2018 - Robert's botantical adventures in Northern California

[Robert]

THE LOST WORLD
Sierra Nevada Mountains, California
Part III

I worked my way up the northern edge of the meadowland to a point where it abruptly ended. Here large outcroppings of granodiorite marked the end of the meadows. A creek worked its way through a cleft in the massive rock face. At the base of the rock face there were pools of water and stands of Quaking Aspen, Populus tremuloides.



With some effort, I worked my way over and around the granodiorite outcroppings to the upper portions of the basin. This portion of the basin was very different from the lower meadowlands. There were small pockets filled with giant old growth Jeffrey Pine, Pinus jeffreyi.

Where the creek became constricted before descending through the rock cleft in the outcroppings there were large log jambs of debris. The debris looked as if it certainly obstructed the flow of water during the spring snowmelt and created flooded conditions. How this may impact the area in the spring is unknown to me at this time. I will certainly want to investigate this next spring.



As I worked my way up stream, I encountered quiet pools shaded by monstrous Jeffrey Pine that must have been centuries old (See trunk of Jeffrey Pine center left!).



Soon it was time to return to the staging area where I started this adventure. Rather than return by the same route, I arched around the basin to the southern flank and started working my way back.



At one location I found an ancient Incense Cedar, Calocedrus decurrens, with it lower branches completely festooned with the lichen, Letharia columbiana.

[Robert]

This lost world had it own unique flora. Several flat meadow-like areas where filled with the Boraginaceae, Hesperochiron pumilus. I rarely encounter this species and it grew abundantly in these “meadows”.



It did not take me long to arrive back in the lower portion of the basin. The south side of the basin was thickly forested with Lodgepole Pine, Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana, and crisscrossed with slow moving streams.



There were also a series of seasonal ponds. The upper pond was still somewhat intact (pictured). The lower ponds were in a state of recovery.

During the autumn I explored this area briefly. At that time, the off-road vehicle people still had access to the site. The motorcycles and other off-road vehicles had turned the lower seasonal ponds into lifeless dust bowls. They seemed to enjoy driving in endless circles in the depressions of the ponds. Maybe there was still water in them at that time and the mud was fun to “play” in. Whatever the case the lower ponds were a mess.

Later in the season, after blocking access to the site, the Forest Service made some simple and quick repairs to the drainage and water flow to and from each pond. I was very pleased to see that thick new growth had emerged at each site. One pond was completely ringed with the new growth of Juncus ensifolius, Scirpus congdonii and filled with tadpoles of Pacific Tree Frogs, Hyla regilla.



On a follow up trip a week or two later, I found that Hosackia oblongifolia var. oblongifolia, too, had started to recolonize the edge of the pond. This was very encouraging to see considering the disaster I had observed in the autumn.



In the higher terrain around the ponds Viola tomentosa was in full bloom. The gray, woolly foliage of this Viola species is extremely beautiful.

[Robert]

 I spent a considerable amount of time exploring the flora that ringed the edge of the upper pond. It, too, was in need of help. The diversity of species was still very limited, as the past logging had occurred almost to the edge of the pond.



Many butterflies were obtaining moisture in the damp soil that ringed parts of the pond. Proportius Duskywings, Erynnis propertius, were very common.



After finishing my work around the upper pond, I moved into the higher terrain above the basin. In places there were huge stands of Heuchera rubescens in bloom. This species is quite happy growing out of rock cervices and loose piles of broken rock.



Sedum obtusatum ssp. obtusatum could also be found growing in cervices, often with very little soil.



As the day ended, I enjoyed the scattered stands of the white flowering Calochortus leichtlinii growing among the granodiorite boulders.

This ended this outing. I was very pleased with the results and accomplished a get deal.

I am currently planning my next outing, which is scheduled in about two weeks. This outing will be a combination trip. The current plan is to spend the morning at this site and the afternoon working on another project in different part of the Pacific Ranger District.

Until the next time…….

[Maggi Young]

Oh my!  That picture of the  Letharia columbiana is a show-stopper!

[Robert]

Oh my!  That picture of the  Letharia columbiana is a show-stopper!

Oh,    Sometimes I get lucky and a photograph turns out very well. Usnea species can be very interesting and could be very photographic. They do not grow in the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada. They do grow in Napa/Yolo County where the current forest fire is raging.

Today I will be going to Gerle Creek in Eldorado National Forest. If there is time I will get some nice photographs.

