing in low-lying areas near the running water. Later in the season this species is often lost in a tangle of larger growing grasses (Poaceae).
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Ranunculus alismifolius is among the first of the wildflowers to come into bloom after the snow melts. This species is very abundant; their yellow flowers create large sheets of yellow haze throughout many of the meadows.
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There are four varieties of Ranunculus alismifolius native to the Sierra Nevada. I forgot to check, but I believe the plants to be variety lemmonii. This will be very easy to confirm on my next visit.
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Sanicula tuberosa is another early blooming species. It has a distinct preference for drier habitats.
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Calochortus minimus grows abundantly throughout this area. The plants exhibit a wide range of flower characteristics. Plants can be found with flower petals ranging in color from pure white through various shades of lavender. In addition, a wide range of petal markings can be observed, from none to various lavender blotches and crescents. The anthers range in color from white, blue, to purple.
The plants for the most part fit the description for Calochortus minimus, however there may be some influence of Calochortus nudus within the populations in this area. Further investigation is needed.
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Fivespot, Nemophila maculata, is one of the few annual species native to this area. They are generally found in small, dense colonies that are extremely attractive when in bloom.
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Viola bakeri is one of five Viola species that can be found in the Lyons Creek Basin. Viola bakeri has a preference for dry habitats. It can be found growing in full sun or part shade. This species is quite abundant throughout the lower elevations of the basin.
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Eriogonum marifolium var. marifolium (pictured) has a clear preference for dry meadows. At higher altitudes Eriogonum incanum is found. Within the basin there is a transition zone where the range of the two species overlaps. Within this zone, hybrids and introgression can be observed.
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I have strong and pleasant memories of Veratrum californicum var. californicum from my first trip to this region in 1960 at age 5. It may have been the first wild plant for which I learned a name. Unfortunately, I was taught that its name was ‘Skunk Cabbage’, a name attributed to a different species. I still have pleasant associations with this plant and feel uplifted when hiking among them.
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Veratrum californicum is found in the seasonally moist meadows. Late in the season, as the meadows dry, their tattered and insect eaten foliage begins to yellow. If there is enough residual moisture, their yellowing foliage can be very attractive in the autumn landscape.
On this outing I found plants at various stages of growth. This plant will be blooming soon. Where the snow had just melted, their foliage buds were just beginning to poke through the soil.
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In shady sites where moisture lingers small colonies of Viola adunca ssp. adunca were in bloom. It is a shy species that takes some effort to find in its shady, out-of-the-way hideouts.
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Trifolium longipes ssp. atrorubens is the most frequently seen native clover species in the lower meadows of the Lyons Creek Basin.
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In rockier, sunnier terrain, another annual, Collinsia torreyi ssp. torreyi progresses rapidly into its flowering cycle.
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Numerous deciduous, woody species can be found in the basin. Lonicera conjugialis (pictured) is one of the first to leaf and flower. It grows abundantly in various habitats. Amelanchier alnifolia var. pumila was another shrubby species found in bloom in scattered locations along the trail.
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An old sign from the past.
In 1863 Egbert Livingston “Bud” Wilson purchased 400 acres much of it within the Lyons Creek Basin. Over time the land holdings of the Wilson Ranch grew to consist of over 35,000 acres of private, and leased Michigan California Lumber Company, and Forest Service lands. The meadowlands within the Lyons Creek Basin were used as summer rangeland for cattle. When I visited this area as a young boy, I remember hearing the cowbells in the forest. In 1968, George A. “Bud” Wilson, Jr. sold 1,800 acres to the Michigan California Lumber Company, who later exchanged it with the Forest Service for lower elevation timberlands. For a time, much of the land was leased back to the Wilson Ranch for cattle grazing. With the expansion of the Desolation Valley Wilderness Area, cattle grazing was eventually discontinued on lands adjacent to the wilderness and the majority of the Lyons Creek Basin became free of cattle. Today the Wilson Ranch still retains a small private holding at the confluence of Lyons and Silver Creek.
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Robert, I was awaiting your postings from much above in altitude! I'm just delighted. Your last pic shows a conifer closeup of possibly a fir( Abies) of which I suppose occur more than one species.Concolor perhaps ? magnifica ?. The forest seems to have moved to a more diverse canopy of conifers with different leaf patterns beyond the long needled pines. I would also expect spruces ( Picea) and Oregon spruce ( Pseudotsuga). All of which are my beloved genera grown here at my farm.
A second general question is land use. It would seem that the first meadows are still grazed. It would be convenient if that practise is still maintained. Otherwise the meadows might revert to shrubby forest and the grassy open species will disappear. Are there any large herbivores there (i.e Pronghorn, deer ? ) that could keep the meadows open?. Is hunting allowed there? Beyond my instinctive dislike, I'm trying to figure out how the full ecosystem is operating.
Maggi, I minor question, does one have to ask regularly to be notified? because a couple of times this thread of which I received notifications previously, no longer does seem to do so.
Later Robert I will add questions about some of the herbaceous plants.
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Arturo, I have changed your profile setting to send you all notifications, not only for the first reply, as you had specified. :)
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Maggi! Thank you! As you can realize, I'm quite dull with forums and e devices. I still prefer real people and plants...Arturo
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Arturo,
I regret the delay, however I had some work deadlines that needed to be met.
Your questions regarding the forest communities and habitats in the Lyon's Creek Basin are interesting questions.
First, the forest community at the lower end of the Basin is a typical moist California/Sierra Nevada, Canadian Life Zone conifer forest. By far the dominate species is Lodgepole Pine, Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana. Occasionally there are Red Fir, Abies magnifica var. magnifica. At times the Red Fir grow in thick stands, however this is generally on drier and higher ground. Much of the moisture is subterranean where the Lodgepole Pine is found. From my recent outing to the Loon Lake area, I will have photographs demonstrating this phenomenon. In addition, occasionally a Western White Pine, Pinus monticola is seen, however they are generally seen at higher elevations in this area.
As for the second question, there is no livestock grazing allowed in this area. This is a thing of the past. The "grass" looks short because the snow has just melted. In some cases this has just occurred within days (I will have photographs demonstrating this too as I continue with the report on the Lyons Creek outing). Early in the season much of the "grasses" are actually Carex species. There are deer in this area, however they are the only large native herbivore in this area. There were once Pronghorn in the Sacramento Valley, however they have long since been exterminated from this part of California. Black Bear are fairly common in the Lyons Creek Basin. In season, hunting is allow for both Deer and Black Bear.
Even in this area that has been designated as wilderness or borders the wilderness, the natural ecosystem has been altered by a wide variety of factors, some local, some from beyond the region. One example is migratory song bird populations. On Wednesday on the slopes above Loon Lake, I spotted a Wilson's Warbler. This migratory species was once considered "common" but is now quite rare. Destruction of their winter range forest habitat south of the U.S.A. is the primary cause of their decline. Locally there are other factors that are altering the ecosystem in detrimental ways. This can range from air pollution from the Sacramento Valley and beyond, to the introduction of new or past noxious-invasive plant species. I have to admit that I feel very protective of the area. Ignorant and destructive activities such as illegal gathering of firewood for camping, incorrect disposal of human waste, and trampling of sensitive areas are some of the prime onslaughts much of the Sierra Nevada faces. Awareness needs to be heighten and proper monitoring needs to be done.
In a few days I will have considerable slack-time and my writing will continue. Part II of Lyon's Creek, as well as my report from the Loon Lake area will be coming soon. :)
Once again, I apologize for the delay.
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Robert, thank you for the above explanation. However, as it would be natural more questions arise. Apart from pronghorn I remember in my studies the existence of mountain sheep. Most probably they are gone by now. There used to be a subspecies of Bison in the Rockies, different from the plains species. The other natural grazing stock could be the large rodents such as prairie dogs. I'm puzzled to understand what are the causes that keep those meadows visibly open country. At a distance in general views of your pics, those patches appear at the bottom part of valleys in disjunct pattern. I wonder if they respond to underground change of geology. If so then the top vegetation of those patches will be distinct. In general Carex ( a sedge) is associated with partly flooded areas. Also Carex is much more gritty, with higher silicon content than Poaceae which makes it less palatable and restricts the the range of grazing animals. Fascinating interactions of plants with animals which eventually results in specific ecosystem patterning. To that unique space use the flying creatures ( ie. your warblers) set their foraging territories.
In terms of habitat restoration, one of the problems that conservation ecology has discovered is that areas previously used by human activities do not revert directly to natural habitat when the activity is stopped. Sometimes never if appropriate action is not taken. Is there any action in progress in that sense?
Please take your time about my questions above.
Thank you again for your explanations which are of great interest.
Arturo
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Arturo,
These are all extremely interesting questions that I too am trying to unravel.
Human activity in the Lyons Creek Region started sometime after the last Ice Age ended some 12,000 years ago. Artifacts, remains, etc. indicate that there has been human activity in the Lyons Creek area for at least 7-8,000 years. 4,000 years ago people known as the Martis left remains of hunting equipment in the area.
There is archaeological evidence of summer camps, but no permanent villages in the area. The region is much too high in altitude for permanent settlement. The Washoe, perhaps the descendants of the Martis, used the area fairly extensively. Permanent Washoe villages were located at the base of the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada. Seasonal summer hunting and gathering camps were located in the Sierra Nevada. There is evidence that the Nissenan Maidu from the lower western slopes of the Sierra Nevada (3,000 feet and below) may have traded with the Washoe in the Lyons Creek area.
The first known Euro-Americans to pass through the area (or at least close by - i.e. the South Fork of the American River) was the exploration party led by Captain John C. Fremont and guided by Kit Carson, in February of 1844.
The California Gold Rush changed the situation dramatically. The route between Placerville (called Hangtown at the time – El Dorado County, California) and Genoa (Mormon Station at the time – Nevada) was first used by John Calhoun (Jack or Cock-eyed) Johnson in 1848. This route became known as Johnson’s Cut-off and as early as 1849 emigrants in Conestoga wagons and pack trains were using the route. Traffic increased during the Gold Rush as a flood of travelers moved westward on Johnson’s Cut-off. There are a number of colorful figures associated with the route including “Snowshoe” Thompson, the Pony Express, etc. At its height, there were at least 3-4 parallel toll routes that traversed the canyon of the South Fork of the American River. Needless to say all of this human activity had an impact on the Lyons Creek area. The establishment of the “Bud” Wilson homestead (already partly discussed) in the Lyons Creek area in 1863 directly affected the region.
At this time I am uncertain about the original range of mountain sheep in the Sierra Nevada. As of today there is still a remnant population in the Southern Sierra Nevada. Disease passed by domestic sheep pastured in the high meadows of the Sierra Nevada decimated their populations. The California Brown Bear (Grizzly) is on the state flag of California. They were hunted to extinction. The last one died in a California Zoo in the 1900’s. In California, Wolves were hunted and trapped to extinction too, however they have recently made their way back into the northern mountains of California.
On my botanical outings I record the distribution of invasive species and any seasonal population shifts and changes that I might be able to determine. In the Lyons Creek Basin as well as other parts of the western slope of the Crystal Range that have been used as rangeland, Sheep Sorrel, Rumex acetosella, is one of the most persistent of the invasive species. Sadly, new noxious species such as perennial pepperweed, Lipidium latifolium, are making inroads. To date I have not observed this species in the Lyons Creek Basin, however it is moving closer.
In the Sierra Nevada many Carex species appear to be pioneer species. I have observed a number of Carex species that quickly recolonize disturbed sites such as road cuts. In California, there are Carex species that are hydric, mesic, and xeric in nature. Carex subnigricans is an extremely common xeric species in the subalpine areas of the western slope of the Crystal Range. They are often the dominant species in seasonally moist meadows that become parched dry by autumn. The same is true of the Genus Juncus. There are hydric and mesic species, however species such as Juncus parryi grow under extremely xeric conditions.
As far as I know there are management practices and habitat restoration efforts in the Crystal Range area of El Dorado County. The U.S. Forest Service seems to be the prime mover in these directions, however I am sure that other organizations such as the California Native Plant Society are also involved. I have observed some of these efforts while out on my outings, however I am completely out of the loop in this regard. Most of my information in this regard comes from direct observation or second, third, or forth hand information. I do know that some positive management and restoration efforts are being made, but that is about it.
Arturo, many of your questions are of prime importance, at least to me. I know that I have written a lot, however this is an abbreviated version. If necessary, I will be more than happy to elaborate as I can.
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LYON’S CREEK
Part II
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There was still a considerable amount of snow in the higher terrain. With warm weather the snow was melting quickly and Lyons Creek was a ragging torrent. Hikers need to use caution when crossing creeks under these conditions, especially in the morning. Water level can vary considerably from early morning to afternoon. A creek that seems reasonable to cross in the morning can be a raging torrent by afternoon as the snow starts melting very quickly. One can easily become stranded on the “wrong” side of a creek.
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At this point there was no need to cross Lyons Creek. The meadows were lush with new growth and a variety of early blooming species were beginning their flowering cycle. Valeriana californica is a common, early blooming species in the lower meadows of the Lyons Creek Basin.
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In shady, to somewhat sunny locations, Thalictrum fendleri grows abundantly in moist locations. In my mind, the male plants of this dioecious species are very attractive and I enjoy seeing them in bloom.
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The yellow flowered umbels of Ozmorhiza occidentalis are very subtle to the human eye. For insects, especially Hymenoptera, the flowers are a nectar magnet. There was considerable insect activity around the blooming plants.
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Drymocallis glandulosa ssp. glandulosa is a very common species in the Lyons Creek area. In the sunniest and most protected sites, some of the plants were starting into their bloom cycle. Good forms of this species are very showy and are very easy to please in the garden.
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Most of the low elevation sections of the trail were dry and free of mud, puddling, and running water, however as one can see in this photograph, it was not that long ago that there was running water in the trail.
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There are many small tributary streams that flow into Lyons Creek. Those that are perennially moist are lined with thickets of the shrubby Alder, Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia.
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Viola glabella can generally be found growing in shady nooks near the tributary streams.
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The flowers of Viola glabella are fairly small, however some plants bloom profusely and are very showy. This species is always found growing in mesic situations.
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Braken Fern, Pteridium aquilinum var. pubescens, is a common fern species throughout the Sierra Nevada. This species can be found growing in the lower foothills region of the Sierra Nevada, with its range extending well into higher montane areas.
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Sanicula tuberosa.
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Hairy Wood Rush, Luzula subsessilis, is another early blooming species. This species is very similar to L. comosa var. laxa. The two species differ in that the inflorescense of L. comosa var. laxa is peduncled while the inflorescense of Luzula subsessilis is more or less sessile. One can also measure the length of the style, however an accurate determination to species can generally be made just by looking at the plants.
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Quaking Aspen, Populus tremuloides, are always found where there is a constant supply of moisture. Often the soil surface can appear dry, however moist soil can always be found a short distance below the surface. They are often found growing in dense groves. A large grove of 50 “trees” might be only 2 or 3 clones, as this species easily grows new shoots from adventitious buds on their roots. Their bright golden autumn foliage is spectacular.
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The subtle flowers of Ribes roezlii var. roezlii are actually very attractive and interesting. The round and very spiny fruit turn red in the autumn and are good to eat if one carefully avoids the spines.
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Dicentra uniflora emerges quickly after the snow melts and comes into bloom quickly. This plant had already flowered and set seed. I was hoping to find plants in bloom this day, but I did not have any success.
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Ligusticum grayi can be found is semi-shady forested sites between the meadows. This white flowered Apiceae will come into bloom a bit later in the season.
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There were many butterflies out. They can be challenging to identify as they flutter about, and even more challenging to photograph, as they often do not stay in one place for long. I did get a photograph of this Hoary Comma, Polygonia gracilis. Other adult Lepidoptera seen were: Morning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa), Mormon Metalmark (Apodemia mormo), and Greenish Blue (Plebejus saepiolus).
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As I slowly gained altitude, there was much more running water. Everywhere!
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In places even the trail became a stream of running water. In addition, more patches of snow started to appear.
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At 7,150 feet (2,179 meters) I started to encounter large blocks of snow on the trail.
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Robert! I'm still puzzled about the meadow patches that one can see at a distance in your various scenery pics. The one that looks towards Lake county has quite a few. My first impression would as a photointerpreter, forest cleared land. Are those areas present homesteads? Or are they former homesteads that have to revert to full cover canopy of trees. The edges of those patches seen like clear cut lines ( possibly fence lines). From an ecological point of view the biodiversity of the area will depend on a proportion of forest free areas within the general forested scene. Prior to human settlement those areas were naturally created by forest fires ( most common) and many geomorphological phenomena such land slides and snow /mud avalanches. Also I suspect of some seismic activity. With the fragmentation of land use and upgraded human activity no longer the full natural processes occur undisturbed so unless there is deliberate environmental management silent extinctions can easily occur.
The question about mountain sheep is particularly interesting since they live in small flocks of about 10/12 ewes and a dominant ram plus yearlings and lambs. They have traditional route paths and destination meadows that learn from predecessors. Until they are taught they may get lost in up/down seasonal migration. That poses further challenges when trying to restore the larger mammals into a general restoration scheme . The larger herbivore mammals have the greatest impact in maintaining the grassiness of open areas and cull the upcoming shrubs and trees. Deer are mainly browsers feeding largely on tender shruby shoots more than grasses. So they can keep forest edges trimmed.
Since massive human activity is fairly recent and the curtailment of such activity is even more, I ask myself what one can see at present is whether just a phase "moving" towards something else. Are there any untouched forest stands left in the area that could serve for comparison? Usually very unique infrequent species pay the toll in large scale human disruption. In that sense herbaceous plants could be very good indicators for monitoring.
Of these I was attracted by your Collinsia torreyi and Nemophila maculata, have you tried them out in your garden? Also the perennials Lupinus albifrons and Sanicula tuberosa look like promising rock garden additions.
I'm assuming that as the snow recedes your outings will rise in elevation. How high up do you reach before weather sends back down again? Do you include above tree line hikes. I'm most curious about what can be found high up ( which I really have no idea how high up is there). In my place tree line is somewhere above 1300 mts. asl. But you already have mentioned that you were beyond that elevation. That's one of the differences of the northern continental large land masses in comparison with our largely oceanic southern hemisphere.
Thank you very much for your report.
Arturo
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Arturo,
Much of the area near and around Snow Mountain geologically is part of a large serpentinite ophiolite tarrane. Many of the "clearings" off in the direction of Lake County are geologic features where highly weathered serpentine rock is exposed at the surface of the ground creating a "bald" where plant growth is very limited. On my last outing to Snow Mountain I was able to visit one such "bald" for a limited amount of time. Such ecosystems create habitat for some very interesting plant species. Such sites are well worth visiting.
As you know, human interaction with the natural ecosystem is extremely complex. In my last post I tried to illustrate how human interaction with the natural environment has changed over time in the Lyons Creek area. Clearly there were huge natural changes to the California ecosystems when the last Ice Age ended. In North America, human involvement began shortly after the Ice Age ended. In California, human impact on the natural ecosystems has accelerated in the last 150 years. Coming up with an appropriate management program is extremely challenging for many reasons. In El Dorado County, I do not think that there is even a fragment of a natural system that has not been altered by the activities of humans in some way. The general, the idea of Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle makes certain aspects of appropriate management impossible to know, however with wisdom positive progress can be made.
As for Collinsia torreyi, I have never tried cultivating this species. I think that Sanicula tuberosa would be an excellent species for a garden, especially a rock garden. Unfortunately I have not had any success cultivating Sanicula tuberosa, or Nemophila maculata. Nemophila maculata is most likely easy to cultivate, I just need to try again. Lupinus albifrons thrives in our Sacramento garden. I just needs to be kept dry during the summer. It is an extremely xeric species.
Snow has prevented my access to the highest terrain. I am quite eager to get above tree line which is about 9,000 feet in the Crystal Range (El Dorado County). In the Central and Southern Sierra Nevada are higher in elevation. Evolution Valley on the headwaters of the San Joaquin River is 11,000 feet and is treed, however Evolution Basin at 12,000 feet is above tree line. I have plans to return to both the Ebbetts Pass and Sonora Pass regions this year - hopefully soon.
I was a bit rushed this morning - please ask again for more details! :)
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Thank you Robert, those bald areas caught my attention. Needless to say that if they are some kind of geologic relicts, their plant communities will be quite probably quite unique. In those cases one could look at the biology of plant spatial distribution as if each bald area were an island within an "ocean" of forest. Those islands should be managed under special insular conservation strategy. Since I don't have any idea of what grows uniquely there and what could be the threats, mine is a far away curious look and would love to know more about what specific conservation strategies are envisioned, or actually in practise. The smaller units might require a monitored reintroduction project on site. Thus home grown native wildflowers could become a source of material for restoration purposes.
I just compared Lupinus albifrons var albifrons from L.a.collinsiae. The variety you grow in your garden is which? The former also very ornamental would suit better in a border while the latter seems much shorter good for a rock garden.
Thanks to your survey reports I've detected three Collinsias for possible use in gardens. C.heterophylla which is already in horticulture, but also C.greenei and C sparsiflora. Do you consider any garden worthy?
I'll get back to your earlier reports of 2016 surveys to search for more plant material. I will post there, although my interest is general and not associated with a particular year of survey. If I'm asking about plants already described in earlier survey threads please forgive me. I'm making special notes in my pc folders so as to avoid duplication of information request. I'm supposing that your reports reach the land management agencies because what you are doing is invaluable systematic monitoring. The wealth and breadth of information contained could keep quite a bunch of researchers busy if it used on a long term perspective!
At one point I want to focus on the pteridophytes. We have some bracken growing here ( but different species =Rumohra adiantiformis that is quite summer drought tolerant) and some minute very cold hardy species like Blechnum penna marina. Also Blechnum auriculatum and in wet areas Adiantum magellanicum the local maiden-hair fern. So sometime once I did my research and study about their horticultural potential I'll get back to you .
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Arturo,
I grow both Lupinus albifrons var. albifrons and var. collinus in our Sacramento garden. As a side note, I have found Lupinus albifrons to be an excellent companion for our low elevation Castilleja species. There is much more to do in this regard, but the preliminary results are excellent.
I might have an odd way of assessing a species potential. I have no idea what is hiding in the Collinsia genome, but if past experience is any indication there is much more than what might be expected. My method is to work with a species in a systematic way for a number of generations. Inbreeding can often uncover hidden recessive traits that might be interesting or of value. For me obstacles are fascinating to deal with. I encounter "off types" frequently on my outings. Personally, I would try just about anything.
After providing hospice and care to my father to his passing, I am finally getting myself back "to speed". I take and record a great deal of information on all of my outings and record it all in hand written journals (this connects me with the information much better than using a computer). I sometimes make line drawings, and this too connects me to the information better than a photograph. I am starting to amass a goodly amount of data on the flora of the west slope of the Crystal Range, El Dorado County, California. This includes the Loon Lake area (including Gerle Creek where we had a mountain cabin from the 1960's to fairly recently), Tells Peak in the north, to Pyramid Peak, the southern most peak of the Crystal Range. It has been 12 years since my wife Jasmin and I went to Red Peak (just south of Tells Peak and Silver Peak), however before then I hiked there on a regular basis. So there is a bit of a gap in my data (Maybe I ought to return in a week or two? :) ). Anyway, no one has ever expressed an interest in any of my information (which also includes some information on geology, birds, insects, etc.). My guess is that everything is already well documented, and there is a plethora of experts. I have lived my whole life in this general area, however I am more or less invisible to society. This suits my personally perfectly! :) I operate like the folks in the 1938 Frank Capra film "You can't take it with you". I'm with my sweetheart, and I try not to get too worried about "Mr. Kirby". :)
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LYON’S CREEK
Part III
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As I continued up the trail, I encountered an increasing amount of snow cover. Where the snow had recently melted new growth was quickly emerging from the newly exposed soil.
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The progression of new growth is quite evident in this meadow.
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The new shoots of Veratrum californicum can be quite dramatic as they emerge from the ground.
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Micranthes aprica is another species that emerges from the ground quickly after the snow melts. This tiny member of the Saxifragaceae produces a central head-like cluster of flowers. The flowers are not particularly interesting, however the rosettes of gray-green foliage are quite attractive.
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With much patience, I captured this photograph of male and female Greenish Blue butterflies. There are a number of different species of Blues that inhabit the Sierra Nevada. Correct identification of the “Blues” can be very challenging as they flutter around and rarely stay put for long.
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Where the snow had just melted, very few plants were in bloom. Some, like this Antennaria rosea, were just starting into growth.
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After much effort, I finally reached 7,275 feet (2,217 meters). At this point most of the forest floor was covered with snow. If the trail was not covered with snow, it was a raging cascade of running water.
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Snow tunnels were another hazard. I needed to pay close attention to the snow conditions and where I walked. It is easy to get hurt falling through thinning snow onto unknown obstacles hidden below the snow surface.
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Despite the thick snow cover, I could follow the route of the trail more or less by memory, however a few tree blazes were helpful.
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At one site there was a beautiful view of Pyramid Peak through one of the few clearings in the forest.
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Not only was my progress slowed by less than ideal snow conditions, but also there was considerable debris blocking my route.
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Occasionally there were small openings in the snow cover where early blooming snowmelt species were seen with their first flowers.
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In this forested location Caltha leptosepala was the most frequently encountered species found in bloom. This species is generally found in moist meadows. This time of year this species can often be seen growing and blooming partly submerged in running water.
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Eventually I reached a large sunny clearing where the majority of the snow had melted. The growth was well advanced with a few Ranunculus alismifolius showing some flowers.
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I was hoping to work my way up to some of the sunny open screes near timberline that would likely be free of snow and contain many early blooming species. My progress was very slow as I carefully worked my way over the snow and around the storm debris from this past winter. Thunderstorms were developing quickly and the wise decision was to return to the Outback before I got soaked.
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I hiked back out to the Outback and started my drive back to Sacramento. Near the rim of the American River canyon there are some nice vistas both up and down the canyon. Looking west (down the canyon) toward the Sacramento Valley are chimney-like rock formations. The largest formation in this area is indeed called Chimney Rock.
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To the east (up stream) the thunderstorms were well developed and quickly moving westward.
The northern slope of the canyon was once very densely forested. The 1981 Wrights Fire destroyed most of the tall timber. Dense high elevation chaparral now grows on this canyon face, however many new conifers are starting to obtain some good size. In addition, many of the California Black Oak, Quercus kelloggii, stump sprouted after the fire and are now moderately sized multi-trunked trees.
Despite the thick snow cover at the higher elevations I was very pleased to return to the Lyons Creek area. Even early in the season there are many plants to see and conditions are always different, which is of coarse interesting.
Next, I will report on my 28 June outing to Loon Lake, northern El Dorado County.
Until next time……
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A view of Loon Lake, El Dorado County, California on the ridge between Loon Lake and Spider Lake.
I'll be reporting on this outing soon.
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A few photographs taken yesterday in southern El Dorado County, California.
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Monsoonal moisture moving into the region yesterday. A few site received some rainfall. The monsoon was very weak last year.
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Hackelia nervosa
A difficult species to cultivate but well worth the effort.
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Viola bakeri
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The tiny flowers of Collinsia torreyi ssp. torreyi.
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Navarretia leptalea ssp. leptalea
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Penstemon roezlii
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LOON LAKE
Wednesday, 28 June 2017
Part I
Sacramento Weather
Weather: Clear
Temperature, High: 89 F, 27 C
Low: 58 F, 17.5 C
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On Wednesday, 28 June, I traveled to Loon Lake to survey the southern shore and the old construction road to Buck Island Reservoir at the northern end of Rockbound Valley. My starting point was 6,486 feet (1,977 meters), a bit lower in elevation from the pervious week’s outing to the Lyons Creek area.
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The trail along the southern edge of the lake travels through areas forested with Red Fir, Abies magnifica var. magnifica and Jeffrey Pine, Pinus jeffreyi. Where there is considerable moisture Lodgepole Pine, Pinus contorta ssp.murrayana, generally dominates the landscape.
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In open, rocky terrain the landscape is clothed with mountain chaparral.
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Pinemat Manzanita, Arctostaphylos nevadensis, is one among several common mountain chaparral species.
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Arctostaphylos nevadensis is a very attractive xeric species. It looks especially nice scrabbling among and over the granite rocks.
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Huckleberry Oak, Quercus vacciniifolia, is another common mountain chaparral species. This shrubby oak can often grow in low dense impenetrable thickets, often making cross-country travel difficult.
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The new grow of Huckleberry Oak is often a bright coppery-red. The two-toned effect of red on green is quite pleasant.
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Calochortus minimus could be seen in bloom throughout the area. There were also many budded plants that had yet to flower. These will extend the blooming season of this species for another few weeks. Unlike the plants in the Lyons Creek Basin, all the flowers I observed were fairly uniform.
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Another common habitat is the rocky, dry meadows dominated by Carex subnigricans. Early in the season this type of meadow is filled with various bulbous species in full bloom as well as many tiny annuals such as Collinsia torreyi var. torreyi, Microsteris gracilis, and Mimulus torreyi.
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Juncus parryi is a xeric species. This perennial, densely cespitose species is often found growing in rocky, dry flats, or in open sites among small rocks and boulders.
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Lewisia triphylla is a tiny early blooming species. Its preferred habitat is open, rocky, seasonally moist flats and ledges. It is often seen growing in association with Carex subnigricans. It is also often seen growing with the early blooming Dicentra uniflora. I did not observe any Dicentra on this outing, however the species does grow in the area. Even in bloom Dicentra uniflora can be difficult to spot. On the other hand, Lewisia triphylla was growing and blooming abundantly. When in active growth their habitat can be very moist. Sometimes they can be seen in bloom next to running water. Later in the season their habitat will become extremely dry. This species produces a small “bulb” where it survives the dry season dormant underground.
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Along with Lewisia triphylla and Calochortus minimus, Triteleia ixioides ssp. scabra is one of the common bulbous species in this area. Occasionally ssp. unifolia is seen. Subspecies unifolia carries only one leaf and the filament tip appendages are straight or incurved. Subspecies scabra will generally have two leaves (but not always) and the filament tip appendages are straight or recurved.
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Microsteris gracilis was found blooming abundantly throughout the area. This common Sierra annual can be variable in flower color. Most are bright pink, however colonies of white flowered plants can be found.
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Mimulus torreyi is another common Sierran annual. It prefers a slightly drier habitat than that of Microseris gracilis. Microseris gracilis can often be seen growing in seasonally moist areas with Lewisia triphylla. Microseris gracilis can also be found growing in dry site, however Mimulus torreyi is almost always found in dry locations.
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The mat forming perennial Phlox diffusa is quite abundant in dry, rocky, sunny habitats. They bloom extremely early in the season and many of the plants had already finished their bloom cycle.
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Another annual that prefers sunny dry sites is Leptosiphon ciliatus. Cheery pink flowers top the spiny inflorescence. This species is fairy easy to cultivate and will bloom for many weeks in the spring.
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Eriogonum incanum is a commonly seen species in this region. This plant was quite exceptional both in its tight compact habit and its abundant well-formed inflorescences. This is one of the best examples of this species that I have found to date. Good forms of this species are well worth growing in a rock garden.
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Castilleja applegatei ssp. pinetorum is a common species in this area. For whatever reason I encountered very few specimens on this day. This species is easily identified by its combination of short glandular sticky hairs and long non-glandular hairs. Subspecies pinetorum has unlobed entire leaves.
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Penstemon roezlii is one of several Penstemon species found in this region.
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Senecio integerrimus var. major can be found in the transition zone between the dry open meadows and mountain chaparral and the forested portions along the southern bank of Loon Lake. This biennial to perennial species is distinctly densely hairy and is frequently seen throughout the Sierra Nevada.
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Huckleberry Oak, Quercus vacciniifolia, is another common mountain chaparral species. This shrubby oak can often grow in low dense impenetrable thickets, often making cross-country travel difficult.
My word, it certainly looks to make a complete cover. Good for hiding coyote dens? (Apologies if there are no coyotes there! )
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My word, it certainly looks to make a complete cover. Good for hiding coyote dens? (Apologies if there are no coyotes there! )
Maggi,
You are spot on! 8)
Most likely there was a coyote den in the area and in a Huckleberry Oak thicket. This chaparral habitat is quite common in this part of the Sierra Nevada. The combination of large boulders and chaparral shrubbery is a perfect location for a coyote den.
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Well, those old cartoons always told us the coyote was wily
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- Wile E. Coyote !!
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Just discovered this blog here, wonderful travelogue Robert, and great to see some of the penstemons I've grown from wild collected NARGS seed in their habitat too. Breathtaking scenery, I can see why you keep going up there!
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Just discovered this blog here, wonderful travelogue Robert, and great to see some of the penstemons I've grown from wild collected NARGS seed in their habitat too. Breathtaking scenery, I can see why you keep going up there!
Hi Chris,
I am very glad to hear that you are enjoying the diary.
With my next installment you will better understand my connection to the area. I basically grew up in this area.
Recently I have been researching the history of the region as part of a much larger project. Some of the stories are quite fun and interesting and at times they have relevance to the flora of the area.
Feel comfortable asking questions about any of the plants (this applies to any reader). I have extensive field notes containing details on geology, natural history, and other observation. Part of the idea is to stimulate interest in the flora and to provide information (I'm not a businessman or collector) that might be helpful in the successful cultivation and enjoyment of the plants in our gardens.
Anyway, thank you for the nice comments. :) 8)
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Lovely colour on the Penstemon roezlii Robert. Lewisia triphylla is very rare in cultivation in the
UK I would have thought.
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Lovely colour on the Penstemon roezlii Robert. Lewisia triphylla is very rare in cultivation in the
UK I would have thought.
David,
Lewisia triphylla is quite ephemeral. I saw thousands around Loon Lake. In a few week they will have all disappeared until next year.
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LOON LAKE
El Dorado County, California
Part II
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In forested areas I encountered some beautiful forms of Viola purpurea ssp. purpurea. The reddish pigmentation on the abaxial face of the upper petals is not unusual, however the intensity of the pigmentation is somewhat unusual. Most likely this is a physiological characteristic due to weather conditions. There still may be a genetic component and this would be worth investigating.
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Scattered throughout the forested areas were small stands of Delphinium nuttallianum. This is the most frequently encountered Delphinium species in El Dorado County above 6,000 feet (1,829 meters) elevation.
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A few daisies, Erigeron glacialis var. glacialis, had started into bloom. This is the most common Erigeron species in the Crystal Range. They are seen in almost every mountain meadow, sometimes in great quantities making a dramatic display.
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Another Asteraceae found in bloom was Microseris nutans. This species is rarely seen in great quantities, however an individual plant in bloom can be quite pretty.
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Rising out of the Sierra Nevada granite batholith is the exposed basalt lava dome of Brown Mountain. Brown Mountain is located south of Loon Lake above and behind the old Boy Scout Camp. The Boy Scout Camp was built during the summers of 1964 and 1965. My older brother was part of the construction crew. Even though I was too young to be of much help, I spent part of those summers at the construction site too. I am in B & W photograph posing next to a jeep at the construction site. Maybe I should scan it and post it?
Several years ago on another outing to Loon Lake I had an interesting conversation with a geologist about glacial polish on Brown Mountain. We both knew that this area was glaciated during the last Ice Ages, however we were both pondering how deep the ice might have been. We had both been to the summit of Brown Mountain in the past but neither of us could remember if or where we had seen glacial polish on the Brown Mountain basalt. This is another interesting thing to look into.
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Back in 1964-5, up the hill a short distance behind the Boy Scout camp there was a spring that was used to supply water and keep produce cool for the construction workers. Later a hiking trail was constructed across the site and the spring and a portion of the wetland associated with the spring was severely damaged. Today much of the damaged area is filled with Horsetail, Equisetum arvense. Fortunately, if one hikes through the brush a short distance one can observe features of the wetland as they were before the trail was constructed.
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I had another destination in mind on this day and did not take time to explore the wetland. I did see a nice colony of Rubus parviflorus near the original spring. This species is often associated with riparian habitats. It is also very easy to cultivate in our Sacramento garden and produces tasty berries.
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The trail quickly moves to higher terrain where another set of species can be seen. Ribes viscosissimum, Sticky Current, is one of several Ribes species that grows in the area. When not in flower or fruit this species looks very similar to Ribes nevadensis, which can also be found in the area.
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Colonies of Ceanothus fresnensis started to appear as I approached the old Buck Island – Rubicon Reservoir construction road. This species is associated with the mountain chaparral plant community. On an earlier outing this season to Chipmunk Bluff (very near Loon Lake) I observed this species in bloom. The flowers are generally white to very pale blue. This Ceanothus species is very similar to Ceanothus arcuatus. Ceanothus fresnensis can be distinguished from C. arcuatus by its mat-like habit and the shiny green and strigose adaxial leaf surface.
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A great find was the annual Mimulus floribundus. This species can be confused with Mimulus moschatus, however M. floribundus is an annual species, occupies a bit drier habitats, and has very distinctive hairs on its stems (especially), pedicels and calyx. It is a very pretty little species.
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Calyptridium monospermum grows abundantly in sunny, dry, exposed sites. It is also amazingly easy-to-grow in the rock garden.
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The beautiful pink flowers of Spiraea splendens were starting to open. The species is very easy-to-grow in the garden, however the flowers often look pale and washed-out in hot, low elevation gardens. With good selection, forms can be found that maintain excellent flowers color even in hot weather.
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There is a series of high ridges and peaks at the southeast end of Loon Lake. The terrain looks rocky, dry, and somewhat barren, however there are a number of small lakes hidden in the clefts between the ridges. The lakes are quite beautiful, but one needs to be determined to access them. There are no trails and the terrain is filled with brush, cliff faces, and many other obstacles.
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Before traversing the ridge to Spider Lake there were some good views of Tells Peak to the south.
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Almost all the exposed rock in this area is granite, part of the Sierra Nevada batholith. The granite in this area consists of milky white orthoclase feldspar, quartz, biotite mica, and long rectangular needles of amphibole/hornblende. The Sierra Nevada batholith consists of many plutons. The granite of each pluton is unique with it own mix of minerals.
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Devils Peak is a prominent landmark at the northeastern end of Loon Lake.
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Before connecting with the Buck Island Reservoir construction road, I took time to explore the granite slopes at the southeast end of Loon Lake. As well as the usual Jeffrey Pine, Pinus jeffreyi, and Red Fir, Abies magnifica var. magnifica, a few Juniperus grandis dotted the slopes.
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A number of rock ferns grew in this dry landscape. Cryptogramma acrostichoides was seen with its fertile and sterile fronds. Pellaea bridgesii and Myriopteris (Cheilanthes) gracillima also grew on the dry rocky slopes.
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The wiry stems and airy white flowers of Eremogone kingii var. glabrescens poked up among the granite boulders.
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Mats of Antennaria flowed over and around the rocks. We have a number of Antennaria species in the Sierra Nevada that are similar in appearance and are best identified when in bloom.
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LOON LAKE
El Dorado County, California
Part III
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At the base of the escarpment at southeast end of Loon Lake there is a small creek and a series of spring fed riparian habitats. Juncus chlorocephalus is quite at home growing in the shady coniferous forest that lines the watercourse.
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Closer to the running water where the soil remains quite moist Aquilegia formosa grows abundantly in scattered stands.
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In sunny locations near the seeps Toxicoscordion venenosum var. venonesum pokes up through rock crevices where there are pockets of moist soil.
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Above the seeps in much drier terrain Aspidotis densa occupies the granite crevices.
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Drymocallis galndulosa var. glandulosa is generally found in moist habitats, however the species is surprisingly drought tolerant. I sometimes find this species in habitats that are only vernally moist and quite dry in the late summer and autumn. Good forms of this species are very attractive. I will demonstrate this later in this section.
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Eventually I reached the old Buck Island – Rubicon Reservoir construction road and started the climb upward to the pass, Spider Lake and Rockbound Valley.
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The route over to Spider Lake is very exposed, hot, and dry. Hot-Rock Penstemon, Penstemon deustus var. deustus is perfectly adapted to this environment. This species forms low mounds of evergreen foliage with many creamy-yellow flowers.
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Penstemon newberryi var. newberryi also thrives in this environment. Their bright magenta-pink flowers are striking against the silvery granite rocks.
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Calochortus leichtlinii replaces Calochortus minimus in the dry granite talus on the route to Spider Lake.
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There is one seasonal watercourse along the route to Spider Lake. Here in a thicket of Salix scouleriana I spotted a Wilson’s warbler, Cardellina pusilla. This migratory bird was once seasonally abundant, however their numbers have dropped dramatically.
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Before turning eastward there was one last view of Brown Mountain.
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Near the summit and Spider Lake the terrain flattens somewhat. Here there are hundreds of small seasonal pools, small ponds, and a few small lakes. Most of the seasonal pools and small ponds are ringed with the moisture loving Lodgepole Pine, Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana. All these water features are leftovers from the last Ice Age. Many of the bare granite faces show glacial polish and the ancient moraines can be seen if one observes closely.
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There are also numerous small rocky meadows. Carex subnigricans forms tufts of green foliage with a myriad of the white flowered Calochortus minimus sprinkled throughout the meadow.
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Quickly one arrives at Spider Lake. The wilderness trail does not go directly to Spider Lake but traverses to the south. Sadly the Rubicon Trail passes along the north shore of the lake.
The Rubicon Trail is the route of the Jeeper’s Jamboree and is used by many off road vehicle enthusiast throughout the summer season. The route was also the catalyst of considerable environmental damage and a number of lawsuits. In the early 2000’s I hiked a portion of the Rubicon Trail to see for myself what was going on. My first impression was that I needed a facemask. The stench of human excrement was over powering and everywhere. There was evidence of frequent petroleum spills polluting both the ground and riparian habitats. Empty beer cans, whiskey bottles, condoms, discarded automobile parts, and trash were scattered everywhere. The riparian habitats were severely degraded, wildlife was scarce and the flora had been hacked on, run over, or was non-existent. After much effort a settlement was reached and the Jeeps continue to use the route. Now they must stay within 50 feet of the centerline of the trail, respect private property along the route, and pick up after themselves. The route also needs to be patrolled by the sheriff’s department to enforce compliance.
I have never returned to the Rubicon Trail to see how the situation may have changed, hopefully for the better. I did check the Jeeper’s Jamboree web site the other day and noticed that the event is touted as “Family Fun”. From what I have seen from the past, I hope they indeed live up to this slogan.
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I continued to encounter Viola purpurea ssp. purpurea along the route as I continued from the summit down to Buck Island Reservoir.
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At this point I had entered Rockbound Valley, the headwaters of the Rubicon River. The blue water seen in the center of the photograph is Rockbound Lake.
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This is an example of Drymocallis glandulosa var. glandulosa at its best. It is a beautiful lush specimen with many cymes of yellow flowers.
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On the trail down to Buck Island Reservoir I found a few plants of Ribes nevadense in bloom. The dense clusters of flowers can be pink to almost red, however I generally find pink flowering specimens.
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As I moved into Rockbound Valley I encountered a few Western White Pine, Pinus monticola,
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On the last leg of the trail down to Buck Island Reservoir there was a beautiful view southward up into Rockbound Valley and Dick’s Peak in the distance (center).
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Finally Buck Island Reservoir appeared.
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I cannot remember the last time I hiked into Buck Island Reservoir. It has been far to long. One of my great pleasures when I was young was to hike into Buck Island Reservoir after getting off work. It is a little over 6 miles (9.7 km.) from the Loon Lake Trailhead into reservoir. I could reach Buck Island before the sunset, however it would generally start getting dark as I traversed the trail back around Loon Lake. Hiking in the dark around Loon Lake was like walking down the hall at night. From Loon Lake it was a 15-minute drive to my father’s cabin at Gerle Creek and a peaceful night of sleep.
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Like my hikes to Buck Island in earlier days, I did not have much time to look around before returning back to the Outback. As I stood gazing over the reservoir, I looked down to see that the rocky ground was carpeted with the tiny Asteraceae annual Hemizonella minima.
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As I said, there was no time to procrastinate, but I ended up talking to some pleasant overnighters anyway. They had just arrived and needed some directions. Of coarse, I ended up telling a story or two about Horseshoe Lake and a few other nice places to visit in Rockbound Valley. Now running late I sped off to Loon Lake and the Outback parked at the trailhead.
This is only the millionth time I have hiked through this area, but this was still an outstanding outing. I accomplished a great deal, noted numerous details, and felt I had returned to heaven. Not bad!
As you might imagine, I have a many historical stories of this region, as well as my own fascinating tales from this place I call home. I will save them for another time.
Until the next time……
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"Maybe I should scan it and post it?"
Please do!
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Robert, what a wonderful good morning view on a wintery Sunday this far south. Our landscapes are so simmilar, forests, glacial moraines, flattened summits, and further east dry mountain steppes. Your descriptions just sent me back to my own travelling memories. All of us that have been blessed to enjoy untrammelled nature surely find ways to relate to this thread. It does a lot of good...
I'm shocked to hear about the Jeep whatsoever... :o. In spite of my great respect of personal freedom, like anything else, it requires regulation otherwise it degenerates into chaos with degradation of the environment which pays the greatest toll. If more people enjoy your way perhaps there could be enough of a constituency to bring that kind of abuse to a definitive halt. This thread is a proof of how much alternative source of joy is being lost along the way. What a pity... :(
Back to the individual plants I've a few questions:
The Spiraea you showed looks very similiar to S.bumalda, that I grow here. Is it a tall bush that sheds its leaves with beautiful fall colours?.
The Ceanothus that you show is dwarf? Could it become a good companion in a large rockery scene?
