Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum
General Subjects => Blogs and Diaries => Topic started by: Robert on April 23, 2023, 06:54:50 PM
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Precipitation has been well above average this year and our local, sufficiently intact, viable natural ecosystems are responding with an explosion of wildflowers. The exuberance of wildflowers is quite apparent on our Placerville, California property.
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Our Placerville property can be best classified as a Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii) Savannah ecosystem located in the Upper Sonoran Life Zone. It is situated on an east-facing slope with a dominant serpentine-based soil. These factors--together with climate--influence the mix of plants species found on our property.
Pictured above is a typical springtime scene on our property. The grassland is completely dominated by invasive species. Avena fatua hybrids (Wild Oats), Bromus diandrus (Ripgut Brome), Bromus sterilis (Poverty Brome), Hordeum murinum ssp. murinum (Wild Barley), and Poa bulbosa ssp. vivipara are the most prominent of the invasive grass species. Poa bulbosa ssp. vivipara is a relative newcomer and has proven to be especially troublesome. This noxious species was accidentally introduced on my father’s golf shoe cleats back in the 1980’s and has now spread throughout our property and beyond.
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Despite the predominance of invasive grasses and dicots, we still have many native wildflowers. Dipterostemon capitatus ssp. capitatus is quite common and frequently forms large drifts on our property.
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The light blue forms of Dipterostemon capitatus ssp. capitatus are most frequently seen on our property.
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Although the light blue forms of Dipterostemon capitatus ssp. capitatus may be the dominant form on our property, there is a fair amount of genetic variability in the flower color. I found this white form of Dipterostemon capitatus ssp. capitatus growing on the back portion of our property. White forms of this species are not uncommon, but still not frequently seen. I also found some deep blue forms of this species on another part of our property. These are less common. Several years ago I observed a bicolored (pink and blue) chimera of this species. Sadly, a gopher ate the bulb before I could dig it from the ground.
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On other portions of our property where the soil can be quite wet, there are large drifts of Ranunculus occidentalis var. occidentalis in full bloom.
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In some locations Ranunculus occidentalis var. occidentalis and Dipterostemon capitatus ssp. capitatus intermingle with each other creating a delightful combination of colors.
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The small flowered annual Lupinus bicolor grows abundantly on our property.
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In this scene, Common Fiddleneck, Amsinkia menziesii, is intermingling with Lupinus bicolor.
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The perennial Sanicula bipinnatifida prefers semi-shade locations. Pictured is the much more common purple flowered form.
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Less common is the Yellow form of Sancula bipinnatifida. The yellow form of Sanicula bipinnatifida can be confused with Sanicula graveolens; however I have never observed this particular Sanicula species on our property. Sanicula crassicaulis and Sanicula bipinnata are two other Sanicula species that grow on our property. The foliage of Sanicula bipinnata is scented like Cilantro and is very pleasant.
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I am not sure how the perennial Eschscholzia californica arrived on our property, as this species is not generally seen in our area. Much more common in our area is the annual Foothill Poppy, Eschschlzia caespitosa. Less common in our immediate area is the annual Frying Pan Poppy, Eschscholzia lobbii.
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I will end with this scene with Amsinkia menziesii and Lupinus bicolor.
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Yesterday, 8 May 2023, I was able to visit part of the Caldor Fire burn scar area. The site was in the Camp Creek watershed, parts of which were severally impacted by the Caldor Fire. I was very successful accessing some key sites that I have been studying since the 1990’s. I have plenty of field notes and photographs to share. I believe much of the information will be of relevant horticultural interest.
Pictured above is Diplacus kelloggii as seen on this field outing.
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During the summer and autumn of 2021 the Caldor Fire burned 347 square miles (898 sq. km) of forestland in El Dorado, Amador, and Alpine Counties, California. It was the most destructive fire in this region and one of the most destructive fires in California history. Two-thirds of the hamlet of Grizzly Flats was completely destroyed as well as many cabins and historical sites along Highway 50, the major east-west route through the Sierra Nevada Mountains in this region. The watersheds of the South Fork of the American River and Camp Creek, which provide vital drinking and agricultural water to El Dorado County, suffered extensive damage, which will last for decades.
For most of 2022 the majority of the forestland within the burn scar region was far too dangerous for any detailed botanical survey. Extensive “salvage” logging was taking place as well as the removal of badly damaged trees near roadways and popular hiking trails.
On 8 May 2023, I had my first opportunity to do a detailed survey of a portion of the Camp Creek drainage that I have been studying for decades. I started on the northern ridge above Camp Creek at an elevation of 3,767 feet (1,148 meters), well within the Transition Life Zone of this region.
The geology of this area greatly shapes and influences the plant communities at this site. In this area, the Shoo Fly Terrane consists of Greenschists, and slates, with numerous quartz veins. The soils derived from these parent rocks is generally acidic yet quite capable of supporting healthy forest growth. Many of the quartz veins contain gold; thus there are many old abandoned gold mines in this area.
Temperatures at this elevation during the December through March time period averaged 38.75 F (3.75 C), which is 4.88 F (-2.71 C) below the 18-year average. Precipitation for this area was well above average: 48.44 inches (1,230.38 mm) is the 18-year seasonal average for this area; 72.10 inches (1,831.34 mm) have been recorded so far to date for the 2022-23 precipitation season. This is 161.38% of average to date. Snow cover during the winter and early spring months greatly influences the behavior of the plants and plant communities at this site. I recorded over 101 snow cover days in this area during this precipitation season, a number not seen in decades.
My first impression is the forest plant community appears to have benefited greatly from the fire. The complete area at this site that I have studied extensively in the past burned during the Caldor Fire. Despite the fact that this entire site suffered fire damage, the majority of the forest canopy of coniferous trees remained intact and alive. As a result of the fire, most of the under growth of shrubs and young trees was burned to the ground. The lack of dense shrubby competition has lead to the proliferation of both perennial and annual species on the forest floor.
Many shrubby species are capable of stump sprouting after their tops have been burned away by fire. Regrowth of Indian Manzanita (Arctostaphylos mewukka ssp. mewukka) and Deerbrush (Ceanthus integerrimus var. macrothyrsus) were the most commonly observed species showing strong regrowth on this outing; however, many tree species such as Canyon Live Oak (Quercus chrysolepis), and California Black Oak (Querucus kelloggii) showed healthy basal regrowth.
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Viola lobata ssp. lobata was one of many perennial species that benefited greatly from the release of nutrients and additional light provided by the fire. Under the intact forest canopy I observed many blooming plants on this outing.
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Viola sheltonii grows abundantly at this site. It is a shade loving species that enjoys growing in summer-dry areas under the forest canopy. The lush plants are summer dormant and completely disappear during the dry summer and autumn months. The yellow flowers of this species are very attractive; however this species blooms very early in the season. I found many developing seed capsules, but no developing flower buds or flowers.
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Primula (Dodecatheon) hendersonii is quite at home growing under the high open shade of the coniferous forest canopy. Primula hendersonii exhibits considerable phenotype genetic variation throughout its range in our region. Ecotypes are not unusual. The higher elevation forms bloom considerably later in the season--even in cultivation--and have a very distinctive low, squat habit of growth. Cultivated plants grown from seed at this site bloom later than the low elevation forms of this species yet before the higher elevation forms. Both the high elevations forms and Transition Zone forms of this species are very fertile. Lower elevation forms of this species are frequently sterile or nearly so. One hypothesis regarding the sterility of low elevation forms of this species is that they may be derived from triploid hybrids with Primula clevelandii. Additional research is needed.
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As I moved down the ridge into shadier sites, colonies of Asarum hartwegii started to appear. The new growth of this evergreen species was well developed at this time and was very attractive. I did not spot any developing flowers. This seemed unusual, so I hope to follow up on this observation.
Along this section of the canyon, there are numerous small seasonal water drainages and small perennial creeks. In past years I have always recorded Trillium angustipetalum at these sites. I put in considerable effort to find them, however they seemed to have all vanished. Are they emerging late this season? Did the fire somehow adversely impact them? These are all issues that I would like to resolve.
To be continued….
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Robert,
This is a very interesting and informative thread. Thank you for posting :D
Beautiful location!
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Hi Marc,
I am happy that you are enjoying this thread. The last posting is part of a “warm up” to a series of articles for the IRG Journal. Of course, these articles will be much more detailed, in depth and present some of my latest research findings.
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Robert,
I look forward to reading them.
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Trail Plant, Adenocaulon bicolor, is a very common species in lower elevation Transition Zone forests. This perennial Asteraceae species forms rosettes of attractive triangular foliage. The inflorescence consists of panicle-like clusters of inconspicuous white disciform flowers.
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Cardamine californica is found in seasonally moist shaded forest. Like Galanthus, it is a harbinger of spring, generally the first species seen blooming in the late winter. At lower elevations it is not unusual to see a few plants in bloom in late December or early January. Cardamine californica is a perennial species, with new growth emerging from a tuber-like rhizome once the autumn rains begin. The white flowers are relatively small but can be produced abundantly and be quite attractive.
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As I traveled down the trail, most of the Cardamine plants that I observed had set seed and had well developed seed pods. I found this single specimen with some late flowers. This plant is pictured growing with Viola sheltonii (right). The two species are common companions at this elevation.
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The annual species, Claytonia parviflora ssp. grandiflora was growing abundantly along my route. This species appears to have benefited greatly from the fire and the reduction of competition from other plants on the forest floor. The plants were blooming profusely and with its relatively large flowers, the large drifts of plants were very impressive.
