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© Project SOUND

Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden

Gardening with Western L.A. County Native Plants Project SOUND – 2012 (our 8th year)

© Project SOUND

Low and Northerly: Groundcover Plants from the

Northern and Central CA Coast

C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake

CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve

Madrona Marsh Preserve

February 4 & 7, 2012

What makes a good

groundcover plant?

Low growth habit

Evergreen – nice color

Dense foliage – few gaps

Fast growth to mature size – then slow

Long-lived

Flowers, fruits and other features that make it good habitat

And, for today’s subject, should be woody (or at least half-woody)

© Project SOUND http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/california/northern-coast

The California coast has inspired for centuries

© Project SOUND http://www.bon-voyage.co.uk/destinations/california_holidays/itineraries

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But the CA coast inspires gardeners for a

different reason…

© Project SOUND

http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-photo/ranlo/2/1279124248/northern-california-coast.jpg/tpod.html

© Project SOUND

Some of our best native groundcovers come from

the N. & Central California coast

© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College

Central &

N. Maritime

Chaparral

“within the zone of summer fog incursion”

Features: greater exposure to

summer fog, humidity

mild temps. and moderate drought pressures

adaptations to different disturbance regimes (less frequent fire).

© Project SOUND http://www.elkhornsloughctp.org/reference/subissue_detail.php?SUBISSUE_ID=1

Sunset Zones ZONE 16: Central and Northern

California Coast thermal belts

Thermal belts (slopes from which cold air drains) in a coastal climate

Ocean dominated about 85 % of the time and by inland weather about 15%

A summer afternoon wind

More summer heat than Zone 17; warmer winters than inland

Cooler summers than Zones 22-24

ZONE 17: Marine effects in Southern Oregon, Northern and Central California Mild, wet, almost frostless winters;

cool summers w/ frequent fog or wind.

Muted sunlight much of the year

Summer highs ~ 65-70º F

© Project SOUND

http://www.digitalseed.com/gardener/climate/plantclimate_map_ca.html

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Let’s take a road

trip up Hwy 1

Central coast

Point Sal/Guadalupe

San Simeon/Arroyo de la Cruz

Big Sur Rocky point

Yankee Point/Diamond Heights

Northern coast

Point Reyes

Ft. Bragg

© Project SOUND

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:California_State_Route_1.svg

Our Central and Northern Coastal areas a

unique in many ways

© Project SOUND

We share some plants with the Central

and Northern Maritime chaparral

Black sage – Salvia mellifera

Purple Sage – Salvia leucophylla Sticky Monkeyflower – Diplacus

aurantiacus

Blue-eyed Grass – Sisyrinchium bellum

Some grasses - Nassellas

Many native wildflowers

© Project SOUND

Manzanitas of the

northern maritime

chaparral

Arctostaphylos andersonii

A. canescens

A. crustacea

Arctostaphylos cruzensis

A. edmundsii

A. glutinosa

A. hookeri hearstiorum

A. hookeri hookeri

A. montaraensis

A. montereyensis

A. morroensis

A. nummularia sensitiva

A. ohlone pro. sp.

A. pajaroensis

A. pumila

A. purissima

A. silvicola

A. tomentosa (all ssp & forms)

© Pr SOUND

Many of these species are

rare or endangered in the

wild, but grown regularly in

the garden

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Not surprisingly, our local flora has the most in

common with that of the Central Coast

The closer the native home of a plant to our own, the more similar are the: Soils

Temperatures

Rainfall

Etc

Plants from nearby coastal areas are easier to grow than those from further up the coast

© Project SOUND

http://coast-santabarbara.org/

California rainfall – quite a range, even along our coasts

© Project SOUND

http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread775456/pg2

Our first stop: Point Sal

Located in the northwestern part of Santa Barbara County, near the city of Guadalupe

Between Vandenberg Air Force Base and the Guadalupe Dunes.

Sandy/rocky promontory

© Project SOUND http://www.localhikes.com/HikeData.ASP?DispType=1&ActiveHike=0&GetHikesStateID=&ID=42

66

*

http://www.cityprofile.com/california/photos/36781-guadalupe-point-sal-state-beach1.html

Home to a unique flora

Transition zone between N. & S. CA: unique plant species assemblages.