The Penstemons are one of ( unfortunately many) Genera that I'm partial about. I'm growing here already quite a few and hope to expand these. P.roezlii caught my eye as a potential P for the rockery by its procumbent habit. As I searched for information in the American Penstemon Society pages it appears as a difficult P to cultivate because it seems to have special requirements...which it doesn't explain. Have you tried growing it in any of your gardens? The same question applies to P.deustus.
My other fav is the Delphiniums. D.nuttalianum is just spectacular. Have you grown it?
I'm assuming that the plants that you show at these higher elevations are already more mesic than strictly xeric, although they withstand summer drought. The evapotranspiration balance should be much more favorable up there. Am I right?
I drool over Calyptridium...I'm very happy that you found it easy to grow it in your garden! :)
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"Maybe I should scan it and post it?"
Please do!
Ralph,
My wife knows where the photograph is located. :)
I tend to forget such things.
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Arturo,
So many well thought out questions.
>The first question regarding the Jeepers is the most difficult. I am just reporting on what I saw back in 2004 (I am not sure about the year, but sometime in this time period). There was clearly a major problem that needed to be addressed. The Jeepers have their point of view and it needs to be considered.
I have a feeling that the Jeepers are a diverse group and like any group there may be undesirable elements loosely associated with the general group. From my observations, no one has any control over these rogue elements except the sheriff’s department and the legal system. As of today, some sort of agreement has been arranged with Jeepers that are using the Rubicon Trail. I also know that the organizers of the Jeepers Jamboree make it clear that the new rules of the trail need to be strictly followed. Unfortunately, anyone with a Jeep can use the trail, including elements that are completely disregardful. I have a feeling this is why the sheriff’s department needs to watch the situation very closely. I am very aware of the undesirable elements and encounter them from time to time on the mountain roads. They tend to feel they have the freedom to do whatever they please regardless of their impact on others. They carry firearms, alcohol and illegal drugs seem to be their two major food groups, and they do not want to be told what to do by anyone, including the sheriff. Because of such people, some U.S. Forest Service Ranger now carry firearms. Only a show of strong force, arrest, and jail time seems to be effective with this type.
I have talked with some of the Jeepers in the past and they clearly do not want to be associated with this sort. They just want to enjoy their Jeeping experience. It may not be my thing but it seems reasonable that they have a place where they can do “their thing”. The Rubicon Trail seems a good location for Jeeping. It has a long history of this type of activity and it seems like a good way to keep environmental damage contained.
I am not involved with this issue at all, but hopefully there is continued dialogue, problems and concerns are being addressed and consensus is found with the parties involved.
>Spiraea splendens (densiflora) grows to about 1 meter. It is not really known for its autumn leaf color, however plants can be selected that have better autumn colors. It is easy to cultivate, however very little selection or effort has been made to select superior forms.
>As far as I know Ceanothus fresnensis is not in cultivation. It is a xeric species, grows very dense, and would most likely be perfect for a large xeric rockery. I have a feeling that deep blue flowered selections could be made with some effort, however, to my knowledge, nothing has been done to date.
>I do have some young plants of Penstemon reozlii / laetus in our Sacramento garden. It seems easy-to-grow in a deep scree (0.3 meters deep minimum). There is nothing to indicate that it needs anything special other than a deep, extremely well drained root run. It may dislike excessive summer moisture / humidity, but then that is not an issue for us.
I do grow Penstemon deustus var. pedicellatus from the east side of the Sierra Nevada. It thrives with the same culture as P. roezlii / laetus.
>To date, I have not had much success with our California native Delphinium species. The exception is Delphinium hansenii and D. gracilentum. They have been very easy. They are xeric species and need to be watered (or not watered) very carefully while dormant during the summer.
>No. Many of the plants that I am showing are not mesic at all. Conditions on some of the granite screes are extremely hot and dry. The meadows with Carex subnigricans become parched dry. Juncus parryi grows under extremely dry conditions. The only factor limiting evapotranspiration is temperature. Certainly the higher elevations are cooler than the Sacramento Valley or the Sierra Nevada Foothills. The growing season is shorter, so this might be a factor too. Summer rainfall due to thunderstorm activity is limited. I have grown some of these plants either at the Placerville farm (foothills), or in our Sacramento garden (Valley). Once established, many species go dormant (dry up and look dead) under xeric conditions. Many are tolerant of some summer irrigation but might still be dormant even though they look green and active.
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A few photographs from yesterday.
The canyon of the South Fork of the American River from the top of Peavine Ridge.
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I can count on finding Lilium washingtonianum ssp. washingtonianum in bloom on Peavine Ridge the first week of July. In 30-40 years it has never failed.
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Lilium washingtonianum ssp. washingtonianum has a wonderful clove / carnation scent.
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The annual Collomia grandiflora is in bloom. It is easy to cultivate. I also understand that it has naturalized in Europe. An invasive species?
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There is still plenty of snow on the Crystal Range. Early day convection that eventually built into thunderstorms along the crest during the afternoon.
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Snow capped peaks off to the southeast.
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Thank you Robert for all your explanations...its such a blessing...
> Jeeps and Co > . I guess that what you are suggesting is that from the environmental point of view keeping people restricted to a trail at least reduces overall trampling. A very good point. It would be a sort of toll that the environment pays for having people that love Jeeps around. Of the other kind, those that dislike to being told their limits...well sheriffs know how to deal with them...at least that is what we were shown in our childhood about the wild west movies...that seems to linger even now and has spread worldwide... I still ask myself why more people can't enjoy in far more quiet and less intrusive way...
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At last I have cought up with you, Robert! Being weeks behind you I have not commented for a long time. You have so much to show and the differences between the locations you visit is astonishing. I am at the summer house now and here it is rather dry - no rain for weeks although they have gotten a lot of it north and east of us. Only a few drought tolerant species are still in flower. Not much time to sit inside either!
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Thank you Robert, I will read this from now on, such marvellous wild space you enjoy, I am successfully growing delphinium nuttalianum here, in my sandy, dry soil but only a little above sea level in terms of elevation. I thought it was an annual but mistaken as it has returned again this year (seed from wild collected NARGS). Love the Lilium washingtonianum! Spectacular. Thanks again for sharing your journeys with us.
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Thank you Robert, I will read this from now on, such marvellous wild space you enjoy, I am successfully growing delphinium nuttalianum here, in my sandy, dry soil but only a little above sea level in terms of elevation. I thought it was an annual but mistaken as it has returned again this year (seed from wild collected NARGS). Love the Lilium washingtonianum! Spectacular. Thanks again for sharing your journeys with us.
Hi Chris,
Your comment is very encouraging. This diary is actually part of a much larger writing project (at times unedited, crude drafts), however from your comment it appears I am on the right track.
Like the late Dick Proenneke in Alaska I am doing the best I can to raise awareness of the flora and natural history of Crystal Range in El Dorado County, California. I am, more or less, reclusive and the SRGC forum is the perfect venue for me. I am so thankful! :)
Yes, as far as I know all the California Delphiniums are perennial.
Thank you again for your encouraging comments.
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At last I have cought up with you, Robert! Being weeks behind you I have not commented for a long time. You have so much to show and the differences between the locations you visit is astonishing. I am at the summer house now and here it is rather dry - no rain for weeks although they have gotten a lot of it north and east of us. Only a few drought tolerant species are still in flower. Not much time to sit inside either!
Trond,
So pleased to hear from you! It sounds like you have been very busy and still are. As you can see I have had plenty to do myself. My next outing will be to the Red Peak area of the Crystal Range. I hope that I can get across Tells Creek! (a lot of snow melt still). There is a geologic roof pendant – a band of older metamorphic rock caught between the granite intrusions – in this area. There is a noticeable shift in the flora. Years ago I would camp at Lake No. 3 at the base of Red Peak. It is a great place to visit.
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Red Peak
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Thank you Robert for all your explanations...its such a blessing...
> Jeeps and Co > . I guess that what you are suggesting is that from the environmental point of view keeping people restricted to a trail at least reduces overall trampling. A very good point. It would be a sort of toll that the environment pays for having people that love Jeeps around. Of the other kind, those that dislike to being told their limits...well sheriffs know how to deal with them...at least that is what we were shown in our childhood about the wild west movies...that seems to linger even now and has spread worldwide... I still ask myself why more people can't enjoy in far more quiet and less intrusive way...
Arturo,
I am glad that I am not part of the decision-making process here in California. The population bomb is exploding and I can see no way that the environment can be stabilized. In our Sacramento neighborhood we live with “Silent Spring”. 10 years ago there were many Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera Order insects. Now they are almost gone. Same with the wild bird species. The snakes, lizards, frogs, etc. are all long gone. Even the pollution tolerant mosses have died off. This is scary and nobody seems to notice or care.
Yesterday (Sunday) I visited El Dorado National Forest. I generally stay away from the forest on the weekends. I was not surprised that the forest had turned into a temporary urban environment, complete with massive crowds, stop and go commuter like traffic jams, car exhaust, loud noise of all sorts (loud music, motorcycles without mufflers, yelling and screaming, etc.). The “law” was out in force to maintain order. Fortunately 99.9% do not have the gumption to travel beyond the established roadways and designated camping sites. Needless to say the environment suffers greatly in these area. There is little that can be done by those in charge of managing the situation. It is a tsunami of humanity.
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Wrights Lake and the Crystal Range (facing Northeast). Red metamorphic rock of roof pendant can be seen in the distance. The photograph was taken yesterday.
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The photo of Red Peak is a cracker, Robert, you excel yourself!
I do not always have time to comment on your work here but I am reinforced in my opinion of your forum diaries by the number of folks reading them. Thankfully there are those who do take the time to comment. Marvelous to have this archive of your diaries building here for all to access.
Several people I've spoken too have mentioned how much they enjoy these pages, although they are part of the 'invisibles'. Of course, the majority are silent - unlike those on a weekend at some of the lovely spots you show, it seems!
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Hi Maggi,
Yes, thank you for the kind words.
The photograph of Red Peak was taken in October 2003 at Lake Number 3. That was the view when I opened my eyes in the morning.
I do understand that most readers do not comment. Of coarse nobody should feel obligated to participate in any discussion, however stimulating discussion can enhance everyone’s knowledge. During the busy season (now) I focus my attention on this diary and have a very difficult time keeping up with the other postings on the forum, so few comments is understanding.
It is great that the complete diary is achieved. I certainly have progressed over the years! My first entries remind me of the entries made by Dick Proenneke in his Twin Lakes diary. Dick’s diary and his ‘home” movies (he built and lived in a cabin in the Twin Lakes Wilderness) were instrumental in the U.S. congress voting to create the Twin Lakes Wilderness in Alaska. I am completely inspired by Dick’s efforts and that somehow my efforts can lead to something good for as many as possible. At least this is my intent.
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My intent is to return to Lake No. 3 next week.
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It is a long hike into Lake No. 3 and Red Peak. There is a complete shift in the flora on Red Peak. It would be great if I can arrive early and spend a good part of the day exploring the mountain. There is much to see on the way into Lake No. 3, so who knows?
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Silver Peak is the next peak to the north of Red Peak in the Crystal Range ridgeline. It is composed of silvery granite. The flora has similarities to that of Red Peak, however like the rock, the proportions and makeup do differ.
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From the summit of Red Peak there is a fantastic view of Rockbound Valley and Upper and Lower Lelands Lakes.
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I do understand that most readers do not comment. Of coarse nobody should feel obligated to participate in any discussion, however stimulating discussion can enhance everyone’s knowledge. During the busy season (now) I focus my attention on this diary and have a very difficult time keeping up with the other postings on the forum, so few comments is understanding.
It is great that the complete diary is achieved. I certainly have progressed over the years! My first entries remind me of the entries made by Dick Proenneke in his Twin Lakes diary. Dick’s diary and his ‘home” movies (he built and lived in a cabin in the Twin Lakes Wilderness) were instrumental in the U.S. congress voting to create the Twin Lakes Wilderness in Alaska. I am completely inspired by Dick’s efforts and that somehow my efforts can lead to something good for as many as possible. At least this is my intent.
Hello Robert,
I do enjoy your account of your botanical adventures in Northern California especially they way you place the plants in context of the geology and landscape. Your posts are always considered and informative and people such as myself can learn a lot about the flora of California. I have three handbooks of California wild flowers by Philip A. Munz which I purchased as remainders several years ago so now I have a reason to take them out of the bookcase and read about the plants you post. It seems that these days many forumists who would have perhaps participated in SRGC Forum discussions have migrated to Facebook. I am not sure why people are so eager to support the commercial activities of Mr Zuckerberg and his associates; perhaps it is the instant gratification the "Like" button provides which feeds the narcissistic tendencies of humankind. Please keep posting Robert - I sure there are many more places and plants you can show us.
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Hi David,
Thank you for the thoughtful comments.
How things change. Back in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s Philip “Munz” was the authority in California botany. His work was at times highly technical, but always excellent. Now the updated Jepson Manual is generally the field manual of choice. The pace of change seems to quicken and now even the new Jepson Manual is becoming dated. Keeping current is a constant effort.
Continuing my diary on the SRGC Forum is a priority. I put much time and effort into the diary. I also continue to hone my skills in an attempt to raise the bar of excellence to the best of my ability. I generally do not take classes, however I am highly motivated to learn about California butterflies. In a few weeks I will take a class on this subject. Slowly I hope to incorporate other aspects of natural history into the diary. It seems relevant as our gardens are a microcosm of the natural world and have many aspects. Anyway, I endeavor to create something that is an asset for the SRGC.
As for Facebook…
Supporting Facebook in any way is completely contrary to my values.
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I was tying-up some loose ends in the Wrights Lake area before my next outing to Lake No. 3 and Red Peak next week. It is going to be a banner year for the wildflowers in the high country this year. This week I will I share a few scenes from the Wrights Lake – Lyons Creek area as the blooming season moves into its peak season.
The first non-natives to settle in this area were the Wright Brothers. Two years after Johnson’s cut-off was established in 1848, the Wright brothers, Bert and Ed, traveled the Peavine Ridge route over the Sierra Nevada looking for a mountain dairy site. They found a lake (now Wrights Lake) and each filed on 640 acres of land near and around the lake. Their winter dairy was located near Galt, California (south of Sacramento, California), and each spring they drove their cattle up Peavine Ridge as the snow melted. The summer dairy was in operation for decades and a number of cabins, sheds and barns were constructed near Wrights Lake
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Where moisture is abundant Mertensia ciliata var. stomatechoides can be found growing in lush stands.
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Heracleum maximum is another moisture loving species. This Apiaceae species is known for its large bold leaves and umbels of white flowers.
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Here in the higher terrain the plants do not waste time. Veratrum californicum var. californicum can be found in full bloom. 3 weeks ago many were just emerging from the ground after snow melt.
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Catilleja miniata var. miniata is a very common Paintbrush species seen in this area.
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“Bud” Wilson arrived later and established his summer ranch in the area of Lyons Creek and the South Fork of Silver Creek. From my research, it appears that at one time cleared pastureland extended from North of Wrights Lake southward to the South Fork of Silver Creek and up, at least a portion of Lyons Creek. A Mr. Sawyer arrived shortly after the Wright Brothers and established a dairy “at the base of Pyramid Peak”; I presume the site of Lake Sylvia.
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Given the extensive ranching activities in the area it is not surprising that invasive species such as Sheep Sorrel, Rumex acetosella, are well established throughout the area. The land in this scene was once pastureland, however Lodgepole Pine, Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana, are beginning to encroach and infill the pastureland.
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They are also many stumps scattered throughout the old pastureland. It would be interesting to date the stumps as well as do some core sampling to postulate vegetation shifts over time.
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In drier terrain large drifts of Navarretia leptalea ssp. leptalea cover sunny areas.
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Triteleia ixioides ssp. scabra is an abundant Themidaceae.
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The mat-forming Lupinus lepidus var. sellulus is well established in the old pastureland. It is also seen frequently along the first sections of the Lyons Creek trail.
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On a bit higher ground large clumps of Wyethia mollis are in full bloom.
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Often sharing the same site with the Wyethia is the minty scented Monardella odoratissima ssp. pallida.
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The low mounding Phacelia hydrophylloides is generally seen in dry, shaded sites.
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The population of Calochortus minimus at Lyons Creek can be highly variable. Here Calochortus minimus is seen with the annual Nemophila maculate, Five Spot.
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Ipomopsis aggregata ssp. aggregata is not an abundant species in the Wrights Lake area. Occasionally the species is seen on dry, semi-shaded banks.
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Now that we have had 2 years of average, and much above average precipitation, Delphinium nuttallianum can be seen throughout the area. After many year of drought this species had retreated to only the most favorable sites.
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Graceful Potentilla, Potentilla gracilis, is quite showy. At high elevations, the yellow are consistently bright yellow.
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Penstemon rydbergii var. oerocharis can be found blooming in seasonally moist meadows.
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There are some outstanding stands of Eriophyllum lanatum var. grandiflorum on the grade up to the Lyon’s Creek trailhead.
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In bloom, Eriophyllum is a magnet for Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera Order insects.
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Many different Blues (subfamily Polyommatinae) can be seen in the Wrights Lake area. There were Square-spotted Blue, Euphilotes battoides, or Dotted Blue, Euphilotes enoptes, (they can be difficult to distinguish in the field, however these appeared to be Square-spotted Blues) butterflies fluttering around the Wooly Sunflowers. There were also Skippers, but I did not have any time to guess at their identity. I am still learning the Hymenoptera, so no ID on them.
Next weeks outing to Red Peak could be outstanding. The blooming season is peaking and there is a great deal to see, especially when including the details. I hope that I do not get delayed while hiking the lower meadows in the Van Vleck area. Last year I observed 138 species on one outing. It was in the autumn! Ah… there is so much to see and do.
Until next time…..
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Robert, I grew E.lanatum in my gardens along my Lavender bushes. They more or less flowered together. E.l. was stunning because it was completely covered in those wonderful yellows and stood like that for about a month here. After a few years the clumps dwindled and disappeared. I must get a replacement. Would they be short lived perennials?. I was wondering if the retraction of D. nuttalianum could be a multiple season dormancy during very dry years or actually death and replacement with juvenile plants in adequate places when the moisture conditions improved. In field conditions that could be solved with site staking individual clumps and returning to the site on a regular basis. I wonder if vandals will let stakes unnoticed... ;). These questions are more of the field ecologist in me, trying to provide extra arguments of why conserve/preserve and how to manage it later on. The way the regulatory system approaches to issues ( which includes government agencies, scientific bodies and the legal system with laws, regulatory enforcing bodies, judges and trials) require proof ready information over which they can rely collective decisions. Ethical considerations are usually left towards the end of debate because there is too much controversy around ethics, specially when environmental ethics starts to contend solely human ethics.
As you can guess, its enriching your diary with more information. Ecological basic information has fortunately good press nowadays...it will improve your stance in achieving the Crystal Range protection goals.
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Arturo,
Yes, Eriophyllum lanatum is a short-lived perennial. Always having a few seedlings coming along is a good idea. It may also have considerable potential if it is worked with in a systematic way.
The main issue facing the Crystal Range and Desolation Valley Wilderness is population pressure. For decades it has been a popular destination for wilderness hikers and campers. The region is easily accessed by many major population centers in California. During my first experiences in the wilderness, campfires were still allowed (1960’s). Even back in the late 1960’s it could be difficult for overnight campers to find firewood at popular locations like Lake of the Woods. As usage increased, campfires were banned and small portable stoves where used. As usage continued to increase, permits were required for overnight camping in the wilderness and the number of overnight visitors needed to be limited, especially at certain popular destinations. (1970’s but not sure).
Today, I would have to say that the main threat to the Crystal Range and Desolation Valley Wilderness is the volume of usage. High alpine habitats are relatively fragile and repair slowly. Horses are allowed in some locations. In the wrong location, they can create much ecological damage very quickly. Back in the early 2000’s some horse riders spent at least one night at Lake No. 3. They caused considerable damage to the heathlands near Lake No. 3. I have a strong feeling when I visit lake No.3 next week that there will still be evidence of that damage. In addition, Lake No. 3 is one of the few locations where I have found Gentiana calycosa in any quantity on the west slope of the Crystal Range. Another batch of horses destroyed this population; the next year I found one plant, the following year there were zero. In places like Lake Sylvia certain traditional campsites cannot be used due to over use. The area of the Rubicon Trail is a site where a population of Erythronium purpurascens might exist in El Dorado County. I have discusses what happened there. I could add to the list, but the bottom line is that as usage continues to increase at some point the ecosystem will flatline.
The question is how can the wilderness be preserved? The real answer is zero, or even better, negative population growth. This might be discusses privately, but it will never be discussed in a public forum. So the next question is, how can the wilderness be best maintained with a continual increase in usage? I certainly do not have the answer and feel there is an extremely low probability that I will ever be asked to contribute to the answer to this perplexing problem. California has many highly qualified experts. What ever I do is way off the radar screen.
I am highly motivated to do what I do, only because I know deep within myself that it is the right thing for me to be doing. I have no idea how I fit into the scheme of things on this planet. Your conservation/preservation suggestions for California are probably best addressed to someone else. Realistically, there are probably 50,000 to 100,000 or more, qualified individuals in California that are in a much better position to implement or make use of your suggestions than I. Still, I think that there is a great deal that I learn from you. As you can, perhaps you can share some of your conservation/preservation experiences in Argentina. I think we could all benefit from your experiences.
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Robert,
I learnt from my own path, that someone has to take the lead...someone has to become instrumental to the call from inside to care for each one's backyard. If your voice chimes in with that same voice inside others, then those other "better" qualified might stick out and start doing something, specially when there are no selfish goals , which is this case. Its sounds for the time being as if it were a single person's call in the barren desert. Yet that voice can be made to be heard worldwide...
Preservation/conservation are long term processes. They are multiple life paths involved. Its not only setting aside land under some type of regulatory system, but also continued monitoring and reassessing effectiveness and curtailing use. It requires sometimes a lot of shrewd thinking ahead. In many places, wilderness areas that are under public use pressure require booking ahead. There are quotas that could be fixed. Eventually it will become inevitable. My mentors in the US taught me that it all boils down to buying time ahead, until general issues are addressed. Sometimes there are regressions and backward intent to return to a more free willed options. However the sheer numbers rule out that option even in the most stubborn.
The Iguazú N.Park had a magnet attraction in the falls that everyone had to visit. One particular site the Devil's Gorge (Garganta del Diablo) right in the center of the falls. The tourist industry utilized this magnet to overbook their tickets, as a result in peak season 30000 tourists tried to cram into a look out point that could house no more than 200 visitors simultaneously. The result was that everyone was angry because there were traffic jams, collapsed sanitary services etc. The area was finally brought back to a reasonable management scheme simply because all actors involved accepted that the site has natural limits that impose a maximum simultaneously fixed number of visitors.
I believe that what you describe is reaching to that point. That is why it will become necessary to act in that direction.
Your diary is a way of calling attention. In that sense you got me hooked into those concerns although I'm watching from so far away...
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Arturo,
I think that it is wonderful that every place on this planet where the abuse of women is reduced and women are given a choice, birth rates fall and population levels (not including immigration) start heading to sustainable levels. No need for a One Child Policy! Just free choice and ending as much abuse as possible. It is not surprising where the forces of greed, lust of power, etc. reign, women are now being encouraged to have more children by the propaganda machine. My understanding is that China has ended or is going to end its One Child Policy. Here in the U.S.A. some politicians want women to have more children because it is good for business (i.e. more consumers).
It appears to me, if abuse is reduced and free choice is allowed, most people make good choices that are in everyone’s best interest. Maybe the same principles can be applied to the conservation/preservation of our planet. If I am called to do more in behalf of the Crystal Range and Desolation Wilderness there will have to be, very literally, Divine intervention. I get up each day and apply myself to my work and projects. I do the best I can to make wise choices and be proactive toward worthy goals. I am very willing to be of service, but I cannot allow myself to be exploited. Everything beyond this, I have no control. If I end up in a position where I can do more in behalf of the Crystal Range and Desolation Wilderness, you will have witnessed a Divine Miracle. To say that the odds are stacked heavily against me is an understatement.
Oh, by the way, I think that your proposed study of Delphinium nuttallianum is a great idea. Unobtrusive staking and labeling could be done and GPS use to find plants. There is no shortage things that could be studied that could benefit the Crystal Range and Desolation Wilderness Area.
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Just keep doing what you are doing and the rest will come from beyond...
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Loved the historical content in this one Robert. American history interests me a lot and I read a lot about it.
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Loved the historical content in this one Robert. American history interests me a lot and I read a lot about it.
Hi David,
Glad to hear that you enjoy the historic content. It is interesting investigating how past land use practices may have influenced the current distribution and make up of the flora today.
I am actually in the process of writing a book that weaves together the flora and natural history in this region with the history and my personal stories and memories. I am coming along with the writing, however it will most likely take another year or two before I am done. The book is part of my learning process. I have no intention publishing it, however I am sure I can send you some sort of electronic copy when I am done, providing you are interested of coarse.
More photographs taken at Lyons Creek the other day.
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The tiny annual Castilleja tenuis creates small sheets of color.
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Bistorta bistortoides is commonly found in moist meadows.
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A Fritillary of the Genus Speyeria.
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....................I am actually in the process of writing a book that weaves together the flora and natural history in this region with the history and my personal stories and memories. I am coming along with the writing, however it will most likely take another year or two before I am done. The book is part of my learning process. I have no intention publishing it, however I am sure I can send you some sort of electronic copy when I am done, providing you are interested of coarse.............................
Yes, of course I would be interested in reading your book Robert. You probably know that Ian Young recently published his work on Erythroniums as an EBook and this is something you might wish to consider in the future. I am sure that Ian or Maggi would be happy to talk with you as to how to proceed when you feel the time is right.
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Yes, of course I would be interested in reading your book Robert. You probably know that Ian Young recently published his work on Erythroniums as an EBook and this is something you might wish to consider in the future. I am sure that Ian or Maggi would be happy to talk with you as to how to proceed when you feel the time is right.
Yes, indeed - this would be something the SRGC website could publish to get it out to a wider public- which it would deserve.
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Clearly, there is still much to do, but this all sounds great.
There is a general outline; a clear vision of “how, what, and why” and many of the chapters have been started.
My original idea was a “dry” botany of the Lyons Creek drainage, however my wife, Jasmin, kept encouraging me to do more; there is a much larger story that needs to be told.
Lyons Creek is at the southern end of the Crystal Range. Near Loon Lake, at the northern end of the Crystal Range, my father built a cabin on lot 36 of the Gerle Creek Summer Home Tract. This was about 1965. Needless to say I have a long history in this area. I am hoping that my personal experiences, historical references, natural history, etc. makes the story of the plants come alive.
Thank you for the offers of assistance. If my efforts can benefit the SRGC, this is even better. I will seek your advice when the time arrives. :) 8)
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I was up in southeastern El Dorado County today (Saturday). Most of the snow has now melted, however as one approaches 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) spring has just arrived.
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Phlox diffusa is still in bloom.
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Viola purpurea ssp. purpurea is another early blooming species.
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At this elevation the blooming season can get compressed. To a degree, everything tries to bloom at the same time. Penstemon roezlii was also coming into bloom.
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From the top of a bluff there were some very nice vistas.
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This vista to the southeast demonstrates the beautiful light-dark contrast of the granite with the vegetation. This is a typical scene in the high Sierra Nevada.
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To the east, the volcanic intrusions near Carson Pass can be seen. It is not surprising that Basalt, Andesite, and Rhyolite can all be found somewhere within this region.
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The Crystal Range is a short distance to the north. Depending on the geologic survey, 7 to 8 distinct plutons have been identified within the Crystal Range. Granodiorite is the most prevalent “granite” intrusion, however the intrusions range from alaskite through quartz monzonite to quartz diorites.
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I will be back in Sacramento this evening.
I am looking forward to my next outing to Red Peak sometime this coming week.
Until next time…….
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Robert,
Don't you think Brown Mountain was covered by ice during the last Ice Ages? The rounded form suggests it was. - I have hears a lot of granite before. My youngest daughter studied granitic minerals for her degree in Geology :)
The yellow Drymocallis is interesting. We have only a white one here, D. rupestris, which is also an attractive species.
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Some of the vistas you show look very familiar. Especially when the rock is granite! Except that the flora differ a lot, of course.
Interesting with the snow-melt. At our mountain cabin the snow melt period is late May (1000-1200m ASL). Sometimes it is impossible to take a walk in the forest due to the heaps of snow. Although the snow melt you show is later I assume the trees get a reasonably high heat sum as the temperature is higher in summer than here.
The number of butterflies has increased at the cabin the last days also as the weather has been warm. Here is one tasting a special book!
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Hi Trond,
I hiked into Lake No. 3 at the base of Red Peak on Thursday. The wildflowers were a bit over whelming - I logged 147 species and I know I missed many as it was a challenging hike into Lake No 3. Above 8,000 feet, 2,438 meters, there is still 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters) of snow on the ground.
I wish that I knew a lot more about the "granite" in the Crystal Range. Each pluton is different. There is a roof pendant of metamorphic rock in the area of Red Peak. As I approached the base of Red Peak there were all sorts of small pieces of metamorphic rock scattered on the "granite". Clearly they had been moved there by the glaciers as the roof pendant is located near the ridge top of Red Peak and moves off to the southeast, away from Lake No. 3. I do want to hike to the top of Brown Mountain and see if indeed the mountain was covered in glacial ice.
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Junonia coenia, Common Buckeye
This photograph was taken in our Sacramento neighborhood. It is "Silent Spring" here in Sacramento, so I was happy to see this butterfly. There were also some Tiger Swallowtails, however I was not able to get a photograph of them. In the mountains the are many butterflies. I log about 10 different species per trip, however I admit that there is still much for me to learn about our native Lepidoptera species.
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This is a view of Lake No. 3. As you can see there is plenty of snow.
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Some interesting lichens - Lecidea atrobrunnea on granite.
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Candelariella vitellina
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Wolf Lichen, Letharia vulpina, is very common on the trunks of Red Fir, Abies magnifica, although I do see it on other species such as Incense Cedar, Calocedrus decurrens.
A lovely scene from Norway. I hope you can share more photographs. Maybe with the dry weather there are no wildflowers this year?
Anyway.... I am working on my posting for Lake No. 3 and Red Peak. There is a lot of material to work with so maybe Tuesday - Wednesday I will have something ready to post.
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RED PEAK
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LAKE No 3
Part I
Thursday, 20 July 2017
Sacramento Weather
Weather: Clear
Temperature, High: 92 F, 33.5 C
Low: 62 F, 16.5 C
It is a long hike into Lake No. 3 and Red Peak. I was up at 4:00 a.m. Thursday, hoping to arrive at the trailhead at first light. The trail from the old Van Vleck Ranch to Lake No. 3 is lightly used and is sometimes poorly maintained. It had been twelve years since I hiked all the way into Lake No. 3 and I was very uncertain about the condition of the trail. Lingering snow, washed out portions of the trail, and many downed trees were all possibilities.
I arrived at the Van Vleck trailhead, 6,505 feet (1,983 meters), at 6:15 a.m. It was a chilly 41 F (5 C) with a cold south wind blowing. My goal was to arrive at Lake No. 3 at the base of Red Peak early in the day with plenty of time to explore the metamorphic roof pendant on the higher portions of Red Peak. I last explored this part of the mountain in the autumn of 2003. The flora is quite interesting and I hoped to have time to conduct to thorough search of this area.
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The lower meadows of the old Van Vleck ranch were full of an incredible variety of wildflowers in full bloom. The riot of color was quite distracting, however I need to move quickly if I was going to have any time to explore Red Peak.
There were a few Lupines that caught my attention. This tidy mound keyed out as Lupinus albicaulis, a species similar to Lupinus andersonii and L. fulcratus. It was a beautiful plant, however I still have some lingering questions as to its identity.
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Juncus chlorocephelus is very showing when in bloom. I grow this species in our Sacramento garden, however the results have not been as promising as this to date.
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There are many seeps and streams along the lower sections of the trail. Where moisture is abundant Lilium parvum was blooming in thick stands with Castilleja miniata ssp.miniata, Senecio triangularis, and many other moisture loving species.
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The Red Peak Trail cuts between the north bank of Bassi Fork and the old pastureland of the Van Vleck Ranch. The grove of trees in the center of this photograph is one my favorite camping sites along the lower portion of the trail.
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Much of the Van Vleck pastureland was originally forested. Many of the old stumps still remain. I am piecing together historical land use data from this region dating back to the 1860’s. It is quite interesting and may shed light on the current distribution and make up of the flora in this area.
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The former pastureland is a combination of seasonally mesic or xeric meadowland. Each meadow environment has it own unique plant community.
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Penstemon rydbergii var. oreocharis grows abundantly in the mesic meadows. Despite its preference for moist conditions this species endured and survived extremely dry conditions during the drought years. During the drought years very few plants produced flowers. One this outing they were blooming in large sheets of color throughout the moist meadows.
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There was still plenty of frost where the meadows were shaded. This Potentilla was still covered in ice. It is not unusual for there to be frost in the high elevations during the summer months.
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Mertensia ciliata var. stomatechoides is generally found growing where moisture is abundant. This site seems dry. However there must be a reliable source of moisture a short distance below the surface.
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Mertensia ciliata var. stomatechoides is a very beautiful species when in bloom.
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After a short distance the trail crosses the Bassi Fork. The creek had receded from the peak runoff levels and was easy to cross. Earlier in the season the water level can be quite low in the morning and then rise to a raging torrent in the afternoon during the peak snow runoff. The unwary can easily get trapped on the “wrong” side of a creek, resulting in a very wet crossing in the afternoon or a long detour hoping to find a log crossing.
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Well above the lower pastureland there are some hidden meadows perched on the side of the ridge. I first found these meadows back in the early 1970’s when the Red Peak Trail was almost abandon. The early stock herders (1860-1900) drove their herds everywhere, so I doubt that the meadows are pristine. The meadows do contain a fascinating variety of plant species.
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The meadows are full of Camassia leichtlinii ssp. suksdorfii and are a gorgeous sight when the Camassia is in full bloom. There were still many plants in bloom, however I had missed the peak in the blooming cycle.
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Trifolium longipes ssp. atrorubens is one of many species that finds a home in the meadows. Unfortunately, I was already running behind schedule and did not take time to look around the upper meadows.
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As I progressed onward, I started to encounter downed trees that were blocking the trail. Many were easy to step over, however in other locations the downed trees created considerable obstacles.
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Along a seasonal creek, a shady glade was full of Primula (Dodecatheon) jeffreyi in peak bloom. There were thousands blooming throughout this site.
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Over the years I have always found a few Primula (Dodecatheon) jeffreyi growing at this site, but never in such quantities. It was truly a magical moment to encounter them in their full glory this day.
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Some of the downed trees were Red Fir, Abies magnifica var. magnifica and their bark in the perfect substrate for Wolf Lichen, Letharia vulpina.
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Erigeron glacialis var. glacialis is a commonly “daisy” in this region. This time of year, they can be found blooming with lavender to almost white flowers.
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Eventually the trail started to climb steeply out of the Red Fir (Abies magnifica var. magnifica) forest into a much drier and open terrain. The air was full of smoke from a forest fire far to the south in Mariposa County.
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This habitat is ideal for Calochortus leichtlinii. They were blooming in quantity scattered about in the openings of the high elevation chaparral.
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The dry, sunny habitat was also ideal habitat for Eriogonum nudum.
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As I cleared the top of the ridge there was a nice view of McConnell Peak, 9,099 feet (2,773 meters).
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As I moved closer to Red Peak, pieces and fragments of metamorphic and sedimentary rock were seen scattered about the landscape. They were clearly part of the glacial debris shorn off the upper ridges and left behind as the glaciers retreated.
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Calochortus minimus was seen in bloom at all elevations throughout this outing. The plants were quite uniform in flower color, but variable in plant size.
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Robert, needless to say that my patience waiting you to go higher up has its wonderful rewards! Your last report is fascinating!. I would love to understand more about the past/present land use. At present are these federal lands that have reverted to federal management after the land leases have expired/ or policy changes? Are they national forest lands now? ( I'm supposing this because you mentioned logging operations lower down). Are there still privately owned pieces of land within the Crystal Range?. Do they have some kind of restrictions insofar resource use?. Out of historical curiosity it would be interesting to know what happened to the VanVlecks when they left the land. Were the original settlers Flemish/Dutch?
Your questions about present day flora actually address very long term processes. The reversion of pasture back to forest may be delayed to more than a century, because of very slow regenerating mechanisms. However in your pictures some young samplings growing amongst the stumps are visible.
Back to gardening, do you grow any of the Liliums and Castilleja minniata. The Penstemon rydbergii and Mertensia are both very garden worthy plants. So the various lupines specially L.albicaullis.
Thank you so much for your regular reports. Did you ever consider leading out small botanical outings? Your teaching abilities could be of great benefit towards those who need their eyes to be opened towards the wealth of California wildflowers. At least this far away I'm already thinking about a person who would greatly benefit from a quiet company...
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RED PEAK
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LAKE No 3
Part II
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King’s Sandwort, Eremogone kingii var. glabrascens, enjoys growing in the dry, open, rocky granite barrens.
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At the top of the first steep grade at about 7,300 feet (2,225 meters), the trail again crosses upper Bassi Fork. After the last Ice Age, fish were absent from most lakes and streams above 6,000 feet (1,829 meters) in the Sierra Nevada. In the early 1970’s I remember seeing planted trout in this section of Bassi Fork, however after repeated cycles of drought this section of Bassi Fork is now, once again, fish free. In many cases the introduction of trout has completely altered the original aquatic habitat of the high elevation lakes and streams in the Sierra Nevada. Many amphibians and invertebrates have been displaced or eliminated. It will be interesting to see if any return to the now trout free habitat in the upper Bassi Fork.
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At this elevation, Phyllodoce breweri is a commonly seen species in mesic meadows. Phyllodoce lined trails are commonplace and a delight to walk when they are in bloom.
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The Phyllodoce are so beautiful when in bloom, however they also seem to attract many beautiful butterflies. This Acmon Blue (Plebejuis acmon) or Lupine Blue (Plebejus lupinus) was sipping nectar from the flowers.
Note: The orange hind wing submarginal band cannot be seen on this specimen.
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Where the snow had recently melted and the soil was sandy and moist, Lewisia triphylla was in bloom. It is quite common to see this species growing next to seasonally running water or in seasonal seeps. Later in the year, the ground will become powder dry and the Lewisia will be safely dormant as a small underground “bulb”.
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I was very surprised to find Lewisia nevadensis growing in this sunny dry habitat. Generally this species is found in mesic meadows or near seasonally running water, often with Lewisia triphylla. Lewisia pygmaea also can also be found growing in sunny dry habitats in this region, but generally at higher elevations. I needed to take a careful look to make sure the plants were indeed Lewisia nevadensis.
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A short distance from the Bassi Fork, there is a small marsh. On my return trip down the mountain, I encountered a Black Bear, Ursus americanus, in this marsh. It ran off before I could photograph it. The Red Peak trail is a good place to see bears. I see them on most outing in this area.
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In a moist, semi-shaded habitat near the marsh I found Western Service-berry, Amelanchier alnifolia var. pumila, in full bloom. The attractive white flowers are followed in the autumn by small black fruit that are quite tasty.
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In this same location, I encountered the first snow.
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Shortly, the trail once again follows a steep grade upward toward Lake No. 3 and Lake No. 5. There were many scattered pieces of various metamorphic rocks throughout this area.
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I found many large colonies of Calochortus leichtlinii blooming on the sunny, dry granite slopes.
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The Polygonaceae species Aconogonon davisae started to appear as I continued to gain altitude.
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Above 8,000 feet (2,438 meters), the early blooming species Phlox diffusa grew among the granite boulders.
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The color of the flowers ranged from white to deep pink.
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Above 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) there were still large, deep snowfields on the north facing slopes and in densely forested areas. At this juncture, I had the choice of following the trail and traversing a steep snowfield on a north-facing slope or to hike straight up this granite slope to Lake No. 3. I quickly and easily hiked up the granite to the lake.
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Arturo,
These are excellent questions.
I am still researching the history and current status of the properties in the old Van Vleck Ranch area. There has been a considerable amount written concerning the Wrights Lake / Lyons Creek area at the southern end of the Crystal Range and the Loon Lake / Gerle Creek area at the northern end of the Crystal Range. I am going to have to see what is available in the archives of the two of the local newspapers as well as check with the U.S. Forest Service to find more historical information about the Van Vleck Ranch area.
I do not know if the Van Vleck’s still have any land holdings in the vicinity of the Crystal Range or Desolation Valley Wilderness Area. I do know that there are still some small private land holdings in the vicinity of the Desolation Valley Wilderness Area and the western slope of the Crystal Range. To my knowledge Desolation Valley Wilderness is 100% public land.
It is also clear that there have been huge changes in the land use policies since the 1970’s in this region. In the early 1970’s much of the area between Loon Lake, the old Van Vleck airstrip and the Upper Bassi Ranch to the south was logged / clear cut. It was a real mess! Sometime around 1972 my brother and I hiked the old trail from Loon Lake to the Van Vleck airstrip. This was right after the logging was completed. In places the trail was completely obliterated by the logging. We did manage to finally find the airstrip.
As of today the consequences of the logging are still evident. Much of the Red Fir forest was heavily logged along the lower end of the route I traveled on Thursday. Thick and unhealthy stands of Lodgepole Pine have replaced the Jeffrey Pine and Red Fir that were removed. It is not a complete disaster! It is fascinating watching and documenting the actual process of regeneration that is taking place. There are a number of surprises.
As for the Van Vlecks? They still have large land holdings in Amador County and still run cattle. They may still have land holding elsewhere in the state, but these are things I do not know and may not be relevant to the Crystal Range.
The rate of forest regeneration on the former pastureland is quite amazing but not surprising. In my research, I discovered that sheep, goats, and even hogs were pastured in many places between Georgetown and Loon Lake from the 1860’s to the early 1900’s. Places like Lawyer Cow Camp and Francis Cow Camp were within hiking distance of my father’s cabin at Gerle Creek. Hogs were pastured at both sites yet by 1965-1975 I could see no evidence that hogs had ever been pastured at the two sites.
I grow Lilium parvum in our Sacramento garden. It can be a bit tricky to grow but is well worth the effort. Lilium parvum has orange flowers, however there are two varieties of Lilium parvum; variety crocatum with orange-yellow flowers and variety hollidayi with pink flowers. L. parvum var. hollidayi is an El Dorado County endemic. It is also called “Ditch Lily” as it can be found growing along the Georgetown divide irrigation ditch. When the irrigation district lined the old clay walled ditch with concrete a number of years ago the Ditch Lilies suffered greatly. Later the irrigation district removed a portion of the concrete where the lilies had once thrived, hoping to restore their habitat. This was a disaster too, as the removal process harmed most of the remaining lilies. I have beautiful photographs of the Ditch Lilies from 30 years ago, now there are only a few struggling specimens along the ditch, however the last time I checked, about two years ago, the lilies seemed like they were starting to recover. I spent many years studying the Ditch Lilies as well as other forms and natural hybrids of Lilium parvum in El Dorado County. It was extremely interesting, however much habitat has been destroyed and much is now gone. This is very sad.
I do not grow Castilleja miniata, yet. I am having very good success with other Castilleja species. My guess is that C. miniata will be easy to cultivate.
Penstemon rydbergii var. oreocharis thrives in our Sacramento garden.
Our native Lupinus species are challenging to cultivate. One issue is that they are a host plant for the larva of many Lepidoptera Order insects. I actually wish to encourage butterflies in our garden, so I guess that I just need to grow more Lupinus species. This is not a bad thing; however there can be other challenges to their cultivation.
I have acted as a guide for friends in the past. There is considerable liability when guiding the public. I would only guide the public through the services of a well established and reputable tour company. My services have never been requested, so I do not act as a commercial guide.
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Downed trees on the Red Peak Trail.
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Deep snow and swampy meadows on the Red Peak Trail.
Good reasons to have liability insurance if acting as a guide.
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Robert! Fascinating...
Of grazing domestic animals, hogs are the most disruptive because they upturn soil with their snouts searching for fleshy roots/grubs/bulbs. Are there any wild boars there? (introduced obviously) or feral hogs ? These on the other hand provide food for mountain lion (cougar, here far south puma same species!). However if no introductions have occurred, then best to leave it untainted...cougars can still find food in fawns...
I suppose that my idea of a guided outing would better fit under an educational scheme. However it would still have to have liability issues addressed... What really concerns me, is the very wide need of acquiring field expertise in so many city dwellers ( who make up the majority of a voting constituency). My target group in mind are all of those who would love to learn something about nature but have not had the opportunity to acquire field search pattern habits. A highly specialized scientist is not the kind of guide needed. Instead, a natural history naturalist, that really understands the place and is very fluent in translating check lists into direct observation is a much better alternative. I see you doing that easily and with no added trouble. The community benefits are obvious... Perhaps orgs like TNC or Sierra Club could provide this service. It is about learning the basics and it is a vast audience.
As I understand when you say 100% public land, it means that it legally belongs to either federal property ( belonging to the USA nation) managed by some federal agency, or to the State of California also managed by some state agency. Usually in spite of efforts otherwise, each agency has different criteria for land management, to which one has to add private use under some form of permit/lease still awaiting expiration. All of this generates a land use mosaic pattern that conditions present day floral distribution. Regenerative processes after human massive disruption do not follow the classical ecological succession pattern. Usually some levels of disruption have been severe enough so as to loose species in the course of time. The ditch lily seems an example.