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As I neared the bottom of the canyon and Camp Creek, the forest began to open and transition to a mix of Canyon Live Oak, Quercus chrysolepis, and chaparral species such as White Leaf Manzanita, Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida. Many of the exposed rocky ledges were still saturated with water. Such habitats at this elevation are frequently colonized by dense stands of Erythranthe guttata. When in bloom the whole colony of Erythranthe can become a dense carpet of yellow flowers. I have even observed seasonally wet north facing vertical cliff faces densely covered with blooming plants. It can be an amazing sight.
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Here Erythranthe guttata is seen growing perched on a moist rock.
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Nearby slopes and screes with less moisture were carpeted with Diplacus kelloggii. Diplacus kelloggii is an annual species that can create an impressive display when in bloom.
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At this elevation the annual Erythranthe bicolor can frequently share space with Diplacus kelloggii. The light-dark contrast of the two species blooming together is very dramatic.
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In drier habitats along this rocky slope Dipterostemon capitatus ssp. capitatus was in bloom. These plants are growing near the high elevation limit for this species. I have observed this colony for decades and the population seems quite stable. In these drier habitats they frequently share space with Gilia capitata ssp. pedemontana, and the rock ferns Pellaea mucronata var. mucronata and Pentagramma triangularis ssp. triangularis.
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As I descended farther into the canyon I started to enter a forest dominated by Canyon Live Oak, Quercus chrysolepis. The fire completely skipped this mature climax forest of evergreen trees. Before entering this forest I observed that the fire to various degrees had damaged many of the oaks. Where the tops of the trees had been completely burned out the trees were sprouting vigorously from the base. Such trees will mature into distinctive multi-trunked trees. It is often possible to estimate the date of the last fire through an area by noting this type of growth and estimating the age of the trees.
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As I moved from under the dense forest canopy to a more open chaparral/oak savannah-like habitat, there were some excellent views of the opposite canyon face. Here the erratic patchwork pattern of fire damage is very apparent. On the right side of this photograph the oak-pine forest was completely burned by the fire. On the far left side of the photograph the same oak-pine forest was still intact with very little fire impact. Generally the crest of the ridge receives the brunt of the fire damage; however in this case there is a range of damage, from very little to almost complete destruction of the forest vegetation. Wildfire behavior can be extremely unpredictable.
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In the area I was currently working there was very little fire damage. I encountered this fine vigorous specimen of Eriophyllum lanatum var. grandiflorum on the south facing canyon wall. I use Eriophyllum lanatum as an indicator species. How this species responds to chronic drought, fire, and other environmental variables gives me clues to the stress levels that a whole plant community, or ecosystem may be experiencing. This species frequently expresses characteristics of stress or vitality before expressions of stress appear in the greater ecosystem.
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In our region, Pellaea mucronata var. mucronata is a very common rock fern that is found from the lower portions of the Upper Sonoran Life Zone well into the Transition Life Zone. Here it can be seen sharing space with the annual Erythranthe bicolor. Although Pellaea mucronata is extremely drought tolerant and can persist on parched, exposed, rocky, south facing canyon walls where summertime temperatures can easily reach 100 to 110 F (37.8 to 43.3 C), this species is occasionally found persisting in sites with more moisture. This is one example of how detailed field observations can reveal characteristics that can prove invaluable when developing new, resilient, and adaptable garden varieties. The development of resilient new garden plants is something we need to implement quickly as climatic changes quickly alter our gardening environments.
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Polystichum imbricans var. imbricans is another rock fern found in dry, shaded parts of lower Transition Zone forests. Here it can be seen with blooming Erythranthe guttata a moisture loving species. Despite the seasonally moist conditions Polystichum imbricans is almost always found in rocky sites that become very dry during the summer and early autumn months.
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I found Calochortus monophyllus blooming in abundance at this site. The yellow flowers displayed a whole range of petal markings and patterns to the nectaries. In our region, this species is found in the Upper Sonoran and lower Transition Life Zones. This species prefers growing on open north facing slopes and under the high broken shade of oaks and pines in rocky, seasonally summer dry habitats. Occasionally this species can be found growing with the creamy-white flowering Calochrtus albus. The creamy-white and bright yellow flowers mingling together are a beautiful and pleasant sight.
In this photograph Calochortus monophyllus can be seen sharing space with the annual Hill Lotus, Acmispon parviflorus. When in bud, the flowers of Acmispon parviflorus are pink, however as the flowers open they will quickly turn creamy-white in color. As with most California native Acmispon species, Acmispon parviflorus prefers growing in relatively dry sites.
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Robert,
I appreciate your thorough & methodical approach. I realize that you can only report what you encounter on your chosen route; but, I cannot help wondering how much more diversity lies far enough off your path for you to miss it.
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As I descended toward Camp Creek, the trail rounded the point of a ridge and entered a cool, dense coniferous forest dominated by Douglas Fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii.
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As the trail descended quickly to Camp Creek, Heuchera micrantha was seen frequently on the steep, rocky slopes. The foliage of this species can be striking with various patterns of cream and pink along with the standard green leaf coloration. At this location all the plants seen had the typical green leaf coloration.
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Maianthemum racemosum was also seen in this cool forest environment. Most of the plants were budded and would be displaying their panicles of white flowers later in the spring. In the autumn the bright red fruits are very showy, contrasting beautifully with the green foliage.
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I would have enjoyed exploring the riparian habitat along Camp Creek, but there was not adequate time for this survey. So I started back up toward the crest of the ridge. Here I observed many familiar plant species such as Common Soaproot, Chlorogalum pomeridianum var. pomeridianum. The small white flowers on the tall, much-branched inflorescence are said to be fragrant at night. I have never detected this fragrance and I even have several blooming age plants in our home garden that I have inspected frequently at night.
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I was very surprised to find Wyethia angustifolia growing at this site. This species is much more common in the Upper Sonoran Life Zone in our region. The yellow flowers are fairly large and showy. This specimen is seen growing with Eriophyllum lanatum var. grandiflorum and Acmispon parviflorus on a steep gravely scree.
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The succulent rosettes of Dudleya cymosa ssp. cymosa are typically seen growing from rock crevices on steep rocky cliff faces or rocky ledges. The bright, yellow to orange flowers of this species are very striking.
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I soon reentered the forested slopes well above Camp Creek. Near a small stream I found a number of specimens of Erythranthe cardinalis with advancing new growth. Typical for this species, the plants were growing in hydric or nearly hydric conditions. Frequently this species can become quite large and is very showy when in bloom with their reddish flowers.
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Western Columbine, Aquilegia formosa, was also at home in the riparian habitat.
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Vaccinium parvifolium is also found in riparian habitats in the lower portions of the Transition Life Zone of our region. The bright green young twigs and stems of this species are very striking. In the autumn the fruit of this species turns bright red.
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At the top of the ridge Iris hartwegii ssp. hartwegii grew abundantly under the high open shade of the forest canopy. It was far too early for this species to be flowering; however I did spot this single specimen in bloom. At some sites in our area this species can be found growing in large, dense and extensive stands. When these large colonies are in bloom there are thousands of flowers.
It was not long and I was back at the auto and time to start my trip back home.
Until the next time…
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Hello Robert
As you know I follow each of your reports with great interest.
Your two described ferns "force" me to express my enthusiasm. Absolutely fantastic.
I am also currently looking into heat resistant ferns from North America. However, they are from more southern states.
You should try cultivating these two ferns in your own garden. After all, these botanical "dinosaurs" hold great appeal.
Thanks for showing and as always, best of health.
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Hi Thomas
I am very pleased to hear from you. If I understand correctly you were able to attend the recent Czech International Rock Garden Conference. If this is true, very 8) !
Beyond my local region I do not know much about fern species in Western North America, or North America in general. However, we do have many excellent fern species within my study region. I do cultivate or have attempted to cultivate a number of local species in our Sacramento garden.
Here is a synopsis:
Adiantum aleuticum – This species is a gem. I have grown it in our garden for many years. It has preformed extremely well despite the extremely hot summers the last few years. When in growth it always looks great. I even like the drying fronds in the autumn before this species goes dormant.
Adiantum jordanii – I have attempted to grow this low elevation species on several occasions. No success. I have been able to get them started however, they have always died sometime during their summer dormancy never to appear again. I have tried different methods without success: summer dry, summer moist, various soil mixes – nothing has worked to date. At another time I will try again.
Aspidotis californica – This species has persisted in our garden for many years. At its best it is very attractive.
Aspidotis densa – In our region, this species grows over a large altitudinal range and is found growing in many soil types. Despite its range of adaptability in the wild, this species has not been successful in our garden. At the best the plants persist for a few years before dying off. I have attempted to grow this species from a wide range of habitats – low elevation, hot and dry sites to high elevation, much cooler and less summer dry sites. So far nothing has worked well.
Athyrium filix-femina var. cyclosorum – This species is extremely easy-to-grow as long as it is kept moist. Under the right conditions the spores of this species germinate and grow in locations that they like – mostly in containers that have moss and moisture, shade loving plants.
Dryopteris arguta – This fern is moderate in size, but it works well in our garden. It has been very easy-to-grow and is tolerant of moderately dry conditions as well as irrigated sites.
Pellaea andromedifolia – I have attempted to grow this species once without success. Pellaea mucronata thrives in our garden, so maybe this species will be equally easy. I will have to try again.
Pellaea mucronata var. mucronata – The species has been a complete surprise. This dryland fern has thrived in our garden for many years despite receiving summertime irrigation. The gray fronds are especially attractive. I will have to try more when I get a chance.
Pentagramma triangularis ssp. triangularis - Every attempt to grow this species has failed. I can get the plants started however when they are planted out in the garden they slowly fade away. The species grows on our Placerville property, but then they are native to the site.
Polypodium calirhiza – This fern thrives in our garden as long as it is kept completely dry during its summer dormancy.
Polystichum imbricans ssp. imbricans – I have been able to maintain this species for a number of years, however they have eventually all died off. Maybe in the right location they will live longer?