A mosaic of coastal sage scrub and foothill needle-grass with wildflowers, Giant Corepopsis

Much influenced by ocean breezes, salt spray – like our own immediate coast

© Project SOUND

http://kcbx.net/~bdenneen/

http://soundwaves.usgs.gov/2001/09/fieldwork2.html

http://blogbisogno.wordpress.com/2009/08/page/2/ http://www.ryono.net/pointsal/pointsal.html

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Salvia leucophylla ‘Pt.

Sal Spreader’

Naturally occurring variants from Point Sal

Look like Purple Sage except usually shorter (2-3 ft)

Very variable in size, depending on water, other conditions

Purple Sage cultivars & hybrids may be easier to grow than the species

© Project SOUND

http://www.sm.watersavingplants.com/eplant.php?plantnum=24489&return=l2_aO

We continue our

road trip up Hwy 1

Central coast

Point Sal/Guadalupe

San Simeon/Arroyo de la Cruz

© Project SOUND

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:California_State_Route_1.svg

*

Hearst Castle – San Simeon

© Project SOUND

http://www.nordicgeospatial.com/about_us

http://www.coastandocean.org/coast_v23_no3_2007/articles/Hiking_Hearst_04.htm

Hearst/San Simeon Coast/ Arroyo de la Cruz

Old ocean beaches and bluffs

The soil varies from a near adobe through red clay on hard pan to a gray sand-rock composite.

It receives summer fog and rainfall of about 20-30 inches/yr

It is one of the most moderate climates in the world. Every day has a high of 60-65 degrees F. and a low of 50 degrees F.

© Project SOUND

http://www.californiacoastline.org/cgi-

bin/location.cgi?flags=0&year=current&latdeg=35.591167&longdeg=121.131667

http://justinsomnia.org/2006/09/driving-down-the-big-sur-coast/

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Rainfall: Central Coast

© Project SOUND

Our rainfall

Much cooler summers as well

The Arroyo de la Cruz region: special

© Project SOUND

Mouth of Arroyo de la Cruz, ridge immediately south of creek, east of Hwy 1 (San

Luis Obispo County, California, US)

© 2011 Chris Winchell

Arroyo de la Cruz – unique conditions =

unique plants

A variety of communities, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, riparian and grassland, mark this unique area. Its importance lies in the number of endemics that are found in this relatively small area; indeed, it has been called the "Cruzian pocket of endemism."

Ten species of plants considered rare or endangered are found here. Most have a restricted range. It is the type locality of at least two species, Arctostaphylos

hookeri ssp. hearstiorum and Ceanothus hearstiorum which are found nowhere else.

Other rare species include Allium hickmanii, Arctostaphylos cruzensis, Bloomeria humilis, Calochortus clavatus ssp. recurvfolius, Campanula obispoensis (?), Ceanothus maritimus, Sanicula hoffmannii and Sanicula maritima.

© Project SOUND

Arroyo de la Cruz has also provided us

some wonderful garden cultivars

Sisyrinchium bellum 'Arroyo de la Cruz‘

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. thyrsiflorus 'Arroyo de la Cruz‘

Ceanothus maritimus 'Valley Violet‘

© Project SOUND

http://www.flickriver.com/photos/billbouton/sets/72157603552645540/

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© Project SOUND

* Arroyo de la Cruz Manzanita – Arctostaphylos cruzensis

© 2011 Chris Winchell

© Project SOUND

* Arroyo de la Cruz Manzanita – Arctostaphylos cruzensis

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/arctostaphylos-cruzensis

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3449,3454,3466

© 2011 Chris Winchell

Endemic to coastal areas from northwest San Luis Obispo Co. to Southern Monterey Co.

Grows on old ocean beaches and bluffs

Occurs in a variety of habitats, including maritime chaparral, coastal scrub, conifer forest, and valley-foothill grassland.

Receives summer fog/rainfall of 20-30” per year

© Project SOUND

Low-growing Manzanitas:

perfect for your garden?

Attractive, ‘neat-looking’ foliage

Red bark on interesting trunks/branches

Low-maintenance under the right conditions: Needs good drainage Low water in summer - susceptible

to fungal diseases; deep watering (Zone 1/2)

No fertilizer

Coastal varieties will thrive along immediate coast – even right next to beach

©J.S. Peterson

Jo-Ann Ordano © California Academy of Sciences

Flammable: manzanita plants contain

volatile compounds, which burn like a

torch when ignited – no a good choice

for fire-prone areas © Project SOUND

Ground cover manzanita

Size:

2-3 ft tall

5-10 ft wide

Growth form: Spreading, low : mat-like to

mounded

Shreddy red bark

Dense – good coverage

Foliage: Leaves bright green, shiny;

may be hairy when young

Densely over-lapping on branch

Roots: no basal burl – so can’t re-sprout

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/arctostaphylos-cruzensis

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© Project SOUND

Who can resist a

manzanita in bloom?