Who would be in charge of fixing that? and who would be the pressure group that should insist and monitor that a restoration program for ditch lilies is designed, maintained and monitored. Otherwise the passive approach of that mother nature takes care is just blindfolded. Nature conservation only starts with the correct apropiation of land. There is a long way afterwards...
I loved those Phyllodoce pics. It reminds me of Pernettyas here, also Ericaceae.
In your previous posts I saw some half dead trees (firs), are they because of natural reasons? or old fire burnt that have not regenerated? Many of your liability trees are still quite young, what would send them earthwards? Snow overload? Wind tunnels? Compact stands are much more stable to tackle the elements than patchy ones. Restoring towards a fully mature, diverse, stable forest is a very long term process...beyond a century. Under all of these issues your lovely wildflowers have to struggle to put on their show...I still marvel that it is possible!
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Thanks Robert, I always enjoy reading about your adventures and seeing the great pictures of landscape and detail.
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RED PEAK
&
LAKE No 3
Part III
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I arrived at Lake No. 3 much later in the day than I had planned. Checking on plants certainly slowed my progress, however trail conditions were not ideal either.
Lake No. 3 is at 8,203 feet (2,500 meters). There was still a considerable amount of snow around the lake. If anyone were planning on camping around the lake they would have a difficult time finding a flat and dry camping site free of snow or running water. I was there to study the flora and there was plenty to see.
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In dry clearings around the lake, Allium obtusum var. obtusum was in bloom. Variety conspicuum, with pink flowers, also grows in El Dorado County, however it seems to be confined to the volcanic soils in the southern portion of the county.
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Where the snow had melted, the heathland around the lake was a riot of color. Kalmia polifolia (pictured), other Ericaceae, as well as other species were all flowering.
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Kalmia polifolia is very showy when in bloom.
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Ranunculus alismifolius blooms shortly after snowmelt. This species was blooming in many locations around the lake where the snow had melted.
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In a moist meadow where the snow had melted, Viola macloskeyi grew in large colonies.
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The plants were in peak bloom and quite spectacular. Viola macloskeyi was one of three species seen on this outing. Viola bakeri was observed from the Van Vleck trailhead all the way to Lake No. 3. Viola adunca was blooming in some of the low elevation meadows near the old Van Vleck Ranch. I may have spotted Viola glabella, however the plants were not blooming and I did not stop to make a determination.
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Near Viola macloskeyi, there were colonies of the Sparse-Flowered Bog-Orchid, Plantanthera sparsiflora, in full bloom. Another beauty in bloom at this site was Primula (Dodecantheon) tetrandra (not pictured).
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My original plan was to hike onto the northern ridge of Red Peak (pictured), work my way to the summit and then back down to the southern end of Lake No. 3.
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There was not enough time to execute this plan, so I contented myself by exploring the circumference of the lake and some of the lower ridges above the eastern portion of the lake.
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Caltha leptosepala can sometimes be found blooming with its pedicels and open flowers poking above the snow or blooming half submerged in running water.
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On the rocky granite ledges above the lake Juniperus communis grew in some of the larger cervices.
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The granite ledges were a great place to observe crustose lichens. Brown Tile Lichen, Lecidea atrobrunnea, is a very common high elevation lichen species in the Sierra Nevada. This species often turns whitish granite faces gray.
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Growing with the Brown Tile Lichen were smaller colonies of the Common Goldspeck Lichen, Candelariella vitallina.
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As I moved off the granite down to the meadows at the southern end of the lake, there were large colonies of Castilleja miniata ssp. miniata in bloom. This species is commonly seen in moist areas at high elevations in the Sierra Nevada. This species also has an extended blooming cycle and can be seen in bloom for a month or more.
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Maianthemum racemosum bloomed in the shade of the tall Red Fir, Abies magnifica var. magnifeca.
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Hackelia nervosa was blooming in the same vicinity. The bright lavender-blue flowers are very striking.
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Claytonia laneolata is an ephemeral snowmelt species. They bloom immediately after the snow melts, set seed, and then quickly go dormant for the remaining summer season.
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Viola bakeri grows in the organic duff under coniferous trees, where it is shady and dry.
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On the granite ledges above Lake No. 3 there are beautiful vistas of Silver Peak 8,930 feet (2,722 meters) off to the north.
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This is my favorite path on the southeastern side of Lake No. 3 as seen in October of 2003. The Phyllodoce breweri (deep green), Vaccinium cespitosum (red), and other plant species create a beautiful combination of color and texture throughout the season. It is a peaceful evening stroll that I always enjoy when camping at Lake No. 3.
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This is the same path on 20 July 2017. This snowdrift was at least 1 meter deep.
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Well before I would like, the time to leave Lake No. 3 arrived. I wanted to check on the trail conditions from Lake No. 3 to the junction to Lake No. 5 and Lawrence Lake (another favorite destination), so I set off to the south down the trail. Much of the trail was swampy with snow runoff or still covered with a thick layer of snow. In many places the snow was still 3 feet deep (1 meter) and in a few places 6 feet deep (2 meters).
After negotiating the snow, I quickly set off down the trail into the thick smoke and toward Upper Bassi Fork.
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At the higher elevations Penstemon newberryi var. newberryi was still flowering.
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Some beautiful stems of Erysimum capitatum var. capitatum were still in their prime.
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Castilleja nana is small and quite subtle when in bloom. I always miss plants on my hiking in, so I like to play around and see how many new species I can find on my way out. It is also a wonderful way to procrastinate in the mountains a bit longer.
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I pasted through the upper meadows on my way back to the Outback. For me, this whole region has so many good memories and feelings. It is difficult to leave.
This outing certainly did not go as planned, however it was still highly productive and pure pleasure. The low elevation meadows were spectacular and give me good reason to return next week. The Tells Peak Trail shares the first portion of the Red Peak Trail before it forks off to the north. There are many meadows along this route and there will most likely be many wildflowers to see. This will be my next destination.
Until next time….
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Arturo,
You are spot on concerning human disruption of natural ecosystems. The original California Native Americans certainly had their interactions and effects on the natural ecosystem after the last Ice Age ended, however the scale of disruption and destruction has been incredible in the last 150 years. Our California bunchgrass ecosystem, low elevation oak woodlands, and high elevation aquatic habitats are just some of the natural ecosystems that are unlikely to recover from human interference. Mix jurisdiction and management (Federal, State, Local, and Private) exasperate the challenges of managing and maintaining what remains of our natural heritage. The pressures of population and development require an entirely different approach to our coexistence with our natural environment (our survival as a species too). A new and more harmonious approach is completely possible, but seems unlikely with the continuing and pre-existing dysfunctional human social systems on the planet.
We are fortunate, to my knowledge there are no feral hogs in our part of the Sierra Nevada. There are a few remaining fragments of old growth forest, mostly in National Parks and other protected locations. One old growth tree is an ecosystem in itself! Lilium parvum is very abundant, however much of the diversity within this species that I observed 30-35 years ago has been lost. Other than myself, I am unsure if anyone is aware of the loss. The same is true for many more species and natural systems in California. Our natural world is disappearing right from under our noses without many noticing. We need people out in the field day after day to truly understand what is going on and how to truly coexist on our planet. A laboratory may provide insights in certain circumstances, however it is a virtual, fragmented and disconnected world compared to direct observation and integration with nature. Hopefully human societies can get their priorities straight before all is lost.
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Thanks Robert, I always enjoy reading about your adventures and seeing the great pictures of landscape and detail.
Ian,
Thank you for the encouraging comment. Maybe I should be thanking you for all your years of effort with the bulb log! :) 8) As my wife just said, the bulb log inspires us and helped get me started with the SRGC forum.
This Thursday, I will be returning to the Red Peak area to get many of the details that I missed last week. Actually I will be hiking toward Tells Peak, however the Tells Peak trail shares the Red Peak trail for a short distance. The meadows have plenty of moisture this year so I am hoping that the wildflower display will be just as nice this Thursday.
Now I have to get caught up reading the bulb log! :) I am still behind, but there has been so much to do lately.
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Robert, there's nothing that can replace good field observation. A good field notebook, with just a pencil, perhaps some binoculars and a camera. Poor science sometimes takes the lead because there's no time available to just let mind wander and enjoy staying out in the quietness of the natural world. Laboratories however useful can not replace the full immersion situation that provides extended contact in/of the wilderness. My urge in you taking the lead in your context is that there aren't that many surviving field naturalists these days. It is a tradition in itself absolutely critical for the management/restoration of natural areas. It was my central policy while I was developing and training the future park wardens while I worked for the National Parks here. Your diary however is a fine way of registering the wonders of following the same path for over decades. I pray that others follow your example...
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It is the purpose of the SRGC forum and our other online presence that we can connect, share and inspire each other and I think Robert we can agree that we both share as well as getting pleasure and inspiration from each other.
It is a beautiful area I especially love that Kalmia - your posts are cheering up me sitting in a very grey wet 'summer' day in Aberdeen as I finish off and prepare to upload today's Bulb Log.
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As usual Robert highly interesting stuff. Penstemon rydbergii var. oreocharis looks to have the makings of an excellent garden plant for UK conditions. Lovely to see Phlox diffusa in its 'home' conditions too. Lewisia triphylla always interests me as it grows from a spherical tuber. According to Roy Davidson's book 'Lewisias' (Timber Press 2000 ) L. triphylla was the very first species of Lewisia collected from the wild by the Lewis and Clark expedition it being discovered on 27 June 1806, four days before Lewis collected L. rediviva. According to Davidson in addition to the normal white there is a pale pink variety of the plant too.
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I had an outstanding outing yesterday. 8) 8) 8) The wildflowers were spectacular, the best I have seen in decades. So far, I have not had a chance to process the photographs and there is a lot to look at. I logged over 150 vascular plant species. In addition, I logged numerous Bryophytes, Lichens, Lepidoptera Order insects (Mostly butterflies), and more, so yes, there is much to process. I am hoping that the photographs have turned out well.
I will answer some of the questions soon, maybe in a day or two.
:) :) :)
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I went through the photographs of my last outing to the Tells Peak Region on Thursday. Most of the photographs turned out well.
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One batch of several "Blues" I observed. It is difficult to identify the Blues when their wings are open, but these are most likely Boisduuval's Blues, Plebejus icarioides. I saw plenty with their wings closed!
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A Coronis Fritillary, Speyeria coronis. The Greater Fritillaries, Genus Speyeria, can be a bit difficult to sort, however I am fairly sure this is a Coronis Fritillary. The butterflies are so elusive, but I did get a good look at this one.
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As usual Robert highly interesting stuff. Penstemon rydbergii var. oreocharis looks to have the makings of an excellent garden plant for UK conditions. Lovely to see Phlox diffusa in its 'home' conditions too. Lewisia triphylla always interests me as it grows from a spherical tuber. According to Roy Davidson's book 'Lewisias' (Timber Press 2000 ) L. triphylla was the very first species of Lewisia collected from the wild by the Lewis and Clark expedition it being discovered on 27 June 1806, four days before Lewis collected L. rediviva. According to Davidson in addition to the normal white there is a pale pink variety of the plant too.
Hi David,
Penstemon rydbergii var. oreocharis is a first rate, easy-to-grow, species in cultivation. They grow in seasonally moist meadows. This year many of the meadows are extremely moist, at times swampy, however during the drought years some of the same meadows became extremely dry. Penstemon rydbergii may not have thrived during the drought years, but they did survive. The previous week on the Red Peak Trail I saw them in huge sheets covering large portions of meadow land. They were in full bloom and quite the sight!
I almost always see Lewisia triphylla in its white flowering form. Many species show considerable variation in their natural habitat. If one is observant, one can see all sorts of interesting variations and features. There is much untapped potential for anyone interested in pursuing such things.
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It is the purpose of the SRGC forum and our other online presence that we can connect, share and inspire each other and I think Robert we can agree that we both share as well as getting pleasure and inspiration from each other.
It is a beautiful area I especially love that Kalmia .....
Ian,
Kalmia polifolia also looks nice with Vaccinium cespitosum in the autumn. The two species often are found growing next to each other. In the autumn, the Vaccinium turns brilliant scarlet red to red-orange and looks fantastic next to the deep green foliage of Kalmia polifolia. In addition, Phyllodoce breweri can often be seen with Vaccinium cespitosum with an equally good effect. I have tried the Phyllodoce / Vaccinium combination in our garden, however the Vaccinium gave up quickly after planting. :'( I will have to try again. Vaccinium caspitosum roots very easily from cuttings. Finding seed is difficult as the native fauna generally find the berries first... and the berries are very good! :)
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Robert,
Nice to see the smaller butterflies in your area! They are very similar to the butterflies here although other species. Different species of blues are very common around here (at our mountain cabin). Also some small brown/orange similar to the Coronis Fritilary are common here.
It is also interesting that Wolf lichen is the same as here! Il the past it was used in baits to poison wolfes.
The plethoria of flowers are amazing as usual. Although the scenery can be as colourful here as there the diversity of plants are much lower. The same species occur in several diverse habitats.
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Hi Trond,
What sort of "Blues" (subfamily Polyommatinae) do you have in your area? Euphilotes Blues are common in the mountains, as well as Plebejus and others. The only Lesser Fritillary I see here is Boloria epithore, the Pacific Fritiilary. I always see them in the mountains. They may have been more widespread at one time, but not now.
What Letharia species grow in Norway?
The plethora of flowers was amazing! I logged over 150 species of vascular plants between 6,505 feet (1,983 meters) and 7,100 feet (2,164 meters). I am sure that I missed a number of species. There were a number of species that I saw on the Red Peak Trail in the same altitude range the previous week at I missed on the Tells Peak Trail. If I had time, I am sure that I could have logged over 200 species if I could have hiked all the way to the top of Tells Peak. I was very impressed with the diversity.
The flowering displays were impressive too. When we get some good rainfall / snowfall it is quite amazing. Each micro-habitat has its own unique mix of wildflowers and the mix, of coarse, changes from week to week.
I look forward to posting this outing.
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Robert,
Plebeius is common here also with several species. Others are Aricia, Polyommatus and Cupido.
Several species of Boloria occur here also but I do not recognize the species.
Letheria vulpina is the only Letheria species here. It is connected to old pine forests in the eastern parts of the country. Many places it is rare due to logging.
150 species is quite a number! I had to tally all kind of species, not only flowering plants, to achieve that!
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I am very sorry but my Tells Peak posting will be delayed for a few days. My services are urgently needed on a project to help save a local oak woodland.
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Don't worry - we can wait! Good luck with this project.
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I finally finished my presentation to the City of Sacramento and can get on with my posting of the Tells Peak outing. In the mean time, some photographs from EL Dorado National Forest taken two days ago at Lyons Creek.
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Lyons Creek
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Water levels have dropped considerably now that the bulk of the snow has melted.
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Fireweed – Chamerion angustifolium ssp. circumvagum
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Pyramid Peak and the southern portion of the Crystal Range
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The monsoon has arrived and there are huge afternoon thunderstorms in the Sierra Nevada.
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Some of the late season bloomers have started. Anaphalis margaritacea.
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Potentilla gracilis
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Solidago elongata is another late bloomer.
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Lupinus polyphyllus var. burkei
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TELLS PEAK
Thursday, 27 July 2017
Part I
Sacramento Weather
Weather: Clear
Temperature, High: 99 F, 37 C
Low: 63 F, 17 C
The previous week I had botanized the upper sections of the Red Peak trail and the area around Lake No. 3 at the base of Red Peak. On this outing I returned to the same area to botanize the lower sections of the Tells Peak trail (aka the Highland trail) from the Van Vleck trailhead to the junction of the Shadow Lake trail. The Tells Creek trail and the Red Peak trail share the same rout for a short distance before the two trails diverge. After a mile or so, the Red Peak trail bears southeast over a low ridge to the Bassi Fork drainage. The Tells Peak trail immediately crosses Tells Creek (again) and bears off the northeast.
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The initial portion of the trail is quite interesting. After existing a mixed coniferous forest and crossing Tells Creek, the trail (actually an old dirt logging road from the 1970’s) traverses a mesic – xeric mosaic, with a long meadow in the shallow valley to the north and a thick coniferous forest to the south. A number of seeps and areas of shallow subterranean moisture emerge from the southern forest creating patchwork of lush vegetation that is punctuated by an otherwise xeric landscape.
Chrysolepis sempervirens, Bush Chinquapin, is found growing occasionally along this section of the trail.
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Eriogonum incanum is seen frequently in the dry gravelly soil. This superb specimen stood out among the numerous plants of this species seen along this route.
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Eucephalus breweri is a late season bloomer and they were just starting into their flowering cycle as I worked my way up the trail. This xeric species grows abundantly at this elevation on the western slope of the Crystal Range.
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Sidalacea glaucescens is another very common species that blooms over a long period of time. Most forms are unassuming, however occasionally nice forms with many flowers, such as this one, are seen.
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Lupinus fulcratus is one of a number of xeric Lupinus species found in this area. The raceme of this specimen is about as good as it gets with this species. More often, they are seen with only a few open flowers at any one time.
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In the xeric environment, many Poaceae species can be seen growing in scattered stands. Elymus glaucus ssp. glaucus (pictured) is one. Other grasses frequently seen include, Stipa lemmonii var. lemonii, Bromus carinatus var. marginata (yes, we have native Brome Grasses), and Elymus elymoides var. elymoides to name a few.
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One of my favorite small grasses is Danthonia californica, seen here with Navarretia leptalea ssp. leptalea.
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The minty fragrance of Monardella odoratissima ssp. pallida is divine.
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Of coarse, there are plenty of subtle plants and tiny flowered plants in the xeric landscape. In sunny openings of the forest, the Rubiaceae, Kelloggia gailioides is seen occasionally with its small pinkish flowers.
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In shaded portions of the coniferous forest, the white umbels Ligusticum grayi brighten the dark forest floor.
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The previous week I had seen many Nodding Microseris, Microseris nutans, at peak bloom. This week they had mostly gone over. The majority of the plants encountered are unassuming, however those with many flowering stems are quite impressive.
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The moist mesic sites along the trail were spectacular with lush gardens filled with a variety of species in full bloom. Lupinus polyphyllus var. burkei and Senecio triangularis dominate this patch.
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Senecio triangularis thrives in moist mesic locations. With abundant moisture they grow luxuriously with large heads of yellow flowers.
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Many of our native Lupine species are quite xeric, however Lupinus polyphyllus var. burkei is quite dependent on mesic conditions for optimal growth. Lush stands can be found near streams and seeps or where ever an even supply of moisture is available throughout the year.
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Lilium parvum is a favorite of mine. The small orange bells are very showy. Generally, I see 5 to 10 flowers per stem, but at times I have found robust specimens with up to one hundred flowers on a single stem. Personally, I like the plants with fewer flowers.
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It is quite enchanting to see the flowers of Aquilegia formosa mingling with the other flowering plants in the lush mesic gardens.
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I especially like the contrast between the blue-purple of Delphinium nuttallianum and the orange-red of Aquilegia formosa flowers.
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I have been observing Delphinium nuttallianum in bloom for many weeks now. With a cursory look, the flowers appear to be quite uniform in color from one plant to the next. If one observes closely, it is quite apparent that there is a considerable range in flower color. Some are a light lavender-blue, many are a rich lavender-blue, and others deep almost inky blue.
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A terrible photograph moment, but….. :o :) On rare occasions pure white forms of Delphinium nuttallianum can be found. They are very striking. There is so much variation in nature; nature’s diversity seems to go on infinitely. When out, I try to pay attention to everything, even the very common and abundant species. I am always finding an unusual form of something: an unusual flower color, odd foliage, a chance hybrid, or some other interesting characteristic.
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Rubus parviflorus is often found near springs and seeps. I enjoy the fresh, bold foliage of this species. In addition, the red autumn berries can be quite tasty and are beautiful against the lush green foliage.
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TELLS PEAK
Part II
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As I continued up the trail, the towering stems and large white heads of Heracleum maximum dominated the next lush garden I encountered. A few flowering stems of Veratrum californicum var. californicum can also be seen. Many of the stems were approaching 2 meters in height. The orange flowering plants in the foreground are Castilleja miniata ssp. miniata, with a few yellow flowering Senecio triangularis mixed in.
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Where there was abundant moisture there were often thick stands of Herucleum maximum. With such lush conditions, the leaves on many of the Herucleum were easily over 0.3 meters across.
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Castilleja miniata ssp. miniata is such a beautiful species when in bloom. The flowers last for many weeks and often new flowering stems will emerge and continue the blooming cycle.
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In these lush, highly mesic gardens, a new set of Poaceae is found. Drooping Weedreed, Cinna latifolia, is one. In the highly mesic environment, plants can sometimes reach 2 meters in height. Superficially this species resembles Manna Grass, Glyceria elata, however on close examination the spikets of Cinna have only one floret, while those of Glyceria have 8 or more florets per spiket.
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The distance to the junction of the Red Peak trail and the Tells Peak / Highland trail is only about a mile (1.6km), however it took me several hours a I examined the plants closely. At this point I crossed Tells Creek again and started up the Tells Peak trail. Shortly, another large meadow appears on the right hand side of the trail as one moves up the trail. From the trail, it appears that there is not much flowering action in the meadow.
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I know better, so I left the trail and started to walk out into the meadow at one of my favorite sites. Large drifts of the yellow flowering Helenium bigelovii were in full bloom. A few of the white flowering Apiaceae, Yampah, Perideridia parishi ssp. latifolia, were mixed in creating a beautiful sight.
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The Helenium were worth a closer look. There were many other flowering species mixed with the Helenium that could not be seen from a distance. Thousands of blooming Camassia leichtlinii ssp. suksdorfii fill this meadow earlier in the season. This bulb is quite tolerant of moisture as many were observed growing and thriving in standing water.
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There were also masses of Oreostemma alpigenum ssp. andersonii in full bloom.
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Most of the meadow was still flooded with water, the perfect environment for many sedges, Carex sp., and Bulrush, Scirpus diffusus. As I slogged through the meadow on slightly higher and drier ground there were thick stands of our native barley, Hordeum brachyantherum ssp. brachyantherum.
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Looking back toward the trail there was a good view of the mixed Red Fir, Abies magnifica var. magnifica, forest.
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I continued to slog through the meadow. There was an incredible variety of species to see. In places giant stands of Aconogonon phytolaccifolium blocked my progress.
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At my feet was a myriad of species in bloom, such as Mimulus tilingii with its large showy yellow flowers.
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There were many pleasant surprises. It is always a delight to find the Orchidaceae, Platanthera dilatata var. leucostachys, in bloom. This species thrives in swampy environments.
The actual delight and surprise for the day was finding another Orchidaceae in bloom, Corallorhiza maculata var. occidentalis. This species enjoys much higher and drier ground in the coniferous forest. I wished that I still had some memory remaining in my camera when I found them. Their white, pink spotted, flowers are quite amazing.
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The colorful yellow and white flowers of Hosackia oblongifolia var. oblongifolia were also present among the grasses, sedges, and other flowering plants.
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I eventually made my way to the upper end of the meadow and rejoined the trail as it moved to higher ground. In a small dry clearing I found Cirsium andersonii in bloom. This was a great spot to sit and photograph butterflies, as the butterflies are attracted to Cirsium andersonii.
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After a considerable amount of time photographing butterflies (it takes considerable patience), I continued on up the trail. In this xeric environment I found a small group of Astragalus bolanderi in flower.
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The plants are quite small, however they are nothing like the tight bun making species seen near the summits of the highest mountains of the Crystal Range.
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The trail went from one meadow to the next. Each meadow is distinct with it own unique mix of plant species. The mix of species is partly determined by moisture levels, soil type, elevation, exposure, and other factors. This time of year they are gloriously beautiful.
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Like the Poaceae, there are plenty of Carex species to see in a variety of habitats. Carex athrostachya (pictured) is quite common in the moist meadows in this area. Caex fracta is seen frequently and enjoys a bit drier ground. Another frequently seen species, Carex utriculata, is often found in shallow standing water.
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Now that the flowering season is advancing, Aconitum columbianum is coming into its blooming cycle. The flowers pictured are typical for the species, however darker flowered forms can sometimes be found. I am sure that white flowered forms are out there, however I have never seen any.
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TELLS PEAK
Part III
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Manna Grass, Glycera elata, is frequently found growing near seeps and springs. It is a robust species often reaching 2 meters in height. The ripe seeds are edible and make a very good grain.
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This was a typical scene as I hike up the trail toward Tells Peak – one beautiful garden after another.
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Many of the more xeric meadows were filled with the annual Navarretia leptalea ssp. leptalea. Yampah, Perideridia can also be seen in bloom. Earlier in the season this site was filled with blooming plants of Leptosiphon ciliata, Allium campanulata, and other early blooming species.
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Navarretia leptalea ssp. leptalea is quite showy when seen blooming in mass.
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One wet meadow was full of Yampah, in this case Perideridia parshii ssp. latifolia.
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As I continued up the trail, the terrain was becoming much drier in many locations and a whole new set of wildflowers started to emerge.
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This beautiful xeric meadow is full of tiny flowered species: Navarretia leptalea ssp. leptalea (lavender-pink), Castilleja tenuis (yellow), and Perideridia (white).
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As I slowly climbed higher, there were some nice vistas of the northern Crystal Range. Here the northern slopes of Red Peak can be seen with some large snowfields.
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My timing was perfect to catch Wyethia mollis at peak bloom. What caught my interest the most at this location were the andesite rocks and boulders scattered among the usual granite (I will have more on this on a later posting).
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This large xeric Wyethia mollis dominated meadow goes on for several miles in every direction. Last year when I hiked through this meadow there was an ocean of Collomia grandiflora in full bloom between the Wyethia. This year there was not even a trace of this annual species.
At the top end of this meadow (7,100 ft. – 2,164 m) I meet the junction of the Shadow Lake Trail. It had taken me all day to hike 3.83 miles (6.16 km), but then I took my time and studied the flora in detail. In addition, considerable time and patience is needed when photographing butterflies. It was 3:30 p.m., 75 F (24 C), and time to return to the Outback.
This was another extremely productive and successful outing.
Since this outing I have returned to the Gerle Creek – Loon Lake area (not far to the north). I will be reporting on this very soon.
Until next time…….
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GERLE CREEK
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On Saturday, I went to Gerle Creek where my father’s mountain cabin was located. This is the old turn off to Gerle Creek. Back in 1965 when my father built the cabin, the paved road in the foreground was gravel. The road off to Gerle Creek was a narrow dirt track.
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The old dirt track wound its way through the forest for several miles and then crossed Gerle Creek at Airport Flat. Back in 1965, Airport Flat was a clearing in the forest, now there is a new young forest of conifers growing there.
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A short distance down stream from the Gerle Creek Bridge there is a large pool where I fished when I was very young.
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It was a short hike from my father’s cabin down to the pool. Back in 1965 I never saw anyone at this site, even on the weekends. Now there are people all over the place. The extreme volume of visitors is hard on the ecosystem and difficult to manage.
The old dirt track to the former sites of Francis Cow Camp, Lawyer Cow Camp, then to Wentworth Springs on the south side of the Gerle Creek Bridge is now an off-road vehicle area. Off road vehicles are extremely hard on the environment. I do confess that having a designated off road vehicle area is better than none. Without a designated area, the off road vehicle riders will go anywhere they like, including very sensitive sites. Wetland areas seem to be especially attractive. They love to splash through to water and turn a swamp or a vernal pool into a mud hole. The designated area does limit the destruction to a limited area. In addition, regulations are posted and this helps with enforcement of the laws.
Riders are required to stay on “posted” trails. Most follow the rules, however those that do not created a considerable amount of damage very quickly. It is very difficult for the authorities to manage the extreme volume of visitors.
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The turn off at Angel Creek goes down to Gerle Creek Reservoir. Gerle Creek Reservoir is about a mile or two down stream from my father’s cabin. I liked to hike down to the reservoir and fish when I was young. I caught some huge brown trout in this cove when I was a boy.
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This is where Gerle Creek flows into the reservoir.
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In the late 1960’s the road into Gerle Creek was realigned, paved and extended to the southern edge of the Rubicon River Canyon. From a bluff, damage from the King Fire can be seen from the top of the ridge near the end of the road.
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The geology at this site is extremely interesting. Within a small area there are the remnants of a metamorphic roof pendant sitting on top of a “granite” pluton. The metamorphic rocks are almost identical to those found on the lower southern slopes of Robbs Saddle many miles to the south. These same metamorphic rocks are also most likely related to the metamorphic rock found at the south end of Loon Lake.
In addition, this ancient andesite lahar (pictured) caught my attention. It sits on top of the granite and/or the other metamorphic rocks at this site. It is clearly related to the andesite located in the Tells Peak area. Geologic formations like this are great places to look for unusual plant and lichen species.
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I did not have an opportunity to explore this site, yet, however I did check on some of the plants near the road. The seedpods of Asclepias cordifolia will be ripening soon. Ascelpias is a butterfly magnet and I did see a number of butterflies.
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The fruit of Prunus emarginata is starting to turn red.
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Bromus carinatus var. marginatus is seen frequently throughout this part of the Sierra Nevada. This is a perennial species. This time of year the flowering stems have set seed and dried.
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I have been plotting the distribution of Ceanothus fresnensis in El Dorado County. I was delighted to find this species at this site as well as at some additional sites around Loon Lake.
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Beyond the conifers, the Crystal Range can be seen through the monsoonal moisture that had moved into the region. There were a number of rain showers while I scouted this site. Intense thunderstorms were moving through on both sides to the east and west. I stayed relatively dry and safe.
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LOON LAKE
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Last weekend I did some scouting around Loon Lake, El Dorado County, California. This is a view of Tells Peak, the most northern peak of the Crystal Range. The basin in the foreground is the upper drainage of the South Fork of the Rubicon River. There are many habitats within this area with many interesting plants.
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Much of the upper drainage of the South Fork of the Rubicon River is a wild natural rock garden.
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To the southwest is Robbs Peak and the lower drainage of the South Fork of the Rubicon River. This is timber country. Most of the area has been heavily logged over the last 50 years. When I was very young I remember the ancient old growth Sugar Pines, Pinus lambertiana, which grew in the area.
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Loon Lake
On the south shore the main lodge of the former Boy Scout Camp can be seen (slightly left center). The lodge was constructed during the summers of 1964 and 1965. I was too young to be of much help during the construction, however I enjoyed spending parts of the summer at the construction site. There is no road into the camp and all supplies need to be hiked in or brought in on a barge.
The brown colored mountain is Brown Mountain, a basalt remnant of an ancient volcano. From this view it looks very rounded. It must have been covered in ice during the last Ice Age. I hope to get to the summit soon and look for evidence myself.
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A short spur of the Rubicon Trail starts at the Loon Lake dam on the north side of the lake. Gerle Creek exits the lake at this point and flows down to the South Fork of the Rubicon River. For those that enjoy off road vehicles the Rubicon Trail must certainly be the “Crown Jewel” of El Dorado County.
The Rubicon Trail has a long history going back to the mid 1800’s. Down stream from Loon Lake along Gerle Creek, Wenthworth Spring was a popular resort and mineral spring spa. Folks came from all over to visit the springs. Wentworth Springs Road begins at Georgetown and winds its way through the mountains past the site of the Gerle Creek Summer Home Tract (my father’s cabin site), Francis and Lawyer Cow Camps then onward to Wentworth Springs. From there the route continued over the mountains to Lake Tahoe. For most of its history Wentworth Springs Road was nothing more than a dirt track through the mountains. Today the last stretch of the road from Wentworth Springs to Lake Tahoe is only passible with 4-wheel drive off road vehicles or dirt motorcycles.
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The 4-wheel drive route from Wentworth Springs to Lake Tahoe became increasingly popular from the 1970’s onward. By the early 2000’s the route and the surrounding areas had become terribly overused and abused. Corrective measures were taken to clean up the mess with new sets of rules and guidelines for the users. Sadly the area is suffering from an overwhelming number of visitors. This dumpster is only a hundred feet or so from the “Crown Jewel” sign.
After visiting the trail in 2005 and seeing the mess first hand, I promised I would never go near the trail again. After seeing this mess and other troubling signs, I am finding it necessary to break my promise to myself and check on the condition of the trail.
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The authorities are certainly attempting to inform the users of the Rubicon Trail of the rules.
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There are strict guidelines and rules that need to be followed.
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For me Francis Lake (can you see the lake?) and other hidden lakes are some of the “Crown Jewels” of El Dorado County.
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Our native flora is certainly at some risk. Species such as Penstemon roezlii are quite common, however there are rarities and quite possibly new species that have never been seen or described in the area.
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There are numerous varieties of Eriogonum umbellatum.
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This form of Eriogonum umbellatum is growing on metamorphic rock near Loon Lake. It is most likely variety polyanthum, however I would like to see it in bloom to make sure. I pay very close attention to the local geology, and other features of the environment, as unique forms often adapted themselves to out-of-ordinary environmental conditions. In my mind this sort of specialization does not take place over a long period of time. It has been only 10,000 years or so since the last Ice Age ended and new plants recolonized areas that were once covered in ice. Rapidly changing environmental conditions, and a myriad of habitat niches created conditions ripe for unique and varied adaptations. Change is on going and continuous, conditions ripe for new forms and varieties.
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The rocky xeric habitat around Loon Lake is the perfect habitat for Juncus parryi.
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Rocky Basin is a beautiful natural rock garden. Very few explore or travel in this road less, trail less area. The basin looks like it is part of one continuous granite pluton, however I often find areas of andesite or the remnants of metamorphic roof pendants within areas like this. When such conditions exist, there is always a subtle, and sometimes a not so subtle, shift in the flora.
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This is a beautiful scene of the northern end of the Crystal Range. Tells Peak is the tall peak right of center.
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The diversity of lichens on metamorphic rock in this area is very noticeable. Center, Honey-colored rim lichen, Lecanora mellea, is the light brown colored lichen. Below it is the foliose lichen Blistered rock tripe, Umbillicaria hyperborea. The yellow crustose lichen is a Rhizocarpon species, most likely R. lecanorinum.
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This crustose lichen, Pleopsidium flavum, was found growing on the nearby granite.
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On this day, the monsoonal moisture was still hanging around. This thunderstorm developed very quickly.
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This was my last parting view of Loon Lake before returning home.
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The trail went from one meadow to the next. Each meadow is distinct with it own unique mix of plant species. The mix of species is partly determined by moisture levels, soil type, elevation, exposure, and other factors. This time of year they are gloriously beautiful.
Like the Poaceae, there are plenty of Carex species to see in a variety of habitats. Carex athrostachya (pictured) is quite common in the moist meadows in this area. Caex fracta is seen frequently and enjoys a bit drier ground. Another frequently seen species, Carex utriculata, is often found in shallow standing water.
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Robert,
That's what I envy you "Each meadow is distinct...". The variation and the overwhelming amount of different species, especially beautiful flowering plants.
Off road motorized vehicles are not a big problem here - yet. Bikes have been in the media though as a lot of people especially around Oslo and other cities use off road bikes on the footpaths.
The rocky landscape around Loon Lake looks very familiar! Here the dominant species would be Pinus silvestris and Calluna vulgaris :)
Usually I did not pay much attention to grasses and sedges etc but that has changed although I can't many names yet. Some are very showy in a subtle way, like this Schoenoplectus maritimus:
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Glyceria is a common genus here and Cinna latifolia (we call it huldregras) is not uncommon either.
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Gerle Creek
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I returned to the Gerle Creek area on Friday to further investigate the ridge over looking the canyon of the Rubicon River.
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Darmera peltata is generally seen growing in or on the banks of creeks and streams. The roots cling tenaciously to sand and gravel in rocks crevices in shallow running water. This plant was seen growing high, and seemingly dry, well above and away from the bank of Gerle Creek. Abundant moisture was right under the surface of the ground.
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Groups of Solidago elongata were blooming nearby. Solidago elongata is generally seen growing in drier habitats, as it is quite adaptable to various growing conditions.
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The original route of Wentworth Springs Road follows the south side of Gerle Creek from the present Gerle Creek Bridge to the site of Francis Cow Camp. From there it continues up the drainage where it crosses Gerle Creek before reaching the site of Lawyer Cow Camp. A court ruling declared that the original easement of Wentworth Springs Road could not be revoked and access cannot be denied. Thus it is currently being used as an off road vehicles route. This is despite the fact that the bridge across Gerle Creek between Francis Cow Camp and Lawyer Cow Camp washed out about 25 years ago and was never replaced. In addition, Wentworth Springs Road was realigned and paved following a completely different route about 5 to 10 miles to the north. This occurred about 35 years ago.
Those using the old Wentworth Springs Road are required to stay within the easement. The signage helps enforce compliance.
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Brown Mountain is not the only volcanic remnant in the area. There are a number of basalt outcroppings between Loon Lake and the South Fork of the Rubicon River. Outcroppings such as this one are great places to explore for interesting plants.
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Keckiella lemmonii can be found in blooming on sunny, rocky outcroppings.
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In the 1960’s a road was constructed from Gerle Creek to the south side of the Rubicon River Canyon. The road dead-ends in a remote no-mans land high on the canyon face about 5 miles short of Hell Hole Reservoir (pictured in the distance). It has been about 30 years since I last drove out to this location. The last section of the road cuts through an ancient andesite lahar. This will be another great place to explore for plants.
Back in 2003-4 I did a plant survey of the Rubicon River basin. During this period, I explored the north canyon face from Ellicotts Crossing to Hell Hole Reservoir. Elevation, geology, and climatic conditions create unique circumstances that favor unusual combinations of plants. The south side of the canyon is clearly unique too.
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While examining plants, I heard a commotion in the brush. My first thought was that deer were working their way through the thick brush. Instead a black bear emerged. It took one look at me and decided it was not interested in me. It walked away into the brush on the other side of the road.
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Much of the forest in the Rubicon River canyon burned during the 2014 King Fire.
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Some old growth forest remnants escaped the King Fire. This Jeffrey Pine, Pinus jeffreyi, is a monster. It may not look impressive in this photograph, but this tree was very old and huge.
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This massive Sugar Pine, Pinus lambertiana, barely escaped the fire. At one time there were old growth coniferous forests throughout the area. From the 1960’s through the 1980’s most of the old growth was logged. To my knowledge there is no old growth forest remaining, only a few isolated ancient trees in remote locations.
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The flora shifts with the under lying rock strata. Of coarse, there are other factors. Within a short walking distance the under lying rock strata changes several times from the dominant granite pluton in this area, to sections of metamorphic rock, to an ancient andesite lahar. High elevation chaparral, with Huckleberry Oak, Quercus vacciniifolia, dominates this area of metamorphic rock.
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The Jeffrey Pine, Pinus jeffreyi, and White Fir, Abies concolor, are somewhat stunted on this xeric metamorphic substrate.
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The top of the ridge is also a thermal belt. At this elevation in our area California Black Oak, Quercus kelloggii, is generally a strong indicator of relatively warm conditions in relationship to the surrounding terrain. Odd plant association can often be seen in situations like this. On this day I say Douglas Fir, Pseudotsuga menziezii (generally found at much lower elevations in this area) growing along side Red Fir, Abies magnifica var. magnifica (a high elevation species).
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The northern peaks of the Crystal Range are a short distance off to the south.
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The road into this area was constructed back in about 1966. I remember the temporary asphalt plant that was assembled at Airport Flat near my father’s cabin for the paving of the road. The purpose of the road was to give access to the timberland in the area. There has been plenty of logging in the area over the years and a number of forest fires. Despite this, in the most inaccessible terrain, there are still a few remnants of old growth timber.
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After exploring the upper terrain it was time to return home. I stopped at Gerle Creek before continuing my journey.
Next week I will hike into Smith Lake. Last year it was brought to my attention that the American Parsley Ferns, Cryptogramma acrostichoides, I saw in the Smith Lake cirque might have been Cascade Parsley Fern, Crytogramma cascadensis. I think this is correct and look forward to confirming this.
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Robert,
That's what I envy you "Each meadow is distinct...". The variation and the overwhelming amount of different species, especially beautiful flowering plants.
Off road motorized vehicles are not a big problem here - yet. Bikes have been in the media though as a lot of people especially around Oslo and other cities use off road bikes on the footpaths.
The rocky landscape around Loon Lake looks very familiar! Here the dominant species would be Pinus silvestris and Calluna vulgaris :)
Usually I did not pay much attention to grasses and sedges etc but that has changed although I can't many names yet. Some are very showy in a subtle way, like this Schoenoplectus maritimus:
(Attachment Link)
Glyceria is a common genus here and Cinna latifolia (we call it huldregras) is not uncommon either.
Trond,
Yes, I have to admit that the meadow lands in California are, or at least can be, very diverse. It is amazing. I could spend the whole day in just one meadow keying out Poacea and Cyperaceae. And then each meadow can be, and often are, quite different in floral make up.
Our rocky terrain can be very different from place to place, although on Chipmunk Bluff, Jeffrey Pine, Pinus jeffreyi, is dominant.
Here in California, the rushes, Juncus, can be quite interesting and ornamental. Many make a haze of thousands of tiny purple flowers in our meadows when they are in bloom. It is very beautiful, however I have yet to capture this well in a photograph.
Is there any history of Glyceria being used as a grain in Norway?
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"If you go down to the woods today you're sure of a big surprise................." ;) ;D
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Today, I was in Alpine County, California. Unfortunately, I was not in a position to investigate the flora, however I was able to take a few nice photographs.
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Caples Lake with Round Top Peak in the background.
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Carson Spur - One layer after another of andesite lahars. There is some rhyolite mixed in too.
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Erosion has created some interesting and beautiful formations in the lahar.
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All sorts of material were swept down in the mud flow.
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In the distance, off to the north, Pyramid Peak (left) can be seen. On the right are Dicks and Jacks Peaks.
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This area is a mix of granite with various layers of andesite over the granite pluton. It is a very interesting area for field botany; very different floristically, in many ways, from the western slope of the Crystal Range.
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Off to the east there is layer after layer of volcanic accumulations and a number of ancient volcanoes.
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Another view of the Pyramid Peak and the Crystal Range.
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There were a few nice plants right at my feet.
Eriogonum umbellatum var. polyanthum
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Holodiscus discolor
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Angelica breweri past their prime. There are quite showy when in full bloom.
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A very grand and beautiful landscape, Robert!
The complicated geological structure of the mountains is also amazing.
I like the Erigonum! Nice colour and form.
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A very grand and beautiful landscape, Robert!
The complicated geological structure of the mountains is also amazing.
I like the Erigonum! Nice colour and form.
Hi Trond,
Yes, the scenery in this area is quite spectacular. It is a tremendous draw and there are many tourist. I like to hike in this area very late in the season when there are very few visitors. Carson Pass is famous for its wildflowers. For me it is better to go to other places to see the same wildflowers. I admit that I do not like crowds or standing in line to hike on a trail. How things have changed in my lifetime! The huge number of people is worrisome. In California the crowds are everywhere. There are signs everywhere that the natural systems are stressed and breaking down. In the Sierra Nevada, the ecosystem would most likely recover if given in a chance. They have in the past. In the Sacramento Valley the situation is much more dire. Most natural ecosystems are long gone and the remaining systems are very fragmented. Species diversity and numbers on all levels (plants, animals, etc.) are very low. In the case of the Valley the future is very uncertain.
There are many varieties of Eriogonum umbellatum in California. I grow a number of them in our Sacramento garden. They are fairly easy to please and look great both in and out of bloom. They like xeric conditions, however they seem tolerant of some moisture during the summer.
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Robert, at first many thanks again for your good work. I am always fascinated by the beautiful landscapes and
the plants which decorate these blessed regions.
Erigeron umbellatum v. polyanthum is one of my favourite plants, it grows since 1986 when we collected it
near Denver in our garden and flowers always reliably for many weeks. It is also very useful for dry flower
arrangements and the propagation is quite easy by cuttings.
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Robert, at first many thanks again for your good work. I am always fascinated by the beautiful landscapes and
the plants which decorate these blessed regions.
Erigeron umbellatum v. polyanthum is one of my favourite plants, it grows since 1986 when we collected it
near Denver in our garden and flowers always reliably for many weeks. It is also very useful for dry flower
arrangements and the propagation is quite easy by cuttings.
Rudi,
Very pleased to hear from you.
Thank you for sharing your gardening/cultural experiences with Eriogonum umbellatum var. polyanthum. It has been suggested more discussion of the culture and gardening requirements of the California taxa that I share in my botanical diary could be helpful and enlightening. This is certainly a worthwhile concept. Thank you again for bringing your gardening experience to our attention. 8)
Some of the other varieties of E. umbellatum are quite interesting and worthwhile to cultivate too.
Right now I am preparing for my next outing to Smith Lake in the central part of the Crystal Range. This will be in about 6 or 7 days. The following week perhaps - Pyramid Peak / Mount Price.
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Robert, I'm fascinated with your different Eriogonums. However today I was called by the Holodiscus. It would seem that discolor is quite mesic. However dumosum would be more xeric. They look very much garden worthy and some seem to offer shrubs in their nurseries. It could replace Spiraea as a shrub for understory planting, and notes say that it is pleasantly fragrant. Are you growing any of these in your gardens?
Arturo
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Arturo,
Holodiscus dumosus has been subsumed into the highly variable species Holodiscus discolor. The plants I see in their natural habitat generally fit into varieties glabrescens or microphyllus. The varieties intergrade, so I generally do not key them to the variety level. I generally see them growing in xeric, sunny locations.