Polystichum munitum – I grew this species at our Placerville property from spores that highjacked a ride in some pots with Redwood trees grown on my Uncle’s property in Mill Valley, California (in the California coast fog belt). The plants grew well, but clearly did not like the summertime heat. Spider mites destroyed the fronds each season, but the plants always grew back.
Woodwardia fimbriata – I have grown this species in the past. It is very easy-to-grow. This species gets much too large for our Sacramento garden.
Currently, I only get out for field study about once a month. My brother and I hope to get back to Sonora Pass this summer at peak wildflower season – maybe August this year. I am in the process of writing a series of articles for the IRG Journal based on my botanical field notes. If Maggi permits, I will have numerous articles to write and have published. I have already started writing, and it is already clear that the articles will be far more detailed and contain much more information than my outing postings on the Forum.
I hope all is going well in your garden and with your seed growing projects. 8) :)
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Hello Robert
A thousand thanks for the quick reply. This detailed explanation of your previous experience growing local ferns in your own garden is impressive and informative. I am not familiar with any of these species so far. I must confess, however, that I have just begun to delve into the fascinating world of ferns.
I suppose that there are no sources of supply for the ferns that you have cultivated so far... but also the theoretical knowledge about them is a great enrichment for me.
I would like to integrate especially small-growing ferns in the various rock gardens of my garden. However, there is now also a separate fern bed in the shaded area of the garden...which is lovingly tended by my girl.
I don't know how you know that I was able to attend the conference in the Czech Republic, but you are right. It was great.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank SRGC from the bottom of my heart, who was instrumental in supporting this meeting as an official sponsor.
Otherwise, spring is now showing its arrived side. There are plenty of blooms in the rock garden at the moment. Thereby the North American alpines now take a considerable share... various small Penstemon, Lewisia, Aquilegia and Eriogonum, just to name a few.
Best regards
Thomas
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Hi Thomas
I heard about your potential attendance at Czech Conference on the Forum under the heading “Czech conference – who’s going” dated 23 April 2023. I am glad that you were able to attend. I thought that you would enjoy it immensely and it sounds like you did!
I missed a few ferns that I grow in our Sacramento garden.
Polystichum californicum – This fern has done well in our garden once they became well established. In the wild, I have always found them growing in near hydric conditions. Needless to say we need to make sure this species receives extra water during the summer.
Cryptogramma acrostichoides – I have never cultivated this high elevation rock fern. It is very common and I see them frequently on my high elevation outings.
Cryptogramma cascadensis – My one attempt at growing this species failed. It is much like Cryptogramma acrostichoides, but with some important differences. I have always found this species at very high altitudes in our region in sites where there is plenty of moisture at all times. Cryptograma acrostichoides has a strong preference for much drier sites.
Struthiopteris (Blechnum) spicant – There is a disjunct population of this species in our area. It is interesting that I often find this species growing with Lilium parvum var. hallidayi. I have never grown this species in our Sacramento garden, however it seems to be available in the specialty nursery trade.
The notes on the ferns in our Sacramento garden are very brief. It would require a complete article to discuss my experiences and field observations of these ferns in detail. You did recommend that I grow some of these ferns in our garden, thus a brief discussion of my results to date.
I have to admit that I am not the right person to ask where to find these ferns, spores or plants. I am not much of a shopper. The world economy would collapse immediately if everyone shopped like me. I think that there is a Fern Society. I am not sure, but I am sure that there are people on the Forum that have this answer. Where to find these ferns is likely available on the Forum too. For more information on fern species that are found in California can be found at calflora.org. They do have a plant finder on Calflora. I have never used it and have to admit that I am skeptical of such things. The ferns that we grow in our garden are not rare, so you will likely find a source, maybe even close by in Europe.
Currently the weather is very cool here in our part of California. Hot weather will likely arrive soon. This year I have a good crop of Trifolium longipes ssp. atrobens coming along. Hopefully some will survive the summer and this perennial species will eventually become established in our garden. Trifolium monanthum ssp. monanthum from the Ebbetts Pass region is also coming along well. I am very excited that the high elevation species Hypericum anagalloides is doing well too. This species survived the 115 F (46.1 C) heat wave last summer! This seed accession came from a site I call Paradise Meadow. I first visited this meadow back about 1970. The Hypericum plants from this site have a depth of meaning for me. I am glad that they are both thriving and blooming continuously this spring.
I am happy that all seems like it is going well for you. Good luck with your ferns.
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Oh that's right...I had completely forgotten my brief comment about attending the conference...I'm a fool. 🙈
Glad to hear that apparently everything is to your satisfaction as well. I will continue to follow your posts from the wilderness closely.... Promise. ✌️
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Hi Thomas,
I will keep reporting whenever I have an opportunity to get out and do field work.
Your NOT a fool!
We all make learning mistakes. In my world without learning mistakes, we are not learning - we are just going nowhere! Creative thinking requires the risk of making mistakes but also opens the door to completely new insights. Michael Faraday was intensely criticized by the academics of his time period. How fortunate we are that we did not continue on that line of thinking, that light flowed through the ether and action at a distance, something Newton was not comfortable with. How fortunate we are that the young mathematician James Clerk Maxwell demonstrated Faraday's ideas mathematically, and Heinrich Hertz proved many of Faraday's findings.
We are all making contributions toward a better understanding of horticulture and the plants we grow. I cannot think of anything better. :)
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I am currently preparing myself for a trip to the Sonora Pass region of California during September.
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We almost always use the Monitor Pass route to get to Sonora Pass. The east side (Sierra Nevada Mountains) plant communities are extremely fascinating. There is something always something new to see.
I am hoping to return to Iceland Lake near Sonora Pass. The last time I visited Iceland Lake was in 1973. This is from a pre camera era for me, so no photographs from this exceptional place at this time. The flora from this region is extraordinary, so I am definitely looking forward to this trip.
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Common Rabbitbush, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. viscidiflorus
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I have arrived home from my last outing to the Sonora Pass, Iceland Lake, Monitor Pass regions of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
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The east side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is arid and the landscape looks barren, however the region can be rich in native flora, including choice alpine/rock garden species, if one knows where to go and where to look, especially if one is willing to hike long distances into remote regions. Currently, I am computerizing decades of botanical field notes and data from these regions. As time permits, I will have a great deal of information to share concerning the flora of both the Sonora Pass Region and Monitor Pass region.
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One of the highlights of the trip was the discovery of an exceptional colony of Penstemon rostriflorus. Weather related issues from the remnants of Hurricane Hillary and other intense thunderstorm activity hampered some of my efforts, however the trip as a whole was extremely successful.
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On 14 September 2023 I had the opportunity to visit the Sonora Pass and Monitor Pass regions of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. I am fortunate to live close to these high mountain passes. I have been visiting these sites since my father introduced me, as a young child, to mountains in the 1950’s. Both regions are floristically rich. Within relatively short distances it is possible to observe species from the Arctic-Alpine, Hudsonian, Canadian, and High Desert Great Basin Life Zones of California. It is not unusual to see mixtures of species from the various life zones together and occasionally growing side-by-side in combinations not normally seen in other parts of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
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I started this outing on the west side of the Sierra Crest at Kennedy Meadows. Kennedy Meadows is an old resort--of sorts--located in a deep canyon on the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River.
During the 1930’s my father, as a teenager, would visit this area to tent camp and hike in the surrounding mountains. Back then; the steep mountain road over Sonora Pass was a narrow gravel road. The only gear low enough to power my father’s Model-T Ford over Sonora Pass was reverse, so he backed the Model-T over Sonora Pass. There were no bridges over the many streams, so he drove through the fords hoping he did not get stuck in mid-stream and have the engine stall-out. On the down grades, the mechanical brake rods would bend making the brakes, more or less, ineffective. To slow the Model-T, the transmission was forced into reverse to slow it and to keep it from careening down the Pass out-of-control.
Needless to say, things have changes dramatically since the 1930’s. The road over Sonora Pass is still very steep and narrow, however it is now paved. The Kennedy Meadows resort is still quaint, but crowded with visitors every summer.
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Fortunately crowds are not an issue on the trails: the mountain trails into the surrounding wilderness quickly become very steep and difficult except for fit hikers.
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As on hikes higher into the surrounding mountains, the slow pace of the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River quickly accelerates as it cascades through the steepening canyon. The river level was unusually high for mid-September.
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The recent heavy rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Hillary as well as ongoing heavy rainfall from monsoonal type moisture has kept the regional vegetation quite green and the streams flowing at uncommonly high levels.
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Autumn is the season for Rabbitbrush, Chrysothamnus, and many of its allies in the Genus Ericameria to bloom. Pictured is Chrysothmnus viscidiflorus ssp. viscidiflorus blooming in the Canyon of the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River at an elevation of 6,214 feet (1,894 meters). Rabbitbrush is strongly associated with High Desert habitats east of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade crest in Western North America. In the Sierra Nevada, especially the Northern Sierra Nevada, it is unusual to find Chrysothemnus viscidiflorus growing at this elevation on the west side of the Sierra Nevada crest.
Four subspecies of Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus can be found in California, all four of which can be found in Mono County on the east side of Sonora Pass. If one includes the Genus Ericameria the number of species and subspecies climbs quickly. The richness of the flora in this region makes botany extremely interesting and rewarding. From a horticultural perspective, the genetic variability within each species and subspecies is immensely detailed and fascinating. From this viewpoint, there are infinite possibilities for the discovery and creation of desirable new plants for horticulture.
The very ruggedness of off trail exploration is as daunting and difficult as any encountered by the early plant explorers, or even Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on Mount Everest. There are numerous rock faces and crevices, with steep precipices—rich with amazing plant life, yet full of hazardous slippery screes and ledges where the slightest movement might end in a lethal fall into the steep void of a vertical cliff face, or a foot twisted and caught in some rocky crevice as the body slides toward the precipice.