Blooms: Winter/early spring

Usually Dec-Feb in S. Bay

Flowers: Small, urn-shaped flowers typical

of manzanita

Pale pink blush

Large clusters – very showy

Sweet scent

Fruits: The edible ‘little apples’

Hairy, ½ inch diameter; ripe in late summer or fall

© 2006 Steve Matson

© Project SOUND

Central coast plant Soils: Texture: adaptable – sandy soils in

nature

pH: any local – 6.0-8.0

Light: Full sun only right along coast

Afternoon shade in most gardens; remember, average temperatures cooler (60-65º F. where it’s native)

Water: Winter: good winter rains

Summer: Needs supplemental summer water

– Zone 2 to 2-3

Needs leaves washed down during dry summer – remember the summer fogs

Other: shouldn’t need much pruning; sterile technique, after blooming

© 2002 David Graber

© Project SOUND

Good looking

evergreen shrub

Used as an evergreen woody ground cover – substitute for ivy

Good for slopes

Pair with its native associates for an evergreen medley:

Ceanothus hearstiorum

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus

Ceanothus griseus

Adenostoma fasciculatum

Iris douglasii

Baccharis pilularis

Salvia mellifera

Diplacus aurantiacus

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/arctostaphylos-cruzensis

Why the variability in growth habit?

© Project SOUND

© 2011 Chris Winchell

Tilden Botanical Garden

Regional Parks Botanic

Garden is a botanical garden in

Tilden Park, Berkeley CA USA

© 2006 Steve Matson

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctostaphylos_cruzensis

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Some species occur along the entire CA coast

© Project SOUND

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mechanoid_dolly/5682527020/

Western Blue-eyed Grass - Sisyrinchium bellum

Western Blue-eyed Grass - Sisyrinchium bellum

Not a grass at all – a member of the Iris family (smallest member of the Iris family)

Distribution: Much of CA, OR

Habitat:

Open, generally moist, grassy areas

Woodlands

North/Central coast areas have produced

some attractive variants – now available as

cultivars for the garden

Sisyrinchium bellum

'Arroyo de la Cruz'

Dwarf selection - ~ 6 inches

tall

Unusually large--1 1/2 inch wide--purple flowers in spring

Flowers a vivid purple flowers are held a bit above the 6 inch high foliage clump.

Useful in a dry border, on a bank, and in a rock garden.

© Project SOUND

http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=1292

http://www.flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/5712113309/

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Other sisyrinchium cultivars

‘Rocky Point’ Dwarf habit, with

broader leaves and violet blossoms

‘Ft. Bragg’ Dwarf habit, with

broader leaves

Soft lavender in color, with violet centers

© Project SOUND

http://nativeson.typepad.com/plants/2010/05/sisyrinchi

um-bellum-rocky-point.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dreedyphoto/page6/

Rocky Point, Big Sur

Cliffs near Ft. Bragg

http://www.city-data.com/picfilesv/picv20278.php

© Project SOUND

Seaside Daisy - Erigeron glaucus

© Project SOUND

Two California Daisys

E. foliosus (Leafy):

Mountain ranges & hills of C. & western S. CA

Dry, sunny, rocky, brushy or wooded or grassy slopes

coastal sage scrub, chaparral and southern oak woodland

E. glaucus (Seaside)

Central to N. Coast (into OR) Coastal bluffs, dunes,

beaches Coastal Strand, Coastal Sage

Scrub, Northern Coastal Scrub

Erigeron foliosus

Erigeron glaucus

© Project SOUND

Seaside Daisy – Erigeron glaucus

Compact growth habit: < 1 ft

Leaves:

Thicker, fleshier Larger: spatula shaped More basal

Roots:

Rhizomes Plant spreads into dense

mat-like colony

Flowers: no differences

http://www.calhortsociety.org/seed-exchange/seed-exchange-2002/seed-list-pages/large/Erigeron-glaucus-2.jpg