I have yet to grow Holodiscus discolor, however it is high on my list of species to trial. I think it would be a first rate garden plant. They generally grow dense and compact. The flowers are very showy. Most likely they would be very easy-to-grow. In a garden setting, my guess is that they would be tolerant of, at least, somewhat mesic conditions.
Spiraea splendens (i.e. densiflora) is a first rate compact garden shrub. The flowers of this species generally fade in hot weather. Selection is important. Good forms have bright flowers, even during hot weather. In addition, good forms will also have excellent autumn foliage (generally scarlet). The species is easy-to-grow with mesic conditions. I have one selection that grows at our Placerville farm that has deep colored flowers, even in hot weather. It also has beautiful red autumn foliage.
Today, I went to the Smith Lake trailhead. The wildflower display is still excellent. I look forward to my outing next week.
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Wrights Lake near the Smith Lake trailhead.
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Symphyotrichum spathulatum. The species does well in our Sacramento garden and is also in bloom.
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Eurybia integrifolia
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Castilleja miniata ssp. miniata
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Eriogonum umbellatum var. polyanthum is looking especially good right now.
There were plenty of other species in bloom. A strong thunderstorm cut the photography short. Lots of lightning!
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Robert,
Still some nice plants in flower! All the rain here lately have made everything soaked :-\
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SACRAMENTO
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This past weekend I rode my bicycle down to the Sacramento River. Our Sacramento home is located less than a mile from the Sacramento River and only a mile or two from downtown Sacramento.
This bicycle path follows the Sacramento River along the top of the level and next to the railroad tracks. I was not sure what I would find in this environment, but I thought that I would give it a try.
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The Tower Bridge crosses the Sacramento River between West Sacramento and the midtown of Sacramento. The route is the old Highway 40 dating from the 1960’s and earlier times. Sometime in the late 1960’s the route was replaced by the Interstate highway system and I-80, which now bypasses this area. When crossing the bridge today, from west to east, there is a grand boulevard with the state capitol building at the east end of the boulevard.
I was interesting in cataloging the remnants of the original native habitat. In addition to native plants, invasive plant species, lichens, bryophytes, invertebrates, and bird populations are being noted. During the autumn, winter, and spring this area is part of a large migratory flyway as many waterfowl species travel to and from their breeding grounds to the north.
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There are still a few remnants of the Valley Oak, Quercus lobata, forests that grew along riparian habitats in California’s Central Valley. In some locations semi-intact remnants of dense Valley Oak forest can still be seen. They can be jungle-like with masses of vines and other dense vegetation.
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Box Elder, Acer negundo, is one of the common species seen growing in riparian habitats in this part of the Sacramento Valley.
The city of Sacramento is located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers. The American River Parkway is a stretch of degraded habitat bordering the sides of the American River from Sacramento, more or less, to Folsom Dam upstream. Box Elder is a frequently seen species along the lower stretches of the Parkway. The upper portions of the Parkway were dredged for gold with mile after mile of gravel tailings. Despite this, native species have reclaimed much of this area.
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This close up photograph shows the typical trifoliate foliage of Box Elder, Acer negundo.
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Oregon Ash, Fraxinus latifolia, is another species frequently seen in riparian habitats in the Sacramento Valley. To the right of the Oregon Ash is Box Elder, Acer negundo and to the left in the background is Salix gooddingii.
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Fraxinus latifolia is dioecious, with both male and female trees. This female tree is loaded with fruit.
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Fremont Cottonwood, Populus fremontii, is found in riparian habitats throughout the lower elevations of Northern California. They are seen frequently along rivers and streams in the Central Valley, and also in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and the Coast Mountains.
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I rarely encounter Buttonbush, Cephalanthus occidentalis, on my outings. In our area this species seems confined to riparian habitats in the Central Valley. The globe-shaped flowering heads are quite interesting.
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This was my last look at the Sacramento skyline before returning home. Through the haze, the tops of thunderstorms building over the crest of the Sierra Nevada can be seen in the distance.
It is interesting documenting the “Silent Spring” phenomena in our Sacramento area. There has been a noticeable decline in the resident bird population over the past 10 years. Migratory birds have been in noticeable decline for a much longer period of time. Very few lichen species can be found. Candellaria and Xanthomendoza, both nitrogen tolerant species, are the most common. My preliminary findings seem to indicate that the number of lichen species increase as one travels eastward on the American Rive Parkway.
Due to lack of pollinators, last year there was no pollination of fruit or vegetable crops in our neighborhood. The native Mining Bees, Genus Anthophora, have disappeared from our neighborhood (we last saw them about 10 years ago). We call them “Sleeper Bees” as the males sleep in groups on flowers all night. It is fun watching them awake in the morning and fly off. This summer our native Squash Bees, Peponapis pruinosa, have returned, as well as native bees of the Genus Dianthidium.
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I had an outstanding outing to Smith Lake yesterday.
I will be reporting soon.
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Robert, I expect you have more wildlife in your areas than you record. Perhaps you are concentrating too hard on plants? Sometime a sit down with a drink reveals other wildlife you don,t usually see while walking about? It would be interesting to here what else there is in your area.
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Robert, I expect you have more wildlife in your areas than you record. Perhaps you are concentrating too hard on plants? Sometime a sit down with a drink reveals other wildlife you don,t usually see while walking about? It would be interesting to here what else there is in your area.
Ian,
I do record the wildlife I see. It is often difficult to get good photographs of birds, butterflies, and other insects (a lot of sitting around and waiting). I will try listing the wildlife I see, however there will be few photographs. The critters just do not sit still for the camera. :)
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I just processed the photographs from my last outing. There are many to choose from.
Smith Lake
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An unnamed peak above Smith Lake.
I am now working on writing things up. :)
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SMITH LAKE
Thursday, 24 August 2017
Part I
Sacramento Weather
Weather: High Clouds
Temperature, High: 89 F, 31.5 C
Low: 62 F, 16.5 C
Finally, my opportunity arrived to return to the Smith Lake region of the Desolation Valley Wilderness Area. Last year I had photographed some Cryptogramma ferns in this area and had casually identified them as C. acrostichoides, a very frequently seen species in the region. An alert forumist informed me that the ferns appeared to be Cryptogramma cascadensis. My prime goal this day was to confirm the identity of this fern. Not only was the true identity of the fern revealed, but also as the day unfolded, many other exciting species were located.
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I arrived at the Twin Lakes Trailhead at 6:30 a.m. It was a typical early summer morning, 44 F (6.5 C), in the high Sierra Nevada, cool and still. The meadowland surrounding Wrights Lake is rich in flora and many species were still in bloom and looking prime. Anaphalis margaritacea is a late blooming species that grows abundantly throughout this region.
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As I prepared my gear for the day, I could see large drifts of Dogbane, Apocynum andromaemifoilum, in bloom near my staging area.
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I was quite intent on reaching higher terrain early in the day, so I noted the easily identifiable species and skipped the numerous Poaceae and Cyperaceae that flourish in the moist meadows around the lake as I set out on the trail. Aconitum columbianum was still looking nice in the moist forested margins surrounding the meadows.
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I was not long until I started up into the desolate, rocky terrain above Wrights Lake. A few Jeffrey Pine, Pinus jeffreyi, grew among the erratics and glacially polished granite rock.
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The storms can be very violent in the Sierra Nevada. The Jeffrey Pine on the right lost its crown; most likely in a violent blizzard or perhaps it was struck by lightning.
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Many beautiful alpine species grow in this open, rocky, dry terrain. Cryptogramma acrostichoides is frequently seen in rock crevices in this type of habitat.
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Pellaea bridgesii with its striking blue-green fronds is another commonly seen fern along this stretch of the trail. Here is shares this site with Sedum obtusatum.
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Pinemat Manzanita, Arctostaphylos nevadensis, enjoys creeping over granite boulders. The polished chestnut bark of this Manzanita contrast perfectly against the light colored “salt and pepper” granite.
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As the trail moves upward into higher terrain, it alternates between xeric and mesic habitats. Here next to this stream Senecio triangularis was still at the peak of its blooming cycle.
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Most of the Alpine Lilies, Lilium parvum, had finished blooming, however this specimen was at its prime and look marvelous with the blooming Senecio.
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Grouse Lake, 8,172 feet (2,491 meters), was my first destination. From Wrights Lake it is a fairly short distance to Grouse Lake, but the trail is steep and in some locations can create slow going.
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From Grouse Lake the lake water flows through a marshy moorland at its north end before cascading down the mountainside. Here the landscape is filled with mesic and hydric loving species. Higher ground is dominated by Rhododendron columbianum, intertwined with Vaccinium caspitosum and scattered stands of Kalmia polifolia, Oreostemma alpigenum var. andersonii and other low moisture loving species.
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Where there is shallow standing water around Grouse Lake, Carex utriculata can be found growing abundantly. This species rings the shallow portions of the lake as well as the small pools of water in the moorland.
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Carex utriculata is one of the larger Sedge species that is native to the Sierra Nevada. The outward facing, plump peri are quite large and the lower stems have a very distinctive cross wall pattern. These easily observable characteristics help make identification of this species simple.
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Carex serratodens (pictured) is one of many Sedge species found in the vicinity of Grouse Lake. The somewhat small, Carex echinata ssp. echinata is another interesting Sedge found grow along the edge of the lake.
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The moist border of the lake is a haven for Sedges and Rushes. Juncus mertensiana also grew in scattered stands along the edge of the lake. I find the dark flower heads to be very attractive. I have young plants coming along in our Sacramento garden and look forward to there, hopefully, good performance.
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The trail ascends quickly and steeply on its way to Hemlock Lake, the next lake along the route. There is one small meadow perched on this steep terrain.
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As I crested the rise and entered the meadow, this beautiful specimen of Vertatrum californicum var. californicum in full flower greeted me. This species generally blooms much earlier in the season. This time of year many Veratrum have yellowed and the leaves have become tattered, another aspect of beauty.
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Mimulus primuloides var. primuliodes often has an extended flowering season. A good patch was still in flower as I passed through the meadow. This species has been easy to please in our Saramento garden and is still flowering at times.
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There is one last steep stretch of trail before reaching Hemlock Lake. The trail crests the steep slope and opens into a series of small meadows before arriving at the lake. The white umbels of Perideridia parshii ssp. latifolia were sprinkled throughout this moist meadow near this small pool.
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SMITH LAKE
Part II
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It is a short, but extremely steep, hike from Grouse Lake up to Hemlock Lake, 8,413 feet (2,564 meters). Hemlock Lake occupies a small shelf cut directly out of the granite ridge below the crest line of the Crystal Range.
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From the top of the shelf where Hemlock Lake is located, facing west, there is a panoramic view of the Crystal Basin and Wrights Lake at the base of the ridge. In the foreground of this photograph one can see the high elevation chaparral draping the dry, open, exposed slope. Huckleberry Oak, Quecus vacciniifolia is the dominant species in this section of chaparral.
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Scattered along the trail on the way up to Hemlock Lake Cream Bush, Holodiscus discolor was in full bloom. The air was beginning to warm and the subtle but delightful fragrance of this shrub was beginning to fill the air. This species has a wide spreading range throughout California. Near the coast it is generally referred to as Oceanspray, however here in the Sierra Nevada the common name Cream Bush is generally used.
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I paused a moment at the top of the ridge before proceeding over to Hemlock Lake. To the east the summit crest of the Crystal Range loomed almost directly overhead. My destination, Smith Lake, was not far away.
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I stopped for a short time at Hemlock Lake to see what might be blooming around the lake. I spotted a small colony of the pink flowering Little Elephant’s Head, Pedicularis attollens, near the outlet of the lake. This time of year the outlet stream is more like a marsh as most of the water leaving the lake is now trickling below the surface rocks.
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Nearby on some Cassiope mertensiana I spotted one of the few butterflies I came across on this day. It did not stick around long enough for me to identify it, however it was certainly a female Blue of sorts, subfamily Polyommatinae.
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After a very short scout around Hemlock Lake, I continued on the last leg of my journey up to Smith Lake. The first portion of the trail beyond Hemlock Lake consist of a Hemlock forest, Tsuga mertensiana, with a few Red Fir, Abies magnifica var. magnifica. Here I found the fruiticose lichen Letharia Columbiana scattered on the forest floor as well as growing affixed to the trunks of the conifers. Many grew high on the tree trunks. Binoculars were very useful in determining how this species preferred to grow on the conifers.
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Beyond the Hemlock forest the trail preceeds steeply up a rocky, open slope to Smith Lake. At this elevation, Penstemon newberryi var. newberryi was still in bloom.
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Sharing the rocky slopes with the Penstemon was the airy flowering Micranthes bryophora. This diminutive species grew out of many of the rock crevices that lined the trail.
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Near the outlet stream from Smith Lake there were colonies of Oreostemma alpigenum var. andersonii in bloom. This somewhat late blooming Asteraceae is commonly found in moist meadows throughout this region.
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I crested the last rise and arrived at Smith Lake, 8,714 feet (2,656 meters). It was about noon and I had the whole afternoon to explore the upper terrain around and above the lake. First I would check on the Cryptogramma ferns on the other side of the lake; after that I was contemplating crossing the col (pictured) at the south side of the lake and working my way down to Lyons Lake and return to Wrights Lake via Bloodsucker Lake.
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Ivesia santolinoides was one of a number of diminutive species growing in the dry granite grus on the sunny slopes near the lake.
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Where the soil contained bit more humus and loam Eucephalus breweri grew and was blooming.
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Nearby Mimulus lewisii was at its prime.
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At the eastern end of the lake I found a comfortable spot among the boulders to relax, have lunch and enjoy the view of the mountains and Smith Lake.
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There was much to see in the area surrounding the “lunch room”.
Water flowing down from the higher portions of the mountain created an ideal habitat for Lady Fern, Athyrium distentifolium var. americanum.
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The Lady Ferns grows in shady crevices at the base of the boulders where soil and organic material have accumulated.
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While eating lunch, I enjoyed watching the various species of bees work the flowers. This Anthophora species seems very common in this area. I see them often. There are 41 Anthophora species native to California. They are quite hairy and are noticeably fast fliers.
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This site was also an idea habitat for the Cascade Parsley Fern, Cryptogramma cascadensis.
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Cascade Parsley Fern, Cryptogramma cascadensis, is superficially similar in appearance to the more common American Parsley Fern, Cryptogramma acrostichoides that also grows in this region. Once the differences are noted it is quite easy to distinguish between the two species.
My main motivation to return to Smith Lake was to confirm the identity of the Parsley Ferns in this area. This was very easy as Cryptogramma cascadensis has a distinctive “look” that is very apparent. I did spend some time examining the ferns closely, but this seemed routine. What was I going to do now? I felt the outing might be coming to an anticlimactic end.
While enjoying lunch I noticed some interesting features high on the north ridge above the lake. This sparked my curiosity so I scrapped the idea of crossing the south col and decided to investigate the north ridge.
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SMITH LAKE
Part III
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Part of my motivation to investigate the north ridge was a distinctive band of dark rocks that caught my attention high on an avalanche shute. My reaction must have been intuitive as I see such things often enough. There really was no compelling rational reason to climb half way up the ridge to see this geologic formation.
Just before reaching the band of minerals, I stop at a patch of Phyllodoce breweri that was in full bloom.
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Intermingled with the Phyllodoce where drifts of Cassiope mertensiana, also in full bloom.
This patch was active and alive with insect activity. Numerous species of Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera were busy buzzing and fluttering about the open flowers. Bees of all sorts buzzed about. Fast flying and hairy Anthophora bees worked the flowers with Bumble Bees, Bombus sp.
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The whole scene was quite fascinating. I needed to move on so I eventually continued up the avalanche shute to check on the rock formation. As I moved up the ridge, Polygonum shastense was quite common and filled many of the cervices and cascaded over the rocks.
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The band of dark rocks turned out to be a band of a pyroxene class of minerals. Unfortunately its exact nature is unknown to me at this time.
A little higher up the ridge was a small bench with a grove of Hemlock trees (Tsuga mertensiana). When I arrive I found that a small rivulet of water trickled through the bench. Masses of blooming Primula tetrandra (Dodecatheon alpinum) lined this trickle. The sight was one of those moments of experiencing heaven on Earth, or something borderline on a mystical experience; an ambiance that one would want to replicate in our home garden.
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The view from this bench was not bad either. Smith Lake was nestled in its cirque, and the Crystal Basin and Great Central Valley stretched out off into the distance.
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There was still plenty of north ridge above me to investigate and I was easily drawn up into this seemingly empty, talus slope.
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I should not have been surprised, the boulders were huge; I have to admit that I enjoy picking my way up, around, and over the massive rocks, so the climb was quite fun.
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I worked my way up to a scattered grove of Whitebark Pine, Pinus albicaulis. A Clark’s Nutcracker, Nucifraga columbiana, fussed at me as I entered the grove. Undoubtedly, this was its territory and personal stash of pine nuts.
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I found a surprising number of Bush Chinquapin, Chrysolepis sempervirens, co-habitating the site with the Whitebark Pines.
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Under the boulders, moisture was abundant and not far away. Sambucus racemosum var. racemosum, a mesic species, with their bright red fruit enjoyed growing among the large rocks.
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I took a moment to pause and look over at the south col. It would have been a bit of a climb. I was glad I set off in my present direction. It would have taken me the remaining part of the day to pick a route and climb my way over that col!
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I had additional reasons to be grateful I choose the northern ridge. As I slowly moved higher on the ridge, the flora became increasingly interesting. From moist crevices Senencio fremontii var. occidentalis began to show itself. Here it was sharing the crevices with Cryptogramma cascadensis.
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The wooly leafed Hieracium horridum was a frequent companion with the Senecio.
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The plant of the day had to have been Eriogonum lobbii. It is certainly not rare, however I rarely encounter the species in this area. The tight buns of gray foliage spilling over the rocks are extremely beautiful. The lax pedicels terminating with its ball of pink flowers contrasts perfectly with the gray foliage. Don’t bother growing this species in a flat environment; it is designed perfectly to drape over rocks.
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Above 9,000 feet (2,473 meters), as long as there was a mesic source of moisture I encountered Cryptogramma cascadensis. At this elevation, this species did not seem averse to growing in the full sun; moisture seemed to be the prime consideration.
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Up here among the granite boulders I could not avoid the numerous lichens growing over the rock surfaces. Lecidea atrobrunnea is quite common and seen frequently throughout the area.
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Pleopsidium flavum is brilliant yellow and cannot be missed.
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Honey-colored Rim Lichen, Leconora mella, is quite widespread in this region too.
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The high peaks always beckon me to their summit. On this day, I was quite fascinated by the flora I had encountered so I continued on my current route.
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Stuck indoors working on a dull wet day, your blue skies and stunning scenery has done me good, Robert!
The Phyllodoce breweri is a good one.
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Hi Robert,
Thanks for taking us on yet another exciting floral adventure - that Eriogonum lobbi would be great growing over the edge of a trough! The Chrysolepsis is a new one to me - it looks intriguing!
cheers
fermi
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Hi Robert, as you are entering soon autumn it is fascinating to see how blooming of different species climbs in altitude. Those Phyllodoce are just something. I suppose they are acid soil lovers like all Ericaceae in my poor limited knowledge. Are they growing in some sort of peat? The other striking plant is Eriogonum lobbii. Now that Primula ( Dodecatheon) really caught my eye. (P.tetranda). I can understand how easily one can picture heaven in bliss with those beauties! I wonder how late in season can you still get up there before foul weather sends you down, with snow covered trails.
Thanks so much for your posts, Arturo
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Stuck indoors working on a dull wet day, your blue skies and stunning scenery has done me good, Robert!
The Phyllodoce breweri is a good one.
Hi Maggi,
I do the best I can to bring my adventures "alive" for those that read this diary/journal. The scenery was indeed stunning. I have my last installment to write and then I can start with my adventure to the Rockbound Pass area. This one was quite the adventure. One of the highlights was photographing plants on a cliff face while holding on to the rock face with my other hand wedged in a crevices. Many fascinating plants were seen - I can't wait to report on this trip!
Phyllodoce breweri with Vaccinium cespitosum, bright scarlet with autumn color, is also a good one.
The smoke is slowly clearing. I was in Hope Valley yesterday (east side of the Sierra Nevada). The smoke was so thick it was not worth taking any photographs. Today it finally cooled to 85 F, 29.5 C with overcast skies.
Thank you for all of your support! 8) :)
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Hi Robert,
Thanks for taking us on yet another exciting floral adventure - that Eriogonum lobbi would be great growing over the edge of a trough! The Chrysolepsis is a new one to me - it looks intriguing!
cheers
fermi
Fermi,
I hope that Eriogonum lobbii is cultivated by those who can grow it well (i.e. they have nice hot and dry summers ;) ). The gray foliage is stunning. Back around 2004, I remember seeing this species in bloom in the vicinity Hell Hole Reservoir. This area burned severely during the King Fire. I am wanting to return to this area - but this time via the dead end road on the south side of the canyon. From the end of the road to Hell Hole dam is a cross country hike in very steep terrain and wild country where more or less nobody hikes. I have a good hunch that it area has never been explored botanically, yet there is every indication that this region could have extremely interesting flora. It is very near my father's Gerle Creek cabin and I have already made a preliminary reconnaissance and I have an outing planted for this region this autumn.
Chrysolepsis sempervirens is fairly compact. It may indeed have merit as a larger support shrub for a larger rock garden. I hope to report next spring with some interesting California natives along these lines. Quercus durata is turning out to be much nicer in cultivation than I expected.
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Arturo,
Yes, Phyllodoce breweri is acid loving. I have had reasonably good success growing both Phyllodoce breweri and Cassiope mertensiana in our Sacramento garden. Acid soil is crucial to success! I also grew many seedlings from various regions, stressing seeds selected from low elevation sites. I am hoping to see flowers this spring. If all goes well I will cross the best forms for sets of F1 hybrids. Looking into the future these could be inbred and then out crossed with the best lines to create a heat tolerant race that thrives in Sacramento. A bit of dreaming ahead of myself! :)
I cannot say enough good things about our native Primula, i.e. Dodecatheon species. I get very excited about them and the topic is worth an essay. I am making very good progress with my breeding program with them. I will continue to report on my progress.
As for the first heavy snow that shuts things down in the high country - sometime in November - more or less. One year I hiked from Echo Lake to Lake Aloha is Desolation Valley (this is how I have always referred to this region) during the first week of November. It was a fantastic experience. Another time my brother and I hiked into the head waters of the Kern River in September. Shepherds Pass still had a snow field we needed to cross to pass over the summit, 11,000 feet (3,353 meters) or so. A snow storm struck while we were in the upper Kern River Basin. It was close to white-out conditions as we crossed back over the pass and back down to the Owens Valley (the dry side of the Sierra Nevada). Similar conditions can be encountered on the head waters of the San Joaquin River, such as Evolution Valley and the Humphreys Basin, late in the season. This is another place I love to visit - late in the season is generally best as the mosquitoes can be terrible beyond belief. These locations are in the southern Sierra Nevada and are not immune to early season snow storms. My worst experience with a snow storm was in Montana - but then that is another story. We will see what this year brings.
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Robert,
I would be very interested to see photos of your dodecatheon hybrids. Have you posted any yet?
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SMITH LAKE
Part IV
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I was curious to take a peek over the summit of the ridge, so I continued to drift my way up toward the crest of the ridge. Late in the season, Goldenbush starts into its blooming cycle.
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Singlehead Goldenbush, Ericameria suffruiticosa, is generally the only species of Ericameria seen on the west side of the Crystal Range.
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Chaenactis alpigena was another species that I was very pleased to find on this ridge. The flowers are not especially showy, however the small colonies of gray foliage are very pretty.
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Rhizocarpon lichens (yellow lichen center) are quite common on rock in this part of the Sierra Nevada. At times they can form extremely large colonies. Most of the rock face on the south col was covered in this species, giving the granite face a yellowish cast.
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I was very pleased to find such a diversity of plants on the north ridge. I could have continued to the ridge crest, however I wanted to explore around this small pond perched above Smith Lake. In the 1970’s a small pond like this would be full of Mountain Yellow-legged Frogs, Rana muscosa. Over the last 45 years they have disappeared from much of their original range in the Sierra Nevada. Air pollution, global climate change and the introduction of disease may all be responsible for their disappearance. There are hundreds of small pools like this in the Desolation Wilderness. I am always eager to check on such ponds to see if there are any Yellow-legged Frogs.
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I took one last look at the peak and then started my way down toward the pond.
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As I worked my way down off the ridge I continued to find interesting plants. Near the base of the ridge by the pond I found Castilleja applegatei ssp. pallida in bloom.
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Monardella odoratissima ssp. pallida is very prolific throughout the Sierra Nevada. Generally the flowers of this species are a buff white, as in this photograph. I did find a number of plants with pale lavender flowers in this area. This is a bit unusual and I was very pleased to find them in this location. Sadly the photograph did not turn out.
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A most exciting find was this colony of Penstemon heterodoxus var. cephalophorus. This variety is larger in all ways than variety heterodoxus and is extremely showy.
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I finally arrived at the pool. Sadly there were no Yellow-legged Frogs.
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The pool was surrounded by an array of blooming plants. A large colony of Pedicularis attollens was blooming at the north end of the pond.
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Sibbaldia procumbens is found only at high elevations in the Sierra Nevada. It has quite the range! I understand it can be found in the high mountains of Mexico. Of coarse, it can be found in arctic regions, both in North America as well as Eurasia.
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At the south end of the pond where a small stream exits, I again found Primula tetrandra (Dodecatheon alpinum) growing among the rocks with its roots surrounded by trickling water.
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Clearly I enjoy this Genus (Dodecatheon). Our native species from high altitude are a bit more challenging to grow in hot low elevation gardens – but it is possible and well worth the effort.
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It was now getting late in the day. It was time to leave this alpine paradise, hike back down to Smith Lake, and head home.
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One last look over my shoulder before leaving Smith Lake.
This was one of my most pleasurable outings of this season, not at all anticlimactic. I logged 131 plant species - not bad for this time of the year. The area was a bit quiet; I only logged 5 species of birds. During the 1970’s I was an avid birder. Spotting 5 species was a bit unusual, even for this time of year.
Next, I will be reporting on my outing to the Rockbound Pass area of Desolation Wilderness area. This trip was a real adventure!
Until next time…….
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Robert,
I would be very interested to see photos of your dodecatheon hybrids. Have you posted any yet?
Hi Diane,
I do not think that I have posted any of my intra-specific Dodecatheon hybrids yet (not sure - can't remember). Some are too young to bloom; some had only one flower this past season. They are part of a species improvement project. Some should bloom this spring and I will definitely post photographs with an explanation.
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I was at Wrights Lake to check on the flora. The blooming season is winding down.
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My visit did not last long as a strong thunderstorm developed.
There has been a fairly active thunderstorm season in the Sierra Nevada this year. Some have been powerful with heavy rain and large hail.
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This thunderstorm produced heavy rain and large hail.
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Many of the hail stones were 32 mm in diameter.
The lightning was reason enough to find shelter. The hail made shelter necessary. A tree might might have been a good idea as a temporary shelter, but not with lightning. Needless to say, this foray was cut short.
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A few scenes from my recent outing to the Rockbound Pass area of Desolation Wilderness.
Dicks Peak (left) Jacks Peak (right)
This view is from the summit of the Red Peak Stock Trail.
Clyde Lake and the headwaters of the Rubicon River are in the canyon below the peaks. In this area the drainage is known as Rockbound Valley. The Rubicon River flows northward to Rubicon Reservoir before turning to the west and flowing down to Hell Hole Reservoir and then eventually to the confluence with the Middle Fork of the American River.
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Mount Price and the glacially scoured cirques and valleys. The rock faces look barren, however some very interesting flora inhabits this area.
I am now working on this report.
Until then.....
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Robert,
Looking forward to your report on Desolation Wilderness. Sounds very exciting :)
We have only one species of Cryptogramma here (crispa) but you have several! C. crispa prefers open rather sunny habitats. It grows both in the lowland and higher up in the mountains. Athyrium distenifolium is well known here also from mountain habitats but Pellaea is unknown.
The Pinemat Manzanita looks great! It is more like our native one then the other Manzanitas you have shown.
Lilium parvum looks great too! We have no native Lilium species here although a few have escaped gardens.
The small lakes and ponds look very intriguing. Here Carex rostrata would occupy the water edges. The blooming of Rhod. columbinum would be quite a sight I guess :)
A big difference from here is the absence of moss. Here a plethora of moss species would carpet the ground in mesic and wet areas.
The Cream bush (high altitude form?) looks great. I have grown a form of Holodiscus discolor which looked quite different - taller and with longer trusses of flower.
I am fascinated by the louseworts also - they differ from ours in habit.
The Ivesia was a new one - looks interesting!
Chrysolepis sempervirens (is it evergreen also at that altitude?) could be interesting to try here!
And what a landscape! I am used to different kinds of montane landscapes here but yours are different :)
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Hi Trond,
When I am out I do see plenty of bryophytes. This time of year they are generally noticed and active in areas that stay moist such as streams, seeps, and other damp areas.
At the Placerville farm, most of the oak trees are covered with moss (as well as many species of lichens). This time of year they are dry and may not be noticed. Once the winter rains start they will expand and come into active growth.
At this time I know very little about our native Bryophytes. I have checked out a number of books from our public library on the topic, however I have not found a satisfactory text(s)….. yet. I feel that our native Bryophytes are a crucial part of our California ecosystems and that they warrant attention.
Lilium parvum is a gem of a species. There are a number of varieties, one with pink flowers (var. hollidayi, our El Dorado County endemic, “Ditch Lily”), and another with yellow(ish) flowers (var. crocatum).
During the 1990’s I spent much time studying and recording our native lily species in Northwestern California. This was an extremely fascinating project. Not only are there many species in this region, but there is also tremendous variation within the species (especially Lilium pardalinum) as well as natural hybrids. I observed Lilium kelloggii with flowers ranging from white through all shades of pink. In the Marble Mountains, Lilium pardalinum ssp. pardalinum can be found at low elevations in considerable variety (but all shades of orange). As one climbs higher into the mountains the lilies slowly change over to ssp. wigginsii (the flowers become increasingly yellow). The bulbs also change in their morphology. Subspecies pardalinum has large bulb scales with 1-2(3) segments; subspecies wigginsii has much smaller bulb scales with generally 2-4 segments. The outer segments are often like “rice grains”. It is incredibly fascinating. This region is a long distance from our home in Sacramento and I am no longer in a position to go there. This is a bit unfortunate, but on the plus side there is plenty to keep me busy locally.
During this same time period, I was also studying the natural hybrids of Lilium pardalinum and L. parvum in the Sierra Nevada. The flower shape and size of Lilium pardalium is genetically very dominant in hybrid plants. Hybrids can generally only be detected by observing the bulb scales, when the hybrid nature of the lilies becomes obvious. Occasionally I found autotetraploid forms of Lilium pardalinum. I never found any known triploids – they might be observed as sterile plants - perhaps? The elevation belt where the hybrids occur is under tremendous pressure from both commercial logging and various “recreational” uses. Many of the sites I formerly visited have been completely trashed – the lilies are gone. Illegal marijuana growers trashed other sites, along various creeks, although the lilies may have survived. Now that the marijuana laws have changed (it is now legal to grow, sell, and use the stuff) in California it might be safe to return to some of these sites.
Our native lilies are extremely fascinating and warrant additional study – even locally in the Sierra Nevada.
I have yet to grow Bush Chinquapin, Chrysolepis sempervirens, in our garden. They can be found growing over a tremendous altitude range. The species is quite compact, however the high elevation forms may be smaller in stature. The growing condition at some high elevation sites is brutal – this might account for their small size. This is something worth investigating.
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ROCKBOUND PASS
Thursday, 31 September 2017
Part I
Sacramento Weather
Weather: Clear
Temperature, High: 98 F, 36.5 C
Low: 60 F, 15.5 C
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On early Thursday morning I set off from the Twin Lakes Trailhead at Wrights Lake toward the Rockbound Pass region of Desolation Wilderness area. My initial plan was to hike northward to the valley that approaches Rockbound Pass. From there, I hoped to climb the north ridge of the valley to the Red Peak Stock Trail and then descend to Top Lake from the ridge top. From there I hoped to hike westward down to Lawrence Lake and then return to Wrights Lake.
This was an ambitious plan with well-defined objectives. During the 1970’s the Red Peak Stock Trail was rarely traveled. Although still in use, the trail is still lightly traveled. The route is floristically interesting and I hope to thoroughly explore this the area. This foray would be a good start. Top Lake is quite picturesque. I had not visited the lake since the 1970’s. Top Lake was planted with Golden Trout (not native to this part of the Sierra Nevada) sometime around 1960. I was curious to evaluate the condition of the lake at this time. The flora, too, in this area could be very interesting. Lawrence Lake is one my favorite places to camp and enjoy the wilderness. The flora around Lawrence Lake is less diverse, however I did not want to pass up an opportunity to visit.
I set off early, 6:30 a.m., into the cool (46 F, 8 C), still morning air. There are still a number of open meadows north of Wrights Lake, remnants of the original Wrights brother’s dairy established in the 1860’s.
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The trail soon moves into higher ground. The rocky terrain is littered with glacial erradics, both large and small. Much of the area is covered with high elevation chaparral; Huckleberry Oak (Quercus vacciniifolia), Pinemat Manzanita (Arctostaphylos nevadensis) and a few Ceanothus cordulatus. Large picturesque Jeffrey Pine, Pinus jeffryi, accents this rocky terrain.
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To the east, higher peaks rise toward the crest of the Crystal Range.
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Indian Dream, Aspidotis densa, was the most frequently encountered fern in this rocky terrain.
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I spotted this Meadowhawk on a Huckleberry Oak along the trail. Ten species of Sympetrum occur in the Sierra Nevada. This Meadowhawk may have been Sympetrum corruptum, a species that commonly travels long distances from water, and has colorless wings with orange-tinged veins. Typical of Dragonflies of the Genus Sympetrum its wings are held forward while at rest.
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This mushroom was quite colorful and interesting. Unfortunately, I could not identify this one.
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I finally crossed a low ridge and had my first go view of Rockbound Pass, the low point at the head of the valley.
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Glacial polish could be seen throughout the valley on the open exposed granite.
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Often large sheets of granite were polished.
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Here I made the choice to leave the trail. My best route was the low point on the left side of this photograph. The goal was to climb directly up the ridge and connect with the Red Peak Stock Trail that follows the top of this ridge to the crest of the Crystal Range.
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Eriogonum wrightii var. subscaposum grew out of many of the rock crevices along this route.
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Myriopteris (Cheilanthes) gracillima was also a frequent resident of the many crevices.
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Occasionally I found veins of aplite running through the rock. Aplite is hard and resists weathering. A vein of aplite is often seen as a raised vein running slightly above the softer surround rock. This vein also contained some pegmatite with its large oversized crystals.
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High on the slope, this ancient stand of Juniperus grandis has endured countless tempests.
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This cross-country route was easily followed as long as I avoided the thick stands of Huckleberry Oak that I encountered.
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As I climbed higher, I encountered more plants in bloom. This late blooming Asteraceae, Snakeroot, Ageratina occidentalis, was hiding among a group of large boulders. This species ranges throughout northern California and I encounter it often enough. I was pleased to find it in bloom, as it is quite attractive when flowering.
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As I continued to climb the steep slope, small seeps opened from the side of the mountain. Thickets of Salix orestra enjoyed the perennially moist habitat. The leaves of this species are very attractively clothed with matted hairs.
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Blooming plants of Mimulus moschatus started to appear as the moisture content of the soil increased.
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As I approached a false crest to the ridge, Angelica breweri was still blooming in scattered stands among a number of other wildflowers.
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At the crest of the false summit I had a nice panorama of the Wrights Lake Basin.
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This mushroom was quite colorful and interesting. Unfortunately, I could not identify this one.
Hi Robert,
I hope you didn't taste it - it looks a bit Like fly agaric, Amanita muscaria - though I don't know if it grows in that area.
Another great report with more "new" plants to enjoy,
cheers
fermi
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Hi Robert,
I hope you didn't taste it :o :o :o - it looks a bit Like fly agaric, Amanita muscaria - though I don't know if it grows in that area.
Another great report with more "new" plants to enjoy,
cheers
fermi
Fermi,
I do have a story concerning mushrooms!
When I was about 20 years old I had a friend that claimed to be an expert on wild mushrooms. He picked some wild mushrooms in the forest and had them on a sheet of paper doing a spore print. He said that the mushrooms could be highly poisonous, however after the spore print he declared them completely safe. He cooked them up and asked if I want to try some. I was not sure of the situation, but he was eating them without a delay. Okay, I decided to have a little taste. They were very good tasting. After finishing up the batch, he looked at me completely poker faced and said that he was not so sure about there edibility. Well, we never became sick and are still here to talk about it. He never admitted that he was pulling my leg and I will never eat a wild mushroom.
I have plenty of stories to tell. There is a good story why I will never get on the back of a motorcycle (one of many George stories). There are also many other George stories. Some of these will have to be in a book! :) The one about George eating Rhododendron occidentale blossoms way back in the wilderness of the West Branch of the Feather River is a classic. Diverse Flora and adventure all together.
Aaahhh...
There is the story about camping in the Eagle Cap Wilderness (SE Oregon). George got sick in the evening and when we awoke in the morning there were several inches of snow on the ground and it was still snow. Promising to go to a hot spring was the only lever to get him out of the tent and on the trail. It also helped that my brother, Joe, and I carried most of his gear on the hike out. Great plants too!
On another trip to the Eagle Cap Wilderness, George, Don Bittney (an old man), Little Don (a full blooded Lakota boy from Pine Ridge) and I hiked into Ice Lake. Old Don was a great story teller. He told a story to everyone we saw on our hike in. Half way up the grade to Ice Lake Don became quiet, and started walking very slowly. George and Little Don wanted to catch some fish and left me with Don. After a short time Old Don quit walking and just sat down on the uphill side of the trail. He wasn't going anywhere, anytime soon! When I was sure Old Don was stable, I raced (like ran!) up the trail to Ice Lake. Little Don was easy to find, George was nowhere to be seen. Little Don went back to sit with Old Don. I set off to find George. I finally found him fishing at the other end of the lake. I told him about Old Don and all I got out of him was "one more cast". Oh!@#%!!! George loved to fish. I had heard this one a million times! The short end of the story is that Little Don and I got Big Don safely off the mountain and he recovered quickly once we were at the car.
The Eagle Cap Wilderness is world famous for its flora. I've seen some wonderful plants in this region. I wouldn't mind going back some day. This would be very 8)
Cheers
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:D
I love the stories, Robert!
cheers
fermi
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ROCKBOUND PASS
Part II
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Erigeron breweri was one of the species sharing space with Angelica breweri. This daisy is fairy common in our area. Not only were they plentiful this year near the Van Vleck trailhead at the northern end of the Crystal Range, but the are frequently seen in the southern portions of El Dorado County along Highway 88.
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Now it was time to examine the alpine meadow ahead of me. A thicket of Salix orestera filled the center of this meadow where a small stream flowed. The remaining part of the meadow was full of wildflowers.
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Drifts of Erigeron coulteri were in full bloom among the tangle of grasses and sedges.
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Mimulus lewisii was also plentiful in this meadow.
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Phacelia ramosissima is an unassuming xeric species. The leafy stems sprawl along the ground and often through neighboring shrubs. It is not uncommon to see the clusters of pale lavender flowers rise through the foliage of nearby shrubs.
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The meadow was alive and active with insect life. Hymenoptera of many sorts were actively working the flowers. Bees of the Genus Anthophora (pictured), as well as Bumblebees, Bombus sp., and Western Honey Bees, Apis mellifera, worked the open flowers.
In drier portions of the meadow, Grasshoppers were active. Their yellow marked wings and the distinctive clicking sound when they flew gave them away as Cratpedes neglectus. This Grasshopper species is very common in this area.
I am glad I was alert! I came across a Yellowjacket nest in the soft earth next to the stream. Yellowjackets, Vespula pensylvanica, nest in the ground. In the past I have accidentally stepped on one of their nests. Yellowjackets have a painful sting and they tend to pursue anything that disturbs their nest. It is helpful to run fast if you step on one of their nests!
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When I reached the crest of the ridge, I easily found the old Red Peak Stock Trail. From the ridge top there were fantastic views of the northern peaks of the Crystal Range. Red Peak (center) consists of igneous rock and rock fragments that are part of the metamorphic roof pendant that runs through part of Desolation Wilderness. The flora subtlety but very distinctively differs on this area of rock.
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Silver Peak is the next peak along the crest of the Crystal Range, north of Red Peak. The granite of Silver Peak is part of the Sierra Nevada granite batholith. In this photograph you can see the contrast of the silvery-gray granodiorite and the reddish granite nearby it (right). In addition, there are fragments of greenstone, quartzite, and partly metamorphosed marine sandstone in the area.
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Much of the ridge that the Red Peak Stock Trail follows consists of igneous rock. The flora was extremely interesting. I decided to change my plans. Rather than descend the ridge northward to Top Lake, I would continue up the Stock Trail toward the crest of the Crystal Range.
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The vistas of Mount Price to the south were awe-inspiring.
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At this point I started to carefully examine the flora in this meadow. Lupinus Lepidus var. sellulus grew abundantly on the drier margins of the meadow.
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Snow must have covered this meadow fairly recently. I found patches of Ranunculus alismifolius var. hartwegii in bloom. This species blooms very early in the spring, immediately after the snow melts.
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Where there was running water, Mimulus tilingii grew and was blooming profusely.
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Much of the south facing exposure of the ridge was very dry. Astragalus bolanderi grew in abundance in these xeric habitats. In some places they had finished blooming and had fat pods of ripening seeds. In other area they were just starting into bloom.
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Occassionally I spotted a Mountain Dandelion in bloom. Nothocharis alpestris is a native species and only superficially resembles the common, non-native, invasive species, Taraxacum officinale . Although both species have ligulate flowers, the phyllaries of each species are quite different. Taraxacum officinale has recurved outer phyllaries, while Nothocharis has straight phyllaries that have many small purple spots.
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I was not surprised when I spotted the first snowfield. In some places spring was just arriving.
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I continued to work my way toward the summit of the ridge. The terrain became lush with wildflowers blooming everywhere. This scene of Lupinus polyphyllus var. burkei with Senecio triangularis was quite typical. These common wildflowers were mixed with many other species that were extremely interesting.
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Lupinus polyphyllus var. burkei grew abundantly the mesic habitats on the north facing slopes of the Stock Trail ridge.
A fascinating find in this area was Lupinus lepidus var. lobbii. This taxon grew in a distinct elevation band above the range of Lupinus lepidus var. stellulus on this ridge. There was no indication that the taxon mixed with each other. This is the only site where I have observed Lupinus lepidus var. lobbii on the west slope of the Crystal Range. There are a number of questions I have concerning the distribution of this subspecies in this region. This will be a fascinating project.
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Senecio triangularis grew in the moist mesic habitats high on the ridge. On drier sites Senecio scozonella was encountered frequently.
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Now I was nearing 9,000 feet (2,743 meters). Here spring had just arrived and Calochortus minimus was at the peak of its bloom cycle.
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ROCKBOUND PASS
Part III
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At the highest elevations, the Crystal Range consists of rocky summits, ridges, arêtes, and talus slopes. This is a very inhospitable environment for most plant life. This site, as well as the bench on the southwestern slope of Mount Price, is among the few semi-level sites with some degree of soil near the high peaks and summit ridges of the Crystal Range. These sites have both mesic and xeric high alpine meadow habitats. Some very unique species can be found at these sites, so I was eager to see what I might find on this outing.
At this elevation Polygonum shastense was still in bloom. This species is usually found growing out of crevices or creeping over rocks.
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The tight creeping slivery foliage of Antennaria is very striking. All of the colonies I encountered had finished blooming and I made no attempt to identify then to the species level.
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I will have to check my field notes to be sure, but I believe this is the only site were I have noted Rhodiola integrifolia ssp. integrifolia in the Crystal Range. It is not a rare species in our area, however it is generally seen closer to the Lake Tahoe Basin and at high elevation sites to the south.
I also found a few plants of Lewisia nevadensis. They had finished blooming, but I knew to keep my eyes alert for Lewisia longipetala and Lewisia pygmaea. The two latter species are found only at a few sites along the highest portions of the Crystal Range. This was a perfect habitat in which to find them.
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The silvery foliage of Raillardella argentea is also eye catching.
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This Asteraceae species forms dense colonies of rosettes that spread closely to the ground. The discoid flower heads are not especially showy, but I still find them interesting.
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A fair number of the species found at this elevation are also found in the arctic and northern regions of Europe and Asia. Juniperus communis var. saxatilis is one of them.
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Sedum lanceolatum was another good find. I see this species frequently in the Carson Pass region of Alpine County, California. To date, a location near the summit of Red Peak is the only other site where I have encountered this species in the Crystal Range.
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This season, I have repeatedly encountered some splendid stands of Penstemon heterodoxus var. cephaloporus. The inflorescence of this variety is very glandular and two or more whorls of flowers are generally stacked on each stem. It is a real gem.
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Dasiphora fruticosa, aka Potentilla frutocosa, is another circumboreal species. It is widely cultivated in the intermountain western United States as an ornamental shrub. There are many cultivars, however I like the wild plants in their natural habitat.
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This was the last meadow before the final climb to the summit of the ridge. As this snowfield continued to melt, new plants were just emerging from the edge of the snow and were starting into growth. They certainly had a late start this year. This year many of the snowfields will never melt and there will be no growing season for the plants under the linger snow.
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Carex nevina was at peak bloom and very showy.