At one point I climbed from the shore of Relief Reservoir one thousand vertical feet to the top of a ridge just to find the main trail. On most of the steep incline I was able to traverse, zig-zag along, yet there were many areas where it was necessary to climb over a vertical rock face with my fingers and toes hooking into narrow crevices. This is not the easiest area to botanize; however it is extremely rewarding. I can tell you this now, but I think if my precious wife had known what I was doing, she would have been praying and fretting even more. These experiences give one a greater appreciation for the origins of the plants and seeds we cultivate in our gardens.
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My word, what hair-raising tales of your Father's travels in his model T Ford! Not my idea of relaxing travel.
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Hi Maggi,
I was well known as an oral storyteller since I was in High School (early 1970’s). I remember my father telling me stories about West Winds Farm in Brentwood, California – the farm my grandfather worked during the Great Depression. There were also many stories about the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
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The cabin on the right is our mountain cabin in Calpine, California, on the edge of Sierra Valley. There is a whole series of stories surrounding my grandfather’s acquisition of this cabin during the Great Depression.
The whole region is an excellent place for field botany. I am already planning trips for next year. It might be a great place to visit for botany.
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This is a picture of our mountain cabin near Gerle Creek. Construction took place during the mid-1960’s. This is the basis of my “Out the back door of the Cabin” series of botanical articles (maybe more like a book). The cabin was a great base camp for much of my botanical activity during the 1970’s and 1980’s. There are so many great places to visit of botanical interest and all within walking distance or only a few minutes away by auto. We spent most of each summer at this cabin. Needless to say, I was immersed in the native plants everyday each summer for decades and grew to know the plants and their habitats intimately. There are some great stories to tell! --All exclusively on the SRGC Forum or through the SRGC – whatever might work best.
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The base camp for this journey was located in an open mixed coniferous forest at an elevation of 6,290 feet (1,917 meters). White Fir (Abies concolor) and Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) were the dominant species with an occasional specimen of Jeffrey Pine (Pinus jeffreyi) or Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) (pictured).
The original goal of this outing was to explore the Iceland Lake area in the arctic-alpine Life Zone near Granite Dome, elevation 10,320 feet (3,146 meters). Iceland Lake is 6.5 miles (10.46 km) from the Kennedy Meadows trailhead, however there is a 3,500 foot (1,067 meters) elevation gain to get there. The last time I visited Iceland Lake was in 1973. I was soon to find out that some important details had changed during this period of time.
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The lower story vegetation at the base camp was fairly sparse with widely scattered stands of Squirrel Tail Grass (Elymus elymoides var. elymoides) and California Needle Grass (Stipa occidentalis var. californica) (pictured). Where the soil retained more moisture, Mountain Needle Grass (Stipa nelsonii var. dorei) was prevalent. Most of the scattered lower story shrubbery consisted of Greenleaf Manzanita (Arctostaphylos patula), Huckleberry Oak (Quercus vacciniifolia), Mountain Whitethorn (Ceanothus cordulatus), and Mountain Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentate ssp. vaseyana).
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A limited number of perennial species were growing in dispersed stands throughout the open sunny expanses of bare mineral soil surrounding the coniferous trees. Hoary Aster (Dieteria canescens var. canescens) was throwing some off-season flowers.
Nude Buckwheat (Eriogonum nudum var. nudum) was also seen with their upright scapes of off-white flowers. As I proceeded up into higher terrain Eriogonum nudum var. nudum transitioned to Eriogonum nudum var. deductum. There is not a clear delineation between these two varieties. In general, as one gains altitude the plants become smaller and fit better into the classification of variety deductum. Interestingly, the smaller plants retain this characteristic in cultivation; thus the tiny forms of variety deductum remain tiny in cultivation and the slightly larger forms of variety deductum will retain their somewhat taller stature.
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As I proceeded up the trail toward Relief Reservoir, the bright red flowers of the autumn blooming California Fuchsia, Epilobium canum ssp. latifolium, began to appear throughout the canyon landscape. There is considerable genetic variation in the flowering ability within this subspecies. Good forms of this subspecies can be extremely floriferous with a prolonged blooming cycle from late summer and though the autumn months.
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The trail to Relief Reservoir becomes increasingly steep as the walls of the canyon narrow.
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Eriogonum species become numerous in this rocky, dry terrain. Perhaps because of the abundant late season rainfall, many specimens of Eriogonum umbellatum var. covillei were still producing a few flower clusters. At lower elevations this variety frequently has a more open habit of growth; however near the limit of its altitude range the plants are generally very dense and compact. This dense growth habit is maintained in cultivation, such as in our Sacramento garden.
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Eriogonum wrightii var. subscaposum grows abundantly in this region. Throughout its range in the Sierra Nevada Mountains this variety has a somewhat open habit of growth. Plants growing in our Sacramento garden maintain this growth habitat and are extremely easy-to-grow and long lived. High elevation forms of this variety, such as those found growing near Carson Pass, are very compact and make very tight buns. The forms from the Carson Pass region maintain this growth habit in our Sacramento garden; however they are much more difficult to maintain.
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A number of Chaenactis species grow in this region. Without flowers it is difficult to make a definitive identification to the species level.
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Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius var. ledifolius) is generally associated with habitats on the east side of the Sierra Nevada crest. For example, when exploring the upper canyon of the South Fork of the San Joaquin River above Florence Lake in the Southern Sierra Nevada I never encountered this species. Along one section of the trail a number of very old specimens grew with striking gnarled twisted trunks. The twisted appendages to the fruit are conspicuous in the autumn and are reminiscent of those found on Geraniums and Erodiums; however Cercocarpus is a member of the Rosaceae family.
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Due to the above average snow pack during the past winter and the exceptionally wet summer the local streams which would normally flow at a trickle this time of year were raging cascades of runoff. In some locations the stream flow was dark brown with erosion sediments.
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Fortunately on the main trail there were strong, well constructed bridges over the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River and the major feeder streams. Crossing these feeder streams on foot without a bridge would be extremely treacherous.
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At one point I approached a tall north facing cliff face. Here I found large colonies of Pink Alumroot, Heuchera rubescens covering much of the rock face. All the crevices were filled with Alumroot. At times the Heuchera shared space with Sierra Stonecrop, Sedum obtusatum. {[Jasmin]: This is my favorite Heuchera}
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The best find of the day was Penstemon rostriflorus. Many of the plants were still in full bloom with their glowing red flowers. There were a number of exceptional plants that were markedly more compact and floriferous than most plants of this species that I have observed in the past.
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As I climbed in elevation many plant species became smaller in stature. Near 7,000 feet (2,134 meters) Mountain Sagebrush, Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana (pictured) grew as a low compact plant. High elevation accessions of this subspecies retain this characteristic in our low elevation Sacramento garden and make very desirable plants for our rock garden.
At least 7 species and varieties of Artemisia can be found in this region. Another very desirable species found in this area at much higher elevations is Low Sagebrush, Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula. This species grows much smaller than the smallest forms of Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata. This species too has proven to be easy-to-grow and long lived in our Sacramento garden. Both species have very attractive silvery foliage during the growing season.
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As I hiked higher into the mountains, colonies of Western Mugwort, Artemisia ludaviciana ssp. incompta were seen with increased frequency. Silver Wormwood, Artemisia ludaviciana ssp. ludaviciana, is also seen in this region; however subspecies ludaviciana is primarily a species of the eastern side of the Sierra crest and is generally found at lower elevations. The adaxial leaf surface of subspecies incompta is distinctively green; the leaves of subspecies ludaviciana are very gray in color. Artemisia ludaviciana ssp. incompta has proven to be a very amenable species in our Sacramento garden, preforming well in ordinary garden soil and tolerant of summer time irrigation.
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In addition, as I gained altitude Juniperus grandis quickly replaced Juniperus occidentalis as the dominant Juniper species. The massive stature and reddish bark of Juniperus grandis is a very distinctive characteristic of this species. Over the years I have noted that many of the coniferous tree species on the western slope of the Sonora Pass region have bark that is of a much deeper red color than the same species in other parts of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The geology in the Sonora Pass region is certainly unique and may play a role in this distinct bark coloration. The geology of the Sonora Pass region is very influential in the significant diversity of plant species found in this region.
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Soon I arrived at Relief Reservoir. The last time I visited Relief Reservoir was in 1973. My memory of the trail route failed me or a new trail route was created; quickly I found myself traversing the shore of the reservoir with no trail at all. The botany was interesting so I continued southward near the eastern shore. Progress was very slow and I soon realized there would not be time for me to arrive at Iceland Lake before dark unless I found the main tail again. The most practical route was up. In this area the canyon walls down to the reservoir were extremely steep with many vertical cliff faces that needed to be avoided if possible. I traversed my way upward avoiding the need to scale the largest and tallest of the cliff faces. The botany was fascinating. I was in a unique position to observe plants at ground level without having to leave my upright position! At 68 I am still a strong hiker so it was not long before I scaled 1,000 vertical feet (305 meters) and found the main trail. I certainly wanted to botanize in the Arctic-Alpine Life Zone so I decided to return to my auto and drive to Sonora Pass and botanize there.
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The weather was changing and the cumulus clouds were building. By the time I arrived at Sonora Pass the clouds were dark and threatening.
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I proceeded up the trail from Sonora Pass (elevation 9,624 feet {2,933 meters}) toward sites that I had studied a number of times in the last few years. There were target plant species that I wished to document in more detail. It quickly became apparent that weather conditions over the last month had strongly impacted the area. Indications of significant erosion were everywhere. Most of the smaller perennial species were bashed and battered.
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Robert,
I really enjoy your descriptions. You are doing things I used to enjoy when both legs worked as they were meant to work.