Much more “lush appearing” than leafy fleabane

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© Project SOUND

Using Erigeron

glaucus

Borders

Edges & low hedges

Accent plant

In a rock garden

Near pools & ponds

Ground cover

http://www.laspilitas.com/plants/pictures/a269.jpg

Great addition to a North coast

themed garden

© Project SOUND

Horticultural cultivars of

Seaside Daisy

Variable in size and number of flowers and plant

Choose the one you like best

‘Cape Sebastian’ cultivar

http://www.mostlynatives.com/notes/erigeronglaucuscs.jpg

http://www.callutheran.edu/Academic_Programs/Departments/

Biology/Wildflowers/gf/plants/category/gar-1670.htm

‘Olga’ cultivar ‘Bountiful’ cultivar

http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=2213

‘Sea Breeze’ cultivar

http://www.elnativogrowers.com/Photographs_page/eriglasb.htm

Ceanothus of the northern maritime

chaparral

Ceanothus cuneatus var. fascicularis

Ceanothus cuneatus var. rigidus

Ceanothus gloriosus var. gloriosus

Ceanothus gloriosus var. exaltatus

Ceanothus gloriosus var. porrectus

Ceanothus hearstiorum

Ceanothus maritimus

© Pr SOUND © Project SOUND

Ceanothus – California Lilacs

Some 55 species

Common names: California Lilac, Mountain lilac, Wild lilac, Buckbrush, Blueblossum

Quite variable in habit: evergreen and deciduous prostrate to erect shrubs and small trees.

Flowers small, in clusters, showy en masse

Flower color: white through many shades of blue, deep violet.

Range: southern Canada to Guatemala Mainly in California (over 40 species) Some also in the eastern US and Rocky Mountains.

Have the ability to fix large amounts of nitrogen via root-inhabiting microbes (actinomycetes).

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Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var.

thyrsiflorus 'Arroyo de la Cruz'

Bright shiny leaves

Medium-blue flowers

Large mounding shrub or groundcover, great for erosion control or a low, broad hedge.

Best with a little summer water and afternoon shade in our climate

© Project SOUND

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/ceanothus-

thyrsiflorus-big-sur-california-lilac

http://plantayflor.blogspot.com/2010/09/ceanothus-thyrsiflorus-var-repens.html © Project SOUND

* Hearst’s (San Simeon) Ceanothus – Ceanothus hearstiorum

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ceanothus_hearstiorum

Central coast endemic – San Luis Obispo & Monterrey counties – near Arroyo de la Cruz; very rare in nature

Coastal, low, grassy hills

Receives summer fog/rainfall of 20-30” per year

© Project SOUND

* Hearst’s Ceanothus – Ceanothus hearstiorum

© 2006 Steve Matson

© Project SOUND

Hearst’s Ceanothus – low grower

Size: generally < 1 ft tall

3-6 ft wide

Growth form: Evergreen woody (half-woody)

shrub

Prostrate habit; radiates out from central stem like a star

Slow-growing but long-lived

Foliage: Leaves bright to medium green

Small, narrow and glandular; unique

Has a nice scent when wet

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ceanothus_hearstiorum

Picture from Rob Rizzardi

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© Project SOUND

Heavenly, old-

fashioned flowers

Blooms: in spring – usually Mar-Apr in our area

Flowers: Small with prominent anthers

– typical of ceanothus species

Lavender to medium blue

In dense clusters – very showy

Sweet scented; old-fashioned

Can be used to make a mild soap –as can the foliage

Fruits: hard knobby fruits – birds eat the seeds

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ceanothus_hearstiorum

© Project SOUND

Hearst’s Ceanothus

likes clay Soils:

Texture: clays best, loams/rocky fine – not for sandy soils

pH: any local

Light: Full sun on immediate coast

Afternoon shade in hotter inland gardens

Water: In the wild: summer fog and

rainfall of about 20-30 inches. Every day has a high of 60-65º F. and a low of 50º F.

In your garden: Water Zone 2 or 2-3 (occasional summer water); rinse off leaves every few weeks in dry summer periods

Other: organic mulch; prune after blooming or to remove diseased

http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Ceanothus-hearstiorum/

Picture from Rob Rizzardi

© Project SOUND

Low-growing Ceanothus

Ground covers – slopes

In large planters

To hide retaining walls

http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3107

http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/may.htm

http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=1249

http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Ceanothus-hearstiorum/

Coastal ground covers conquer slopes

© Project SOUND

Artemisia californica Canyon Gray Canyon , Ceanothus hearstiorum, Ceanothus

Yankee Point, and Salvia sonomensis Mrs. Beard Mrs. Beard.