[Robert]

Yesterday, 6 July, I traveled to Wilson Meadow in Eldorado National Forest. Wilson Meadow was once part of the Wilson Family Cattle Ranch. The Wilsons had large land holdings in this region. During the “hay day” of their operation they owned or held leases on over one thousand acres of land in and around Eldorado National Forest. Wilson Meadow, elevation 6,500 feet plus and minus (1,981 meters + or -), was part of the summer cattle range.

The day was off and on again overcast as the remnant moisture from Hurricane Fabio passed through our part of California. The overcast kept daytime temperatures down and the low temperatures were very mild. The high temperature for the day was 74 F (23.3 C), the low 45 F (7.2 C).



The South Fork of Silver Creek runs through the mid and lower sections of Wilson Meadow. The moisture from the creek undoubtedly kept the grasses green well into the dry season.

The Wilsons eventually sold most of their land holdings in the area to the U.S. Forest Service. The USFS is now making efforts to restore the meadow habitat. Lodgepole Pine, Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana is encroaching into the meadowland. After 100 plus years of cattle on the meadow, efforts by the USFS to restore something close to the original flora will be very challenging.



Despite the cattle, there are still many wildflowers in the area. Here Aquilegia formosa can be seen with Spiraea splendens.



Ranger’s Buttons, Sphenosciadium capitellatum is also known as Swamp White Heads. This species is found at high elevations always near streams or in wet meadows.



I was delighted to find Juncus saximontanus growing in the area. In my mind it is one of the more attractive Juncus species. The flowers when open and the spent flowers heads have dark brown perianth parts that contrast with purplish styles and stigmas. The haze of light purple and dark brown held over the ground is very beautiful.

[Robert]

This time of year, large drifts of the Apiacee, Ligusticum grayi, can be seen in bloom in forest clearings.



Castilleja minatus ssp. miniatus is another common wildflower that adds color to the high mountain landscape this time of year.



Castilleja miniatus ssp. miniatus is generally found growing where the soil stays somewhat moist. Other Castilleja species can be found growing in dry locations.



Lupinus lepidus var. sellulus is a common meadow species. It has a preference for drier meadows.



California Brome, Bromus carinatus ssp. carinatus, is just one of many grass species seen in the high mountains this time of year. It has a preference for dry open forest and clearings.

[Robert]

Carex raynoldsii is generally seen in dry open forest. It is one of many Carex species seen in this area. Carex specifica and C. heteroneura were two other Carex species seen growing in the same vicinity.



Where there is abundant moisture a whole different set of plants are found. Near a spring, Lilium parvum was blooming with its small orange bells.



Cow Parsnip, Heracleum maximum, thrives in the moist soil near springs and small creeks. Its large bold foliage and large umbels of white flowers are quite striking.



Lupinus polyphyllus ssp. burkei is another moisture loving species.



After checking on some of the flora in the vicinity of Wilson Meadow, I drove over to Lyons Creek to work on a project. It is always nice to see Lyons Creek with a good head of water flowing through its watercourse.

[Robert]

From there I drove down the mountain into the Crystal Basin to finish up the day.



Orchard Grass, Dactylis glomerata, is a non-native invasive species. It is generally found in waste areas that are somewhat moist, such as moist ditches along roadways.



I worked my way down to Peavine Ridge. Here the beautiful annual Collomia grandiflora was in bloom.

This part of Peavine Ridge is about 1,500 feet (457 meters) below Wilson Meadow. Here the weather is much hotter and drier. As an example, the high temperature on this section of the Ridge was 85 F (29.4 C) and the low was 53 F (11.7 C), considerably warmer than the temperatures in the Wilson Meadow area (H 74 F and L 45 F). In addition, the relative humidity was 25% at 1:00 p.m. on Peavine Ridge and it was 42% at the same time in the Lyons Creek Basin. It is not surprising that the flora is quite different at each location, however what is surprising is that a few of the same species can be found at each site too.



Sierra Lessingia, Lessingia leptoclada had started into its bloom cycle too. This tough little annual can be found blooming well into the autumn. It is quite amazing as it also grows and blooms in hot, dry situations.



Calystegia malacophylla ssp. malacophylla is a member of the Convolvulaceae Family (Morning-glory Family). As are other members of this family, this species is also very tough. It tends to thrive in extreme hot and dry situations. Its hairy foliage is very attractive.