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Signs of adverse weather were everywhere. The older needles on a small grove of Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana) had been knocked to the ground prematurely. At one point I encountered a backpacker leaving the high country. He reported that there had been an intense hail storm the previous evening.
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One of my target species on this trip was Lake Tahoe Lupine, Lupinus argenteus var. meionanthes, known for its silvery foliage and showy racemes of blue to lilac colored flowers. The photograph shown is from a previous trip to this area. Almost all the plants I observed on this outing were battered and partly defoliated by the severe weather.
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Signs of severe erosion were everywhere as I continued along the trail.
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In protected sites, there were still patches of snow from the previous winter season. Large snowfields still clung to the steep north facing slopes of the high peaks. The larger snowfields would likely persist into the coming snow season.
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There was little or no erosion on the grassy slopes and other well vegetated areas. Squirrel Tail Grass (Elymus elymoides var. elymoides) and California Needle Grass (Stipa occidentalis var. californica) were the most common bunch grasses in these open grassy expanses.
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Sierra Beardtongue (Penstemon heterodoxus var. heteroduxus) was seen frequently along this route. The plants were bashed and battered by the hailstorm yet still retained a few flowers.
This species grows well in our Sacramento garden; however it does not bloom consistently for us, especially during summers with long periods of extreme heat. Our strategy is to grow numerous accessions from seed representing as much genetic variability as possible. Single specimens and inbred plants are avoided. These plants are then allowed to cross breed with each other in our garden and superior adaptable selections are made. This process has been used successfully with other Penstemon species in our garden.
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Another species persisting in bloom despite the hail was Bridge’s Gilia, Ipomopsis aggregata ssp. bridgesii. This subspecies is quite showy when seen in full bloom.
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A number of specimens of Dinnerplate Thistle, Cirsium scariosum var. americanum, were spotted along the trail. [Jasmin: Examine carefully; it looks very similar to the starfish, Pycnopodia helianthoides.] I have logged three Cirsium species along this route; the upright and taller growing Anderson’s Thistle, Cirsium andersonii, being the showiest species.
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The weather was deteriorating and my botanical prospects seemed poor. I decided to leave the area and visit Monitor Pass to the North.
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I was a bit disappointed. I was hoping to revisit sites where a number of Phlox species grow; Phlox hoodii var. canescens and Phlox condensata being two of the prime species I was hoping to revisit again.
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What's the altitude of the pass? we can still see few snow.
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My last stop on this outing was at Monitor Pass, 8,314 feet (2,534 meters). Monitor Pass is situated on a north-south mountain chain between the East Fork of the Carson River to the west and Antelope Valley with the West Walker River to the east. Monitor Pass crosses the mountain divide south of Leviathan Peak, 8,963 feet (2,732 meters) and encompasses many typical Great Basin/Big Sagebrush/East-Side (Sierra Nevada crest) mountainous habitats. Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata) and at least 5 other species and varieties of Artemisa can be found in this area and are the dominant plant species for this region.
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Antelope Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata var. tridentata) is also a very commonly seen species and is frequently associated with Artemesia tridentata. Many species of Goldenbrush (Ericameria) and Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus) are also regularly seen in this region.
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Many plant species that are generally dormant by the end of the hot summer season were still green. Woolly Mule’s Ears (Wyethia mollis), which normally has dried tattered foliage by the end of the summer, was still green.
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In the highlands near the summit, Utah Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) is often seen among widely scattered stands of Jeffrey Pine (Pinus jeffreyi).
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Over the last 25 years persistent drought and destructive wildfires have severely altered the ecosystems and plant communities in this area. Even after more than a decade, young seedlings of coniferous trees are rarely seen. In the most damaged areas highly invasive grasses such as Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and Medusa Head (Elymus caput-medusae) have come to dominate many habitats and are instrumental in increasing the risk of catastrophic wildfires into the future.
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Monitor Pass in approached from the east through Antelope Valley and the West Walker River. Antelope Valley is Cattle Country. Large tracts of irrigated land are devoted to hay crops and pastureland for Beef Cattle. Cattle ranching has dominated the Great Basin region since the mid-1950’s and has highly altered the ecosystems and plant communities of the whole Great Basin region.
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Most of the region surrounding Antelope Valley has been livestock rangeland for well over 150 years. The picturesque Slinkard Valley, west of Antelope Valley, is an example of how cattle ranching has altered the ecosystems on the east side of Monitor Pass. The steep terrain surrounding the valley is inaccessible, for the most part, to cattle. Here many of the natural plant communities are still intact.
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This scene on high terrain above Antelope Valley looks lush; however range cattle and wildfires have changed the plant communities dramatically. Cheat Grass and other invasive plant species now dominate what was once a native Sagebrush/Perennial bunchgrass plant community.
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Fortunately many of the higher elevation plant communities are still intact. Pictured is a typical Single Leaf Pinyon Pine ecosystem.
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Single Leaf Pinyon Pine (Pinus monophyllus) is an attractive, squat growing tree. I enjoy this tree immensely, and have a specimen of this species growing in our Sacramento garden from seed I gathered about 10 years ago from this area.
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Penstemon deustus var. pedicellatus is a mat forming species found growing in volcanic soils on the east side of Monitor Pass. This species, as well as other varieties of this species, have performed well in our Sacramento garden. They form attractive tight buns of evergreen foliage and are quite at home with our intense summertime heat.
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Lilium kelleyanum is found in moist riparian habitats on the east side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This species possesses a great deal of genetic diversity. The flower color and markings of this species are quite variable. Fragrance is an added bonus with this species.
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Vast areas of forestland have burned on both the east and western approaches to Monitor Pass. The western slopes receive more moisture than the eastern slopes, thus much of the forested areas have denser stands of trees. At the higher elevations significant groves of White Fir (Abies concolor) can be found.
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On the western approaches to Monitor Pass many native plant communities are still intact. Here, even late in the season, a few flowers of Prickly Poppy (Argemone corymbosa) were seen.
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I arrived at the East Carson River late in the day. I still had a long drive home to Sacramento. There was not enough time for me to stop for photographs; however the dense stands of wild Hairy Leaved Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) filled the moist ditches lining the highway. The large displays of yellow flowers were a memorable sight.
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From Monitor Pass. Until the next time….
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Hi Yann,
Sonora Pass has an altitude of 9,624 feet, 2,933 meters. Many of the peaks in the area approach or exceed 3,500 meters. The north slopes of the high peaks still had large snowfield. Yesterday, 30 September, the first snow of the season fell in the Sonora Pass area. Needless to say, these snowfields will not melt completely this season.
The geology of the Sonora Pass area is complex, thus a large diversity of plants species can be found. There are significant shifts in the vegetation where massive mountainous blocks of andesite give way to plutons of granite. I carry binoculars with me when doing field botany. For me, using binoculars to spot unusual rock formations or geological features is very useful. Some of the most interesting plants are found where there are no trails and where unique features can be spotted with the aid of binoculars.
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Recently, here in Northern California, we have been experiencing a period of “Indian Summer” weather. Until yesterday, 9 October, temperatures have been running 10 to 15 F (5.6 to 8.3 C) above the 30-year average and the weather has been dry.
During this time period, I had an opportunity to conduct a detailed survey of the upper Lyons Creek Basin in the aftermath of the 2021 Caldor Fire.
Pictured: Lake Sylvia
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Large portions of the upper Lyons Creek Basin were severely impacted by the Caldor Fire. The ecology and ecosystems of the burn scar areas were significantly altered from their previous state of equilibrium with many new patterns of vegetation emerging.
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Despite the new and highly alter state of the coniferous forest ecosystem, many interesting plants were observed. I currently have other writing projects that I need to complete. So as a result, I will slowly present a full report on this survey over the coming weeks.
Pictured is Castilleja nana in bloom with Calyptridium monospermum and Eriophyllum lanatum var. integrifolium in the background.
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Thanks for your continued reports on your area Robert. The weather in this part of the UK has been cool and wet since June. The local river is much above the Summer levels just now, following several days of steady rain. I wonder if you ever meet any of the indigenous people on your travels.
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Hi Ian,
Thank you for your support and encouraging comment!
Jasmin and I always enjoy and are fascinated by your postings. Jasmin’s comments to me are generally along the lines of “Ian McDonald has a new posting, come take a look!” Your photographs are so detailed and frequently very fascinating.
The relationship between native and colonial people in the U.S.A. can be very sensitive given the appalling treatment colonial people inflicted on native people in the past. Maybe thinking in terms of the Sami in far Northern Europe or the Ianu people of Japan? I just do not know. I believe it is best for native people to speak for themselves and tell their stories in their own words from their perspective.
Recently I read a book entitled “Project 562”. The book is about contemporary Native Americans. There was one chapter about a Native American hiking group in the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. They hiked the “John Muir Trail”, however for them it is an ancient ancestral route that pre-dates John Muir by many centuries. I have never knowingly met any of these people when in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Yesterday, 10 October, late in the afternoon and into the evening we received the first significant autumn rainstorm of the season. The smell of the morning air was such a delight and the rain lightly watered the garden.
This summer was the coolest since 2019 with June through September temperatures averaging 73.03 F (22.79 C). This temperature is slightly above the 30 average of 72.87 F (22.71 C). The summertime heat has been so extreme over the last 3-4 years. It was nice to have a relatively cool summer.
Currently, fairly strong El Niño conditions are predominant in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Generally this would translate, in our region, into a wet but very warm winter pattern with very high snow levels in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. When the autumn switch over occurs where SSTs (surface sea temperatures) are warmer than land temperatures we will have a better indication, which pattern might prevail this winter. But there are certainly no guarantees, and as stated by many climate scientists, the Earth’s climate is in “uncharted territory”. 2023, the Earth as a whole, has a good chance of being the warmest on record since the Mid-Holocene warm period ~ 6,000 years ago. Maybe even before this time period. Developing a resilient garden and gardening techniques is a priority in our garden.