http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/howto/slope.html

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© Project SOUND

Using ground covers with different characteristics adds interest

© Project SOUND

Salvia ‘Bee’s Bliss’ with Dwarf Coyote Bush (Baccharis pilularis) cultivar

http://www.intermountainnursery.com/demonstration_garden_list.htm

© Project SOUND

Lower-growing Coyote Bush cultivars

‘Pigeon Point' – low groundcover

1-2 ft tall Up to 12 ft wide Very bright green foliage; larger leaves

than species Most common dwarf form for coastal

areas

‘Twin Peaks 2’ – low groundcover or hedge

Usually 1 – 3 ft tall; will mound to 5 ft if not regularly sheared

6 ft wide Dense growth; can be shaped Leaves smaller, darker gray-green &

more deeply toothed than species

On our way to Big Sur, we enjoy the coast near Morro Bay

Central coast

Point Sal/Guadalupe

San Simeon/Arroyo de la Cruz

© Project SOUND

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:California_State_Route_1.svg

Maritime chaparral at the Los Osos

Elfin Forest Preserve on Morro Bay,

San Luis Obispo

*

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California’s famous ‘Elfin Forests’

Elfin forest is a nickname given to several similar dwarfed plants ecosystems, mainly in coastal Temperate Californian and montane Tropical regions

Include communities of dwarfed/tiny plants.

Some CA Elfin Forests: Henry Cowell Redwoods State

Park (N/ CA coast)

El Moro Elfin Forest Natural Area (Morro Bay)

San Luis Obispo Elfin Forest (Higher up on Cuesta Ridge in SLO county).

© Project SOUND

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32661-d2169512-Reviews-

Elfin_Forest_Preserve-Los_Osos_San_Luis_Obispo_County_California.html

California’s famous ‘Elfin Forests’

Unusual areas: chaparral that can be waterlogged in the winter, and arid and nearly desert-like in the summer

Plants have adapted accordingly, and are generally much shorter, smaller, and compact than related plants elsewhere.

Even trees and shrubs, such as Cypress (Cupressus), Oak (Quercus), and Madrone (Arbutus menziesii) rarely grow more than 20 ft (7 m) tall in these plant communities.

© Project SOUND

http://blog.slocountyhomes.com/2009/03/elfin-forest-boardwalk-trail.html/

http://www.kayharden.com/galy16b.html

© Project SOUND

Maritime Ceanothus – Ceanothus maritimus

© 2006 Steve Matson

© Project SOUND

Maritime Ceanothus – Ceanothus maritimus

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/ceanothus-maritimus

© 2011 Chris Winchell

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?6586,6589,6625

Endemic to San Luis Obispo County California, where it is known from only a few occurrences in the vicinity of Hearst Ranch.

Grows on old ocean beaches and bluffs < 500 ft; soil varies from a near adobe through red clay on hard pan to a gray sand-rock composite

High precipitation (20-30”); summer fog; temperate climate

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© Project SOUND

Low-growing Maritime Manzanita

Size: 1-3 ft tall

5-6 ft wide

Growth form: Evergreen woody shrub; moderate

to slow growth rate

Low, spreading or more mounded habit

Reddish gray bark aging to gray

Stems stiff-looking

Foliage: Leaves small, wedge-shaped, shiny

medium green above; hairy beneath

Roots: support nitrogen-fixing bacteria

© 2006 Steve Matson © Project SOUND

Who can resist ‘em?

Blooms: In spring – usually Feb to April

in our part of the world

Flowers: Dense clusters of typical 5-

part pattern of ceanothus

Deep blue to violet to almost white

Sweet scented – good for insect pollinators

Native Californians used to make mild soap

Fruits: dry capsule, usually horned at top; birds eat seeds

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceanothus_maritimus

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ceanothus+maritimus

© Project SOUND

A plant for the coast –

and beyond Soils:

Texture: adaptable – best in clays, fine in sandy soils

pH: any local

Light: Full sun on coast, to part shade

inland (morning sun fine)

Good under tall trees

Water: In wild: 2x our annual rainfall;

summer fogs

Summer: needs water at least several times a month in inland gardens – Zone 2 to 2-3

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

Other: dislikes being moved and pruning – leave it alone if possible

© 2011 Chris Winchell

http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Ceanothus-maritimus/ © Project SOUND

Maritime Ceanothus

in the garden

Good choice for fire-prone areas, with summer water

Slopes

Groundcover – neat-looking

Parking strips

Pair with other low coastal groundcovers: Salvia leucophylla ‘Pt. Sal’, Ceanothus maritimus, and Lessingia filaginifolia ‘Silver Carpet’

http://www.vcstar.com/photos/2010/feb/08/86887/

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Ceanothus maritimus

‘Frosty Dawn’ Selection of Ceanothus maritimus from

the hills south of Arroyo de la Cruz in San Luis Obispo County

2 feet tall by up to 5 feet wide

Performs best in coastal climates but has also proved successful in inland gardens.