This finished up my day. I do not mind working with others, however I get 1 x 10⁵ to ∞ more work done when working by myself. Now, for the time being, I am back working on my own, and getting much accomplished. This was a successful day. Today, 7 July, it looks like I will have an opportunity to get over to Gerle Creek. I’ll see what I can get accomplished.

[Robert]

More photographs from the Wilson Meadow area and Peavine Ridge.

Agastache urticifolia, in its best forms, creates striking tall stems topped with pink flowers.



Butterweed, Senecio triangularis, is a very common species found in moist areas near springs and other perennially damp areas. The bright yellow flowers are very showy. Sometimes they can be found growing in large colonies. In such situations the display of flowers when in bloom can be very striking.



Mertensia ciliata var. stomatechoides is another moisture lover. I enjoy the small blue flowers of this species.



Dicentra formosa is generally found at lower elevations, however I find them occasionally up to 6,500 feet (1,981 meters) in our area.



Erigeron glacialis var. glacialis has relatively large ray type flower petals. They are very common at the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada and are a delight to see.

[Robert]

Mule’s Ear, Wyethia mollis, has very large ray type flower petals. The hairy gray-green leaves are very attractive. At a few locations in Eldorado National Forest there are “dry” meadows where they grow in great quantities. An ocean of yellow flowers can be seen for miles.



From the crest of Peavine Ridge, smoke from the “County” Fire and be seen. This fire has consumed many of the wild sites that I visited in the Northern Coastal Mountains. Fires like this do not get much exposure in the news. Human property is not being destroyed. It is as if the plants and the animals do not have any value. It is very sad to see this occurring.



On Peavine Ridge Calycadonia truncata is blooming now.



Lessingia leptoclada can be found blooming at many locations along the crest of Peavine Ridge at this time.

[Hoy]

Plenty of interesting stuff, Robert, both flora, fauna and history.

I recognized one species as native here: Dactylis glomerata. It is very common. We call it "hundegras" (dog grass). I wouldn't mind some of your plants as "weed" here
 

[Robert]

Hi Trond,

I wish that some of our California native plant species were a little more weed-like.

I guess this only emphasizes the new frontiers of horticulture that need to be blazed. I hope folks understand what a fantastic global resource we have in this forum. In some cases we are at the vanguard or cutting edge of exciting new plants, growing techniques, and practical first hand information available to gardeners. There are plenty of dull, impractical, useless databases pertaining to plants and horticulture on the Internet. Here on the SRGC Forum one can interact, ask questions, and receive answers from experts and veteran gardeners on almost any horticultural topic.

Here in California, I have my hands full working with our native species. It is a wide-open frontier where so many horticultural possibilities are completely overlooked.

In the realm of conservation, our situation in California is overwhelming. We have so many local, rare and/or endemic species that need our care and attention. The loss of “common” species is not being addressed. Habitat loss and alteration is a pressing concern. I have witnessed, documented and continue to document the changes here in Eldorado National Forest. I remember and grew up (at my father’s cabin) in this Forest. I am one of the very few, in our area, that witnessed the devastation to the forest ecosystems from the 1960’s onward. In my journals and databases I continue to write and record these changes. A young aspiring botanist recently told me that the condition of the forest is improving. I’m not sure the genesis of such ideas, but it is completely contrary to my meteorological and botanical data, as well as my 50 plus years of observations.

I’ll continue to offer what I can through the SRGC. Maybe our precious plant species will become a little more “weed-like” throughout the globe. There is so much that needs to be done here in California to steward and preserve our natural bounty.

[Maggi Young]

There is so much that needs to be done here in California to steward and preserve our natural bounty.

Yes, but thanks to dedicated  folk like yourself, Robert, there are those who do care and who are learning more about it. Well done to you, I say!

[Robert]

Clear skies over the Sierra Nevada this morning, 11 July 2018.

The weather forecast is for monsoonal moisture to start arriving today. There were no signs of convection this morning, however things could be very different this afternoon. Relative Humidity and Dew Points are up, hinting that moist air is already filtering into our region.



Most of the snow has melted from the high peaks of the Crystal Range. Temperatures in the Central Valley (Sacramento) and lower foothills (Placerville) have been running in the 100 F range (37.8 C); on Peavine Ridge 5,146 feet, 87 to 90 F (30.6 to 32.2 C); even in the high country temperature have been 78 to 80 F (25.6 to 26.7 C). These temperatures are very common for this time of year. Next week the big heat is forecast to arrive with temperatures in the 105 F plus (40.6 C) range.

My next outing will be next Thursdays.