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At this elevation Eriogonum incanum formed especially tight low buns. The flowers were held on very short stems very close to the ground.
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After bypassing the snowfield, I hiked the final stretch to the crest of the ridge.
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Eriophyllum lanatum var. integrifolium was among the species I found as I neared the summit.
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The view from the summit was spectacular. The ridgeline northward to Red Peak beckoned. I have yet to explore this section of the Crystal Range crest. The flora near the summit of Red Peak northward to Tells Peak is extremely fascinating with a few species that I have yet to locate in other parts of the range. This section of the ridge consists of at least 2 differing plutons of igneous rock (diorite-grabbro and a pink granite) There are also fragments of metamorphic rock, quartzite, and other fragments. This area may contain unique floral species well adapted to these conditions. Unfortunately, this exploration will have to wait until another day.
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The Dicks Peak (left, 9,974 feet – 3,040 meters) and Jacks Peak (right, 9,956 feet – 3,035 meters) massif form the northern hub of the range that forms the eastern boundary of Rockbound Valley and the headwaters of the Rubicon River.
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Mount Price dominated the southern skyline. The billowing cloud behind Mount Price was smoke from a large wildfire near Yosemite National Park.
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To the southeast in a cleft between ridges, a small portion of Lake Aloha can be seen (left center).
This was a great location to rest and eat a bit. I also had time to contemplate my next move. I was not able to locate any specimens of Lewisia longipetala or Lewisia pygmaea. I still had a reasonable amount of time to work with, however I did not want to spend this time looking for the two Lewisias. Considering the circumstances, it seemed sensible to hike south and descend the southern face of the ridge to the summit of Rockbound Pass and then explore the area between Rockbound Pass and Maud Lake.
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So after getting my fill of this beautiful location, I set off to the south to descend to Rockbound Pass. At the top of the ridge before descending, I paused to observe the jointing on this mountain face. In addition, the division between the silvery-gray granodiorite, the pink granite, and very dark diorite-gabbro was very clearly evident.
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This was my last view before the ridge dropped steeply toward Rockbound Pass. Wrights Lake can be seen in the distance through the haze.
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ROCKBOUND PASS
Part IV
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The initial descent to Rockbound Pass was slow but fairly easy. The easiest route was very long and led away from Rockbound Pass. To get to the summit of Rockbound Pass I needed to traverse some very steep, difficult to travel terrain.
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The terrain became extremely steep. As I lowered myself down the huge boulders, I was able to closely observe the lichens that were often directly in my face. I occasionally saw small patches of Candelariella vitellina (yellow lichen).
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The brilliantly colored Pleopsidium flavum always catches my attention.
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At one point I needed to descend a small cliff face. I roped my pack and started lowering it down the cliff face. Somehow the metal flange where the rope was attached broke and I watched as the pack crashed to the base of the cliff and then continued to tumble down the steep slope. Fortunately, the pack became snagged on some brush and its descent down the slope ended.
Now it was time to lower myself down the cliff face. There were many good handholds as well as a good vertical crevice I could use as I climbed down the face.
Half way down the cliff face I encountered Heuchera rubescens growing directly out of one of the crevices. While wedged in the vertical crevices, I was able to take this photograph. This species is not rare, however this was my first sighting of this species in this area. Needless to say I was delighted.
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After lowering myself down off the cliff, I went down to find my pack. It was completely undamaged! This route down to Rockbound Pass was not easy, but at least there was only the one cliff face to deal with. On the last approach to the pass, colonies of Eriogonum lobbii started to appear in the rock rubble.
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I also spotted buns of Erigeron compositus in full bloom. I was very pleased to find this species. Red Peak is the only other site where I have observed this species in the Crystal Range. Elsewhere, in the central and southern Sierra Nevada, the species can be quite common at high elevations.
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The route down to Rockbound Pass took much longer than I expected. Once on the pass, I paused to look northeastward down into Rockbound Valley. Lake Doris was within easy hiking distance; however the delays I encountered descending to Rockbound Pass cost me much valuable time. I now turned west and hiked down the trail toward Maud Lake.
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From Wrights Lake, there is an excellent trail to the summit of Rockbound Pass, however from the pass to Maud Lake, the terrain is still difficult to negotiate quickly.
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Once again a considerable amount of time was require hiking down to the valley below the pass. Now it was getting late and it would be getting dark soon. I was still a long distance from Wrights Lake.
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Maud Lake is very beautiful. Unfortunately, I could not loiter long. After taking a quick look around, I continued down the valley toward Wright Lake.
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The scenery in this area is very pleasant.
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This was my last view toward Wrights Lake, before I descended into the haze and continued my trek back to Wrights Lake.
This outing was extremely productive and quite an adventure. 158 species were logged on this outing, a fairly high total for this time of year. It was unfortunate that I needed to rush back to Wrights Lake once I arrived at Rockbound Pass, but then there is always next time.
So,
Until next time…..
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Magnificent hiking country, wonderful plants and certainly an adventure Robert. Photography while hanging wedged in a crevice is quite a feat ::)
'Envy' sounds negative :P but I'm envious ;D
Thanks for taking us along.
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The Sierra Nevada has experienced intense thunderstorms with large hail and heavy rainfall over the past 5 days.
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I photographed the building storms on Peavine Ridge today at about 2:30 P.M.
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This intense storm was south of highway 50.
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It is easy to trace the path of the intense hailstorms by following the path of debris. In some areas large numbers of green needles and leaves could be seen on the ground.
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Pyramid Peak, the southern most peak of the Crystal Range, was just north of the thunderstorm I observed today.
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An example of the heavy rain falling.
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Magnificent hiking country, wonderful plants and certainly an adventure Robert. Photography while hanging wedged in a crevice is quite a feat ::)
'Envy' sounds negative :P but I'm envious ;D
Thanks for taking us along.
Hi Ashley,
Yes, I admit the whole outing was a lot of fun. Getting the photograph was an interesting situation. I had to swing myself out from the cliff face and hold the position while to took the photograph with one hand. Holding myself out from the cliff was easy. Getting the photograph in focus with one hand was kind of a guess and by golly situation. Considering the situation it turned out okay.
Envious? When I was a teenager I wanted to go to Alaska. I was envious of Dick Proenneke and his life at the Twin Lakes Wilderness in Alaska. 8) Maybe inspired. I always had dreams of going off to some far away land for adventure. I ended up finding adventure and much more right in my "backyard".
I have no shortage of fascinating places to go. I intend on continuing with the botanical adventures. :)
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I was up at Loon Lake a few days ago checking up on the flora around the lake.
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Most of the action was on Chipmunk Bluff, a south facing ridge above the South Fork of the Rubicon River.
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The usual late summer blooming species were out. Epilobium canum ssp. latifolium was looking good. The plants along Meyers Grade (Highway 50 near South Lake Tahoe) near Echo Summit were looking even better the other day. Some Castilleja (maybe Castilleja applegatei) were also in bloom. Highway 50 is a major thorough fare, so stopping to have a look is impossible, but the scene was quite lovely.
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Ericameria cuneata var. caneata is looking great on Chipmunk Bluff. I would love to cultivate this species in our garden, however I have not had any success to date. I am having some success with a few other Ericameria species grown from seed, so there is hope.
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Eriogonum wrightii var. subscaposum is at its prime too. Those on Chipmunk Bluff produce large quantities of flowering stems. This definitely attracted my attention.
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I was at Wrights Lake today. The weather was pleasant, 55 F, 12.8 C at 2:00 p.m.
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It was a beautiful day to be in the mountains.
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This is a view to the northeast. The slanted ridge is where the Red Peak Stock Trail is located. This is where I hiked on my outing about 10 days ago.
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There is still a good flow of water leaving Wrights Lake.
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There was a bit of convection, with a few sprinkles.
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Despite a considerable amount of rainfall in this region during the last week, the meadows are still brown. This is completely normal for this time of year.
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Autumn will be arriving soon and the foliage of Veratrum californicum var. californicum is tattered and tired. Soon they will be going dormant.
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Many plants are showing bright berries this time of year. The berries on Lonicera conjugialis are looking good now.
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The late blooming species, Symphyotrichum spathulatum is still flowering. Despite the cool temperatures there was still a considerable amount of insect activity. This Hymenoptera was resting on one of the flowers.
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I finally got a good photograph of a Clouded Sulphur, Colias philodice, with its lemon yellow wings.
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In a little over 10 days I have my next outing planned for the cirque on the north flank of Mount Price. It will be deer hunting season and this is a reasonably safe place for me to travel.
The following weather data from the El Dorado County farm.
So far this summer we have recorded 24 days 100 F (37.7 C) or more. The average is 12.5 days. It is possible, but not likely, that we might add to this total.
There have been 84 days 90 F (32.2 C) or more. The average is 72.4 days. Most likely we will add to this total.
The summer of 1988 was extreme. There were 29 days 100 F (37.7 C) or more. July of 1988 averaged 81.85 F (27.69 C), this is the monthly average of both high and low temperatures.
The summer of 2008 was also extreme with 103 days 90 F (32.2 C) or more.
We recorded 62.59 inches (1,589.79mm) of precipitation for this rainfall season. This is the 4th wettest season recorded in El Dorado County.
#1 1982-1983 – 72.85 inches
#2 1981-1982 – 63.64 inches
#3 1892 -1893 – 63.54 inches
#4 2016-2017 – 62.59 inches
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Robert,
I can understand the temperatures, but the rainfall data I find confusing. Does it rain in the summer?
What is the "rainfall season"?
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Hi Diane,
There are several ways to analysis the rainfall season in California. I use an older method, 1 July to 30 June.
Basically there is little or no rainfall from 1 May to about 15 October in our part of California.
The Sierra Nevada can get some rainfall during the summer. This summer we had a somewhat active monsoonal season. There were some intense thunderstorms with large hail, heavy rain, and even a waterspout was sighted at Lake Tahoe last week.
I hope that I have answered your questions. Feel free to ask any other questions for clarity.
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The first autumn-like storm is coming in from the Pacific Ocean. This photograph was taken today at Echo Lake. It was 52 F, 11 C, at 2:00 P.M.
Echo Lake is located a short distance from Echo Summit, the main highway route from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe. Echo Lake is also perched on top of the escarpment overlooking the South Tahoe Basin and the drainage of the upper Truckee River. The water drains from Echo Lake into Lake Tahoe, from there it exits the north end of the lake and drains into Pyramid Lake in Nevada. There is not drainage from Pyramid Lake.
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Flagpole Peak, 8,363 feet (2,549 meters), is located above the eastern shore of lower Echo Lake, 7,414 feet (2,260 meters). From the top of Flagpole Peak there are beautiful vistas of South Lake Tahoe. Above lower Echo Lake is Upper Echo Lake. When I was a teenager there was a Boy Scout camp at the northern end of the lake. This was a great place to spend a week or so. It was a base camp for backpacking trips into Desolation Valley (on the east side of the southern Crystal Range). While everyone was getting merit badges I was in the wilderness.
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Horsetail Falls.
Pyramid Creek drains Lake Aloha. From Lake Aloha the creek enters American Lake, eventually to Ropi Lake, and to Avalanche Lake, before cascading over Horsetail Falls. From there the creek enters the South Fork of the American River.
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Lovers Leap (left) and the canyon of the South Fork of the American River. The first light snowfall is expected in the next few days. If it does snow it will not last long. Warm 32 C weather is expected to return to the Sacramento Valley in about a week.
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Robert! I'm very interested with your weather data. I was wondering about your occasional summer monsoonal thunderstorms. Do they result of warm humid weather coming over the rockies, from the east? In this part of the world with a very similar weather pattern, in summer we get a few rainy thunderstorms with easterly winds, sometimes just a few thunderbolts and no rain. Our regular rainy season that starts in fall, comes over the Andes with westerlies from the Pacific ocean. I wonder if the weather pattern is the same....
Those occasional rains in summer could explain, those mesic highland species plus keeping dormant geophytes slightly moist, even downhill.
Arturo
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Arturo,
Our summertime monsoonal weather comes up from the south. Generally it will come up from Baja California / Gulf of California / southern Pacific Ocean, however it can also come all the way from the Gulf of Mexico via Arizona. The "Four Corners" high pressure creates this circulation pattern.
Below are two weather related graphs that I thought you might enjoy. They are 30 years graphs - data from the Placerville farm in El Dorado county. I have all sorts of weather data and statistics for the farm. I can try to convert them and share them too.
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Annual precipitation graph in inches.
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Average annual temperature graph in Fahrenheit.
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Thank you, Robert.
I am relieved to see that the 62 inches of rain you mentioned took a whole year to fall.
Diane
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For fellow weather nerds, this link: http://www.ssec.wisc.edu/data/us_comp/movie-large.php?loop=true (http://www.ssec.wisc.edu/data/us_comp/movie-large.php?loop=true) takes you to a 7 day loop of satellite imagery of the United States as well as much of Mexico and Canada. You can see the jet stream that is now bringing in a wintery storm track from the north Pacific. Earlier in the past week there was some of that summer monsoonal moisture in the southwest and adjacent Mexico as well. And you can see multiple hurricanes, both in the Atlantic and Pacific.
Ed
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Becoming a weather nerd might be contagious. ;D Before my wife and I married, I had thermometers all over the farm. There were thermometers in the farmhouse, there were thermometers outside, there were thermometers in all the autos (before the days when many autos had built-in thermometers). She thought this was a bit strange – like, should I marry this nerd? What am I getting myself into? Well today it is my wife who insists that we have thermometers in various rooms of the house, as well as outdoors. The caveat is they must the accurate mercury thermometers! I am still not “off the hook”. She still gives me a bad time about the barometer. She calls it Rachel, as in Leah and Rachel. “So, you’re going off to see Rachel again?” I also get a hard time over all the samples I keep too (rocks, dried plants, etc.), but that is a different story.
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Ed,
NASA WORLDVIEW is a 8) site too.
https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?p=geographic&l=VIIRS_SNPP_CorrectedReflectance_TrueColor(hidden),MODIS_Aqua_CorrectedReflectance_TrueColor(hidden),MODIS_Terra_CorrectedReflectance_TrueColor,MODIS_Fires_Terra&t=2017-09-05&z=1&v=-129.05633174564224,41.95311957137466,-117.80633174564224,47.34081488387466
Tracking the smoke from all the western U.S. forest fires was interesting. Some of the smoke traveled as far as the Great Lakes! I understand that the smoke (and heat) was terrible in the NW. It was smoky here in California, however maybe not as extreme.
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.........................She still gives me a bad time about the barometer. She calls it Rachel, as in Leah and Rachel. “So, you’re going off to see Rachel again?” I also get a hard time over all the samples I keep too (rocks, dried plants, etc.), but that is a different story.
I don't know, we blokes always seem to get a hard time ::)
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I don't know, we blokes always seem to get a hard time ::)
I know what you mean.
You know, I do take the opportunity to remind my wife, Jasmin, how wonderful it is to have a thermometer in every room. ;D
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Today, I had a bit of a foray to the east side of the Sierra Nevada.
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Highway 50 follows the South Fork of the American River.
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I have heard that 88% of the drivers in California are looking at their gizmo while they are driving. I look at road cuts. :o Much of the canyon of the South Fork of the American River between Pollock Pines and Silver Fork is geologically very interesting. East of Whitehall some diorite can be seen, some with dark intrusions (pictured). There are a number of other interesting geologic formations too.
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Some of the area burned somewhat recently.
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Despite cool, autumn-like weather the trees have not started to turn color yet, such as this California Black Oak, Quercus kelloggii.
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There are plenty of trees and shrubs with ripe fruit, such as this Elderberry, Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea.
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The red fruit of Pacific Dogwood, Cornus nuttallii, is showy.
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A view of Lovers Leap from the tiny village of Strawberry.
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From Echo Summit, 7,382 feet (2,220 meters) there is a good view of South Lake Tahoe. It was 50 F (10 C) at 2:00 P.M. at Echo Summit. The storm clouds were building quickly, however they still had not reached the Tahoe Basin.
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A view southward to the volcanic southern Upper Truckee River Basin.
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Rabbitbrush, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. puberulus, is very common on the east side of the Sierra Nevada. Now-a-days, it is often seen along the easement of the highway west of the crest. Beyond the highway easement, it is usually not seen. Most likely the seed traveled via automobile to the west side. Maybe during chain control in the wintertime. Sometimes there are Incense Cedar, Calocedrus decurrens, well below there elevation range along the highway. These were, also, most like transported as seed by automobiles.
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Much of the Tahoe Basin consists of Jeffery Pine, Pinus jeffreyi, forest. This photograph was taken near Meyers at the head of the Upper Truckee River Basin. 52 F, 11 C, at 2:15 P.M.
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A view back to Echo Summit.
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Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana is a very common species in the Tahoe Basin and this portion of the eastern Sierra Nevada. Common or not, I like the plant and grow it in our Sacramento garden.
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Eriogonum wrightii var. subscaposum can be found blooming now both on the east and west side of the Sierra crest at high elevations. I saw a beautiful pink form (this one was quite unique and I see many) near Carson Pass. It was starting to rain so I did not stop to photograph it.
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Grass Lake is basically at the summit of Luther Pass, 7,740 feet (2,359 meters).
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To the south of Grass Lake you can see some of the ancient volcanic peaks.
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Grass Lake is turning into a meadow. When I was young (1960's), I remember it being a bit more lake-like. This is a great area to see very interesting wildflowers. Access is easy and the area is very popular. I would like to visit again, however I am very busy now so an outing to this area is not likely anytime soon.
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The wind was gusting strongly, maybe 50 mph at times. Needless to say trying to photograph wildflowers was next to impossible. Cirsium andersonii was still blooming near the lake.
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Chaenactis douglasii var. douglasii was also seen in bloom. It was a bit of a blur in the wind. When I was almost knocked over by a gust of wind I knew it was time to try some other location.
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Hope, Faith, and Charity Valleys are famous for their display of autumn colors. There are many groves of Quaking Aspen, Populus tremuloides in this area. They turn brilliant yellow in the autumn and the color is accentuated by the contrast with the deep green conifers.
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A view of Hope Valley and the storm clouds quickly building over Carson Pass.
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The early part of the Oligocene, 33 million years ago, was the start of considerable volcanic activity, especially in the area south of Echo Summit to south of Ebbetts Pass. Some areas were covered with up to 3,000 feet of volcanic deposits, much of it andesite. The earliest eruptions were mostly rhyolite, but most of it was eroded way. The best that I can understand, much of this volcanic activity ended about 9 to 5 million years ago. Today, one can still see andesite deposits in Pollock Pines and Camino in El Dorado County. This volcanic activity was widespread; from Plumas County in the north to northern Yosemite National Park to the south.
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At Carson Pass, 8,652 feet (2,637 meters), the storm clouds were thickening very quickly.
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The summit of Round Top Peak was hidden by clouds. It was 46 F (7.5 C) at 3:00 P.M. and spits of rain were starting to fall.
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Rabbitbrush, Chryothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. puberulus, looked great in this area.
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From Carson Pass to Silver Lake it was spitting rain.
The ridge behind Silver Lake is layer after layer of volcanic deposits, in this case close to 2,000 feet deep or more.
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Eriogonum umbellatum var. polyanthum with ripening seed near Silver Lake.
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Near Iron Mountain Road and my route back to the farm the rain started to come down a bit harder.
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Jenkinson Reservoir, 3,400 feet (1,036 meters), and a view east with dark clouds over the Sierra Nevada. It was 57 F (14 C) at 4:00 P.M. Shortly, I arrived at the farm. The temperature was 67 F (19.5 C) at 4:45 P.M. There was no rain yet, however it arrived about an hour later. It was light and by 8:00 P.M. it had ended.
Now for a busy work schedule. My next outing is planned for next Thursday.
Until then..... :)
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The first snowfall of the season fell on the Sierra Nevada Thursday night and Friday.
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The high peaks of the Crystal Range got a dusting of snow. It even started snow while I was driving out of the area, near Lyons Creek. The road started getting covered in snow, so I was glad to be driving out. Unknown to me at the time, My brother and our friend Joe drove up to Lyons Creek to hike around a bit. By then, the snow was coming down hard and the road was completely covered in snow. They did not do much hiking. They drove down to the farm and told me the story, as well as conditions on the east side of the Sierra Nevada where they had just spent several days hiking and camping.
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A view from Wrights Lake toward Rockbound Pass.
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This weeks outing will be to the cirque on the north side of Mount Price. By then the weather will have warmed considerably and the snow from the Thursday night, Friday storm should be gone. This area was scoured out by glaciers during the periods of glaciation from about 2 million to 10,000 years ago. I am looking forward to a interesting outing.
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Robert, I know what you mean about collecting rock samples. My Dad used to complain about the number of plastic bags in the car boot containing rock samples gathered on holiday. I gave most of them to the local Museum. Extras were placed on the scree. I once read of an outcrop of jadeite in North Scotland. In one area where roadworks were taking place, a fresh roadside exposure of green rock was seen by the roadside. The road was too narrow to stop with the caravan so it remained un-identified, it was in the same area where the book said it was. I can,t remember exactly where it was now. I find Geology a fascinating but complicated subject. Geologists tend to use long words which I think they make up as they go along.
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Ian,
Clearly, I like geology too. :)
One often needs a creative mind to interpret rock formations. Circumstantial evidence is often all that one has to go on. Of coarse, geologist often do not agree on things. I have read reports that state that there are 7 plutons in Desolation Wilderness, others state 4. And then, the divisions of rock names can be vexing. Rhyolite and andesite seem straight forward, but where does dacite fit in?
Geology also has a bearing on plant life in an area. Serpentinite is an obvious example.
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Robert, "Dacite. A fine grained volcanic rock resembling andesite but containing quartz and potassic feldspar as well as plagoiclase. Dacites are the fine grained equivalents of the granodiorites." From=Minerals, Rocks and Gemstones by Rudolf Borner. No wonder I gave the study of geology up.
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Ian,
Thank you for a definition of dacite. Are the mineral grains large enough to see with a hand lens?
For me, it has been a slow process finding good definitions of some common rocks and minerals. I have checked many university web sites and pick up a few here and there. Any suggestions on all the different pyroxenes and amphiboles?
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Robert, Borer has Dacite as a variety of Rhyolite. It is classed under Fine-grained (extrusive and hyperbasal rocks). I did not delve too deeply into geology as I soon became confused with all the different varieties of rocks and the naming system based on what seemed to me, small differences in make up. I think I,ll stick to flowers. ian.
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Ian,
Yes, the small differences in naming rocks is frustrating to me. I have to admit that I find geology interesting and will not give up trying to learn more. I actually learn much more giving things a try and making mistakes. I knew that Dacite was a variety of Rhyolite, however I am sure that, at this point, I would call a piece of Dacite, Rhyolite.
I had a good outing in the Sierra Nevada yesterday. I still have not checked to photographs - hopefully something good.
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We do have a Forumist (DaveM; Dr Rock or to give him his full title Professor David Millward) who would be eminently capable of answering a few Geological questions in terms more easily understood by us lesser mortals ;D
David is co-author, with Prof. John Good of "Alpine Plants: Ecology for Gardeners" (Batsford/Timber Press 2007)
https://www.abebooks.co.uk/products/isbn/9780713490176/16079019878 (https://www.abebooks.co.uk/products/isbn/9780713490176/16079019878)
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Interesting as usual, Robert! I too like geology but I leave the difficult stuff to my daughter who is a geologist :)
The patchy geology of California is intriguing. Some parts are familiar, many are not.
I am also caught by the beauty of the high altitude trees and plants. I am used to see lingering snow patches here. Some melt during summer, some survive till the winter is back:
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Hi David,
Thank you for the information. I could certainly use some additional information at times!
Trond,
I enjoy all aspects of Natural History.
It would be nice to have a Geologist around to ask a few questions from time-to-time. ;D
My brother is a climate scientist and I have another friend who is a scientist. We have all camped and backpacked into the wilderness for many summers. As you might expect, there can be some very fascinating discussions on these outings.
I'll have more on lingering snow with my next report. In the mean time, enjoy these scenes from the other day.
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An interesting granite (pink) pluton with dark diorite below. The granite had very little in the way of dark minerals, some was almost white with feldspar and quartz. Of coarse, the diorite had little or no quartz!
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One of the peaks at the head to the valley I visited on Thursday.
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ISLAND LAKE
Thursday, 28 September 2017
Sacramento Weather
Weather: Clear
Temperature, High: 92 F, 33.3 C
Low: 58 F, 14.4 C
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I arrived early Thursday morning at the Twin Lakes trailhead, 6,983 feet (2,128 meters) to prepare for my outing to Island Lake and the northern slopes of Mount Price. It was a bit chilly, 36 F (2.2 C). The meadowland near Wrights Lake were white with frost.
After a short hike through the frosty meadowland, the trail soon moved into higher terrain, a postglacial boulder land full various sized erratics.
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For the most part, the vegetation is quite sparse in this area, but the scenery is spectacular.
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My goal on this day was to enter the Twin Lakes Basin and then climb into the cirque on the northern slope of Mount Price.
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Large colonies of Rhizocarpon lichen can give the light colored granodiorite a greenish-yellow cast as they spread over many of the rock faces in this area.
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Once in the Twin Lakes Basin, much of the relatively level land is covered with moorland. Ericaceae species thrive in this habitat and grew abundantly. At this elevation, above 7,900 feet (2,408 meters), there had been many frosty nights. Many of the herbaceous species had already died back for the season.
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The longer frosty nights have triggered many species to move towards dormancy. The foliage of deciduous species is changing color and intensifying.
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Vaccinium caspitosum turns brilliant scarlet-red as autumn advances.
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Good forms of Spiraea splendens can have excellent autumn foliage. This specimen was just starting to turn, and may turn brilliant scarlet-red in the next week.
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Although evergreen, Kalmia polifolia can have excellent brilliant scarlet foliage. Generally, it is the older, lower foliage that turns scarlet. The younger new growth remains bright green, creating a beautiful two-toned effect.
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It was not long before I arrived at Twin Lakes, elevation 7,995 feet (2,437 meters).
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Island Lake, elevation 8,143 feet (2,482 meters), is a short distance beyond Twin Lakes. There are many small lakes and ponds between Twin Lakes and Island Lake. The lakes and ponds without trout are one of the few holdouts of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa). Along this section of the trail I met and talked with the biologists monitoring the Yellow-legged Frogs and removing the trout from Island Lake. Originally, there were no trout in most of the high elevation lakes of the Sierra Nevada. Yellow-legged Frogs thrived in the lakes without the predatory trout. Once trout were introduced their numbers started to decline. During the 1970’s – 80’s introduced pathogens and air pollution issues (agricultural chemicals) started to take a huge toll on the frog populations. Soon they were rarely seen and there was a fear that they might completely disappear. Fortunately, their populations seem to be very slowly recovering. The next few years may be critical for their survival.
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Sorbus californica is one of several shrubs producing colorful berries this time of year.
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The fruit of Sorbus californica is very attractive, especially to birds. As I hiked through the area the birds had already started to strip the fruit. At the rate the birds and other animals are working over the fruit in this area it will all be gone by the end of October. A heavy snowfall could put a stop to this.
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The silvery foliage of Antennaria looks great this time of year.
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Even at this elevation the late blooming Eriogonum wrightii var. subscaposum had finished blooming and was quickly setting and ripening its seed.
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Island Lake is at the head of the valley in a very beautiful alpine setting. Around the lake there were a few Eriogonum umbellatum var. polyanthum still in bloom.
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At the far northeastern end of the valley was a large area of pink granite. This granite consisted of pink, or sometimes white, feldspar and quartz with a very small amount of dark minerals. What was very fascinating about this formation was that was surrounded by dark diorite.
This might have been an interesting place to explore, but I was exhausted. I found a nice warm and comfortable place to relax. I easily feel a sleep.
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After a short but refreshing nap, this was the view from my resting spot as I opened my eyes. I would not mind waking up to this every morning! It was also my next destination. I spent a short time examining the granite/diorite pluton, and then circled the far end of Island Lake, before I move up toward the cirque.
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As I worked my way into the cirque, the dormant season was well advanced. Athyrium distentifolium var. americanum as well as many other species had been frosted down numerous times and were ready for the snow to fall and accumulate.
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At this elevation I started to encountered Cryprogramma canadense. This species is completely deciduous so they will be going dormant shortly.
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Against a rock Penstemon hetrodoxus var. cephalophorus was still trying to bloom. At this stage it was easy to observe the 2 or more tiers of flowers on each stem that helps distinguish this subspecies.
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Perched on the side of the steep slope was a pool, elevation 8,395 feet (2,559 meters), perfect habitat for Mountain Yellow-legged frogs. I did not find any, however there were many interesting plants, most well on their way to dormancy. There were many Primula tetrandra lining the edge of this pool. It must have been a gorgeous sight when they were in bloom earlier in the season.
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Now I was at the base of the cirque and a whole fascinating world of alpine plants lay before me. I had also run out of time, a theme that is all too familiar to me. I was not displeased, I taken the long route to get to this point and had also taken some time for a much needed nap. Next year I will take the direct route to this site and have plenty of time to explore this area.
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Of coarse the scenery was very spectacular. The whole area was partly surrounded by a “U” shaped ring of high peaks and knife-edge ridges, a cirque.
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Below me to the west was a small, unnamed lake. The biologist told me it had never been stocked with trout and had a small surviving colony of Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged Frogs.
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The small lake was very interesting with many fine species, however the plant find of the day was Anemone occidentalis.
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I rarely encounter this species on the west slope of the Crystal Range. It is a beautiful early blooming species with white flowers. The seed heads are also attractive in the autumn.
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It was late in the season for butterflies to still be in flight, however I did see a few Hoary Comma, Polygonia gracilis. This was not the great surprise for the day. I was super excited to spot an extremely interesting bee species. I am not sure of the species, however with a hairy blue-green and black-striped abdomen it was very striking. As far as I am aware there are 60 to 80 or more bee species in the Sierra Nevada. Most are not social.
I also noted the browsed grasses in the area. Who was responsible? It was not long until I spotted a Yellow-bellied Marmot with a huge shuck of grass in its mouth. It was a majestic sight as it paused on the top of a rock outcropping. It was to far away for a photograph, however I got a good look at it through the binoculars.
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Off to the west there was a wonderful view to the Crystal Basin and the Great Valley well in the distance.
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In some places last season’s snow never melted.
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Where the snow had recently melted, last year’s dry foliage of Athyrium distentifolium var. americanum had now been exposed. This late in the season it will likely never break dormancy and will sleep for another season under this year’s coming winter snow pack.
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This Pedicularis species had broken dormancy and had fresh young growth. I do not think they will last long this time of year. I guess that they will try again next year too.
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Rhodiola integrifolia ssp. integrifolia can also have attractive autumn foliage. I am always pleased to see them this time of year with their pretty burnt red-brown-yellow foliage.
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Before I left the area, I took one last look at the majestic peaks that surrounded me.
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Surprise! A photograph of Robert. One of the biologists took this photograph of me between Twin Lakes and Island Lakes.
The plants in the high country are certainly preparing for the snow and dormant season. Despite this it is a great time of year to visit the high country. Some of my most memorable extended trips and outings have been in early to late October. Over 100 taxa of vascular plants were logged on this outing as well as many lichens, birds, insects and mammals.
Now the question is, where will I go this coming week? There are plenty of great choices.
Until next time…….
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Robert, a great report as always. The photos. really give the impression of the surrounding area. I have come across a site by the British Geological Survey (BGS). One of the components is a map of the UK. If the cursor is moved to an area then clicked, a description for that area is given. Perhaps of no interest to you but maybe the American Geological society have an equivalent? Also, this may be of interest to UK members who wish to know the geology of an area. Perhaps the un-named lake ought to be Roberts lake?
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Great stuff Robert. Nice to see a photograph of you, looking much younger than I had envisaged. ;D
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Wow Robert! This was a really exceptional report - a quite beautiful area -one of the most lovely you have shown us to my mind - and a portrait of you as well - a pleasure to "meet" you in the flesh!
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Robert, fall colors and glow are striking! It is as if nature suddenly starts shifting from blooms towards foliage to provide us with fond memories...what is also quite striking the change in the angle of light. Pictures now show a typical more horizontally slanted glow. It is also seen in the background stones and boulders. Although I also live in a similar type of environment ( fortunately) I hadn't noticed this change how it affects the aesthetic values until I watched your last set of pics. Rhodiola is particularly beautiful. Also the fall colors of deciduous ferns like Cryptogramma. All of this helps me immensely in thinking out my wild gardens project, while my recently arrived seeds start their journey... Rocks as part of permanent structures in a rock garden could be looked at with a "horticultural/landscape" eye. Although their names will differ according to their mineral contents, yet those very similar in color, texture and glow could be lumped together. A new way of classifying rocks....hmm. Thank you very much for this later set. I suspect that there won't be much soon, for some months ahead ,because eventually weather will drive you downwards. Still whatever you show us, I'm following eagerly...
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Hi Ian,
There are all sorts of things on the internet, so maybe there are such interactive maps.
There are plenty of some unnamed lakes in Desolation Valley that might need a name. :)
David,
Yes, I have always looked "young". Not bad for 62. A few days ago I pounded-out a concrete foundation with a sledgehammer. I was tired but I can still do hard physical labor - more important I can still hike and climb in the mountains easily.
Maggi,
Thank you for the compliment. I'll do the best I can to keep my standards high. I certainly want everyone to enjoy the reports. Right now some of my new work keeps me in the same general area - the details could still be very interesting.
Arturo,
Yes, it is a beautiful time of year to be in the high Sierra Nevada. There have been two snowstorms already this season. The snow quickly melted, but as you say, my time is limited as a much more powerful storm could show up any day.
This coming outing will be to Sylvia Lake. My first trip to Sylvia Lake was in 1960. If I have time I will climb Pyramid Peak. Mount Price is near by and has very interesting plants ........, but I think many of the same species could be on the southern flank of Pyramid Peak. It will certainly be interesting to look around anyway. I have already found some unusual species on the west slope of the Crystal Range this year - not rare species, species at are not known to grow in the area - all very interesting.
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A few scenes from Loon Lake the other day.
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Tells Peak from Chipmunk Bluff.
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Loon Lake Tells Peak and Brown Mountain in the background.
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Tells Peak from the west end of the lake. The water level in the lake is lowered each autumn.
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Peaks at the east end of Loon Lake.
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Pleopsidium flavum. Most of the wildflowers are dormant, or going dormant, however the lichens are still colorful.
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Juniperus grandis. This species often has a sculpted look.
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Ericameria cuneata var. cuneata was one of the few plants still blooming on Chipmunk Bluff.
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There were also a few Castilleja pruinosum still in bloom.
My next outing will be this Thursday.
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Robert, you mentioned Loon Lake. This is my attempt at painting a Loon. I am the founder of the Barbaric School of Art. [attachimg=1]
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............................I am the founder of the Barbaric School of Art.
;D ;D ;D
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Ian,
It looks like a Loon to me. :)
8) 8) 8)
You should see some of the line drawings I do you in the field. :P
I certainly will not win any awards, but then we do things in our household like in that old Frank Capra movie "You can't take it with you". They were enjoying themselves .... isn't that what matters! :)
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Seems like these terrible wildfires in California are too close for comfort, Robert - I hope you and all your family are safe.
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Maggi, the fires that are now burning in California are mostly more toward the coast, in Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino counties. The most damaging of the wildfires, the Tubbs fire, has burned the area where we lived when I was a kid. I can see on the maps that are available online that our old neighborhood was within the fire perimeter, but it was not the neighborhood where every house was destroyed (and has been featured in news reports) - that was a mile or two away. We have not heard from any of our old friends and neighbors yet, but we are hoping that they are all ok. I actually visited Sonoma County last fall, and thought I would post a photo if people are interested in seeing what the area looks like - or at least used to look like. The tree-covered hillsides in the foreground and middle ground have now all burned, and the valley floor in the distance is where the fire storm occurred, the fire burning out of the hills from left to right. This is going to end up being one of the biggest fire impacts in California history, because it is affecting such a populated area. Everyone should be sending positive energy toward northern California, if not financial donations to aid organizations.
Ed
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We can only hope for a quick end to these fires.
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As of 6:00 a.m. (11 Oct.) Wednesday morning the smoke from the wildfires in Sacramento is extremely thick. It is indeed a tragedy and we certainly hope that the fires can be brought under control soon. The weather forecast is for the dry north winds to pick up today. This could make the disaster much worse. This is not a good weather forecast!
I will be leaving early in the morning (Thursday) to hike in the Lyons Creek Basin. I will be gone all day, however I will keep everyone informed as I can. Hopefully there will be no new fires to compound the present situation.
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I was just in contact with my brother. There is one fire in El Dorado county (where the farm is located). At this time it is not a major concern, but with the wind today the situation could change quickly.
A quick note for Ed......
Cryptogramma cascadensis appears to be very common on the western slope of the Crystal Range above 8,000 feet. If there are mesic conditions, I find it growing - sometimes abundantly. I am sure this does not surprise you. I have a feeling it is quite common at high elevations in the Sierra Nevada. Sometimes I have found C. acrostichoides somewhat nearby, but never in the same habitat (i.e. mesic conditions). No signs of hybrids either.
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I had a very productive and interesting outing yesterday. Cold autumn weather has arrived in the high country of the Sierra Nevada as well as the foothills. It was 19 F (-7.2 C) at the Lyons Creek trailhead (6,690 feet, 2,039 meters) yesterday and 37 F (2.7 C) at the farm (1,460 feet) this morning.
The scene is of Lake Sylvia at the base of Pyramid Peak.
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I arrived at the summit of Pyramid Peak (9,983 feet, 3,043 meters) at Noon. It was 39 F (3.8 C). The scene is to the north with Mount Price and other peaks of the Crystal Range off into the distance.
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To the west it is very smoky from the fires in the Sonoma and Napa counties. The fires have been extremely destructive. 31 have been found dead. As of this morning, the fires are only 7% and 10% contained, with a new dry wind storm forecast to start later this evening. The city of Fairfield is at risk. Stay tuned it is not over yet!
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Robert, it seems like the worst scenario, more like a disaster film. I suppose the burning embers spread the fire a long distance with the wind. No use clearing fire breaks with the intensity of the flames?
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At this point we will just have to see what happens next. How strong will the winds be? Will any new fire start? Rain is in the forecast for next week, but we need something good now.
We will hope for the best.
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LAKE SYLVIA
&
PYRAMID PEAK
Thursday, 12 October 2017
Sacramento Weather
Weather: Clear
Temperature, High: 75 (23.9 C ) Low: 52 (11.1 C )
Barometer: 1016 mb
Placerville Weather
Weather: Clear
Temperature, High: 71 (21.7 C ) Low: 34 (1.1 C )
Barometer: 1017 mb
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On Thursday morning I set out for the Lyons Creek Basin at the southern end of the Crystal Range, El Dorado County, California. The plan was to hike to Lake Sylvia at the head of Lyons Creek and explore the slopes above the lake. In addition, if everything worked out well, I would climb to the summit of Pyramid Peak, the highest peak in the Crystal Range and explore the southwestern flank of the mountain.
I arrived at the Lyons Creek trailhead, elevation 6,690 feet (2,039 meters), at 7:00 a.m. Autumn weather had certainly set in. It was 19 F (-7.2 C) when I arrived and many plants were well advanced into their dormancy (i.e. frozen solid or no longer living above ground). Everything was covered with frost, including the needles of Lodgepole Pine, Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana (pictured).
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I was well prepared for the cold weather, and quite comfortable as I hiked up the trail that was frozen, rock hard, solid. It might appear from the weather conditions and the time of year, that my botanical prospects might be limited. As I hiked up the trail, I kept an open mind and a sharp eye out for anything interesting. This was good, as I was pleasantly surprised how the day turned out and how many plants I was able to identify.
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Lyons Creek still flowed with a goodly amount of water. During the drought years many parts of the creek were completely dry by late summer. This flow of water was a very welcome sight.
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Most forms of Spirea splendens turn yellow in the autumn. In this photograph Spiraea splendens and Lonicera conjugialis make up the bulk of the shrubby undergrowth along the first portion of the trail.
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Sorbus californica has beautiful autumn foliage that will generally turn some shade of red. The bright red clusters of fruit in the autumn are also very attractive, however the birds and other wildlife do not waste any time devouring it.
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Many Aspen groves, Populus tremuloides, can be seen along the initial portions of the trail. Aspens are known for their spectacular golden-yellow autumn foliage, however on this outing only a few trees in the distance lived up to this reputation.
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Many of the Aspen had already become dormant; a few seemed undecided if they wanted to turn color or just drop their leaves. This was one of the few trees that looked fairly nice.
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Grape-fern, Sceptridium multifidum was one of the surprises for the day. I have never recorded this species in this area and this specimen grew right next to the trail in plain sight; that is, in plain sight when all the surrounding herbaceous foliage had been frosted down. This site is one of my favorite places to observe Violas and other species that I have a keen interest in. I was very pleased to find this fern species.
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The trail eventual leaves the relatively flat meadow and forestland near the trailhead and moves higher into rocky, more open terrain. Here Pyramid Peak looms close.
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Many herbaceous and bulbous species can be found growing in the rocky, open terrain. With summer dry and cold autumn conditions many are now dormant. The blue-green fronds of Pellaea bridgesii are quite pronounced and much appreciated during the autumn.
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Of coarse, many of the evergreen species come to the forefront of attention as the deciduous species go dormant. Pinemat Manzanita, Arctostaphylos nevadensis, is one of my favorite species. The chestnut stems of this species creeping over the granodiorite boulders are very pleasing.
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Huckleberry Oak, Quercus vacciniifolia, is a very common component of the high elevation chaparral plant community. This year they were loaded with acorns. I was somewhat surprised to find so many. I thought that they would be a food source for many different animals that live in the region.
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I made good time hiking up the trail and arrived at Lake Sylvia, 8,048 feet (2,453 meters) at 10:45 a.m. The terrain surrounding Lake Sylvia is quite beautiful. To the northeast a beautiful cirque opens above the lake and is always a welcome sight to see.
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I spent a few minutes poking around the lake before setting off for the summit of Pyramid Peak. For sentimental reasons I visited this pool in the nearby creek. I caught my first trout in this pool back in 1960. This creek flows from the large cirque to the northeast of Lake Sylvia but does not flow into Lake Sylvia. Clearly there were trout in this section of the creek back in 1960, however I no longer see any and they may indeed be gone.
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Now it was time to set off for the summit of Pyramid Peak. The southwestern ridge is the easiest and most direct route to the summit of Pyramid Peak. There are several ways to reach the southwest ridge from Lake Sylvia. I used the route pictured in this photograph. It may look difficult, however it is actually quite easy to scramble up the slope and through the notch in the ridge. Some of the rocks at the base are huge and take time to work around.
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It is a steep hike to the summit of Pyramid Peak, but basically it can be walked and does not require any climbing. I made good time and at 12:30 p.m. I reached the summit, 9,983 feet (3,043 meters). I have my priorities, so weather observations and measurements were conducted first; Clear, 39 F (3.9 C), Winds SW 5G15. Sometimes I bring my mercury sling psychrometer, but not today.
Pyramid Peak is the highest peak of the Crystal Range and there is a wonderful panorama of the surrounding countryside from the summit. Mount Price (pictured) is the next peak slightly to the northwest of Pyramid Peak, however in this photograph the summit is somewhat hidden by the ridge in the foreground.
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To the north is Dicks Peak, 9,974 feet (3,040 meters). The grayish peak in the foreground is Jacks Peak, 9,856 feet (3,004 meters). Lake Aloha can be seen below Jacks Peak to the right. A metamorphic roof pendant runs through this area and is extremely interesting. Hopefully I will be able to visit this area in the future and give a report on the plants in this area as well as the geology and other aspects of the natural history.
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Also to the north, sandwiched between the crest of the Crystal Range and Dicks Peak and the ridge extending north from Dicks Peak, is Rockbound Valley. Clyde Lake, just north over Mosquito Pass from Lake Aloha, is the headwaters of the Rubicon River which flows northward from Clyde Lake.
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This view is to the southeast down the spine of the Sierra Nevada. In the distance, the high peak slightly right of center is Round Top Peak, 10,381 feet (3,164 meters). The canyon of the South Fork of the American River can be seen in the foreground.
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To the southwest a patchwork of small meadows can be seen in the high elevation forest. It is my understanding that the meadows are slowly being encroached upon by the surrounding forest. Climate change and fire suppression are the hypothesized causal agents for this change. To the right is the ridge I hiked to the summit. Easy!
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To the northeast South Lake Tahoe can be seen in the distance and the Nevada shore of Lake Tahoe beyond. The southern portion of Lake Aloha is in the foreground. Yes, Lake Aloha is fairly large.
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Almost directly east is Lower Echo Lake. There is an Upper Echo Lake, however only a tiny sliver can be seen just to the left of Lower Echo Lake. Back in the early 1970’s there was a Boy Scout camp at the upper end of Upper Echo Lake. When I was a teenager I spent a week or so each summer at the camp. I was not a very good Boy Scout and spent most of my time in the wilderness, not in the camp. On another occasion, I secretly slept in an unoccupied tent in the camp one night and left early in the morning to hike to my father’s cabin at Gerle Creek. 36 miles (58 km) in one day! The sun set when I arrived at Loon Lake, but this was home territory for me, so I keep hiking into the night until I arrived at the cabin. Nobody was there, but I knew how to get in through the second level window. I was tired, and that bed sure felt good!
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To the west the Sacramento Valley was very smoky from numerous forest fires.