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During the first week of October we experienced a period of ‘Indian Summer’ weather, characterized by warm sunny days and cool nights. This provided the perfect opportunity for me to conduct a survey of the Upper Lyons Creek Basin. This was my first comprehensive survey of the area in the aftermath of the 2021 Caldor Fire, which caused extensive damage to a large portion of the forestland of El Dorado County.
I departed from the trailhead in the pre-dawn twilight. I was a bit disoriented when I arrived at the trailhead, as a portion of the forestland near the trailhead had been cleared of trees to create a firebreak to help contain the Caldor Fire. Other than the initial firebreak, the forest was intact and appeared unchanged from its past stable state.
All seemed normal during the first ¼ mile (.40 km) of my trek. As the trail departed from the flat dry-type meadowland and began to rise toward the next meadow system, the trail had changed dramatically from its former condition. The results of heavy vehicle and fire fighting equipment use had turned the narrow footpath into a primitive dirt road. This track abruptly ended, as a burned landscape appeared before me in the pre-dawn twilight.
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To provide some context to my long-term relationship with this area: My first trip to this area occurred in 1960. When I learned to drive and had an auto during the early 1970’s I would visit this area frequently. It is only an hour drive from our Placerville farm. During the late afternoon after work, I frequently drove here to enjoy the scenery and study the flora. Over many years, I became very familiar with this area during all its seasons and moods, as I felt comfortable trekking here even over the deep snow of winter. In reality, visiting this particular area is more akin to visiting a dear old friend.
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Although the trail was still very familiar, the vastly altered landscape was disorienting. The original complex of various meadow ecosystems punctuated by fingers of forestland had been erased, and replaced by new pioneer ecosystems, and the blackened charred remains of the coniferous forest.
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As sunrise approached it became apparent that much of the area had become a dense grassland dominated by native perennial bunchgrasses, and a vast variety of native perennial flowering meadow species scattered among the grasses. There were very few open spaces. However, in these open niches young conifer seedlings had germinated quickly after the fire and were making good growth.
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The previous winter had been very wet and the release of nutrients from the fire had created very dense stands of vegetation. Other than the conifer seedlings found in the few niche openings in the dense vegetation, I found limited indications of forest regrowth within the dense stands of vegetation.
Within this region the growth and density of meadowland species varies from season-to-season depending on the winter snowpack and summertime thunderstorm/precipitation activity. The renewal of the forest and meadowland ecosystems will depend on these variables, as well as the characteristics of the new surface energy budget created by the loss of the forest canopy, changes in the emissivity of the atmosphere, and other changes in atmospheric conditions cause by anthropomorphic climatic change.
The destruction of forestland due to catastrophic wildfires during the past 15 years has caused large alterations in the ecosystems and landscape of California. Climatic shifts favoring prolonged periods of intense drought have hindered the ability of forest ecosystems to return to their previous state of climax forest equilibrium. This altered state of forest evolution is quite apparent on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where burned-over Pinyon Forest ecosystems have been very slow to recover from wildfire damage. How west slope forest ecosystems, such as the Lyons Creek Basin, respond from the new environmental conditions will be followed closely in the years to come.
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Before the Caldor Fire, the low elevation portions of the Lyons Creek Basin consisted of repeated successions of both wet and dry meadow ecosystems broken by areas of coniferous forest dominated by Lodgepole Pine, Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana. A large variety of perennial bunchgrass and perennial grass-like species occupy various habitat niches based on moisture levels, soil types, and exposures unique to each meadow classification. Now that the fire has burned through this area many of these vegetation patterns have been thrown into disarray.
The following are the most common bunchgrasses found in these habitats:
Pictured above, Stipa occidentalis var. californica is found abundantly in dry to mesic meadow habitats throughout the lower portions of the basin.
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Trisetum projectum is another commonly found perennial bunchgrass species found in meadows and lightly forested portions of the basin.
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Calamagrostis canadensis var. canadensis is a moisture loving species. The species is a strong indicator species signaling the presence of an abundant perennial source of water in the immediate area. At times this species can be found in hydric to near hydric soil conditions.
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Greenhead Rush, Juncus chlorocephalus, is a small cespitose species found on the margins of moist meadows and lightly forested areas. This species has the habit of being flattened by the winter snow, creating a distinct rotate pattern of dried foliage, which appears each spring after the snow melts and before the new foliage begins to emerge.
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The flower heads of Juncus chlorocephalus have a unique white-green color, which is quite attractive.
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Meadow Barley, Hordeum brachyantherum ssp. brachyantherum, is yet another common meadow species found in the mesic type meadow systems of the Lyons Creek Basin.
One could easily spend a lifetime examining the diversity of species in each of the various meadow type ecosystems in this area. The diversity of grasses and grass-like plant species in these meadow systems is very large. Each species and associated species fills specific niches in each meadow type ecosystem.
In the aftermath of the Caldor Fire, this ecological balance was thrown into disarray. For example, many Viola species common to the various meadow ecosystems were scarce or not observed at all. The elimination of the coniferous forest canopy allowed grasses and other species to aggressively colonize areas that were once dominated by many other species of plants such as Viola.
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California Mugwort, Artemisia douglasiana, was a fairly common species in the Lyons Creek Basin before the Caldor Fire. However, the release of nutrients, additional sunlight, and other factors after the fire allowed this perennial species to spread aggressively by underground rhizomes. Under these optimal conditions many of the plants I previously observed have expanded rapidly in size, to create large, vigorous colonies.
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The additional sunlight allowed many of the deciduous species to display vibrant autumn leaf colors as the nighttime temperatures dropped to freezing. In now sunny locations, Thimbleberry, Rubus parviflorus, was showing exceptional bright yellow autumn leaf color.
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The two-toned leaf colors of green and red on Drymocallis lactea var. austinae were quite striking.
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My destination on this day was Lake Sylvia at the base of Pyramid Peak. As I moved into higher terrain Pyramid Peak (peak on right side of the photograph) came into view through the charred standing remains of the burned conifers.
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I continued on my trek through the transformed alternating meadow/forest ecosystems. At about 7,400 feet (2,256 meters) elevation the terrain and habitat changes dramatically as the trail rises and traverses through an open, sunny, steep rocky slope near the upper end of the Lyons Creek Basin.
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Here the vegetation changes dramatically and many alpine and subalpine species appear.
Bridges’ Cliff Brake, Pellaea bridgesii, is quite common nestled among the rocks in this fell field environment.
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Although plentiful in the dry meadow habitats in the lower portions of the basin, Frosted Buckwheat, Eriogonum incanum, is quite at home in this alpine/subalpine environment.
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Mountain Blue Penstemon, Penstemon laetus var. laetus, is another species that spans several life zones in this region. On rare occasions clear pink forms of this species can be found.
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Calyptridium monospermum is found abundantly in this fell field. Many of the plants were triggered into producing a late set of flowers due to the above average precipitation received in this area during August and September. At the forest margin before rising into the fell field, this species was reproducing prolifically in areas now open due the Caldor Fire.
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Eriophyllum lanatum var. integrifolium is a common resident of this natural rock garden setting. Its common name, Oregon Sunshine, suggests the myriad of yellow daisy-like flowers this species produces during the early summer. Good forms of this species also make excellent foliage plants. Dense growing plants with their silvery-gray foliage are very attractive.
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In this natural rock garden setting Eriophyllum lanatum var. integrifolia is found growing in association with many other small growing species. Here it is seen growing with Calyptridium monospermum. When both species are blooming in the early summer, this plant combination is quite striking.
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Native bunch grasses are also an important part of the California landscape, even in high alpine Life Zone settings. In this photograph Narrow Oatgrass, Trisetum spicatum, can be seen growing with Eriophyllum lanatum.
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Squirrel Tail Grass, Elymus elymoides var. elymoides, is another small-growing bunch grass that is very common in open, alpine settings in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California.
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In addition to our native bunch grasses, there are also a number of grass-like species that are commonly associated with sunny, open, alpine and sub alpine habitats in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Thread Leaf Sedge, Carex filifolia var. erostrata, is dwarf grass-like sedge. It is frequently seen in alpine and subalpine settings that are seasonally wet in the spring and early summer, yet become extremely dry in the summer.
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Lupinus lepidus var. sellulus (pictured) is a fairly common species in dry/mesic meadow habitats in the lower portion of the basin, spanning into the higher elevation subalpine fell fields. At the highest elevations, in the true alpine life zones, variety sellulus gives way to Lupinus lepidus var. lobbii.
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Trisetum projectum is generally associated with lower elevation mesic meadow ecosystems within the Lyons Creek Basin. At higher elevations Trisetum projectum gives way to the smaller growing Narrow Oatgrass, Trisetum spicatum (pictured).
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Ragged Daisy, Eurybia integrifolia, is very common in dry/mesic ecosystems in the Upper Transition and Canadian Life Zones in this region.
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Eurybia integrifolia is a late blooming species, frequently seen flowering in late summer into the autumn depending on the elevation and moisture content of the soil. The open flowers of this species never look quite right, as the petals on the ray flowers are often twisted and irregular in shape, thus the common name Ragged Daisy. Despite its “ragged” appearance when in bloom, I find the species quite charming and desirable. It is also quite adaptable to conditions in our hot, dry Sacramento garden.
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Pinemat Manzanita, Arctostaphylos nevadensis, is a low spreading, mat forming species found throughout the Upper Transition and Canadian Life Zones in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Here it is pictured growing with the silver foliaged Frosted Buckwheat, Eriogonum incanum, a striking light-dark color combination. Unlike many other Arctostaphylos species, this attractive species has proven to be challenging to grow in hot, dry, low elevations gardens such as those in the Sacramento Valley.