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After taking in the fantastic views from the summit, I started my return hike to Lake Sylvia. On my way down, near the summit, I spotted a small colony of Eriogonum lobbii. They were the only plants of this species I encountered on this outing.
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This pointed pinnacle northwest of Pyramid Peak is quite interesting. About ten years ago when I was exploring the summit of Mount Price, I climb out to the tip of the pinnacle to look straight down the cliff and off to the east. Where the trees are in the foreground is another cliff face. When I was much younger, I was foolish enough to try to free climb the western cliff face of Pyramid Peak. Fortunately, it was far too difficult for me to climb without rope, so I turned back. Now I have a bit of sanity and do not attempt such things.
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This is one of the views down the cliff face. Not too bad? Look at the rock below the snowfield. It is a straight drop down from that point. A number of years ago I climbed down to these lakes from the summit of Pyramid Peak. I do not remember how I did it. Maybe it is too scary to think of such things now. The lakes are very interesting and good habitat for Yellow-legged Frogs, Rana muscosa. I don’t remember seeing any on my last trip to the lakes.
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As I worked my way down the ridge, I had a good view of another small high alpine lake.
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I have never been to this lake. In the future, it looks like a great place to explore for interesting plants. It will be easy to return to this site and also check to see if there are any Yellow-legged Frogs.
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This was my return route down off the southwestern ridge. It looks like it could be difficult, but it is mostly just hiking. There were only a few places where I needed to do some very easy climbing to lower myself off a shelf or two.
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From the base of the cirque, there was another view of the cleft I hiked up earlier in the day to the southwestern ridge.
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The base of the cirque is well watered and full of all sorts of interesting plant species. Most were frosted into dormancy, however I did see some beautiful plants. Heuchera rubescens (pictured) is one of my favorites.
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The main color show of Vaccinium cespitosum was almost over. This specimen was still in its prime. It is a fantastic species and very easy to cultivate in the garden.
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This is one of my favorite autumn, alpine combinations, Phyllodoce breweri and Vaccinium cespitosum. At its best, the contrast between the deep green foliage of the Phyllodoce and the scarlet autumn color of the Vaccinium is stunning. One of these days I hope to duplicate this combination in our Sacramento garden.
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As I worked my way down to Lake Sylvia, I came across a few plants of Eriogonum umbellatum var. polyanthum still in bloom (almost!). I have never observed this species blooming this late in the season. This is one of those things I like to wonder about and investigate.
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Closer to the lake I encountered Aspidotis densa in several locations. This species has a tremendous altitude and habitat range. It is quite common in extremely xeric situations at lower elevations and seems quite happy in xeric alpine habitats too.
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It was now getting late in the day, so I did not waste any time around Lake Sylvia. A sort distance below the lake there is a series of small meadows surrounded by numerous Ericaceae species.
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Rhododendron columbianum is one of a number of Ericaceae that grow abundantly at this site. In the “spring”, early summer up here, the flowering display in the meadows is spectacular. I spent some time poking around the meadow to see if I could spot anything unusual. I often observe considerable leave variation with Rhododendron columbianum and was curious what I might find. I did not find anything out of the ordinary, however I will return to explore these sites repeatedly.
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As I moved down the Lyons Creek drainage toward the trailhead, I took a moment to view Lyons Creek.
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The trail leading back to the Outback.
With winter type storms forecast to arrive soon, this might be my last outing into the high country of the Sierra Nevada for this season. Despite the fact that many species were dormant or frozen, this was still an extremely productive and enjoyable outing. Close to 100 species were cataloged, including one species new to me in this area, Grape-fern, Scepridium multifidum.
My next outing is planned to occur in a few weeks. Deer hunting season will be over and it will be safe to explore part of the north ridge above Hell Hole Reservoir. Weather permitting; this could be a very interesting outing.
Until next time…….
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A tremendous report, Robert!
Safe travels till your next one,
cheers
fermi
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Cracking report as usual Robert. I hope the weather remains both walkable and climbable for you. We have the 'joys' of Storm Brian to experience tonight and all day Saturday and certainly for the South West spring tides. Probably be best to stay in bed all Saturday :D Who names these storms? ::)
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Fermi, David,
Thank you for the comments. :) 8)
Who names these storms? ??? All the storms are named these days? or only some? Who decides such things?
Here is a list of birds seen on my recent outing:
Golden-crowned sparrow - Zonotrichia atricapilla
Mountain Chickadee - Parus gambeli
Common Raven - Corvus corax
Clark's Nutcracker - Nucifraga columbiana
Spotted Towhee - Pipilo maculatus
Red-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta canadensis
White-crowned Sparrow - Zonotrichia leucophys
Steller's Jay - Cyanocitta stelleri
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The storms have only been named for the last few years. I think it is mainly the Irish Met Office who choose which weather system to name and what to call it. No doubt the idea came from the naming of tropical storms (hurricanes and typhoons).
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The storms have only been named for the last few years. I think it is mainly the Irish Met Office who choose which weather system to name and what to call it. No doubt the idea came from the naming of tropical storms (hurricanes and typhoons).
Any clues why the storms are being named? Are they stronger/more powerful than average? It is hard to believe that it is nothing more than some sort of capriciousness.
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Last night the first autumn storm from the Gulf of Alaska arrived.
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I was fortunate to be at Loon Lake today. This view is from Chipmunk Bluff. Tells Peak, the northern most peak of the Crystal Range can be seen with a dusting of snow.
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This view is from Chipmunk Bluff across the canyon of the South Fork of the Rubicon River. All the conifers on the north facing slope are still covered with snow. The elevation is about 6,000 feet (1,828 meters).
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This is a typical scene with autumn colors in the Sierra Nevada. In this photograph California Black Oak, Quercus kelloggii, is providing the yellow color. In other places Bigleaf Maple, Acer macrophyllum, are bright yellow-gold right now. In still other places Pacific Dogwood, Cornus Nuttallii, is crimson. There are many other deciduous trees and shrubs turning color now too. It is extremely beautiful. I can't get enough of it! 8)
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Loon Lake and the northern end of the Crystal Range + Tells Peak. There was about 2.5 cm of snow at lake level. I was taking meteorological measurements: Mostly Cloudy, 41 F (5 C), Relative Humidity 76%, Dewpoint 34 F (1.1 C), Wind SW 5mph, Barometer 30.04" steady.
It has been a long day. Time to rest! :) 8)
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A few more autumn scenes from the Sierra Nevada.
This photograph was taken at Camp Creek a few days ago.
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A close-up of Pacific Dogwood, Cornus nuttallii. Near Camp Creek, there are also thickets of Cornus sessilis. They too can have nice autumn leaf color.
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California Black Oak, Quercus kelloggii, generally has autumn leaves that turn some shade of yellow. A small percentage will turn red. This tree was photographed on Peavine Ridge two days ago. There appears to be a genetic component to this characteristic. I know of one location on Peavine Ridge where there are numerous trees that turn red. It is very unfortunate that there is no economic incentive to improve many species. Creating a seed line of Quercus kelloggii that has red autumn foliage seems very possible.
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Any clues why the storms are being named? Are they stronger/more powerful than average? It is hard to believe that it is nothing more than some sort of capriciousness.
Robert, take a look here - https://www.met.ie/news/display.asp?ID=446. (https://www.met.ie/news/display.asp?ID=446.) They say "Naming storms has been proved to raise awareness of severe weather in the UK, crucially prompting people to take action to prevent harm to themselves or their property.”
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Robert, how interesting your comment about fall colour in Q.kelloggii !!. I've got only two specimens here on my property. They turn both brilliant scarlet in fall. It all depends whether they get light frosts first before the hard frost hit badly. Then they turn dull brown with leaves staying until leafing out in spring. Mine have not awakened from dormancy yet although they are with swollen buds. It grows quite slowly and it has never set any acorns yet. All the other broadleaved mentioned above have been on my wish list for quite a few years by now... :)
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Arturo,
Your oak trees must be very beautiful. It is extremely unusual for California Black Oak, Quercus kelloggii to turn bright scarlet in the autumn. It is even more unusual for the leaves to persist on the twigs brown or semi-dry until leaf-out in the spring. This is a characteristic very common with Northern Red Oak, Quercus rubra.
I will share some of my experiences with California Black Oak and autumn leaf color.
California Black Oak is widespread, with a broad range throughout California and beyond (Oregon and Baja California). To simplify things, I will limit this discussion to its range and my personal observations in El Dorado County, California. Within El Dorado County, Quercus kelloggii can be found in an altitude range from < 1,500 feet (< 457 meters) to > 6,000 feet (> 1,829 meters). There are no California Black Oaks on the farm property, however they grow within eye-shot on the hills across the drainage to the east (maybe 200 meters distance i.e. real close!).
California Black Oak hybridizes with several other native oak species in California, however Q. x morehus is the only natural Q. kelloggii hybrid found in El Dorado County. Q. wislizenii, Interior Live Oak, is the other parent in this hybrid. We have two Oracle Oaks (Q x morehus) on the farm property. Oracle Oak is evergreen to semi-evergreen and the foliage exhibits some characteristics from both the parents.
Throughout its range Quercus kelloggii generally turns some shade of yellow during the autumn. A few trees can show some red in the foliage. It is very, very, very rare that a tree turns completely red. I have seen thousands of California Black Oaks, over many decades, throughout California and I have yet to see a tree that turns completely red.
I understand well that there are many factors that govern autumn leaf color. Genetic disposition is certainly one factor, however exposure to light, temperatures, moisture content of the soil, and soil fertility levels are some of the other factors. When I was in my twenties, I budded and grafted 10’s of thousands of trees. Among them were three named varieties of Liquidambar: ‘Burgundy’, ‘Festival’, and ‘Palo Alto’. Each cultivar had a unique autumn leaf color and habit of growth. Nurserymen need to earn a profit to stay in business, and we usually pushed the fall budded trees in the spring with much fertilizer. A small bud on the under stock would grow into a 6 foot (2 meter) tree, or more, by autumn. The trees were lush and very saleable, however the leaves would stay green on not turn color at all. It didn’t matter what variety, the weather, etc., they would not turn color due to the nitrogen fertilizer we pushed them with. This was also true with the named varieties of Dogwood, Red Maple (Acer rubrum), etc. that we grafted and pushed hard in the spring. As a side note, we never pushed grafted Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) as they are extremely susceptible to fungal attack if there is too much nitrate in their tissue. Anyway, this is one example of how soil fertility will affect autumn leaf color.
Light is also a factor. Back to my nursery days, I would often get questions about a tree that never turned color but should. Almost always it was because it was planted in too much shade. I would often show a customer a beautifully colored tree. There are always leaves that overlap each other. I would show the customer the leaves; pull the top one away to show the perfect outline on the shaded leaf below, sans autumn pigment.
All these experiences and many others apply the California Black Oak. Maybe you noted the beautiful yellow California Black Oaks in the photograph I posted of the South Fork of the Rubicon River near Loon Lake a day or so ago. They were growing in a band directly below the conifers in the other photograph that were still covered with snow. The oaks too were snowed on, and have also experienced frosty nights. They are turning beautiful yellow as California Black Oaks usually do. This process is working its way down the mountain and a bit later the California Black Oaks near the farm will turn yellow. I know of only a few locations where a small percentage of the trees attempt to turn red. This is what I have observed throughout California. My friend had a ranch in Butte County, California. The Black Oak on his ranch never turned red, nor did the leaves persist into the spring. In general, I have never observed California Black Oak autumn leaves persisting except in highly drought stressed trees that may in fact be dying.
There is much more I could write concerning autumn leaf color and California Black Oak, but it seems unnecessary. Arturo, you are tremendously fortunate to have not one, but two California Black Oaks that turn red in the autumn. This is like winning the billion-dollar lottery! I wonder if they will exhibit the same color characteristics in other parts of the world. You might consider sending acorns to Kew or other important botanical gardens. I am sure that they would be interested. You have an extremely rare find! I have been looking for red California Black Oaks for decades. I know of a fair number that turn somewhat red, but nothing like, lets say, a Northern Red Oak, Quercus rubra. Congratulations! I am impressed.
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Some scenes from Wrights Lake, yesterday 21 October.
Weather observations at 2:00 p.m. Partly Cloudy, 50 F (10 C), Relative Humidity 68%, Dew Point 42 F (5.5 C), Winds NW Calm.
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The elevation at Wrights Lake is at 6,972 feet (2,125 meters).
Most of the snow from the storm on Thursday Night - Friday morning had already melted. Shaded sites still had 1" of snow on the ground.
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Some snow on the ground at the Lyons Creek Trailhead (where I started my outing last week). On Friday, the snowline on north facing slopes was 5,350 feet (1,631 meters), on Saturday it was 6,100 feet (1,859 meters). The snow is melting very quickly. There is warm weather forecast for the coming week, with the potential for record high temperatures. Certainly the snow will all be gone by then.
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Robert, I started wondering if by chance what I purchased and planted as Q.Kelloggii is in fact Q.rubra. The leaf pattern contour seem very simliar but since my trees have never produced acorns ( in the last 27 years since their planting here) I have no other id aspects to sort these out. Do you have any suggestions?. I purchased last year two specimens of Q.rubra ( of a different source) which are leafing out just now. These have much more slender leaves and and when both are fully leafed they are clearly distinct from the other two mature trees. So there's still hope that mine were initially not just misnomers. Thank you so much for all your information!
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Arturo,
Back in the 1970’s when I worked at Gold Hill Nursery, Placerville, California, we had tremendous difficulties getting true-to-name seed and under stock of some species. Quercus coccinea was a very desirable species that we wished to offer to our customers. Repeatedly we would get seed and/or seedlings of Quercus rubra when we ordered Quercus coccinea. This was from numerous sources. Maybe Argentina is different, but back in the 1970’s it was often more important for wholesale suppliers to “make the sale” than assure that the product was true-to-name. Like nobody cared or noticed.
Because of our difficulties with some suppliers, we went through much effort to grow and produce our product “in house”. We had a mature Northern Red Oak at the nursery. It never produced ripe acorns. The immature acorns would abort. We sold many Northern Red Oaks and Scarlet Oaks and had no choice but to buy in our stock. Our problems with mixed plants that were not true-to-name persisted. How things are these days, I have no idea, as I have not been involved with such things for decades.
Getting a definitive identification of your “California Black Oak” seems like a good place to start. Detailed botanical descriptions of some species can sometimes be difficult to find, even in these days of the Internet, however this might be a extremely useful. The Jepson Manual online is available : http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/jeps/ (http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/jeps/)
It can also be accessed through Cal-Flora. Comparing your tree to the description and the key in the Jepson Manual might be helpful. Quercus kelloggii and Quercus rubra are quite distinct so this might be all that is necessary to come to a definitive identification of your tree. Finding a good botanical description of Quercus rubra would certainly help too.
I certainly hope that your trees turn out to be California Black Oaks. It would be a tremendous asset to the horticultural world to have a seed line of California Black Oaks that turn completely brilliant scarlet in the autumn. There is no reason to doubt your veracity and we look forward to the results of your findings.
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Robert, As far as what the sources provided by comparison, my mature trees seem California Black Oaks as the best bet. The origin of these trees : They were bought 27 years ago from Monsieur André Larminat, of Estancia (ranch) Tipiliuke; they may have a very old ancestry. They have been growing trees for over a century starting in the Junin de los Andes ranch in 1909. The mature stands of so many forestry trees in this extended property is a feast to the eyes. Over many generations the family searched for seed sources in every continent including far out Australia and N.Zealand. The French-Argentine family still continues the forester tradition in both countries. See:https://www.argentina-excepcion.com/en/hotels-argentina/estancia-tipiliuke.: At the same time I also bought many of my Californian conifers ( Libocedrus decurrens, Abies grandis, Pinus coulteri, Abies amabilis, Hesperocyparis glaber) all of which have become the structure of present gardens and farm. Unfortunately, I can't get back to M.A.Larminat because he passed away about 8 years ago, and the next generation is not yet that reliable in terms of ID their trees... ???
I haven't had touch with them recently so I really don't know how much of the family knowledge has been passed along. More recent generations have other priorities as the link shows, since the ranch is placed in a top most highly exclusive trout fishing area.
Now I will pray to have viable acorns on my trees... ::)
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Arturo,
I did some random sampling of Quercus kelloggii today to compare with the single specimen of Quercus rubra (at least what we call Q. rubra in California) we have at the farm. There certainly were not enough samples to be significant, however I will share the results with you. Although both Quercus kelloggii and Q. rubra can have a variety of leaf shapes on the same plant, the leaves in the photograph represent the most common, and distinct leaf shape associated with each species. Notice the very distinct obovate leaf shape of Q. kelloggii. It is even different from the leaves of what we recognize as Q. coccinea and Q.palustris. All the samples of Q. kelloggii had petioles that were pubescent, especially at the adaxial proximal end. The petioles on the single specimen of Q. rubra were + or – glabrous. The terminal leave buds were also different. The leaf scales of Q. rubra were puberulent except for a distal band that was glabrous and reddish-brown in color. The margin of each leaf scale was also ciliate. The abaxial leaf surface of both species was puberulent, however Q. kelloggii was noticeable much more tomentose. Lastly, the first year twigs of Q. rubra were spotted with reddish spots (not the lenticels).
This sampling is only meant as a starting point. Many more samples of both species over a much wider geographic area would be necessary to have any meaningful significance. May you have good fortune determining the definitive identification of your two oak trees.
I hope this helps! :)
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Quercus kelloggii in a semi-forested setting. Above Omo Ranch, southern El Dorado County, 4,285 feet (1,306 meters).
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A grand old California Black Oak - above Omo Ranch, California.
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A beautiful peak. This photograph was taken in Amador County, California above a site called Ham's Station. The elevation was 6,388 feet (1,947 meters).
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In the opposite direction was this scene out toward the Sacramento Valley. The summit of Mount Diablo can be seen above the haze far in the distance (right of center).
For anyone who is curious, I made the following weather observations @ 1:30 p.m. from this site.
Clear
Temperature: 65 F (18.3 C)
Barometer: 30.26" falling
Wind: N 3G6 mph
Relative Humidity: 41%
Dew Point: 42 F (5.5 C)
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Robert, thank you so much! We will have to wait a bit. The leaves of my trees have not opened yet. I hope to take some pics by early november. Then we can compare. ...
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Robert, thank you so much! We will have to wait a bit. The leaves of my trees have not opened yet. I hope to take some pics by early november. Then we can compare. ...
Arturo,
Sounds great! :) 8)
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Today I visited Carson Pass, 8,574 feet (2,613 meters) in Alpine County, California.
On the way to the Pass, I drove past Silver Lake. The massive andesite ridge towers over the eastern shore of the lake.
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Caples Lake is very close to the summit of Carson Pass. The volcanic Round Top Peak, 10,381 feet (3,164 meters) is a prominent landmark in this region.
I recorded the following weather information from the Summit of Carson Pass.
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Clear
Temperature: 59 F (15 C)
Relative Humidity: 53%
Dew Point: 43 F (6.1 C)
Wind: SSE 10G15 mph
Barometer: 30.19" Falling
15 C at the summit of Carson Pass in late October is very warm. We are having a late season "heat wave". Tomorrow (24 October) could set new high temperatures for the date throughout California.
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Kirkwood is situated below Caples Lake, but above Silver Lake. Remnants of the snow from the storm that came through Thursday night - Friday can still be seen on the north facing slopes. Kirkwood is a ski resort. Lingering snow on the north facing is perfect for the ski activities at this resort.
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The Crystal Range can be seen off to the north. A few days ago the whole range was covered with snow. Now it is mostly gone.
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Our autumn heat wave continues. Today, I was at Gerle Creek, El Dorado County, California. The elevation at the Wentworth Springs Road bridge over Gerle Creek is 5,393 feet (1,644 meters). It was hard to believe that it was 72 F (22.2 C) at 1:45 p.m. in the afternoon on 25 October! Wish that I had keep weather records at my fathers cabin that is very close to this location. I am sure that this would be a record or near record high temperature for this date.
Since part of my reason for being here was to record weather data, I will share what I observed: Clear, Temperature 72 F (22.2 C), Relative Humidity 30%, Dew Point 42 F (5.5 C), Wind NW 2G7 mph, Barometer 29.94 falling.
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Robb's Peak is a short distance from Gerle Creek. I did not drive to the summit, however there is a wonderful view of the Crystal Range at 6,135 feet (1,870 meters) on the side of the mountain. There is a complete panorama of the range at this site, and it does not fit into one camera shot. Here the northern end of the range can be seen.
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And the southern end of the Crystal Range.
At this elevation it was a bit cooler, 64 F (17.8 C). I guess I will share the other observations: Relative Humidity 46%, Dew Point 46 F (7.7 C), and winds NW 2 mph.
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The autumn colors have passed their peak. It does not help have such warm weather, as the color does not last long. Most of the yellowish trees seen in this photograph are California Black Oak, Quercus kelloggii. At this elevation one can get a good idea where the thermal belts are located. Generally, but not always California Black Oaks can be found growing in the thermal areas near the top of ridges and along sunny slopes. The oaks generally avoid the cold air pockets at the bottom of canyons and on very shaded north facing slopes.
As of today, most of the autumn color can be seen between 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) and 3,500 feet (1,067 meters). Black Oak, Dogwood (various Cornus species), Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) are the most obvious species, however some Salix species are quite showy too. There are many less obvious species, including herbaceous species that are coloring the landscape at this time.
My next outing will be in about a week. Deer Hunting season will be over and I plan on exploring the south side of the Rubicon River Canyon above Hell Hole Reservoir. Despite the fact that many species are now dormant, this could be a very enlightening outing. The terrain is very difficult and there are no trails. No one explores this area, yet the climatic and geologic conditions create an ideal location to find interesting plant species. I know that I will want to return at the right time in the "spring". I strongly suspect that Erythronium purpurescens may grow in this area. It is documented a short distance to the north in Placer County. If I do find them, to my knowledge this will be the first confirmed sighting of this species in El Dorado County. What ever happens, it will be extremely interesting.
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A few notes from today.
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Oracle Oak, Quercus xmorehus, (tree foreground right center) is seen occasionally in El Dorado County, California. This natural hybrid between Q. kelloggii and Q. wislizenii is quite fascinating. The plants I observe appear to be sterile, however I have seen photographs posted on the Calflora web site that have acorns. Whether they are fertile or not I do not know, something to look into. Selfed F2 hybrids as well as backcrossed seedlings (to Q kelloggii or Q. wislizenii) might be extremely interesting. I have never observed such trees, nor have I observed introgression in Quercus kelloggii or Q. wislizenii. In theory, this seems possible, but I have never seen any evidence that this is occurring.
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There are two Oracle Oaks on the farm property in El Dorado County. Each tree is quite unique and exhibit variations in bark texture, leaf shape, and other characteristics. Both trees are more or less mature and have never produced acorns.
The photograph, above, is one our Oracle Oaks with bark that strongly resembles that of Quercus kelloggii, California Black Oak.
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Our other Oracle Oak has bark that more closely resembles that of Interior Live Oak, Quercus wislizenii.
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There are a fair number of Interior Live Oaks, Quercus wislizenii (pictured), on the farm property; the closest is maybe 100 feet (30 meters) from the Oracle Oaks. Across the county road 1,000 feet (305 meters) distance there are groves of California Black Oaks, Quercus kelloggii.
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In this photograph there are samples of Quercus kelloggii (left), two samples of Quercus xmorehus showing some leaf variation (center), and three samples of Quercus wislizenii showing leaf variation from entire to spine tipped lobbed (right). Interior Live Oak, Quercus wislizenii, can exhibit both entire as well as lobbed leaves, often times on the same tree.
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Today, I was checking on Manzanitas (Arctostaphylos) on Peavine Ridge. The Manzanita populations on Peavine Ridge are very diverse and fascinating to study. There is considerable variation in the mix of species as well as variation of many morphological characteristics within each species (and hybrids) on the ridge. From top to bottom as well as along the east-west axis of the ridge crest tremendous variation can be observed. I have many sites that I return to repeatedly.
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Over the last month I have been concerned about the brush removal on the private lands in the Peavine Ridge area. I do understand the need to remove brush to hopefully avoid destructive crown fires. To date, my study sites have not been disturbed. It helps that more or less all of them are on Forest Service (public) land.
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In our area, willows (Salix) are generally not thought of as shrubs or trees with nice autumn colors. I like the rusty yellow autumn leaf colors of many of our native willows. As we remodel our garden we are incorporating many of our native shrubby species. Not only do they provide autumn leaf color, but they are also an excellent food source for the larva of a number of our Lepidoptera species. Salix scouleriana (pictured) is generally found growing on drier sites than many of our other native Salix.
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I had some other observations to make up at Chipmunk Bluff and Loon Lake. This view shows another aspect of Chipmunk Bluff. The area is extremely interesting botanically, geologically, and climatically. In addition, there is a number of little known hidden lakes in the area that are rarely visited.
I have a number of sites where I make meteorological observations. Why? Slowly some very interesting patterns are emerging as I map the area. The first layer is topographical. The geologic layers is being added, as well as climatic data from numerous sites, combined with past land use practices (if possible back to the 1860’s) and fire history. To this many years of detail field notes of all the plant species observed and there locations are being plotted. 8)
27 October 2017, Chipmunk Bluff, El Dorado County, California, 6,440 feet (1,963 meters) – 1:40 p.m. Clear, 70 F (21.1 C), Relative Humidity 30%, Dew Point 38 F (3.3 C), Wind SE 3G5 mph (5G8 kph), Barometer 29.96 rising.
I am recording this type of meteorological data at many sites throughout the region.
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This is the usual view I show from Chipmunk Bluff. The snow from the previous week is long gone, however a new storm is forecast late next week. In the mean time, the current heat wave is slowly abating.
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The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (called SMUD in Sacramento) controls the water levels on Loon Lake. For the winter season the lake level is dropped considerably.
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When I turn around this is the view of the upper Gerle Creek Basin. Gerle Creek flows from Loon Lake and eventually merges with the South Fork of the Rubicon River.
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From the same location, this is a view to the southeast. There are a number of hidden lakes in the folds of the mountains.
Soon I will need to work on some projects in Sacramento. I was hoping to have an all day outing this coming Thursday, however a storm is in the forecast. I may need to change my plans. That is how it is this time of year.
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Robert, you pose some interesting questions regarding tree inter-breeding. It shows how little we know about wildlife in general. We think we know the answers because we have studied wildlife for hundreds of years but we sometimes overlook the obvious. Wildlife can,t read. It is also interesting to read from your journeys that many of the areas you visit have specific names. As far as I know, many of the hills and valleys in the uk, particularly in Scotland, do not have names.
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Ian,
Yes, right on! 8) We know so little, sometimes even of the most common plant species. And what about insects, lichens, bryophytes, the list could go on. To my understanding, there has been only one major field study of bee species in the Sierra Nevada. This was at Yosemite National Park. What about the rest of the Sierra Nevada. I do not know, but I would suspect that the U.S. Forest Service has more information in this regard, but the bottom line is that there are many gaps in our knowledge as well as cases where we might be going off in the wrong direction. Technology and lab work does not necessarily lead to the truth. My brother has told me repeatedly that precise field observations trump laboratory conclusions. This partly why I do what I do. The main reason is that it is fun, enlightening, self-educational, and a lot of other good things. :)
Over the years I have found that it is best if I work by myself, stay invisible to other humans (I am good at this but sometimes let my good judgement lapse), read as much as possible, ask myself lots of questions, and try to stay open to many possibilities, examining things in as many ways as possible.
Yes, it is good that places have names, however at times I will give a place my own de facto name. This helps me. But yes in general many places have names.
When I was at Loon Lake yesterday, I was approached by a hover fly. I also got a glance at a dragonfly. I guess the warm weather has brought them and other insects back out. The hover fly looked a bit different from those I usually see. How many species are there in the Sierra Nevada? Another question that does not have an easy answer.
In this diary, I report on all sorts of things, however I still focus most of my attention on plants. Lessingia leptoclada is still blooming and I found a plant of Eriogonum vimineum in full bloom. Photographs did not turn out. :P The Eriogonum looked great and I wanted to share what I saw. It is still another California native annual that would be extremely attractive in the garden. Yes, what I do can and does have practical gardening applications. :o ;D
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Robert,
the seeds finally made it here!. I'm sowing right away Penstemon roezlii and P.newberryii in small pots into the fridge. I've set aside a small fairly old fridge for my cold stratifications. The ice compartment doesn't get lower than -4ºC. ( the kind that required regular defrosting) which allows me to cold stratify seeds that actually benefit from slight freezing i.e Androsace sp.) The Penstemons however will stay above freezing though in the general compartment. I'm greatly thankful for your seeds! Your ever-expanding list of native flora just gives me the dimension of the adventure I just naturally slipped into... Im just delighted ;D. Thank you again for your contribution!!!.
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Greetings Arturo,
I am very pleased that your seeds arrived safely. I am also more than happy to help you out as, and if, I can into the future.
I think it is important that I make this disclaimer.
I am not in the seed business. I have no desire to be in the seed business. I especially, absolutely, do not want to be associated with the plunder of nature for personal profit, ego, or because of any other sick, dysfunctional behavior.
I do want to promote the advancement of horticulture. Like agricultural crops, species used in ornamental horticulture need healthy and diverse floral ecosystems that maintain species diversity in the wild. Wild species diversity can be used as a gene pool to maintain and more importantly improve cultivated species. Garden conditions are in most cases radically different from growing conditions in the wild. From my perspective, it is much more important to develop species lines that will thrive in our gardens. Wild plants are best used as a gene pool to improve or maintain our garden species. Resistance to disease, insects, or other attributes is best done with our established garden plants. As with agricultural crops, wild species may be the only source of genes that can impart a critical resistance to a disease or other important characteristics necessary in maintaining or improving our beloved ornamentals. This is best done using the least invasive technique as possible (i.e. pollen, asexual micropropagation, etc.).
One important reason I like, or need, to stay invisible is the fact that horticulture is not seen as a science in the U.S.A. Horticulturalist, especially self-educated, are viewed as ignorant, malicious, potential plunderers of nature that do nothing more than cause problems. Hum! Using that criterion, Michael Faraday and Leonardo da Vinci were nothing more than malicious idiots! A botanist can take all the herbarium specimens they want, if a horticulturalist even looks at a wild species in the wrong way, they are condemned, abused in numerous ways, and more. It is disgusting. One time I made the mistake to mention that I write a botanical diary for the SRGC. The response was that I better not bring a throng of foreign plunderers into the forest. Extremely offensive! I am not interested in the psychological problems of a few individuals that are in positions of power (i.e. petty tyrants). I may not need to worry about being burned at the stake by the church, however there are still risks. I stay invisible.
There are so many creative, ethical, and beneficial advancements that can be made in horticulture. I plan on continuing in this direction. Arturo, it is a pleasure to help you out.
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Robert, I suppose Einstein was thought of as odd and Galileo downright certifiable. Many critics are mainly interested in profit before people. There is a lot of mis-trust in the world. Academics and the real world should be kept apart.
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Ian,
I have very little contact with the academic world. The few that I have met have been reasonable people, except one want-to-be. 99% of my difficulties are with government bureaucrats at all levels of government. :P And yes, in many ways they are looking for money too, taxes, fees, fines, etc. :P They are best avoided. They can be like the tax collectors of biblical days.
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Robert,
horticulture is an applied science related human activity; It has quite a few millenia of existence and has provided pleasure, and unaccountable amount of benefits to mankind all that long way along. As a well established profession it requires also the type of craftmanship that arts call for. Not only scientific knowledge. For the horticulturalist it also requires the development of some degree of spiritual understanding of what he is undertaking, since failures normally grossly outnumber successes, and achievements are usually transgenerational. Possibly this could be applied to a real true scientist as well. Derogatory comments from others normally derive from unworthy people who haven't understood their profession yet... :(
Expanding the realm of cultivated plants seems a fascinating part of human endeavor. Bringing into gardening conditions wild plants is also understanding their gene build up. Their degree of adaptation to other conditions than those found strictly in nature. During my lifetime I gradually became aware that the illusory concept of untainted nature could no longer be held. Humans have interfered in nature to such degree by now that every effort should be made to maintain diversity, whether in the natural world or in a garden. I don't see this as an option; they need each other. Recently I read about a species that was reintroduced from cultivated seed sources, that had disappeared in nature in the island of Mallorca. The more wild plants are kept in gardens, better chances we've got to keep the existing gene pool . Also within each gardeners world, with his own resources ( that means less government taxes , less overheads etc.)
How much horticultural manipulation is advisable is still one other question. Obviously keeping the wild forms is necessary, however searching for some degree of adaptation to garden requirements calls for the art part of horticulture. I personally prefer not too over-bred garden cultivars. But that is only my personal preference; each degree of breeding provides for the spirit differently. Fortunately there's room for every type...
Being a very inquisitive person by nature, studying certain genera that call my name keeps me busy and enthusiastic, envisioning new forms. It fills my remaining lifetime with more projects that I can conceivably achieve, thus providing me with necessary stimulus to keep myself healthy and strongly motivated until I'm called from above...
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For whatever it is worth, these are my observations and subjective opinions when out in the field over the past 4 to 5 decades. To my knowledge, I have only met one academic (professor) out in the field in the past 40 to 50 years. Other experiences lead me to believe that many academics are wrapped up in their own world and have little or no interest in what others do outside their world. I have met many biologists conducting some sort of fieldwork when out. All (100%) have been extremely nice people, very pleasurable and interesting to talked with. In 50 years I have never knowingly met a botanist out in the field. The general public, when out in the field, never or rarely bothers me.
As stated before, for me, government bureaucrats need to be avoided at all cost. The new recruits seem harmless enough, however it appears that the longer they are in government the more problematic my encounters become. It appears that they do profiling and clearly I look odd or out of place in their mind. As much as I try to ignore them, many times I am approached, engaged, and questioned (i.e. interrogated). I have tried all sorts of things to get these bureaucrats to leave me alone; truth, lies, being vague, not talking much, babbling nonsense, nothing works. The interrogation generally ends with some sort of threat or warning that I better not break some rule, real or imagined and/or an additional condescending-degrading statement of some sort. Over the years I have learned that when I see a uniform or a government vehicle it is best that I become a submarine and quietly sink out of sight and disappear. My experiences give me a small taste of what it is like to be a minority in the U.S.A.; how innocent, harmless humans can be treated terribly for no reason other than they are somehow different, whatever that is?
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Yesterday was my last opportunity to visit the high country of the Sierra Nevada, at least until later this coming week. This scene is of the autumn color as viewed from Peavine Ridge. The South Fork of the American River and Highway 50 can be seen in the canyon below.
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I like to visit Wrights Lake.
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The scenery is very beautiful.
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The plants are quite dormant at the Lyons Creek trailhead.
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The scenery is very beautiful.
It is indeed!
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Yes Maggi,
The scenery is fantastic!
It looks like the rain and snow is going to hold off until Thursday night. Deer hunting season is over. The outing I planned for the Rubicon River canyon looks like it is on! 8) :)
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It was an overcast day, yesterday 2 November, in El Dorado County, California. I had an interesting day. There was a major logging operation going on at my preferred outing site on the southern ridge over the Rubicon River. I need to change my plans. Gerle Creek is nearby and I spent the day exploring parts of Gerle Creek and Rocky Basin. For me, this was like going out in the backyard. I have spent my whole lifetime in this area (mostly at my father's cabin). The rain, more like drizzle, held off until the end of the day. I will have a full report soon, but first I need to get some work done.
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GERLE CREEK
Thursday, 2 November 2017
Sacramento Weather
Weather: Overcast
Temperature, High: 65 F, 18.3 C
Low: 50 F, 10 C
Barometer: 30.02, 1017 mb, Rising
Precipitation: .00”, 0 mm, To date: .16” (4.06 mm)
Placerville Weather
Weather: Overcast
Temperature, High: 62 F,
Low: 44 F
Barometer: 30.02,1017 mb, Rising
Wind: South, Calm G 1
Precipitation: .00” 0 mm, To date: .35” (8.89 mm)
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For several months now, I have been planning a trip to the southern ridge above the Rubicon River in the vicinity of Hell Hole Reservoir, El Dorado County, California. The canyon is quite steep in this area, the terrain is difficult to traverse, and there are no trails, thus the area is sparsely traveled and there has been little or no botanical exploration. This area is not far from my father’s cabin at Gerle Creek and I have visited and hiked in this area off and on since the 1960’s. There are a number of factors that indicate that the area may be botanically rich in species and may also include some surprises. So, I was quite eager to explore this specific site in detail and this was my day.
The King Fire burned through this region in the autumn of 2014. Much of the standing timber on the northern ridge of the canyon was completely destroyed by the King Fire. The King Fire did burn on the southern ridge, however most of the forest was not destroyed. In fact in this case, the King Fire may have been beneficial as it burned much of the undergrowth and small trees in this area. This type of situation often stimulates the regeneration of many native annual and herbaceous perennial species.
Sadly on this day, a full-scale salvage logging operation was in progress. I continued down the dirt road hoping to move past the logging. This was a bit of a challenge as the skidders were actively dragging logs straight up the steep slope, through the remaining undergrowth, and onto the public road (in this case the same dirt road). I was taking a risky chance proceeding down the road. The operators of the skidders had limited visibility as the front end of the skidder rose over the crest of the road. When the center of balance shifted forward the front end of the skidder came crashing down on the center of the road. I did manage to avoid the skidders. When I felt I was a safe distance from the active logging and near the end of the road, I parked (5,783 feet, 1,763 meters) and prepared for a nice outing in the canyon.
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The geology in this area is extremely interesting. Some of the terrain consists of metamorphic rock. There are also plutons of granodiorite. Topping these geologic features in some areas are ancient andesite lahars, part of the Mehrten formation. The slope pictured (an andesite lahar) was extremely interesting. Species from both low and high elevation plant communities were co-mingling together. This was an excellent sign.
Unfortunately the sound of a chain saw at the end of the road was not a good sign; nor was the skidder activity that was moving closer from the other direction.
I decided it was not worth hanging around with the logging going on, so I started back to the Outback. I met one of the loggers on the way back. As usual he was extremely friendly and helpful (I am sure that there are unfriendly loggers, however every logger I have ever met has been hard working, very friendly and helpful. On several occasions loggers have helped me when my auto broke down in the woods!). Yes, the logger confirmed that the logging was moving in my direction, and yes, it might not be safe to stay in the area. Now I needed to come up with a spontaneous alternative plan for the day.
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I decided to drive back down the road to Gerle Creek and explore the area between the new and paved (i.e. 1970’s) Wentworth Springs Road and Rocky Basin near Francis Cow Camp. Since childhood, I have spent every summer along this section of Gerle Creek. This was very familiar territory, but then I have never done a detailed botanical survey of this area, so maybe something interesting might present itself and I would give this a try.
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From my starting point, 5,384 feet (1,641 meters), I set off up the old (i.e. mid 1860’s), dirt Wentworth Springs Road. The mixed coniferous forest consisted of Jeffrey Pine, Pinus jeffreyi, Sugar Pine, Pinus lambertiana, and a few Lodgepole Pine, Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana. The deciduous California Black Oak, Quercus kelloggii, were scattered among the conifers.
Greenleaf Manzanita, Arctostaphylos patula (pictured), was one of the dominant understory species along the first section of this route. This time of year I enjoy the nascent inflorescence of Manzanita and I generally spend time examining them closely.
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Many plants were well into dormancy. Fortunately, there were many other things to see. There were many lichens; many species growing on rocks, others growing on tree bark, small twigs and branches, as well as on the soil. On this rock there were colonies of Honey-colored Rim Lichen, Lecanora mellea (large, honey colored) and Blistered Rock Tripe, Umbilicaria hyperborea (smaller dark brown).
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Bracken Ferns, Pteridium aquilinum var. pubescens were seen in scattered stands along this route. Often this species is indicative of some sort of subterranean moisture, as least in the earlier part of the growing season.
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There were a number of large rock outcroppings along this route. Lace Lip Fern, Myriopteris gracillima, was one of a number of ferns that enjoy growing out of the rock cervices.
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Indian Dream, Aspidotis densa, is a fairly common fern in this area. They can be seen not only in rock cervices, but also growing in dry sites among rocks and boulders.
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Where there is seasonal moisture there is a shift in the vegetation. In the spring this site is quite moist. Spiraea splendens (pictured) grows fairly densely on the forest floor. In the foreground where the pile of rock can be seen, the water seeps out from the rock base. Much earlier in the season columbine, Aquilegia formosa, can be seen growing next to the running trickle of water. I did not see any on this outing, but I have seen them in this location consistently since the 1960’s.
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Shortly the road moved to higher and drier terrain. Scattered stands of Sierra Juniper, Juniperus grandis, grew among the other conifers. This is the low elevation limit for this species in this area. At Loon Lake, at the upper end of Rocky Basin, this species is quite abundant and also very picturesque in the wind swept environment.
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This time of year the juniper trees are loaded with beautiful glaucus blue fruit.
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At this point in my journey, I decided to leave the dirt road and climb a nearby ridge. At the base of the ridge, Bark Rim Lichen, Lecanora chlorotera, was colonizing the bark of a young California Black Oak, Quercus kelloggii.
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As I worked my way up the rocky slope of the ridge, I saw numerous colonies of Bridges’ Cliff Brake, Pellaea bridgesii, growing with Lace Lip Fern, Myriopteris gracillima, and other plant species.
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Higher on the ridge, I found large colonies of Heuchera rubescens growing in dry rock cervices. This was quite interesting, as I have never seen this species growing as densely and abundantly. I can’t wait to see them in full bloom!
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The rocky ridge was also the perfect habitat for Pinemat Manzanita, Arctostaphylos nevadensis. Not only were the plants seen scrambling over rocks, but they were also seen forming beautiful thick mats.
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The ridge was a haven for Buckwheat species, Eriogonum. I recorded four species. This mat forming variety of Eriogonum umbellatum was very nice. It is most likely the mat forming variety torreyanum. Not much was left of the inflorescence, so I’ll have to return in the spring to get a positive identification to the variety level.
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Eriogonum wrightii var. subscaposum was another Buckwheat species that grew on this ridge.
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The top of the ridge was flat with scattered stands of Sierra Juniper, Juniperus grandis, and Jeffrey Pine, Pinus jeffreyi. Under one of the juniper trees I found a lone specimen of Phlox diffusa with a few flowers. Most likely the wild swings in the weather over the past month trigged it into bloom. One week it was snowing, the next week it was near record-breaking heat. Today it was overcast and cool with more snow in the forecast.
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From the top of the ridge I had a good view of Rocky Basin and the surrounding countryside. In this photograph, Johnny’s Hill, 6,559 feet (1,999 meters), can be seen to the north (mountain left). The lower portion of Rocky Basin is in the foreground.
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To the northeast is Red Mountain, 6,872 feet (2,095 meters). A good portion (most likely all) of Red Mountain consists of metamorphic rocks. To the south of Rocky Basin the rock is granodiorite. There is a noticeable shift in the flora from Red Mountain to the granodiorite ridges to the south.
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At the far upper end of Rocky Basin the western earthen dam on Loon Lake can be seen. This dam was created when Loon Lake was converted from a natural lake into a reservoir. Gerle Creek flows from the large dam on the north side of Loon Lake.
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This was one of the beautiful mats of Pinemat Manzanita, Acrtostaphylos nevadensis, which grew on the level portion of the ridge top. This time of year, the Jeffrey Pine needles and pinecones are a familiar scene in this type of situation in the Sierra Nevada. It is simple scenes like this that I like to imitate in our home garden.
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Penstemon newberryi var. newberryi also grew abundantly on the rocky ridge. I did not see anything that looked special, however they will be worth a good look when they bloom next year.
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I am always looking for signs of glaciation when hiking in the Sierra Nevada. From the top of the ridge I could not see any obvious signs of moraines in Rocky Basin, however glaciers clearly moved through this region. I found this piece of metamorphic rock near the top of the granodiorite ridge. Clearly it had been transported by glacial ice to this side of the ridge. I see this frequently, however I am sometimes puzzled how the rocks were exactly transported. Sometime given the topography it does not make complete sense.
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Now that I had a good look at Rocky Basin, I could choose an interesting route off the ridge into the basin. The day was getting late and I choose and easy course that would lead me back to the old Wentworth Springs Road.
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I slowly worked my way down through the dense chaparral that grew on the northern slope of the ridge. Huckleberry Oak, Quercus vacciniifolia, is somewhat easy to hike through, however the thickets of Mountain Whitethorn, Ceanothus cordulatus, are best avoided. This species has long wicked spines that can be very painful if they spear into ones skin.
The flora at the bottom of the ridge where Rocky Basin Creek flows is radically different from the dry sunny ridges. In a few a few locations there are thickets of Aspen, Populus tremuloides. This time of year the white bark of this species is quite striking.
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From the 1860’s into the early 1900’s there were many meadows in this area. Francis Cow Camp, at Rocky Basin Creek near Gerle Creek, was a working summer range for cattle, as well as goats, sheep, and even hogs. Once the pastures were abandoned Lodgepole Pine, Pinus contorta ssp.murrayana, started to colonize the meadows. Today, a few small meadows still remain. In one meadow I found many Penstemon rydbergii var. oerocharis. One plant was trying to bloom.
The meadow could be a beautiful sight in the summer when the Penstemon are in bloom, however the off-road vehicle crowd likes to plough through the meadows in the spring while they are still wet and make a lot of mud – and destroy to existing vegetation. This is highly illegal and the U.S. Forest Service does the best they can to enforce the regulations, however they cannot stop everyone. One thoughtless person in an off-road vehicle can destroy much fragile habitat in a very short time. I keep hoping for something better.