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Unlike many Juncus species, the cespitose Juncus parryi prefers growing in relatively xeric, rocky, and sunny sites from the Upper Transition Zone into the lower Hudsonian Life Zones of California. It is a handsome compact species worthy of cultivation in naturalistic garden settings.
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Penstemon newberryi var. newberryi is a subalpine species enjoyed for its intense display of magenta flowers in the spring. This species exhibits considerable genetic variation in its growth habit and longevity. Dense growing forms that bloom profusely are spectacular when in bloom and are very attractive plants out of bloom.
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I saw a number of Phlox diffusa throwing off-season flowers in this fell field. The above average precipitation in August and September, as well as the dramatic oscillations in the temperature likely triggered a number of plants to produce another set of flowers.
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Eventually I left the open, rocky slopes and entered the higher elevation subalpine forest dominated by Lodgepole Pine, Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana and Red Fir, Abies magnifica var. magnifica. Here Mountain Hemlock, Tsuga mertensiana and Western White Pine, Pinus monticola, can be found growing among the other coniferous trees. The dry rocky slopes created a natural firebreak and here the forest remand unharmed by the flames.
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Here the terrain levels considerably. Where moisture is abundant in moor or bog-like habitats Rhododendron columbianum can be found growing abundantly.
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As I gained elevation, Mountain Heather, Phyllodoce breweri, became a dominant species in sunny, level, mesic habitats where there were large accumulations of organic matter in the soil. This species is often seen growing in large, low growing colonies over the soil. In the spring their deep cerise-pink flowers contrast dramatically against their deep green foliage.
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The deciduous Dwarf Bilberry, Vaccinium cespitosum, is frequently associated with Phyllodoce breweri. During the autumn months the foliage of Dwarf Bilberry consistently turns brilliant scarlet-red. The contrasting deep green foliage of Phyllodoce set against the brilliant scarlet-red foliage of Dwarf Bilberry creates a spectacular sight of autumn color that is unmatched in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Dwarf Bilberry also produces a high quality tasty fruit that is enjoyed by wildlife as well as the few humans that climb into the mountains during the autumn.
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Less common along the high elevation slopes of the Crystal Range is Alpine Wintergreen, Gaultheria humifusa. This species also prefers moist mesic meadow habitats where the soil is abundant in organic material. This small, prostrate, evergreen species has small white flowers followed by bright red fruits in the autumn.
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In close vicinity to Lake Sylvia I paused to visit “Fishing Rock”. It was here in 1960 as a young boy I caught my first trout. This site is a dramatic touchstone of the impacts of climate change on this region. During the 1960’s trout were abundant in this stream. It had a reliable flow of cold water every year, including drought years. During the severe drought of 1975-77 this steam nearly dried up, however it did maintain a minimal flow. Steadily rising temperatures and continued periods of severe drought during the late 1980’s began to severely compromise this aquatic habitat. From the year 2000 to date we have entered a period of persistent drought and an accelerated rise in temperatures. Today this stream becomes completely dry most seasons and the trout are long gone. The cues that climate change is having a marked impact on this region are quite apparent.
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As I crossed the last stream before Lake Sylvia came into view, the fading flowers of Helenium bigelovii were spotted in the moist, mesic habitat next to the stream. This perennial species is quite at home in mesic, moist meadows as well as semi-shaded streamside habitats.
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At this same site Alpine Lily, Lilium parvum, had produced a set of late season flowers.
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Senecio triangularis shared this site and was displaying a new set of yellow daisy flowers.
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Shortly Lake Sylvia came into view. Lake Sylvia is located at the base of Pyramid Peak, the southern most summit of the Crystal Range, at an elevation of 8,050 feet (2,454 meters).
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Surrounding the lake are many small mesic and hydric meadow and meadow-like habitats where many interesting plant species can be found. Mountain Laurel, Kalmia polifolia, is found abundantly around and in the vicinity of Lake Sylvia. This species has a strong preference for hydric, to semi-hydric habitats and is seen growing in semi-flooded areas around the lake and nearby marshy sites. This small, low growing evergreen species produces clusters of up-facing pink flowers in the spring.
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These bog-like habitats are home to a unique array of plant species. Tundra Aster, Oreostemma alpigenum var. andersonii, is found abundantly in hydric to near hydric alpine and sub-alpine meadows. I have often seen this species in full bloom, the plants rising from shallow standing water.
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The semi-shaded north facing slopes in proximity of the lake are carpeted with Phyllodoce and Cassiope.
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At higher altitudes Western Moss Heather, Cassiope mertensiana, starts to replace Phyllodoce as the dominant “Heather” species. In the vicinity of Lake Sylvia the two species are frequently seen growing together in the same plant community. On the higher slopes of Pyramid Peak and Mount Price, Cassiope mertensiana is generally the only “Heather” species seen.
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After spending a considerable amount of time botanizing around Lake Sylvia the time had come to start back down the mountain. This view to the northeast shows the large cirque formed between the summits of Mount Price and Pyramid Peak. I did not have time to survey this true alpine Life Zone. Many interesting alpine species can be found in this area, but this survey will have to wait for another day.
[Jasmin]: In fact, there are two or three little lakes on top. It is very beautiful, and it is my hope to get back. The Sylvia Lake Trail has been our traditional outing together. It is one of the few botanical outings I have shared with Robert.
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In this photograph the summit of Pyramid Peak, 9,985 feet (3,043 meters), can be seen towering over Lake Sylvia. The tiny Alpine Fescue, Festuca brachyphylla ssp. breviculmis, can sometimes be found among the highest peaks of the Crystal Range. This species is much more common in the southern range of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Alpine Fescue is just one example of the many choice alpine species that can be found at the highest elevations in the Crystal Range.
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At this time I turned my attention to the subalpine meadowlands below but still in the vicinity of Lake Sylvia, and the array of plant species that grow in these habits.
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Before I continue my account of my 5 October outing to the upper Lyons Creek Basin and Lake Sylvia, I will briefly review the weather season and provide an update on the current conditions here in our part of Northern California.
The 2023 season started with a strong La Niña. Temperatures were much below average and precipitation was much above average with very low snow levels in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As the year transitioned to summer, the La Niña ended and we rapidly moved toward an El Niño type weather pattern. Summer temperatures were average. During August and September the Sierra Nevada Mountains experienced periods of intense thunderstorm activity and above average precipitation. The period around 21 August, as the remnants of Hurricane Hilary moved through our region, was especially rainy on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada crest in Southern and Central Sierra Nevada Mountains. There was widespread flooding and a great deal of soil erosion in some areas.
As autumn transitioned into winter, we are currently in a strong El Niño weather pattern. Temperatures are above average and precipitation totals are about 65% of average to date. In the Sierra Nevada Mountains, snow levels have been extremely high. Snow amounts are about 25% of average to date. Currently, 15 December, a weather pattern shift is taking place, and we will enter a period of much needed precipitation. Unfortunately, snow levels are expected to remain high. High snow levels during the winter months are very typical of the El Niño pattern in our part of California. Precipitation for the current season is in question. Climate change has changed how El Niño impacts our region, and above average precipitation during El Niño events no longer has a high degree of probability of occurring. We shall see what the season brings.
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Caltha leptosepala is a common species frequently found in seasonally hydric habitats. It is not unusual to find this species in full bloom partly submerged in running snowmelt water. Here in early October, the plant leaves are moving into senescence as the plants prepare for their winter dormant rest.
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Potentilla flabellifolia is another species tolerant of seasonally hydric habitats. This species often occupies low points in seasonally flooded meadows. I know of one instance where this species thrives in a shallow seasonal pond. The plants are completely submerged in shallow water until early summer when they break dormancy and begin growth and bloom quickly after the waters recede and the pond begins to dry.
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I found a few Erigeron glacialis var, glacialis in bloom along the trail as I descended toward the trailhead. This species is an early blooming species commonly found in mesic meadow habitats in the Canadian Life Zone of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Given the abnormally wet late summer and early autumn weather, I was not surprised to find a few plants in bloom.
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Meadow Penstemon, Penstemon rydbergii var. oreocharis, is found in mesic meadows throughout the Upper Transition and Canadian Life Zones of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This species frequently occurs in the drier portions of a meadow complex. These drier zones can become somewhat xeric late in the summer or during especially dry seasons.
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The creeks in the upper portions of the basin were flowing quite high considering the time of year.
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It is a short hike from Lake Sylvia to the confluence where the outlet stream from Lake Sylvia merges with the outlet stream from Lyons Lake. At the end of the last Ice Age, this area may have been a series of shallow ponds. However, today this area has filled with soil and organic matter and is a marshy wetland. Carex and other species tolerant of hydric and highly acidic conditions thrive in this area. The hydric low points are ringed with dense thickets of Rhododendron columbianum. Smaller acid loving species such as Kalmia polifolia also find a niche in this wet-mesic fringe area.
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Lyons Lake is perched high above the confluence of the two streams. A huge rocky face consisting of Pyramid Peak Granite flanks the lake. It is a very difficult hike to the top of the cliff face, however one is rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Near the summit of Mount Price is a large bench filled with a large array of alpine plant species. Two species of interest at this site are Lewisia pygmaea and Lewisia longipetala. This is likely the southern limit of Lewisia longipetala in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In Jepson’s Manual its range is stated to continue into the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains; however I have never encountered the species in this area and I have never seen herbarium samples or read reports of this species from this area. It is a full day’s journey to explore Lyons Lake and alpine areas near the summit of Mount Price. I did not visit Lyons Lake on this outing, but hope to visit this area again soon
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Below the marshy wetlands, Lyons Creek begins to drop quickly in elevation.