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One pleasant surprise near Rocky Basin Creek was the abundance of Grape Fern, Sceptridium multifidum. This species is not at all rare, but I had never seen them grow abundantly at one site. There must have been 30 plants in one area, with 100 or more total at this site. In addition, they were more or less protected from the off-road vehicles by the encroaching Lodgepole Pines that had grown to 4 (1.2 meters) to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall in the meadow (soon to be a forest).
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Not only was it getting late in the day, but the clouds were continuing to thicken. It looked like rain could arrive soon. I quickly worked my way back to Gerle Creek and started my way back to the Outback. I stopped at one of the very old campsites along the creek. I am sure it has been in use for over 100 years. Gerle Creek was running clear and cold. The Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia that lined the bank were completely dormant and the brown, dry foliage of Darmara peltata was visible below the Alders and out into the creek, where they are quite happy to grow.
Sometimes I am appalled at what I find at campsites. The last occupants left this campsite trashed with human feces (one on top of a boulder with toilet paper!), used toilet paper everywhere, empty gun casings, empty beer cans, and other filth. It is terrible how a few thoughtless people can create such a mess. The U.S. Forest Service does the best they can to stop situations like this, however there is only so much they can do.
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Along the creek bank the semi-dry remains of the Common Three-square Bulrush, Schoenoplectus pungens var. longispicatus could still be recognized. The three angled stems were still intact.
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A lone specimen of Lady Fern, Athyrium filix-fmina var. cyclosorum, shared the bank with the Bulrush. The next snowfall would be arriving in the next day or two and the last of its green foliage was ready to be frosted down.
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From the campsite, it was a short walk down to the Outback. From the turn off to the SMUD power station to Gerle Creek, the snow is not cleared from Wentworth Springs Road. Very soon if I wish to visit I will have to hike over the snow. I have done this many times in the past and it is a pleasant hike. Maybe I will hike in this winter or in the early spring. The forest is very different and quiet during the winter months.
Well, this was an interesting outing. Much time was wasted as I moved from the logging site down to Gerle Creek. This late in the season, many plants were dormant, however there was still plenty to see (at least for me). Despite the disappointment at the Rubicon River canyon rim, this outing was still a success. Hopefully, I will be able to explore the southern ridge over the Rubicon River next spring after the snow melts. But now it is time to plan next weeks outing.
Until next time………
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Hi Robert:
Great images and words.
Has the Oroville Reservoir situation been remedied?
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Hi Robert:
Great images and words.
Has the Oroville Reservoir situation been remedied?
Hi Arnold,
Thank you for the words of encouragement. Very 8)
I am hard at work on a much more extensive article for the SRGC. First I have to finish it, before I find the correct venue to submit it. Finding an engaging way to tell my personal story (an adventure), with my data collection is challenging.... but fun too. And then there is the book... this is progressing but at a slower pace. I have gather a huge amount of personal data, but then this helps makes it very unique in its own way.
The state of California had no choice but deal with Oroville Dam (the spillway). I have not heard much lately, but then when I am at home (Sacramento) I am not directly connected to the news. To my knowledge, the repairs are completed or will be soon (i.e. before the rainy season). What an irony - I do volunteer work for one of our local TV stations in Sacramento, but I am too busy to watch TV. I actually like (a lot) the volunteer work and I like being busy with my fascinating personal projects. It is endless - how could one become bored with life with a infinite number of things to learn about and discover?
Thank you again for your comments.
I hope your project with walnuts has gone well!
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Hello, Robert.
As usual, your pictures and texts are very impressive. I think, it is a pleasure for all senses. Also smells, noises and particularly the silence, in this seclusion, influence and impress with lasting effect.
Today especially fantastically I find Pellaea brigesii, Lecanora mellea and Umbilicaria hyperborea. If the wind reached up to me, I would be happily about some spores of it. 😉
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Hello, Robert.
As usual, your pictures and texts are very impressive. I think, it is a pleasure for all senses. Also smells, noises and particularly the silence, in this seclusion, influence and impress with lasting effect.
Today especially fantastically I find Pellaea brigesii, Lecanora mellea and Umbilicaria hyperborea. If the wind reached up to me, I would be happily about some spores of it. 😉
Leucogenes,
The geosmin mixed with the scent of the Incense Cedar, Calocedrus decurrens, other conifers and flora is seductive. Each sites along the Crystal Range is subtly different. If only I could bring that into our Sacramento garden! Breath deep! Each breath would be heavenly.
Thank you for the kind comments. Pellaea bridgesii is such a beauty. Hopefully I can get some going via spores. Other California native species within the genus are fairly easy to cultivate. Good drainage is essential. Of coarse, lichens cannot be cultivated. They are very tough, but also very demanding of their environment. Subtle changes to environmental conditions can be fatal. They have an important story to tells us about the health and changes to our environment.
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The forest was fairly quiet on my outing the other day. Many birds have already migrated to lower elevations.
I did see the following birds:
Steller's Jay - They were fussing over the bluebird. Bird territorialism!
Western Bluebird - Surprised they were not Mountain Bluebirds.
American Robin
Red-shafted Flicker
Mountain Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
There were also a few midges flying around. Cold weather in the autumn and they are generally gone!
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Robert, the Aspidotis densa looks similar to Cryptogramma crispa, parsley fern. I wonder if they have a common ancestor, or maybe they are variations of the same species. I have noticed this closeness in plants from different parts of the world before. Perhaps climate in different areas is the only difference. A strange thing, this evolution. An interesting report as always.
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Ian,
Very interesting question. Both Aspidotis and Cryptogramma are in the Brake Family, Pteridaceae. I do not know exactly how closely they may be related to each other, but the question could be worth looking into. Nature certainly has its own rules and patterns. I see surprising things in the plant world all of the time that seem to contradict the prevailing human knowledge. My policy is to try to keep an open mind to different possibilities. It does not always take me where I would expect, but I almost always learn something valuable.
I have read some fairly recent genetic studys / phylogentic schemes of the genus Cryptogramma. The studies seemed to be extremely well conducted and reasonable. Our two California native Cryptogramma species, C arcostichoides and C. cascadensis, appear to be somewhat related to C. crispa, however research suggested that there is most likely a common ancestor that separates C. crispa from C. cascadensis. In addition, I have seen C. arcostichoides and C. cascadensis growing close enough in the wild that it is possible that they could cross with each other. To date, I have seen no evidence that the two species form hybrids. The information I have seen seems to suggest that Aspidotis and Cryptogramma, although somewhat related to one another, are not closely related to each other, and certainly more distantly related than Cryptogramma species are from each other. But then surprises do occur!
None of this answers your question, because I just do not know how close the relationship is between Aspidotis and Cryptogramma. I am sure someone has a much better answer than I do, but I do find it an intriguing idea to look into.
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Despite some rain yesterday, I had a great outing to the Salmon Falls area of El Dorado County. I logged over 75 plants species, over 20 lichens, and many birds including a Bald Eagle. Not bad for a rainy November day. 8) A full report will be coming up soon.
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Still lots of interest, Robert, even in fall.
Your fall is dry - ours is wet, very wet. And the temperatures you experience is like high summer here!
The fern Sceptridum multifidum looks great. Looks more similar to Botrychium ferns that we have here than "ordinary" ferns although Sceptridium is much bigger.
here most trees have lost their foliage, mostly due to strong rainstorms and gales - typically for late fall.
It is nice to follow your steps in the dry landscape!
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Still lots of interest, Robert, even in fall.
Your fall is dry - ours is wet, very wet. And the temperatures you experience is like high summer here!
The fern Sceptridum multifidum looks great. Looks more similar to Botrychium ferns that we have here than "ordinary" ferns although Sceptridium is much bigger.
here most trees have lost their foliage, mostly due to strong rainstorms and gales - typically for late fall.
It is nice to follow your steps in the dry landscape!
Hi Trond,
I am curious, the temperatures at Gerle Creek are similar to your summer temperatures in the mountains or along the coast, or maybe both?
So far this year, the autumn precipitation has been below average. We are at least getting a storm every 2-3 days. The high temperatures have been about 16 C or a little above at the farm and down in the valley. This is about average for this time of year. No frost yet! even at the farm. This is unusual, or maybe it is becoming the new usual? 30 years ago the first frost was usually around 31 October (i.e. "frost on the pumpkin") at the farm. Not any more!
My work schedule has been hectic the last week, so I am still working on my write-up for my last outing. I have had some exciting sightings! A few days ago there was a Gulf Fritillary, Agraulis vanillae, at our Sacramento home. I did not have a camera in hand at the time, but I got an excellent look at it as it rested on the cement.
I must drive my wife crazy. The storms knocked a large tree limb off one of the trees in our Sacramento neighborhood. It was full of lichens from the upper tree canopy, a place I can not easily visit. Of coarse, I had to drag it home to see who was living up there. It now joins all the rocks I bring home, but at least they can be worked into the rock garden. My wife thinks that I am like those folks described in the book "Westly the Owl", you know the person that studies toad eyes in the Amazon jungle, that know one has seen in years. ;D
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Robert, the warmest monthhere, both at the coast and in the mountains is July. The monthly average is 15 - 16C at the sea level and a bit less in the mountais but it fluctuates much more in the mountains between day and night.
We have not had frost here at home either but maybe tonight as the sky has cleared nd it is a northerly wind. In the mountains it has snowed several times already.
I use roots in my garden and also tre limbs and boles. I once inocculated an oak bole with Fistulina just for fun. It worked and I had nice fruiting bodies for several years.
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Trond,
Here are some weather statistics from our El Dorado County farm that you might find interesting.
The average annual temperature is 59.34 F, 15.2 C (high and low temperatures combined)
The average annual high temperature is 73.09 F, 22.8 C.
The average temperature for July is 76.3 F, 24.6 C.
The average high temperature for July 93.5 F, 34.2 C.
The average temperature for November is 50.0 F, 10 C.
The average high temperature for November is 61.2 F, 16.2 C
The average annual precipitation is 34.87 inches, 886 mm.
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SKUNK HOLLOW
Thursday, 9 November 2017
Sacramento Weather
Weather: Broken Clouds
Temperature, High: 65 F, 18.3 C
Low: 56 F, 13.3 C
Precipitation: 24 hr. total: .28” (7mm) To date: 0.62” (15.7 mm)
Placerville Weather
Weather: Rain Showers
Temperature, High: 62 F, 16.6 C
Low: 52 F, 11.1 C
Precipitation: 24 hr. total: .58” (14.7mm) To date: 1.15” (29.2 mm), Average to date: 3.12” (79 mm)
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This outing ends the fourth year of my botanical diary and is the beginning of my fifth season. It feels like it has taken me four years to get myself back up-to-speed and current. Skunk Hollow and the Salmon Falls area are an appropriate setting for this outing. I first started coming to this area in the early 1970’s. Later in the 1970’s some of our college botany field trips were conducted in this area. In some ways much has changed since then. The old Cottonwood tree, Populus fremontii, that we used as a tree swing died many years ago and now is a rotting log at the high water mark of the reservoir. In other ways things seem the same. The ancient Redbud tree, Cercis occidentalis, that guards the entrance to one of the trails looks, or at least seems, unchanged. One thing has not changed. This area is still a very fascinating area to explore. After almost 50 years, I still find new and interesting species in the area.
My goal on this day was to explore the dark chaparral covered ridge seen in the photograph. It seems like this is always my goal when I head off in this direction, however I rarely make it. No matter the season, there is always so much of interest to see and this slows my progress to the ridge!
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It was a mild morning when I arrived at the Skunk Hollow staging area. At 8:30 a.m. it was 60 F, 15.5 C, and the rain had just ended shortly before I arrived. Low, dark broken clouds sped through the sky as I started down the trail to the west. The wonderful scent of Salvia sonomensis (pictured) filled the air; it was a great day to be out.
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The beginning of the rainy season in this part of California marks the start of the new season, a bit like spring elsewhere. Many plants are breaking out of their dormancy and starting into growth. A month ago, many of the Bryophytes, such as this moss (pictured), looks dead and very dormant. Now they were lush and in full growth.
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The annual grasses germinate within days after the temperatures cool and there is the first good soaking rain.
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The Goldback Fern, Pentagramma triangularis, had burst into growth. Sometimes a few fronds can remain over the hot, dry summer, however mostly they disappear only to reappear when the temperatures cool and the rains start.
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I like to identify various species during any season. The dried remains of Dichelostemma volubile (pictured) can be easy to identify, as it is the only Themidaceae species in this region with long twinning stems. The dried remains of other species can be much more difficult to decipher. This time of year there are still plenty of dried plant parts to challenge my abilities. Soon the winter storms will scatter, break apart, and mat the dried remains. At this time identifying species by their cotyledons leaves and new growth becomes the fun challenge.
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This area is rich in lichen species. Many such as the mostly rock dwelling Xanthoparmelia cumberlandia, Cumberland Rock Shield, are quite common.
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There are many Xanthoparmelia species in this region and identification to the species level can be challenging at times. Xanthoparmelia cumberlandia does have distinctive characteristics that help distinguish it from other species. The thallus lobes are often noticeably black around the edges and many pycnidia dot the thallus surface. The apothecia are can be in rolled with toothed margins. This species grew abundantly on most of the exposed rocks in the area.
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Whiteleaf Manzanita, Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida is one of the dominant chaparral species along this route. The nascent inflorescences can start the season standing erect at the end of the stems. Later they will nod and become more or less pendant before the flowers start to open. It is a beautiful species throughout the seasons with striking deep chestnut bark, glaucous gray-green foliage, and clusters of red fruit in the autumn.
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In some locations lichens can cover almost everything. One species or another can be found growing on twigs, trees bark, rocks, or on soil. The small branches of the Chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum, can be covered with the common fruticose Antler Lichen, Evernia prunastri, and the equally common foliose Speckled Greenshield Lichen, Flavopunctelia flaventior. In other exposures, other lichen species such as Candelaria and/or Xanthomedosa can dominate the twigs of the same plant species.
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Lichens are both tough little organisms, as well as very sensitive to certain environmental changes. The Flavopunctelia flaventiior on this oak branch were quickly dying when the branch became exposed to full sun after it broke off the main tree trunk.
Later in another posting I will describe my findings of the tree branch covered with lichens that I found in our Sacramento neighborhood last week. Some literature suggests that urban environments can be lichen deserts. This can certainly be the case, however what I found in our Sacramento neighborhood was quite amazing and a testimony to the toughness and adaptability of these organisms.
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I was a bit surprised to see bright red berries on the Toyon, Heteromeles arbutifolia. It is the correct time of year. I spent most of the summer and autumn exploring the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada. Sadly I neglected the lower elevations. Hopefully next year I can follow the seasonal progression in both regions. During the summer hot, dry season the lower elevations can seem dormant and uninviting, however there is always much to see.
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Emery Rock Tripe, Umbilicaria phaea, is another lichen species that I observed frequently on rocks in this area.
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At times it competed for rock space with Xanthoparmelia cumberlandia.
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As the trail traverses the northern shore of Folsom Reservoir, it transitions from chaparral, to oak woodland, oak savannah, to open grassland. Of coarse, each habitat has its own unique mix of species.
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Over a number of seasons, I have been watching with interest as a colony of Artemisia douglasiana has been slowly spreading and reclaiming a small opening in the oak forest. A lot of times I wonder if native species, especially native bunch grasses, could once again dominate areas now chocked by invasive annual species (mostly grasses). This colony of Artemisia, as well as other situations, gives me hope that this is possible, especially with some help from humans.
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Seed were germinating and new seedlings could be seen everywhere. Here the lobed foliage of Ranunculus occidentalis var. occidentalis can be seen advancing in growth. Fresh seedlings of Vicia are also growing quickly.
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During the dry season Camouflage Lichens blend in so well that they are hardly noticed. The rain changes the situation a bit as the color brightens on species such as Melanelixia glabra.
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Each outing seems to have its own set of surprises. A late flight of the Common Buckeye, Junonia coenia, was certainly a surprise. Later in the day, I spotted a swarm of what I thought were Box Elder bugs. They turned out to be Milkweed Bugs, Oncopeltus fasciatus. I should not have been surprised as they were congregating on Milkweed, Asclepias.
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It is about 4 miles, 6.4 km, to the base of the ridge. There was so much to command my attention that I did not arrive at this site until late in the afternoon. Not only was it late in the day, but also a new set of storm clouds was starting to build. It looked like rain would be arriving soon. I decided to loop around the hill in the foreground and start back to the Outback (The angelmobile) before it got dark or I got soaked with rain.
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Coyote bush, Baccharis pilularis ssp. consanguinea, comes into bloom during the late autumn. I saw number of them as I hiked around the hill.
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I have yet to learn our native fungi. Turkey Tail, Trametes versicolor, is an easy to identify species. It is seen frequently on decaying logs and tree trunks.
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Now the sky was very threatening. It would be wise if I started my return journey, however a bird caught my attention. On a distant tree there was a large raptor. It was a bit too dark to get a good look at it through my binoculars, but as it took into fight I could clearly see that it was a Bald Eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus. Whoa! That was a sight.
I saw a fair number of birds on this outing. Many I knew from their call, yet often I had to wait patiently until they emerged from the chaparral to get a look at them.
Birds seen:
Wrentit Pintail
Canada Gosse Scrub Jay
California Quail Gold-crown Sparrow
Common Raven Black Phoebe
Red-shafted Flicker Turkey
Kestrel Common Egret
Red-tailed Hawk Western Meadowlark
Bald Eagle Turkey Vulture
Acorn Woodpecker Bushtit
Plain Titmouse
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As I swung around the hill I got the closest look at the ridge I would get for this outing. This ridge has many unique species that I like to check on and that are not seen elsewhere in this area. I will have to wait until another outing to visit this ridge.
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The dormant branches of Buckeye, Aesculus californica, with their large hanging fruit are a common sight this time of year. The white bark is also pretty to see, however the rain began to fall and I still had more than an hour hike before I arrived at the Outback.
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I was very fortunate that the bulk of the rain missed the area and I did not get soaked as I hiked back to the Outback.
I was very pleased to return to this familiar area and I certainly was not disappointed with this outing. I identified 88 plant species, which is a good number for this time of year.
Now to plan my next outing. Kanaka Valley is located a short distance up stream from Skunk Hollow and may be an interesting place to visit.
Until Next time……….
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Robert,
I've been musing about one other weather characteristic: ambient relative humidity. I have a strong suspicion that it may play a considerable role in the microclimate of various plants and their timing of active growth/ dormancy. Also in aiding germination and cotyledon stage seedlings. Does your ambient humidity change drastically during the seasons as it does in our place?. When it rains in fall apart from being wet does it stay humid? In spring with the last spring rains do you have a warm humid start? I'm trying to understand this so as to simulate those conditions while I make my progress with your wild flowers germination and growing on. Do you get solid two to three week long fall rains, that vary from drizzles to heavy showers, with skies overcast non stop.? I'm comparing my conditions with yours . Also wind is one other factor that affects transpiration rates. Just questions that I try to answer making my conditions as friendly possible to your species as they try to adapt to northwestern Patagonia, which is in so many ways so similar to your Placerville farm.
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Arturo,
These are some interesting questions; ones I especially enjoy answering, as they need to be thought though carefully.
Yes, we have fairly dramatic shifts in the daytime relative humidity from summer to winter. During a typical July (our summer) afternoon the relative humidity can range from 15% to 20%. In the winter the swings in the afternoon relative humidity can be extreme. During wet or foggy weather the relative humidity is, of coarse, 100% or very close to that. On sunny dry days it can be in the 40% to 60% range. As an example, the other day was dry and sunny. The relative humidity was 39% at 3:30 p.m. Now it is raining and the relative humidity is close to 100%, but I have not gone out to take an exact reading. During wintertime dry north wind events the relative humidity can drop much lower.
Does it stay humid after it rains in the autumn, winter, and spring rainy season? In a general way, yes. Even during drought years the daytime relative humidity is higher than in the summertime.
Is there a warm humid start to the spring? No, not really. In the late spring, warm dry air masses quickly replace the cool moist frontal zones. Occasionally, we get milky skies with high relative humidity between storms. It is never summer humid like the east coast of the U.S.A. or like the rumors I have heard about the humid summer weather in Buenos Aires.
Can we get 2-3 weeks of, more or less, solid overcast skies with much rain? Yes. The Central Valley can also get Tule Fog during the winter. Tule Fog can last for weeks. We can go two weeks without seeing the sun. Above the inversion, the weather is clear and warm during the day, frosty at night. This weather phenomenon was common 25 years ago but it rarely occurs now.
Wind? The north winds can be extremely dry, winter or summer. It was a north wind event that caused the catastrophic firestorm in Santa Rosa and elsewhere in Sonoma and Napa counties this past October. During the winter, north wind events can last up to 2-3 days. The relative humidity generally rebounds quickly after the event ends.
All of the above information applies to interior northern California. Coastal California has different patterns. Southern California has it own set of climatic peculiarities.
I have no doubt that this is one of a number of factors that influence seed germination of California native plants, especially annual and perennial species.
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A nice photograph of Aristolochia californica from my outing last week. In California, Aristolochia californica is the host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly, Battus philenor. I have several Aristolochia planted in our Sacramento garden and hope to attract the Pipevine Swallowtails soon.
Yesterday's outing was rained out. 3.10 inches, 79 mm, of rain fell yesterday. I am sure I could have gone out anyway, which could have been fun, but I don't think that I would have accomplished much. I do not have much flexibility in my schedule these days, so I will try again next Thursday. Hopefully the weather will be more amendable.
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Robert, the Aspidotis densa looks similar to Cryptogramma crispa, parsley fern. I wonder if they have a common ancestor, or maybe they are variations of the same species. I have noticed this closeness in plants from different parts of the world before. Perhaps climate in different areas is the only difference. A strange thing, this evolution. An interesting report as always.
Ian, in the past Aspidotis densa has been treated as a species of Cryptogramma in some floras, so you are not alone in seeing a resemblance. While both are in the same fern family, Pteridaceae, the two genera are actually in very different branches of that family. Aspidotis is related to Cheilanthes, Pellaea, etc., but Cryptogramma is in a small group (along with Llavea and Coniogramme) that branched off early from other members of the family. This phenomenon (of distantly related plants appearing similar in morphology) has long been a problem in fern classification, but analysis of DNA is now giving us a much more accurate picture of how different groups have evolved.
Ed
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Thanks Ed. I sometimes wonder how reliable DNA analysis is though.
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Some relative humidity observations from our Sacramento home on 16th and 17th of November 2017.
The 16th was a stormy rainy day. The relative humidity at 3:30 p.m. was 94%.
The 17th was clear with a breezy northwest wind, 10G15 mph. The relative humidity at 3:30 p.m. was 53%.
This is not an unusual pattern during the winter rainy season in our part of California. In extreme cases the relative humidity can drop much lower during our rainy season.
During the summertime a relative humidity of 53% at 3:30 p.m. would be extreme! A summertime relative humidity at 3:30 p.m. of 15% - 20% is much more typical.
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In many urban situations lichen populations tend to be restricted to pollution tolerant species and the diversity of species tends to be low. My initial observations in the city of Sacramento, California seemed to follow this trend, however the closer I investigated our city’s lichen populations I discovered another trend.
My first observation was that there were large differences in the population densities and the diversity of species of the Bryophytes and lichens occurring in the non-native ornamental trees in our part of Sacramento. Some ornamental tree species, such as Platanus and Lagerstroemia, are habitat deserts, while other ornamental tree species, such as Celtis and Zelkova are habitat havens. The Zelkova trees in our neighborhood seem particularly rich in lichen and bryophyte species, however much of this growth appears high in the tree canopy where it is not easily observed.
I am naturally curious and would have climbed into some of the neighboring trees to examine the upper canopy closely, but I am sure, at the best, the neighbors would find this strange, maybe alarming. I already have a reputation for benign eccentric behavior and I was not interested in adding to my illustrious (notorious?) neighborhood reputation.
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When I found a fallen limb from a Zelkova tree on the ground a few blocks from our home a week ago, I or coarse, was going to drag it home to examine it in detail. I am sure the neighbors were watching as I carried a four meter long branch back to our home. My wife’s comment was “Que haces con esto / Was tust Du damit ?” Believe me I get this all the time from her! I sawed the branch into smaller lengths to facilitate easy examination with a hand lens under good lighting conditions.
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I found large portions of the Zelkova branch to be densely colonized by lichens. There was also a diverse variety of species, some of which I have never observed in Sacramento. On this branch section, the orange Bare-bottomed Sunburst Lichen, Xanthomendoza fulva, can be seen with Gray Starburst Lichen, Parmeliopsis hyperopta. Some species of Xanthomendoza are often seen in polluted nitrogen-rich areas, so I was not surprised to find this species. I frequently find Parmeliopsis hyperopta on other trees in our neighborhood, but generally in small colonies.
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Hooded rosette lichen, Physcia adscendens, also grew densely on portions of the branch. This is the first time I have recorded this species in our neighborhood.
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There were a few small colonies of Western Strap Lichen, Ramalina leptocarpha, on the branch. This is generally, but not exclusively, a coastal species. This was another first observation for me in our Sacramento neighborhood.
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The bright yellow Candleflame Lichen, Candelaria concolor, is very common in our neighborhood. This lichen species is very tolerant of polluted urban environments. I find it growing on most of the tree species, both native and ornamental, in our neighborhood. This species will turn greenish when wet, thus the greenish cast to the specimens seen in this photograph.
There are basically no native rocks in our neighborhood, however there is plenty of concrete. Candelariella aurella is very common on our concrete sidewalks. In one location, I have also found a few colonies of Lecanora muralis on the sidewalks. Occassionally, Flavopunctelia flaventior is seen on bark. This species seems to prefer the bark of Magnolia x soulangeana. I have never climbed into the trees to see how extensively they grow in the Magnolias.
Conclusions: Lichen species clearly do not grow as densely in our Sacramento neighborhood as they do in the neighboring Sierra Nevada foothill regions. Also, the diversity of lichen species in our Sacramento neighborhood is much more limited than that found in the Sierra Nevada foothills. To date, I have never observed soil dwelling lichens in our Sacramento neighborhood. Clearly there are many nuances to lichen habitat preferences and adaptability. Many factors are involved; temperatures, moisture levels, pollution, substrate preferences, etc. For me, further investigation is necessary to better understand the complexities of lichens in our Sacramento neighborhood.
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I was up on Peavine Ridge today (5,146 feet 1,569 meters) to check on one of my remote weather observation sites. A cold front had just moved off to the east leaving 2 inches (5.1 cm) of fresh snow on the ground.
The temperature at 2:00 p.m. was 39 F (3.9 C); The Dew Point was 38 F (3.3 C), which was just about right, as the base of the cloud deck was just below this elevation and at times I was in the misty clouds. This was a pleasurable experience. The Relative Humidity was 92%; winds SW 2G4 mph.
It will be interesting documenting the snow cover at this site during the coarse of this winter. Over the past 30 years or more, the winter snow line has been slowly rising. 30 years ago reliable snow accumulations covered the soil during most of the winter in this area. I have chosen several sites at different elevations to document snow cover and other meteorological data throughout the Crystal Basin this winter. How winter snow cover may have an impact on the flora in this region remains to be seen.
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I have a keen interest in the Manzanita species on Peavine Ridge. The range of a number of species overlaps in this area, creating ideal conditions for hybrids and introgression. Pictured is a prime specimen of Arctostaphylos mewukka ssp. mewukka.
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The nascent inflorescence of Arctostaphylos mewukka ssp mewukka has distinct bracts that flare away from the dormant flower buds.
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The broken overcast still obscured my view of the Crystal Range. A few times I caught a glimpse of the high peaks dusted with fresh snow. I find great pleasure being in the mountains during the winter months, especially far from the crowds and ski resorts. The quietude and crisp air brings tranquility to my soul. 8)
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I returned to Peavine Ridge on Wednesday to continue my meteorological observations at various sites on the ridge. One site is at 3,625 feet (1,105 meters) near the southern base of the ridge and the site of Riverton along the South Fork of the American River.
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Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida grows abundantly near the “Riverton” site (pictured). A few Arctostaphylos manzanita ssp. manzanita can also be found. One of my favorite specimens was “removed” (cut down), part of the fire prevention activities on the ridge.
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Much of the top of the ridge is capped by Mehrten Formation andesite. There are many open rocky areas where many interesting plant species can be found. In addition, there is a patchwork of mixed coniferous forest in various stages of growth. Parts of the ridge have suffered from three major forest fires over the past 60 years.
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Four days earlier, a snowstorm moved through the area. The only remaining snow was in shady areas.
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Greenleaf Manzanita, Arctostaphylos patula, grows abundantly on the crest of the ridge. It is one of several species that can be found on the ridge.
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Acrtostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida is another Manzanita species that can be found on the crest of Peavine Ridge. Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida, A. patula, and A. mewukka ssp. mewukka can be found growing along side each other in many areas along the ridge crest. In areas, there is strong evidence that hybrids plants have been produced where the three species are growing together.
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Of coarse, there are many species found on Peavine Ridge. Bear Clover, Chamaebatia foliolosa, carpets the forest floor throughout the area.
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Throughout the spring and summer many bulbous species can be found in bloom. The dried stems of a number of species can still be seen even at this late date. Pictured is an old dry stem of Lilium washingtonianum ssp. washingtonianum. Also seen on this day were the dry stems of Fritillaria micrantha and Dichelostemma multiflorum.
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Many of the andesite boulders are covered with a variety of lichens. Umbilicaria hyperborea (dark brown), Rhizocarpon riparium (greenish yellow), and the Candelariella rosulans (yellow) can be seen on this boulder.
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I had other obligations so I could not stay long. The storm clouds from a few days ago were long gone and there was a beautiful view of the Crystal Range dusted with fresh snow.
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For those that are fascinated with such things:
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I posted this graphic of the average annual temperature at our El Dorado County farm from 1987-88 to 2016-17.
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This is the same graphic after using boxcar averaging to help get a clearer image of the trend line.
I have to admit, for me, doing things like this is fun. I do not have access to many of the technological methods to analyze some of what I observe out in the field. Rather than give up, I find simplistic methods to accomplish close to the same thing. This requires my imagination and ingenuity. The goal is to do my tiny part to increase our knowledge of plants/gardening and provide an avenue to bring adaptable and interesting new species into cultivation without plundering them in their natural habitat.
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The goal is to do my tiny part to increase our knowledge of plants/gardening and provide an avenue to bring adaptable and interesting new species into cultivation without plundering them in their natural habitat.
A most laudable aim - and one in which I feel you are succeeding, Robert.
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Hi Maggi,
Thank you for the encouraging words. A lot of effort goes into creating my botanical diary. I have no problem with motivation as I enjoy my outings, gardening, and writing about my experiences. If other benefit from my efforts, well this makes things even better. :) 8)
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I returned to Peavine Ridge on Friday, 1 December, to make some weather observations, as well as check on some plants. Two paved roads work there way to the top of Peavine Ridge from the bottom of the canyon at the South Fork of the American River. One junction is at Riverton (pictured), 3,232 feet (985 meters). Here at Riverton, cold air drains from the canyon slopes to the river and in the sun does not shine on the north-facing slope during the late autumn. Winter arrives early. The White Alder, Alnus rhombifolia, are dormant with numerous tightly folded catkins ready to expand and shed their pollen during the cold of late winter.
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Near the summit of Peavine Ridge there is a turnout with a nice vista of the South Fork canyon. Highway 50, a major east-west thoroughfare between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe, can be seen in the bottom of the canyon.
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Some of the high snow capped peaks south of Echo Summit can be seen. In the foreground the reddish-brown tops of California Black Oak, Quercus kelloggii, can be seen mixed among the deep green conifers.
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At the summit of Peavine Ridge Ceanothus integerrimus var. macrothyrsus is one of several Ceanothus species found growing on the ridge crest. As cold weather settles in most specimens will drop the majority of their leaves, however there are always a few that remain semi-evergreen.
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From the crest of Peavine Ridge, some of the vistas of the snow-capped Crystal Range can be spectacular.
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The spiny Ceanothus cordulatus is another Ceanothus species that grows abundantly on the summit ridge.
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I did not have much time to look around much, so soon I was off driving back down the ridge to the farm. The views from the top of the ridge are nice and the air is sweet….. most of the time. During the late autumn, winter, and early spring, the slash for the summer timber operations is burned. Sometimes conditions can become very smoky.
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I was back the next day, Saturday 2 December. I completed my weather observation on Peavine Ridge early and continued on to the Crystal Basin. My first stop was Dead Horse Spring. Dead Horse Spring is located on the southeastern slope of Robb’s Peak just below Robb’s Saddle. I have been drinking water from this spring since I was a little boy. Back in the 1960’s the spring was nearly pristine and the water was ice cold and a delight to drink on a hot summer’s day. Some time after the year 2000, barbarians trashed the spring but to everyone’s good fortune the spring was restored and now flows with fresh drinkable water again.
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Hiding down stream from the spring is a series of marshes surrounded and filled with interesting plants. Several decades ago I spent time exploring this area in detail. In the center of this small marsh are scattered clumps of Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia. The margin, on slightly higher ground, is ringed with Western Azalea, Rhododendron occidentale.
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The geology in this area is very interesting and is partly responsible for the mix of species in this area. A large finger of the Shoo Fly Complex extends into this area. 350 million years ago Paleozoic sediments were pressed against the old continental margin and recrystallized into fine-grained schist and other metamorphic rocks that now make up the Shoo Fly Complex.
Asarum lemmonii is one of a number of unique species that thrive in this area. This species is generally found growing in extremely moist, shaded areas, sometimes surrounding the bases of deciduous shrubs.
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Cornus sericea ssp. sericea is another shrubby species that is frequently seen in the marshy areas. During the winter months, the bare twigs are bright red and very attractive.
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Ringing the marshy areas and mingling with the Western Azaleas are stands of Lilium parvum. This time of year the bulbs are dormant and only the dried remains of last year’s flowering stems can be seen.
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Hiding in the forest duff, colonies of the Orchidaceae, Goodyera oblongifolia, can be seen spreading about in the dense shade.
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This time of year Grape Fern, Sceptridium multifidum, can be easily seen in scattered stands on the forest floor.
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There was much I needed to accomplish, so I moved on up the mountain toward Loon Lake. Here at the upper end of Chipmunk Bluff there was a good view of Tells Peak and the southern end of the Crystal Range.
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The high peaks of the Crystal Range were dusted with snow, however the south facing slopes of Chipmunk Bluff were devoid of snow. This is very unusual for 2 December. Generally temperatures would be much colder and there would be at least patches of snow on the bluff.
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It is a short distance from Chipmunk Bluff to Loon Lake, 6,435 feet (1,961 meters). Tells Peak (pictured) and the north facing slopes where covered with a thin layer of snow. At Loon Lake the snow was only a few centimeters deep. In sunny exposed areas there was no snow at all. Again, this is very unusual for this time of year.
There was a very cold breeze blowing and it was uncomfortable unless one was well dressed. The wind was especially cold on exposed parts of the hands and ears. At 2:00 p.m. it was 42 F (5.5 C), which is actually quite warm for this time of year. The relative humidity was a dry 49%, with a dew point of 26 F (-3.3 C). With the overcast skies, it was hopeful that more snow might arrive soon.
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As there was no snow cover, it was very easy to check on the plants in the area. Normally the creeping stems of Arctostaphylos nevadensis would be covered in snow, but here they were exposed to the sun (except today, it was overcast).
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Greenleaf Manzanita, Arctostaphylos patula, grows much taller. It takes a considerable amount of snow to bury them.
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Huckleberry Oak, Quercus vacciniifolia, is shrubby. There can be very treacherous hiking or even skiing conditions when Huckleberry Oak is buried by snow. It is very easy to fall through a thin layer of snow that buries this species. A twisted ankle or a severe bruise can occur from a sudden fall to the rocks that are generally hiding around this shrubby oak.
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On the bare slopes Penstemon roezlii looked fresh and ready to grow. Hopefully they will soon be covered in a deep layer of snow.
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Penstemon newberryi var. newberryi was also exposed and easily spotted.
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The peaks east of Loon Lake had very little snow cover. It was hard to believe that one could easily hike into the high country at this late date.
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To the west Rocky Basin can be seen. It is not far to Gerle Creek and my father’s cabin. Once again the north facing slopes have a light dusting of snow and the south facing slopes are free of snow.
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On a rocky ledge there were still a few flowers on Ericameria cuneata var. cuneata trying to open. There certainly has not been a lack of precipitation this autumn; temperatures have just been above average and the snow levels extremely high. Hopefully there will be a continuation of the wet weather, but with much cooler temperatures and lots of snow.
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Hello, Robert,
what nice plant, these Ericameria cuneata var. cuneata. Exactly after my taste.
California has produced really fantastic things. Breathtaking plants and sceneries... and of course ...
The Doors. 😊
Thomas
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Hello, Robert,
what nice plant, these Ericameria cuneata var. cuneata. Exactly after my taste.
California has produced really fantastic things. Breathtaking plants and sceneries... and of course ...
The Doors. 😊
Thomas
Hi Thomas,
For the creative mind there is still much to accomplish with Californian plants, or plants from anywhere around the world for that matter. Many of the finer details could result in some fantastic new plants for our gardens. 8)
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Rock Creek flows north to south into the South Fork of the American River. It take about 20 minute to get there from the El Dorado County farm. The elevation along a good portion of Rock Creek Road runs about 500 to 550 meters.
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Phacelia imbricata ssp. imbricata is a very common species seen on, more or less, sunny rocky cliff faces.
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Hansen's Spike Moss, Selaginella hansenii, is found where there is a bit more shade. This species, too, enjoys rocky cliff faces. Now that the winter rains have started the plants have turned green and started to grow again. During the summer they dry, turn brown, and look half dead.
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The rocks are covered with many lichens. Xanthoparmelia species are very common and we have a number of different species that grow in our area. I did not check this one carefully, however it is most likely X. cumberlandia.
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4 December 2017
First frost of season at farm.
The average date of the first frost is 13 November.
The record latest date for the first frost is 25 December,set in 1986
The earliest recorded date for the first frost is 6 October, set in 2007
Today there were very strong NW winds, 10G20 mph.
The relative humidity was 17% at 3:00 p.m.
The dew point at 3:00 p.m. was 12 F
If the wind dies-down this evening it will get very cold.
The record low temperature for 5 December is 20 , set in 2013. We could get close to this temperature tomorrow.
Stay tuned. :)
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The strong northwesterly wind event continued through Monday night into Tuesday morning. With the very low dew points, there was the possibility that morning temperature might be a bit chilly. At 1:00 a.m. it was 28 F (-2.2 C), however at 5:30 a.m. when I make my first weather observations for the day, the temperature had warmed to 32 F (0 C). This evening (Tuesday) the winds have died down, however the dew points have gone up (36 F, 2.2 C, @ 3:30 p.m vs 12 F, 11.1 C, @ 3:30 p.m. the day before), so I am not expecting extreme cold tonight.
Other information has come to my attention that has me concerned. Once again, unusually warm ocean temperatures are occurring in the tropical western Pacific. During our resent prolonged drought, this pattern appeared to trigger an anomalous high-amplitude atmospheric wave pattern with strong, plus or minus, stationary ridging along the west coast of the U.S.A. The Pacific storm tract was shunted northward into Alaska. This pattern was so persistent that we experienced several years of prolonged and severe drought in the western U.S.A. So far, our precipitation totals are running about average for the season, however this persistent ridging pattern has once again appeared along our western coast. There is no precipitation in the forecast for the next 7 to 10 days and perhaps longer. This ridging pattern is an ominous sign. Hopefully the pattern will not persist. Stay tuned.
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Check out our GFS forecast for the next 8 days.
500 mb Heights:
http://weather.rap.ucar.edu/model/displayMod.php?var=gfs_500_wnd&loop=loopall&hours=hr192 (http://weather.rap.ucar.edu/model/displayMod.php?var=gfs_500_wnd&loop=loopall&hours=hr192)
Precipitation:
http://weather.rap.ucar.edu/model/displayMod.php?var=gfs_sfc_prcp&loop=loopall&hours=hr192 (http://weather.rap.ucar.edu/model/displayMod.php?var=gfs_sfc_prcp&loop=loopall&hours=hr192)
This was a frequent weather pattern for the west coast of the U.S.A. from January 2013 thru much of 2015. We experienced extreme drought during this period of time.
Currently the long range forecast is for no precipitation for December!
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I was up on Peavine Ridge yesterday, 6 December. A strong “Chinook type” wind event was in progress during the afternoon. Down-slope winds from the east to southeast were gusting to 30 mph (48 kmph). The atmosphere was being heated by compression and as expected temperatures were extremely mild for this time of year. I recorded temperatures of 64 F (17.8 C) at 3,625 feet (1,105 meters) and 58 F (14.4 C) at 5,146 feet (1,569 meters). As a comparison, the high temperature at the farm was only 59 F (15 C) at an elevation of 1,460 feet (445 meters). Needless to say, with these weather conditions, the snow in the high country is disappearing quickly.
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Of coarse, I check on the Manzanita populations at various elevations on Peavine Ridge. Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida is the most frequently encountered species throughout the complete altitude range of the ridge.
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Arctostaphylos mewukka ssp. mewukka is also a very common species throughout the complete altitude range of the ridge. In this photograph, the dormant flower buds can be seen expanding. It is an early blooming species, but if flowers open soon this will be an extreme situation.
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Buck Brush, Ceanothus cuneatus var. cuneatus, is one of a number of Ceanothus species that grow on the ridge. It is found at lower elevations in very dry sites.
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Ceanothus cuneatus var. cuneatus blooms very early in the season with a very strong and pleasant pollen-like fragrance.
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The evergreen oak, Quercus chrysolepis, is frequently encountered on Peavine Ridge.
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Most of the California Black Oaks, Quercus kelloggii, are completely dormant. A few can still be found with lingering dried foliage, however this foliage is quickly falling too.
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Peavine Ridge is a mix of private timberland and public timberland.
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Large tracts of land are, more or less, monocultures of pine, mostly Jeffrey Pine, Pinus jeffreyi. After a number of major wildfires over the past 5 plus decades, both public and private lands are repeatedly replanted in this way. I have been unable to detect any change in forest management in this area over this period of time. The same forest management methods appear to be continuing after the recent King Fire.
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Brush removal is occurring on both public as well as private land. This is an example of mechanical brush removal. Arctostaphylos and Ceanothus species are the most common woody species found under the stands of pine. Obligate seeding species can be adversely affected with this type of brush removal, however species that re-sprout from burls or roots often fail to regenerate too. To date, I have observed weedy invasive species propagating effectively in such situations.
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In addition to shrubby species, perennial and bulbs species suffer too. I will continue to monitor the situation over the coming years.
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We are seeing some frightening scenes from the fires in Southern California - we have no idea how lucky we are in this country not to have to suffer these.
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We are seeing some frightening scenes from the fires in Southern California - we have no idea how lucky we are in this country not to have to suffer these.
The situation here in Northern California is quite different, however the fires in Southern California are extreme! With strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions the destruction is bound to continue. Currently I am at the farm where there is a television (my wife and I do not own, have, or look at a television). The scenes on the television news are unreal! Once again many are losing there homes and almost everything else. To date, only two human lives have been lost, however this seems like it could easily change too. Right now, expect more bad news.
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Robert, I wonder why the scrub is being removed from among the pines. Is it to give easier access to the trees for felling or perhaps to prevent fires from spreading. It looks from your photos. that the branches left on the ground would add fuel to any fires.
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Ian,
I have many of the same questions. It is my suspicion that the purpose of the brush removal is to reduce competition in the pine plantations. Reducing fuel for a potential wildfire may also be a motivation for the brush removal.
The answer to many of the questions is most likely very simple, however getting an answer is extremely difficult for me. I have to use extreme caution asking questions to the “authorities”. From my past experiences with the “authorities”, I risk being seen as a troublemaker asking questions about topics that might be viewed as controversial. From my perspective, it appears that in the “mind” of the “authorities”, unlettered and ordinary citizens do not ask technical questions, have no curiosity, and who knows what else; ordinary citizens that ask technical questions are troublemakers and/or “weird”, a waste of time. If it was1650, I would have been burned at the stake by the inquisition a long time ago.
One of the big issues for me is ascertaining the past and present use of Oryzalin on public and private forestlands in El Dorado County. It is well documented that Oryzalin can lead to somaclonal variation, both genetic and epigenetic. This could help explain some of what I observe out in the field, especially where there is a history of herbicide applications.
In addition, I have concerns about the loss of populations of certain species. Viola lobata can be quite common in our area, however it is frequently a mass casualty of herbicide applications and mechanical brush removal on both private and public forestlands in our area. Sadly, less common, but not necessarily rare species suffer even more. In this case, fragmentation of populations and loss of genetic variability are some of my concerns. Years of detailed field notes in our area is slowly yielding patterns of distribution and loss, as well as a small but growing list of “common” species that I am concerned about. “God and the lamp post” only know what has already been lost. Even our part of California has a short, but highly destructive history of anthropogenic change (hydraulic gold mining as an example).
Anyway, if I get a definitive answer to some of the forest management questions I will post the answers.
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Robert, in this country we have a system called democracy. This gives a right for anyone to ask questions about any subject. It does not mean that the right (or any) answers will be given. When it comes to questions about our environment (the most precious thing we have) everyone should ask why. If the "authorities" will not answer then those authorities do not represent the people. There are many organizations in the UK that are prepared to ask questions on the behalf of the public. If government agencies refuse to explain why they carry out procedures that seem to the public to be not within their remit then the media often asks for an explanation.Having said that, the chances are that not enough people are interested in the destruction of our habitats to make a change.