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In moist semi-shaded areas it is not unusual to see Anaphalis margaritacea.
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In much drier semi-shaded habitats Doellingeria breweri is commonly seen. The yellow rayless, flowers are quite attractive, especially on specimens that flower abundantly.
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Before reentering the burn scar area, I encountered a fair number of large dead conifers. These trees expired during the extreme drought years beginning in 2019 and extending through much of 2021. The length and magnitude of drought has been increasing in our region since 2000. This climatic shift is having a significant impact on the flora of our region. Most unmanaged ecosystems show a great deal of resilience to these changes; however these systems too are increasingly impacted by drought and additional factors such as increasing temperatures and a declining number of snow cover days.
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As I entered the burn scar area, the trail descended again through a sub-alpine fell field. Here many beautiful rock plants thrive. Eriogonum nudum var. deductum is the smallest variety of Eriogonum nudum. This subspecies is most commonly found at the highest elevations within the range of this species. The difference between the taller growing varieties of Eriogonum nudum and variety deductum is more one of gradation in elevation: With increasing elevation the plants become smaller; however in some populations there is a mixture of both semi-dwarf and dwarf plants. The variety deductum does seem valid, as the tiniest plants from high elevation do retain their dwarf stature at much lower elevations.
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The wiry Eremogone kingii var. glabrescens generally blooms much earlier in the season. The unseasonal abundant rain during the late summer and autumn likely prompted this specimen to bloom again. The specimen might look more like Phlox diffusa. Yes, there are two plants sharing the same space. The Eremogone is growing out and around the semi-dormant Phlox.
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Cryptogramma acrostichoides is very much at home in these sub-alpine fell fields. It has a strong preference for drier sites and is often found tucked closed to the base of rocks. In this region, its close cousin, Cryptogramma cascadensis, is always found in moist-mesic niches among boulders and rocks in the high elevation Alpine Life Zone.
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From the sub-alpine fell field I continued down the trail into the main portion of the burn scar area.
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This last photograph, from higher ground, gives an indication of the density of the forest before the fire burned through the area. The release of nutrients and the vast increase in solar radiation reaching the forest floor has greatly altered the ecology and plant communities that once inhabited the previously climax Lodgepole Pine forest.
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There were a few noteworthy plants seen before entering the burn scar area. Creamy-white is the most commonly observed flower color on specimens of Monardella odoratissima var. pallida. Lavender flowering forms of this subspecies do occur. Lavender flowering forms of variety pallida are easily distinguished from the lavender flowering variety glauca by the reflexed unmodified leaves subtending the flower clusters. In addition, variety glauca is more likely to be encountered east of the Sierra crest.
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This flowering specimen of Castilleja nana was a fortunate find among the rocks before leaving the fell field.
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In some locations, large colonies of the annual Navarretia leptalea ssp. leptalea had colonized areas that had once been far too shady for this species.
I found a few plants with lingering flowers. When large colonies of this species are in full bloom it is a spectacular sight.
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Lupinus fulcratus is a perennial species that is frequently seen in lightly shaded sites in coniferous forest within the Canadian Life Zone of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This species prefers dry-mesic sites. The flowers are lavender-blue with a white spot on the banner, which is a common feature of many Lupinus species.
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Phacelia hydrophylloides is another species that prefers dry-mesic sites in lightly shaded portions of the coniferous forest. The flowers of this species are generally white flushed with lavender. It is a low, somewhat spreading species with very attractive textured foliage. Here it is shown with a red fir, Abies magnifica var. magnifica, seedling.
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The fire triggered abundant germination of the perennial species Pseudognaphalium thermale. During the many decades I have been botanizing along this route I have never seen this species growing in such profusion.
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Fireweed, Chamerion angustifolium ssp. circumvagum is another species that has benefited from the opening of the forest canopy by the fire. In the low right corner of the photograph Pseudognaphalium thermale can be seen with flower buds.
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A number of seasonal streams flow through the now burned out forest. These seasonal streams were once home to unique plant communities of mesic, shade loving plant species, such as an assortment of native Viola species, Pectiantia breweri, and other noteworthy species. I examined each of these sites carefully for the plant species I once logged at these sites and found no traces of these species. The fate of these plant communities is unknown at this time and I will need to study these sites carefully as these ecosystems develop a new state of equilibrium.
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I was very pleased to find this colony of Antennaria rosea still intact. I have been observing this colony for decades and was pleased to find the plant not only intact but also thriving.
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Once I reached the meadowlands of the lower portion of the basin, I hiked past huge swathes of drying Symphyotrichum spathulatum var. spathulatum full of ripe seed. These large colonies must have been an incredibly beautiful sight during the summer when they were in full bloom.
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I found a few specimens still in bloom. It is a late blooming species, so I was not surprised to find a few stray flowers.
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In moist areas, the drying stems of Aconogonon phytolaccifolia towered 2 plus meters in height above the ground. Some of the tall stems had begun to collapse as the plants moved into dormancy.
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The stems of Veratrum californicum var. californicum were also well advanced in senescence; awaiting the late autumn snow and their winter dormancy.
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The root systems of Quaking Aspen, Populus tremuloides, were unharmed by the fire. Although the top growth of the trees was burned to the ground, abundant suckers have sprouted from their extensive root systems.
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The new growth arising from the roots was extremely vigorous and the leaves on many of the suckers were much larger than normally seen on this species.
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I found a number of Scarlet Indian Paintbrush in bloom, Castilleja miniata ssp. miniata. Along this section of the trail I have logged yellow forms of this species. I did not see any on this outing; however I am hopeful they survived the fire and are still in the area.
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The red fruit of Sorbus californica is very attractive, especially setoff against its bright yellow autumn foliage. Sorbus californica grows to be a small tree or large shrub.
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When I arrived back at the trailhead, in full daylight, I could see the full extent of the slash piles created as the firefighters made a firebreak to stop the advance of the Caldor Fire.
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This site was once a Lodgepole Pine forest with its associated plant community. It is disappointing to see this site stripped of trees; however the firefighters did what was necessary to stop the advance of the Caldor Fire.
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I have many photographs of this site before the Caldor Fire burned through the region. This is how the site appeared before the firebreak was created. It will be interesting to observe how this site responds to the changes in the coming years. Climate change has vastly changed the “starting point” for the pioneer plant communities throughout the whole burn scar area. This climatic/environmental shift in the starting point will likely have repercussions in the developing plant communities well into the future and will need to be monitored and studied closely.
Until the next time….
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Robert,
Is reseeding the area with lodgepole pine and associated native flora a viable restoration approach?
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Hi Marc,
The short answer to your question is yes; however this would most likely not be the best approach. In addition, there could be very serious repercussions if any aspect of reseeding was not done appropriately and with keen sensitivity.
In the Lyons Creek Basin, the Caldor Fire burned through mostly unmanaged ecosystems. There were and are few invasive species. Left to itself, Nature will likely reestablish an ecologically balanced system perfectly suited to the current climatic pattern.
The “starting point” for this new system is far different climatically from what a “starting point” would have been like 100 years ago on a burned over Lodgepole Pine forest ecosystem in this same area. There have been a number of burned over sites I have been monitoring for the last 5 to 10 years on the east side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Recovery in Single Leaf Pinyon Pine ecosystems has been extremely slow. Invasive species are presenting a huge obstacle. Persistent drought is another impediment to relatively rapid recovery. However, my hypothesis is that the vastly altered surface energy budget in the aftermath of the fire, exacerbated by climatic change, has created conditions favorable to undesirable feedback loops which will lead these habitats into unknown new directions. I find this type of research incredibly fascinating and rewarding.
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On 30 November 2023, I visited Poho Ridge in El Dorado County, California. The crest of Poho Ridge is situated at an elevation of ~ 3,350 feet (1,021 meters) to the north overlooking the South Fork of the American River. Parts of the crest of the ridge burned severely during the autumn 2014 King Fire.
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Many species respond well to fire in California. Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida (pictured) is an obligate seeder and generally responds well after a fire. Unlike many Arctostaphylos species, Arctostaphylos viscida does not form burls that can resprout after the top has burned to the ground. Instead, fire triggers abundant germination of dormant seeds in the soil seed bank.
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The nascent inflorescence of Arctostaphylos viscida generally hangs downward, however a large percentage of plants will hold their nascent inflorescence upright for a period of time. Before the flowers open, the nascent inflorescence will turn downward.
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Other plants always hold their nascent inflorescence downward from the time of formation.
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Knobcone Pine, Pinus attenuata, is an extremely drought tolerant species found throughout the Transition Zone of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It can also be quite abundant in the Northern Coast Ranges of California. Its complete range extends from Southern Oregon to Baja California and eastward to the Modoc Plateau.
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Knobcone Pine is another species that responds well to fire. The cones of this species will cling to the trunk of the tree, unopened, until there is a fire. Sometimes the cones can cling to the trunk for years and the tree trunk will slowly grow around the cone, until it is nothing more than a bulge in the tree trunk where the cone is located. With fire, the cones open and disperse their seeds. Germination is generally rapid during the spring following the fire.
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Temperatures had cooled sufficiently to trigger some bright red autumn tints to the leaves of Drymocallis glandulosa var. glandulosa. It prefers filtered shade in dry locations.
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In a shaded moist canyon, I found a few specimens of California Nutmeg, Torreya californica. This species is never seen abundantly in our region, however if one knows their preferred habitat they can generally be found. The needles of this species are quite stiff and sharp, but still tame compared to the needles of Araucaria. This species gets its name from its fruit, which resemble the spice whole nutmeg in size and color. They do not have the scent or flavor however. At most, they have a slight coniferous scent.
The weather was unsettled with snow in the forecast. I did not want to drive the steep winding road into and back out of the American River canyon in the snow, so I cut my visit short before the bulk of the storm arrived.