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Ian,
Believe it or not, things do work, more or less, the same way here in the U.S.A. (or at least they did until January of 2017). There may be one difference. Here in the U.S.A. the competitive winner – loser mentality is very prevalent. Whoever has the biggest club wins and the losers get nothing. That is why 50 years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. we still have citizens struggling for “Black Lives Matter”. Not much has changed. Our country seems completely polarized especially with the current regime. Of coarse, the winner takes all thing never works because someone with a bigger club always comes along sooner or later, so we all lose!
I have my environmental concerns, but I also realize there is not much I can do as an individual. This summer, yet again, I experienced first hand how this works. I experienced the callousness of government policy makers and leaders who will completely disregard and abuse average citizens that voice their concerns over a development in an environmentally sensitive area near their homes. Absolutely no effort was made to find consensus, compromise, or even consider objective facts, nor even hide the fact that they were going to do whatever they pleased. The project was stopped, at least temporarily, not by us citizens, but by a lawsuit, i.e. someone with a bigger club.
I have learned by the school of hard knocks that I am much more effective staying invisible and well under the radar of the plutocratic oligarchy. Sooner or later someone with a bigger club will come around. Maybe my information will help the cause at that time.
I dislike the winner-loser mentality greatly. I have talked with the loggers. They have very legitimate concerns. Many are very nice, hard working, and ethical. Like so many others, they have families, hopes and dreams. They are not evil. The same goes for the U.S. Forest Service. The bureaucracy certainly can have its problems, however I have met and know so many nice, everyday folks that work for the Forest Service. There are always bad apples, but most folks I run into are very decent, friendly, and hard working.
Unfortunately, I do run into the bad apples from time-to-time. It can be discouraging, however I think of one of my teachers, Mr. Tri. He always told me to keep persisting when I did not think I was making any progress. “Progress is being made, if you persist it will eventually manifest itself.” Time and again, this has proved true for me.
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It is the same in the uk Robert. Those who administer the large public organisations are more concerned about their own status than helping to Conserve Wildlife. Those are the ignorant.
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Robert, I've been wondering who does the replanting of felled trees. Is it privately paid or comes out of tax money? After giving a lengthy thought it is clear to me that there are at least different issues at stake over that piece of public ( mainly) land: the forestry industry, the recreational use and the environmental concerns of ecosystem integrity, wildlife habitat preservation, water management etc. Common sense would indicate that the are might (ought) to be managed by some kind of master plan that considers all the above. In developed countries master plans usually are brought to public scrutiny where hearings are made where different parties voice their concerns. All of this is a permanent ongoing process where all constituents sense that their case is taken into consideration. From your comments I should gather that your government system is somewhat failing in that direction. This ongoing process is an alternative to the big club strategy which in my view is a regressive attitude towards a barbaric state of affairs... :(
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It is the same in the uk Robert. Those who administer the large public organisations are more concerned about their own status than helping to Conserve Wildlife. Those are the ignorant.
It is the exact situation here in the U.S.A. I had a "back door' look at how the large conservation groups work in the U.S.A. I am not interested in subsidizing huge salaries and the large bureaucracies of our large conservation groups, so I am not a member.
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Arturo,
The timber companies on privately held land pay for the replanting of coniferous forest trees on their land. Public (taxpayer) money is used to pay for trees planted on Forest Service land (public land). And yes, the Forest Service does have a master plan, and you are spot on, that the issues and special interests are many and very complex. Generally, large special interest groups dominate all decision-making processes in the U.S.A. The Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy, or at times the California Native Plant Society might represent “environmental interests”, however except on highly localized situations, the general public is not included. An example is the Sacramento Delta tunnel project. The citizens in this delta region, that have the most to lose from this project, are disenfranchised from the process. Technically, they can come and speak at the hearings, however this is just a joke. They would be completely disregarded if they spoke, even through the decisions made would directly effect their lives, homes, families, everything. In this case, you would be correct in stating that our government is not doing very well.
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This photograph was taken yesterday, 8 December, from the top of Peavine Ridge, facing north. This part of Peavine Ridge did not burn during the 1959 Ice House Fire, however it did burn during the 1992 Cleveland Fire. On the far mountainside you can see some of the old standing snags that were never removed after the Cleveland Fire. In the foreground, remnants of the pre-existing forest can be seen. The Manzanitas in the foreground are Arctostaphylos mewukka ssp. mewukka. Where I was standing Arctostaphylos mewukka ssp. mewukka is growing side-by-side with Arctostaphylos patula. Behind me, Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida is growing with the first two Manzanitas, as well as possible hybrids.
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Where I was standing much of the pre-existing forest remained intact, however the undergrowth did burn during the Cleveland Fire. Both Arctostaphylos mewukka ssp. mewukka and A. patula have burls that can resprout after a fire. Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida is an obligate seeder (no burls).
Several years after the Cleveland Fire, the shrubby regrowth on large tracts of the burn area were sprayed with herbicides. Ceanothus integerrimus var. macrothrysus and Arctostaphylos species generally dominate this regrowth at this elevation. I was not involved in the spraying, however I was a first hand witness of the spraying and know that Glyphosate was used. I did not see any cans of Oryzalin, however this does not mean it was not used. Fortunately, I can check the public record and find out if it was used.
Arctostaphylos viscida is a diploid; Acrostaphlos mewukka is tetraploid. My microscope is not powerful enough to examine and count chromosomes, however I know some people who might give me access to microscopes that can. Oryzalin can be used like colchicine to double chromosomes. If I find that some of the Arctostaphylos viscida are tetraploid this might suggest the doubling of chromosomes via Oryzalin, however there are other means in which the chromosomes could double. In addition, it would be much easier for a tetraploid A. viscida to hybridize with the tetraploid A. mewukka. Diploid x tetraploid hybrids are possible, and it is also possible for triploid offspring to produce viable seed that is diploid (think seedless watermelons that produce a few viable seeds). So there are many possibilities that need to be examined.
Keep in mind that I am also using the knowledge gained by this research to better understand the breeding system of the Genus Arctostaphylos, improve seed germination rates, and create superior garden worthy Manzanitas. All of this takes time.
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9 December 2017
It is hard to believe, but I was able to drive into Gerle Creek on Saturday. The road is not ploughed of snow beyond the electric utility company junction into Gerle Creek Reservoir. There were a few patches of slush on the pavement, but nothing that even a Prius could not handle easily. This is highly unusual.
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Generally there would be at least a minimum of 1 foot (0.3 meters) of snow on the ground this time of year. This Saturday, I found patches of snow 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) deep only in the most shaded locations. In addition, the temperatures have been extremely mild in the mountains. It was 55 F (12.8 C) at 2:15 p.m. in the afternoon. This is an extremely mild temperature for this time of year at 5,384 feet (1,641 meters), and cold air drains into this site! At the ridge top of Peavine Ridge, the temperature was 65 F (18.3 C) at 1:15 p.m. The temperatures may not be record breaking for the date, but it has been consistently mild like this day after day with no end in sight.
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Despite the fact that there is not much snow, there was not much for me to check on along this section of Gerle Creek. It gets a tremendous amount of environmental pressure from visitors during the summer; thus the habitat is somewhat degraded. I did spot a few interesting lichens. Tuckermannopsis orbata is fairly common on conifer twigs, but takes closer inspection to spot. I usually find it with a Hypogymnia species that is giving me fits in the identification department. It just does not fit anything I know about. I will keep working on this one. I enjoy the challenge immensely.
Earlier in the day, I was able to tag additional specific specimens of Arctostaphylos on Peavine Ridge. The specimens were in a section where I suspect Oryzalin may have been used in the past. Although somaclonal variation is associated with tissue culture, there is evidence that genetic alterations can occur in other instances. Frequently, diploid seed treated with Oryzalin will become altered, germinating and growing on as an auto-tetraploid. Elsewhere on Peavine Ridge there is a highly unusual population of Lathyrus lanszwertii var. aridus that I want to monitor, but this will have to wait until next spring.
My next all day outing is less than two weeks out now. I have plenty to do. Depending on the weather I will visit a low elevation site in El Dorado County or I will return to Peavine Ridge and continue my work with the Arctostaphylos.
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Arctostaphylos mewukka ssp. mewukka is getting ready to bloom. This is a bit early!
I was on Peavine Ridge yesterday plotting Arctostaphylos species. The weather was extremely mild, 63 F (17.2 C) at 5,146 feet (1,569 meters). In addition, much of the snow on the Crystal Range is melting and the bare rock can be seen.
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Leaf disease is often observed on Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida.
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Nascent inflorescences on Arctostaphylos patula.
If anyone is interested, I am down loading data of selected species to the Calflora website. With Calflora one can see the plotted observation points of specific plants on a map, as well as read more detailed information on each observation. This may help those reading my botanical diary understand where I travel and what it is like. With Goggle map, one can get a view of a site as though one is in an automobile, as long as the site is near a well-traveled road. It is possible to get a 360 view of a location.
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Robert, have you any clue what kind of disease markings you observe on A. viscida? Is it a rust of some sort? Are these markings natural disease that occurs variably throughout its range?Could those be markings of residues of chemicals sprayed for management purposes?. From the image this far away I can't tell... If natural they are part of the diversity but if not....
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Robert, have you any clue what kind of disease markings you observe on A. viscida? Is it a rust of some sort? Are these markings natural disease that occurs variably throughout its range?Could those be markings of residues of chemicals sprayed for management purposes?. From the image this far away I can't tell... If natural they are part of the diversity but if not....
Arturo,
I do not know what causes the scattered necrotic tissue on Arctostaphylos viscida. I am 62 years young, and have always noticed it. It seems to occur more frequently when there is wet spring weather or under very shaded conditions, but I also see it on plants in full sun. Not all species get it, and I have some old specimens of various species on the farm, including a specimen of Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida with plenty of necrotic tissue on it every season. One thing I do know is that it is not a rust. It is also not chemical residue of any sort, unless it is a sensitivity to air pollution. This is a long shot possibility. Some forms of Arctostaphylos vicsida are very resistant.
I did check and found out that Oryzalin has not been used in the National Forest or on private forest lands in El Dorado County. Most likely what I see is natural genetic variation of some sort. After all, DNA replication is not perfect all the time. Our bodies all contain, obviously non-lethal, not very detrimental, flaws somewhere in our DNA. It is the same with plants. When I was actively breeding plants something spontaneously would always show up. One time a discovered a spontaneous auto-tetraploid in Cucurbita pepo in one of my grow outs, and sometimes I found valuable crossovers. It is so much fun breeding plants that I have started again. I wish that I had more room to work with vegetables as I kept some of my old ongoing projects mothballed. I have started some projects with much smaller plants.
Anyway, thank you for asking about the White-leaf Manzanitas. When I find the answer I will let you know. I could ask someone, but then I learn far more tracking down the answer myself. Getting the answer may take a while, as I have a long list of interesting and challenging questions I what to answer, such as many questions concerning the Arctostaphylos on Peavine Ridge.
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Robert, just a thought, could your leaf disease be caused by insects? A gall perhaps?
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Robert, just a thought, could your leaf disease be caused by insects? A gall perhaps?
Ian,
It appears to be fungal, but anything is possible.
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I was at Ice House Reservoir, 5,488 feet (1,673 meters) on Wednesday. Ice House Reservoir is a few miles north of the central portion of Peavine Ridge in the Crystal Basin.
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From the north shore of the reservoir, the southern end of the Crystal Range can be seen off to the east. It was another clear and warm day in the Sierra Nevada. The temperature was 55 F, 12.8 C, at 1:00 p.m. Over on Peavine Ridge it was 63 F, 17.2 C. This is well above average for this time of year.
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On the south shore, the shaded banks are still covered with a shallow layer of snow. I was hoping to drive up the mountain to Wrights Lake, however in some shaded sites there was a considerable amount of ice on the road. I was driving a Prius; driving to Wrights Lake would make more sense with the Outback.
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From the southwestern end of the reservoir there was a much better view of the Crystal Range. It was dead calm and the reflection of the Crystal Range off the water was very tranquil.
I hope to have an all day outing this coming week. Rain is forecast for Wednesday. This is welcome news, especially if the forecast holds. I will be more than happy to work my outing around some rainy weather. We need the rain!
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The first day of winter and a beautiful day for an outing. I traveled to Kanaka Valley in El Dorado County.
This is a nice view of the Crystal Range (to the east) from the top of a ridge.
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It was a breezy day, especially in the Sacramento Valley. This is a view to the west and the Sacramento Valley and the coastal mountains in the background. The tall buildings in Sacramento can be seen.
There is much to do with the holidays. I will write up a report on this outing as I can.
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Robert, is the blue seen at the distance reflect a reservoir, perhaps Folsom reservoir? I googled the map , trying to get an impression of your view and the direction looking west of your pic. I would have expected much more snow cover in your recent pics! At least the weather won't stop your next outings for now! ;D
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Robert, is the blue seen at the distance reflect a reservoir, perhaps Folsom reservoir? I googled the map , trying to get an impression of your view and the direction looking west of your pic. I would have expected much more snow cover in your recent pics! At least the weather won't stop your next outings for now! ;D
Arturo,
Yes! The water in the photograph is Folsom Reservoir. 8) On this outing I ended up on the South Fork of the American River a short distance from Weber Creek (below Weber Creek).
Sadly, there is very little snow cover in the Sierra Nevada. We are quickly falling below average precipitation to date. As of today we have 8.07" at the farm; average is 10.43". In addition, the weather until the last 2 days has been far above average. It is possible that this December will be the warmest on record (not a good situation).
Anyway, I have much to explain about my latest outing. With the holidays it might take a bit of time. The geology of the area is quite interesting and the are a fair number of locally endemic rare plants. I even had a new find on this outing! very 8) There is much to write about!
Another interesting thing. If you check some of my listings on Calflora and the site is near a paved road, you can use Google map to get a panorama view like you are driving in a car. This can give a good impression of what things look like. You may even be able to "drive" down Kanaka Valley Road!
If I have the opportunity, I will go out rain or shine. :)
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Robert,
It has taken me some days to read through all your adventures and all the comments on your site.
Seems the winter still is far away over there. Here it was winter the first 1/2 of December when I was away, now it is blowing and raining again and 10C/50F here at the coast. It is much snow in our mountains though, not like yours!
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Rhododendron occidentale
Arturo,
This is an example of R&D in our garden. This form of Rhododendron occidentale is from the Feather River canyon. They are from a hot exposed, semi-exposed site where summer temperatures are routinely 40 C or more. All the selected clones thrive in our Sacramento garden. The coastal race of R. occidentale grows very poorly (if at all) in hot interior California. In addition, the flowers of all the selected clones bloom 6 weeks earlier than other forms of R. occidentale from the Sierra Nevada mountains. This selections process has been repeated, and continues to be repeated, with many other species in our garden. If I have time, I will transfer some of my old photographs from my old laptop computer with some of my west coast lily seed lines. If you are interested I can post them for you to see.
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Robert,
It has taken me some days to read through all your adventures and all the comments on your site.
Seems the winter still is far away over there. Here it was winter the first 1/2 of December when I was away, now it is blowing and raining again and 10C/50F here at the coast. It is much snow in our mountains though, not like yours!
Hi Trond,
The 7 day GFS forecast is very discouraging. There is no rain in sight. Unless things change quickly we will be back in drought conditions. At least the weather has turned seasonally cool.
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Hi Robert
A question occupies me already very long. Are you on your wanderings mostly alone? Since I ask myself whether you already had meetings with big animals...for example Puma concolor or Ursus americanus.
A question of a former big-city person. 😉
Thomas
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Hi Thomas,
Yes, 99% of the time I wander in the mountains by myself. I grew up this way. I see Mountain Lions and Black Bears often enough. I even got a photograph of a Black Bear this summer and posted it on the forum. When I did some work in the Rubicon River canyon back in 2002-3, I saw Mountain Lions frequently (at least for Mountain Lions, they do not like to be seen).
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More examples of R&D in our garden and up at the farm.
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A nice Lilium parryi hybrid.
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A Lilium kelloggii hybrid.
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A Lilium parvum var. hollidayi hybrid. ??? Yes, it looks exactly like Lilium parvum var. hollidayi. Why plunder wild stocks of this rare El Dorado County endemic when you can grow a hybrid that looks exactly the same and is much easier to grow and maintain in the garden?
All of the above projects have been mothballed until now. The next step is to create seed lines that breed true to variety using traditional plant breeding techniques.
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Robert,
I do grow some Rhodo's in my place and just today as I was getting myself ready to send in my Seedex request, I felt that I needed to improve my understanding of that genus. What I don't have is any outdoor Rhododendron that is deciduous and could also provide fall colour. Now with your posting I'm prompted to ask from you, some seed of your garden developed R.Occidentale strains. Although my place doubtfully will reach a summertime high of 40ºC, it still is dry enough so summer dryness adaptation is a must. Rhodo's is definitely a must, in particular when one is looking at leaf colour, texture and form, many which are year long attractions!
Needless to say each one of your lilies is very beautiful. I agree absolutely with the unneeded plundering of wild populations
Lilium parvum var. hollidayi hybrid. ??? Yes, it looks exactly like Lilium parvum var. hollidayi. Why plunder wild stocks of this rare El Dorado County endemic when you can grow a hybrid that looks exactly the same and is much easier to grow and maintain in the garden?
All of the above projects have been mothballed until now. The next step is to create seed lines that breed true to variety using traditional plant breeding techniques.
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When any of your lilies set seed and you have extra available I would love to start my local population of any of these!
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Arturo,
Remember Rhododendron occidentale is a mesic species. They also have very fragrant flowers. I feel sure that the interior California forms of this species will thrive in your garden. They will all be plenty cold hardy for your climatic conditions. Over the past 3 plus decades, I have done considerable work plotting the distribution of R. occidentale both in El Dorado County, California, but also in much of interior northern California. I am well aware of the high elevation limit of the species in El Dorado County, California. This might interest you too. I have also discovered some unique variations of this species in El Dorado County.
Rhododendron occidentale is just one example of the practical horticultural application of knowledge grained from all of my outings over many years. I down loaded some of my photographs from my 15 April 2004 outing to the North Fork of the Feather River in Northern California to my main laptop computer. Within the next month I will make a posting of this outing and the practical results to date.
The West Coast Lilies is one example of how knowledge gained from my outings is being used to create interspecific hybrids. During the 1990’s I did considerable work in Northwestern California where there are many native Lilium species.
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I gathered seed from a plant of Lilium pardalinum ssp. pardalinum near Takilma, Oregon (Southwestern Oregon near the California border). This is one of the resulting seedlings. There can be considerable variation and even mixing of the species in this part of Northwestern California – Southwestern Oregon. This plant resembles Lilium columbianum. This batch of seed produced a widely assorted batch of seedlings, some of which resembled Lilium pardalinum. Most likely this is the result of chance hybridization in the wild.
Lastly, my intraspecific breeding is starting to yield results. There is very little knowledge of the genome of most of our California native plant species. The potential seems infinite. Some species appear to have very little genetic variation, while the variance within most species seems considerable. There is a huge potential to create superior horticultural varieties through intraspecific breeding – and with negligible affect on native populations!
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This is a better example of the autumn color on the Feather River forms of Rhododendron occidentale. The autumn color (on most species) in our Sacramento garden was not very good this year. It was far too warm.
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I have found most of my old outing journals and have started up loading relevant listings onto the Calflora website. The first journal entry is of Rhododendron occidentale and Epipactic gigantean from the West Branch of the Feather River, dated 28 May 1977. There is a lot of material, but fortunately the entries from Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Montana, Western South Dakota, and British Columbia will not work on Calflora. I hope my Calflora entries will help those that follow my botanical diary. Reviewing the information has certainly helped me. There are definitely some regions I wish to revisit. Jarbidge Wilderness, Nevada is high on my list, however there are some places here in California I want to revisit.
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Robert,
Seems you do a lot of unpaid work! However it is most interesting and I hope a lot of people appreciate what you do.
Beautiful lilies! When I plant out in my garden I try to plant different specimens which vary a bit and hope for enhanced vigor of the progeny.
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Robert,
Seems you do a lot of unpaid work! However it is most interesting and I hope a lot of people appreciate what you do.
Hi Trond,
What a great comment! 8)
I follow my passions and dreams each and every day. I am well aware that some people get paid to follow their passions; others do not. For me the question is “Why do something if I do not love it?” I love what I do and it brings meaning and fulfillment to my life. Yes, I do less than desirable things to “make money”. Maybe this will change for the better, maybe it will not. What I do for money at least provides the means to follow my passions. For better or worse, folks will continue to see my botanical diary on this forum for as long as I am able, which I hope is a long, long time. My botanical diary is part of my passion and I love doing it.
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KANAKA VALLEY
El Dorado County, California
Thursday, 21 December 2017
Sacramento Weather
Weather: High Clouds
Temperature, High: 56 F, 13.3 CS
Low: 38 F, 3.3 C
Precipitation: To date: 2.49 inches (63 mm)
Placerville Weather
Weather: High Clouds
Temperature, High: 53 F, 11.6 C
Low: 22 F, -5.5 C
Precipitation: To date: 8.07 inches (205 mm), Average to date: 10.43 inches (265 mm)
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I started out early on the 21 December, the first day of winter, from Sacramento to Kanaka Valley, El Dorado County, California. The weather was quite breezy when I left Sacramento, however once in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains the wind calmed considerably. I arrived at the trailhead, 1,015 feet (309 meters) at 8:00 a.m. and it was very frosty, 30 F (-1.1 C). The light southeasterly breeze provided enough mixing to keep the temperature from dropping further. The air was dry with a relative humidity of 62% (dry for this time in the morning) and a dew point of 23 F (-5 C). With calm winds it would have been much colder.
From the staging area there a number of different directions I could have traveled. I set off to the north hoping that I could reach Weber Creek or the South Fork of the American River. The northerly route travels through areas of Blue Oak savannah (Quercus douglasii) with open grassland dominated with the invasive Medusa Head, Elymus caput-medusae and Yellow Star-Thistle, Centaurea solstitialis.
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The older braches of the Blue Oaks were completely colonized by lichens. On this tree I counted 5 species. In this photograph Evernia prunastri, Usnea subfloridana, and Candelaria pacifica can be seen. Much of the trunk was colonized with Flavopunctelia flaventior, with a few Parmeliopsis hyperopta. This is a typical situation in the lower foothill belt of the northern Sierra Nevada.
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In the few densely wooded areas Sanicula crassicaulis (pictured) and Ranunculus occidentalis var. occidentalis were well into growth. The two species emerge quickly in the autumn shortly after the autumn rain wet the soil.
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Eventually the oak savannah gave way to dense chaparral. In this region Whiteleaf Manzanita, Artostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida and Chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum are the two dominant chaparral species.
There is considerable variance in a number of phenotypical characteristics in Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida. In this photograph, the silvery foliage of the specimen in the foreground contrasts with the more dull green foliage of the specimen in the background. I have a keen interest in the Genus Arctostaphylos. I am always checking them closely and noting the variations I see.
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This time of year the nascent inflorescences of Whiteleaf Manzanita begin to swell. Open flowers will be following shortly.
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At this point the oak savannah gave way to an ocean of chaparral, extending for miles in many directions.
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Immediately I noticed numerous plants of the El Dorado County endemic, Ceanothus roderickii. I have encountered this species in other parts of El Dorado County, however as the day progressed I was to see this species growing in huge numbers cover large areas on many hillsides.
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Salvia sonomensis was the dominant chaparral understory species in this area. I see this arrangement frequently. Salvia sonomensis has strongly aromatic foliage. The scent is intoxicating on a hot summer afternoon or after a rain.
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Another common species in this area was Wyethia bolanderi. I rarely encounter Wyethia bolanderi in other parts of El Dorado County, however it grew abundantly in this area.
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I logged three species of Wyethia on this outing. Wyethia bolanderi, with its uniquely shaped foliage, was the most abundant of the three species. I encountered several colonies of the El Dorado County endemic Wyethia reticulata as well as several small groups of the much more widespread Wyethia angustifolia.
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Wandering around in the chaparral is quite pleasant. Wrentits, Chamaea fasciata, are a common resident of the chaparral community. It is my understanding that each bird has a well-defined territory within the chaparral and patrols it constantly. Generally, they stay hidden in the brush, however if one is patience they will show themselves perched on a Manzanita branch. Most of the time I am aware of their presence by their distinctive call that reminds be of a ping-pong ball that is bouncing on a concrete floor.
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Slowly I worked myself around a small hill. On the northeastern side there was a nice view of the countryside off to the northeast.
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On the north side of the hill the chaparral gave way to an area forested with Interior Live Oak, Quercus wislizenii. There was also a shift in the shrubby vegetation. Here I found stands of Toyon, Heteromeles arbutifolia. The birds were very active stripping the Toyon of their bright red berries.
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Here there were also scattered stands of Coyote Bush, Baccharis pilularis ssp. consanguinea. The white flowers of this late autumn – winter blooming species contrasted nicely with their bright green foliage.
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Bush Monkeyflower, Mimulus aurantiacus var. aurantiacus, occupied both sunny and somewhat shaded sites in the chaparral. In the spring there brilliant orange flowers will brighten the chaparral.
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The northwestern side of the hillside opened up into a somewhat flat rocky field. Many species of lichens grew on the rocks. In this photograph Caloplaca subsoluta (orange) can be seen growing with Xanthoparmelia species and other forms of Caloplaca.
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Here there were also dense stands of Whiteleaf Manzanita, Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida. A few had already started to bloom. As I approached the blooming plants I could see that the year round resident Anna’s Hummingbirds, Calypte anna, had already found them. The Manzanitas are an important winter source of nectar for the Anna’s Hummingbird as well as many other creatures.
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Yerba Santa, Erioditylon californicum is often seen growing in the most difficult, rocky bare sites. It also quickly recolonizes areas that have recently burned, often reseeding thickly. In this area, there was a shift in the rock strata; metamorphic rock gave way to serpentinite.
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Rosettes of Dudleya cymosa clung to the rocky outcrops.
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The beautiful Paintbrush, Castilleja foliolosa, inhabited open areas next to the rock outcroppings.
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After circling most of this hill, I decided to follow a route to the top.
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There was a small wooded ravine near my current locations that I attempted to explore before ascending to the summit of the hill. California Coffee Berry, Frangula californica ssp. tomentella, grew in the vicinity (pictured). Before I could make much progress into the wooded ravine, a huge thicket of Poison Oak, Toxicodendron diversilobum, stopped me. This was a good indication to turn around and hike to the top of the hill.
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As I started my ascent of the hill, I encountered many clumps of Big Squirreltail, Elymus multisetus, in clearings among the chaparral shrubbery. The Elymus shared the opening with low hummocks of Ceanothus roderickii.
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From the top of the top there was a nice vista to the west. Folsom Reservoir can be seen with the southern Sacramento Valley and the coastal mountains in the distance. Sadly there has been much development in this area and destruction of habitat. The good news is that much of the area where I was hiking is protected in the Pine Hill Preserve, as BLM land (public land), or Folsom Lake State Park.
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This view is of the canyon of the South Fork of the American River. The path down to the South Fork can be seen in places in this photograph.
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From the hill summit there were also nice vistas to the east of the canyon of the South Fork of the American River and the Crystal Range in the distance. After taking in the views, my next objective was to descend the eastern side of the hill and hike down the ravine to the South Fork.
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As I moved down into the ravine, there was a clear shift in the flora. In shaded areas near a seasonal creek there were dense patches of Berberis aquifolium var. dictyota.
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Where there was a bit of subterranean moisture during the summer months there were scattered clumps of Deer Grass, Mulhenbergia rigens.
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The deeper I moved into the ravine the colder it became. I some areas the path was still frozen, despite the fact that it was early afternoon. During the winter months many steep north-facing slopes receive very little or no direct sunlight.
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Deep within the ravine I encountered a crustose lichen that looked exactly like Porpidia crustulata. This species is not known from this region, so I was not sure what to think of this observation. I will have to do more research.
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Eventually I arrived at the South Fork of the American River, elevation 461 feet (141 meters).
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The upper portion of the ravine I was following consisted of a seasonal water coarse. About half way down the ravine, a year round spring opened into the ravine with a good head of running water to the South Fork of the American River. Where the stream entered the South Fork, there were thickets of willow and alder. It was the perfect habitat for our Giant Chain Fern, Woodwardia fimbriata.
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A great find in this thicket was a small colony of Rhododendron occidentale. This patch is not only an extension of the western limit of this species in El Dorado County, but also a new low elevation limit for this species in El Dorado County. The nearest colony to this site, that I am currently aware of, is upstream on Rock Creek. I have entered data to Calflora of this site and the Rock Creek site, so if anyone is interested they can compare the locations of the two sites. The 1907 Calflora entry on Sweetwater Creek may not be valid at this time. I explored much of Sweetwater Creek in the 1970’s, and never saw Rhododendron occidentale. Most of the watershed is private property and I no longer have access to this area. This is very unfortunate as the area is floristically rich. I would be very interested in reexamining the area to see, if indeed, Rhododendron occidentale grows or grew in the Sweetwater Creek watershed.
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Along the shore of the South Fork there were beautiful outcroppings of banded gabbro. Much of is area is part of the Western Jurassic Terrane, a conglomeration of serpentinite, gabbro, sheeted dikes, and pillow basalt. I observed all these features on this outing, except the pillow basalt. The vegetation shifts subtly depending on the geologic feature, and of coarse, other factors.
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Lichens colonized many of the rocks along the river shore. Dimelaena oreina, Golden Moonglow Lichen (pale colored lichen), was very common in this area.
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Lupinus albifrons var. albifrons grew in the sunny rocky terrain above the high water mark of the river.
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I would have been nice to work my way eastward, upstream to the confluence with Weber Creek, however steep rocky terrain and the late hour convinced me that it would be more productive to retrace my route back up the ravine.
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Before starting up the path, I took a good look down stream to the west. I surveyed the landscape for possible sites to visit on future outings to this area.
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Part way up the ravine, I found a different route to follow back to the crest of the ridge. Along this route I found the dried stems of a Calochortus species. I have a good hunch that they belong to Calochortus luteus, as I observed this species in another part of this region last year. I have often speculated that there may have been large populations of Calochortus luteus in this area in the past, much like what I find in the coastal mountains of California. Anthropogenic activities may have been responsible for the possible reduction in the population of this species.
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In shady crevices along this route I found small colonies of a Cladonia lichen. They were certainly part of the Cladonia chlorophaea complex and were most likely Cladonia pyxidata.
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I arrived at the top of the ridge late in the day. There was still an hour or so of sunlight remaining so I decided to take an alternate route back to the Outback. Unfortunately this route turned out to be a dead end in a sea of thick chaparral. I needed to backtrack a ways until I found a likely path back to the trailhead. Despite the detour, I enjoyed my hike through the chaparral. There were consider signs of the chaparral inhabitants; Coyote, Fox, Bobcat, and others.
I was very pleased to finally get out and have an all day outing. It was extremely productive and I was very pleased to find the colony of Rhododendron occidentale near the South Fork of the American River. I have another outing planned soon.
Until next time…….
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Robert, that was a lot to take in on one days visit. A return trip next year during spring/summer will no doubt produce another good selection of species.
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Ian,
Yea, I logged over 100 vascular plant species on this outing. This is a lot for the wintertime.
There are multiple reasons for me to return to this area. At the present time, I am trying to tract down the relic (what may be a relic population) population of Rhododendron occidentale on Sweetwater Creek (i.e. the 7 June 1908 entry on Calflora). In addition, when I visited last spring I noticed a number of unusual forms of Brodiaea elegans ssp. elegans. And there is much more to investigate.
In addition, this outing got my “bells and whistles” going about some other plants I saw this summer. There is a very unusual population of Rhododendron columbianum on Lyons Creek that needs further investigation. I finally may have some indicator species that will help me piece together past vegetation patterns and distribution.
So, this outing was extremely productive for me.
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Robert,
interesting to see the chaparral during wintertime.
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I will be leaving in a hour or so for today's outing. I will be traveling to Fleming Meadows in El Dorado County. I have been reviewing my old journal entries. The trend is very alarming. I have not logged Trillium albidum in El Dorado County since 1984! Entry after entry mentions habitat destruction as the cause of the lost of another population of one species after another. In 1978 I logged a whole hillside with scattered stands of Lilium humboldtii. Now I am aware of only two populations of Lilium humboldtii in El Dorado County. Part of my objective today will be to scout an area of Camp Creek for possible Lilium pardalinum x Lilium parvum hybrids and to see if I can find any trace of the tetraploid forms of Lilium pardalinum I logged in this area during the 1990's. There has been much habitat destruction since the 1990's in this area. Upstream where I had logged natural hybrids of Lilium pardalinum x Lilium parvum has been completely altered and the plants are long gone. I hope that I find promising indications today.
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A sad story. Habitat destruction occur everywhere. I did see a lot of it when I visited Madagascar and I also see much of it at home. It is called development but is nothing but destruction.
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I had an interesting outing yesterday to the Flemming Meadow - Camp Creek area of El Dorado County, California.
Due to the holidays, it may take me awhile to post this outing.
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I shall waite . . . .
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I shall waite . . . .
Hi Trond,
Right now I am bogged down with work. Starting on the 4th I will be looking after my mother in Placerville and working too. So it might be awhile until I get this report posted (i.e. sometime after the 4 January). It will all work out well. :)
The outing did not turn out as I expected, however there were some great benefits that I will certainly explain.
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Happy new year, Robert!
Hope your work also results in some benefits!
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Robert, I am definitely looking forward to your adventures this year. After a nearly green Christmas, we have had a never ending system of bay effect snowstorms coming from the continent, and temperatures that until yesterday did not rise above -12C. We are staying put as winter storm Grayson is about to pass over us. The advance snow and rain has lightened temporarily, but the worst is to be felt overnight. Our generator has been tested out in advance, and thankfully we were able to get the tractor to start again (it was cold enough here to cause some of the diesel to gel enough to starve the engine of fuel). Anti-gelling agent will help if we go back into the deep freeze.
I am glad to hear that your precipitation levels are running high, but have to think this won't be of much help once the summer heat returns. I remember water rationing in Vancouver BC, in spite of incessant rain over winter. How is the snow level in the Sierras? Vancouver simply didn't have enough reservoirs to store winter rainfall, and it relies on snowmelt to provide water through the summer.
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Hi Gordon,
I have finished my write-up of my last outing for 2017 and will be posting it very soon.
I am looking forward to the 2018 outing season too. I have very well defined goals and the creative potential is tremendous. It is certainly exciting times.
Sadly, we are back in a drought situation. There is very little snow pack in the Sierra Nevada and even rainfall totals are well below average to date. In addition, temperatures have been at record or near record levels for much of the autumn and the first part of the winter. I am going to be fine, however I am extremely concerned about the effects on the environment of global climate change and the extremely destructive land use practices throughout our region. My brother is a climate scientist and has been for decades. I have access to first hand information about what is really going on (sorry, no fake science here). In addition, I have been an eye witness to the wholesale destruction of vast areas of our local regional ecosystems. I first traveled into the mountains of El Dorado County in 1960, and since then have spent many summers and at times winters in this region. I started gathering information in the late 1970's and the legacy of destruction is discouraging. I may be one of the few people who has a memory of what things were like back in the late 1960's onward. Most folk in our area new comers from other parts of California or other states. I grew up with the "old timers" in our area, and I guess I am getting to be an old timer now too. Anyway, even these troubling conditions have their opportunities. I'll stay invisible and keep documenting what I see and leave the rest to G_d.
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FLEMMING MEADOWS – CAMP CREEK
El Dorado County, California
Thursday, 28 December 2017
Sacramento Weather
Weather: High Clouds
Temperature, High: 61 F, 16.1 C
Low: 36 F, 2.2 C
Precipitation: To date: 2.59 inches (65.8 mm)
Placerville Weather
Weather: High Clouds
Temperature, High: 63 F, 17.2 C
Low: 29 F, -1.7 C
Precipitation: To date: 8.07 inches (205 mm), Average to date: 11.73 inches (298 mm)
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Dry and mild weather continued in Northern California during the last week of December. As I left Sacramento early Thursday morning (28 December) and drove into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada a temperature inversion had set in. This is a typical weather feature during the wintertime in this part of California. Cold air gets trapped in the Sacramento Valley and nighttime low temperatures, and even daytime high temperatures, are much cooler in the Valley than at 3,000 feet (914 meters). When I left our Sacramento home it was 36 F (2.2 C), however many foothill location were much warmer, generally in the mid 40’s F (mid 4.4’s C).
As an example, on 1 January 2018 the high temperature at the Placerville farm was 70 F (21.1 C), a new record high temperature for the date. The old record was 66 F (18.9 C) set in 2001. At our Sacramento home the high temperature was 64 F (17.8 C), a considerable spread in the high temperature given the difference in attitude.
Despite the unseasonably warm temperatures and excessively dry weather it was a beautiful day to be out. My goal this day was to do a reconnaissance of several sections of Camp Creek to determine the distribution of Lilium pardalinum in this area. In addition, I might find clues as to the possible influence of Lilium parvum along this section of Camp Creek. I set off from the trailhead, 3,821 feet (1,165 meters) in the direction of Camp Creek. The mixed oak (Quercus kelloggii) and pine (Pinus ponderosa) forest had a mixed understory of shrubbery. Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida (pictured) was one of the dominant species of this understory.
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In other areas the deciduous to semi-evergreen Ceanothus integerrimus var. macrothyrsus became the dominant understory species. The shared and alternating dominance of the two species is a common occurrence in the mid-elevations of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
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In some areas, firearm use is quite common. It is very sad, but there is a tremendous amount of irresponsible behavior among some firearm users.
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Scenes like this are far too common.
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Compounding the problem is alcohol usage while using firearms. The mess is bad enough, but irresponsible behavior does injure people. Every year there are reports of a drunken person who accidentally shoots themselves in the foot or leg. Generally innocence people hiking in the woods are not shot accidentally, however occasionally it does happen. There are strict laws concerning firearm usage and the laws are strictly enforced. Unfortunately, there are not enough funds to hire adequate numbers of law enforcement personnel. In addition, those that abuse their privilege to use firearms are very adept at evading law enforcement.
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Unfortunately my route to Camp Creek passed the “gun range”. For me, safely negotiating around irresponsible firearm users has been a long term deterrent that, more or less, ended my exploration of this area. On the positive side this day, once I was well beyond the “gun range”, nature prevailed and there were plenty of interesting things to see.
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I logged about 20 species of lichen on this outing. Trumpet Lichen, Cladonia fimbriata, was one of the more interesting species.
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There were many species of ferns in this area. The evergreen Wood Fern, Dryopteris arguta, was one of the more frequently seen species growing on the forest floor.
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Bracken Ferns, Pteridium aquilinum var. pubescens, grows over an expansive attitude range in the Sierra Nevada. This time of year their dried fronds can be seen littering the forest floor. This species prefers shaded areas that have some degree of subterranean moisture during the summer.
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Polypodium calirhiza enjoys shaded rock outcroppings that are bone dry during the summer.
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Polystichum imbricans ssp. curtum is another species that enjoys shaded rocky sites. The fine specimen was growing directly out of a tiny crevice in the metamorphic rock.
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There was no trail to Camp Creek in this area, so I had to slowly pick my way down the steep forested canyon slope to the Creek, elevation 3,285 feet (1,001 meters). The temperature was quite mild on the canyon rim, 48 F (8.9 C). Naturally, the cold air drained to the bottom of the canyon where it was still a chilly 35 F (1.7 C) at 10:45 a.m.
We are once again experiencing drought conditions, so it was not surprising that water level of the creek was extremely low. With normal stream flows for this time of year I would not be able to explore this part of the creek. Thick stands of Poison Oak, Toxicodendron diversilobum, would prevent my progress!
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In places there were large thickets of Western Azalea, Rhododendron occidentale. In this area the forest canopy was very thick and very little light reached the banks of the creek.
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Due to the lack of sunlight, the Western Azaleas had set very few flower buds. I did find one set of seedpods.
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One of my favorite Ericaceae species in this area is Red Huckleberry, Vaccinium parvifolium. The bare green stems are very attractive during the wintertime and the bright red fruit is a delight. I am pleased that it has been very easy to cultivate in our Sacramento garden.
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I did not have any problem finding Lilium pardalinum. I explored a good portion of the creek in this area but did not find any indications of Lilium pardalinum x Lilium parvum hybrids, as can be found farther upstream.
There were thousands of Ladybird Beetles. Hippodamia convergens swarm by the thousands in the autumn and are carried by the prevailing westerly winds into the mid-elevations of the Sierra Nevada. There they hibernate in dense clusters awaiting spring weather and their return to the Central Valley and other areas of California.
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Along the creek large sheets of the bramble, Rubus leucodermis, grew in tangled mats. I needed to hike very slowly and carefully through these mats as they easily caught on my boots and they also camouflaged the uneven rocky terrain below their evergreen leaves.
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The terrain along the creek was quite slick with moisture and the going was very slow at times. I was not finding what I was looking for so I decided to return to the canyon rim and explore another section of Camp Creek.
When I neared the top of the canyon it became apparent that the gun shooters had arrived and were blasting away with their guns. The only route back to the staging area was very close to the “shooting range” (if you want to call it that). I had few practical options so I preceded onward and safely pasted there activities.
I quickly arrived at the hub of several trails. It was a very active area with many hikers on this afternoon. Firearms are strictly forbidden in this area, and although “crowded” (maybe 5 to 10 people) from my perspective it would at least be safe.
Our weather has been so mild this winter. Even at this elevation and even higher on the mountain on Peavine Ridge, the Manzanitas, Acrostaphylos, are showing signs of blooming soon (pictured). This is much too early.
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Now I set off in a different direction for another section of Camp Creek. Everywhere on this outing I saw a variety of fungi in growth. At this time, I only know a few by name. They are quite interesting and I look forward to a future date when I can devote time to their study.
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Early in the afternoon, I arrived at another section of Camp Creek. I was a bit down stream from the other location. At 3,092 feet (942 meters), as expected, it was still quite chilly at the bottom of the canyon. It was 1:45 p.m. in the afternoon and it had warmed to 42 F (5.5 C). In a few exposed sites that were constantly in the shadow of the canyon walls there was still frost on the ground. At other locations where much more light entered the canyon during the summer months, Rhododendron occidentale was well budded.
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On the moist north facing slopes near the creek there were stands of Pacific Yew, Taxus brevifolia. It was too late in the season to see their bright red fruit, which looks fabulous set off against its deep green foliage.
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In these perennially shaded sites, the rocks were densely and beautifully covered with mosses.
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Sedum spathulifolium managed to coexist with the mosses. Many times, the mosses tend to over run any competing plants on the rocks, however in this case the Sedum and mosses appeared to be living together quite nicely.
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The handing threads of Usnea scabrata on the bare branches of the deciduous trees created a ghostly ambiance to this site.
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Once again I encountered the fascinating lichen, Porpidia crustulata, on this outing.
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Along this stretch of Camp Creek travel was much easier. Unfortunately, it was late in the day and I needed to return to the Outback before it became too dark.
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I took one last look upstream, then set off up out of the canyon and back to the Outback.
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Ranunculus occidentalis var. occidentalis is one of the early to emerge herbaceous species. If the warm mild weather continues they will be in bloom shortly.
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At the canyon rim there are several clearing in the forest. Arctostaphlos viscida ssp. viscida, Ceanothus integerrimus var. macrothyrsus, Stipa sp. and Chamaebatia foliolosa have recolonized much of these clearings.
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There are also hundreds of Iris hartwegii ssp. hartwegii growing in these clearings. The species is very beautiful and I hope to return in the spring when they are blooming.
Despite a number of disappointments this was another excellent outing. I failed to find indications of the lilies I was hoping to find, however I spotted a new prospective access point to an area where I have found the lilies in the past. The access point may work well providing there is no shooting in the area (maybe wishful thinking on my part).
Now it is 2018 and there are plenty of sites to visit and much to accomplish. I am finally getting preliminary results from previous outings and I hope share some of the results during the coming season. I am not the least bit intimidated by quantitative inheritance and I find “messy” crosses fascinating and stimulating to work with. For me, even in this seemingly mundane region of the Sierra Nevada, I perceive a large open road of creative potential ahead. From my perspective, there is a vast unknown and untapped genome within many, even common, species within “my patch” (El Dorado County - Crystal Range and Basin). There is a tremendous potential.
Now off for my next outing.
Until next time……..
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Robert, it is a pity that irresponsible people are dumping their rubbish in the countryside as in your pictures. This used to happen along a quiet lane in our village. The local authority go through the rubbish and if they find an address on correspondence they prosecute the offender. Also, a person who has land along the lane found an address among the papers that were dumped so he collected the rubbish and took it back to the person who dumped it. Shooters who leave their rubbish are irresponsible.
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Robert, are those forest clearings man made?...I can't imagine any other way. Who would have cleared land on federal public land?, were they inholdings under some type of lease conditions that expired some time ago?. By the size of the manzanitas it would have been about 10 years ago?
The amount of garbage in protected areas is a world wide problem! We tried to provide garbage bags in the entrance gates asking to leave their garbage when they exited from the protected area. It did work partially since a fair amount of visitors gladly picked up the ruling, however not everyone...once a year the local hikers assoociation still has a day of mountain cleaning with school children..the amount of bags of garbage is amazing!
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Ian - Arturo
Your comments are being addressed in the new 2018 thread. :)
edit by maggi : http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=15949.0 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=15949.0)