Lovely and tough

© Project SOUND

http://www.flickriver.com/photos/eastbaywilds/sets/72157625418384199/

http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Ceanothus_maritimus_'Frosty_dawn' http://greenlifestudios.com/gallery-

detail.php?id=15&cat_id=2&keywords=Frosty_Dawn_California_Lilac

Ceanothus maritimus

‘Point Sierra’

This selection of the Maritime ceanothus has smaller leaves than most. With its stiff branching the effect is similar to Cotoneaster.

Denser and lower than the species, this maritimus selection is tolerant of interior heat if given modest shade

2 to 3 feet tall by up to 5 feet wide with thick leathery 1/4 to 1/2 inch long leaves

Lavender blue flowers appear in early spring.

The blue violet flowers emerge from dusty white buds in late winter.

© Project SOUND

Ceanothus maritimus

‘Popcorn’ A tidy groundcover that requires

little maintenance. Heavy bloomer. Compact, thick leaves. Best on coast. Good substitute for cotoneaster. 3' H x 6' W. Moderate to slow.

White flowers in spring

© Project SOUND http://www.calfloranursery.com/pages_plants/pages_c/ceamarpop.html http://cascadiannurseries.blogspot.com/2011/07/first-look-monrovias-new-introductions.html

http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Ceanothus_maritimus_'Popcorn'

Ceanothus maritimus

‘Valley Violet’

UC Davis Arboretum All-Star selection, 2010.

3 ft tall; 3-4 ft wide

performs well in a variety of settings. It can take full sun or part shade, requires very little water once established, develops into an attractive mound that needs no pruning

Super-showy violet colored flowers on long flowering stalks – really different

© Project SOUND

http://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/allstars_detail_57.aspx

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Onward & upward to

Big Sur

Central coast

Point Sal/Guadalupe

San Simeon/Arroyo de la Cruz

Big Sur Rocky point

Yankee Point/Diamond Heights

© Project SOUND

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:California_State_Route_1.svg

Point Sur

*

© Project SOUND

Little Sur Manzanita – Arctostaphylos edmundsii

© 2007 Penny DeWind

© Project SOUND

Little Sur Manzanita – Arctostaphylos

edmundsii

Many of the low-growing manzanitas grow in sandy coastal areas, suggesting that well-drained soils are important

http://slosson.ucdavis.edu/documents/2005-200610653.pdf

© Project SOUND

* Hooker’s Manzanita – Arctostaphylos hookeri

Beatrice F. Howitt © California Academy of Sciences

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Native range extends from the coastal San Francisco Bay Area to the Central Coast

Sandy, coastal pine or oak woods, coastal scrub < 1000 ft

© Project SOUND

* Hooker’s Manzanita – Arctostaphylos hookeri

© 1991 David Graber

http://www.elkhornsloughctp.org/factsheet/factsheet.php?SPECIES_ID=1

© Project SOUND

Hooker’s Manzanita is a

natural groundcover

Under trees

On slopes

In front yards - evergreen

http://absbonsai.org/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=834

http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=173 http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/arctostaphylos-hookeri-wayside-manzanita

http://128.253.177.181/imgs/dws/r/Ericaceae_Arctostaphylos_hookeri_18909.html

Rainfall: Big Sur area

© Project SOUND

Our rainfall

Much cooler summers as well –

summer highs in the 70’s

Hurricane Point

near Big Sur

The many climates of Big Sur result in an astonishing biodiversity, including many rare and endangered species

Arid, dusty chaparral-covered hills exist within easy walking distance of lush riparian woodland.

The mountains trap most of the moisture out of the clouds; fog in summer, rain and snow in winter.

This creates a favorable environment for coniferous forests, including the southernmost habitat of the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), which grows only on lower coastal slopes that are routinely fogged in at night.

© Project SOUND

http://xasauantoday.com/2011/09/16/serra-hill/

Big Sur Coastline from Hurricane Point

http://www.cs.berkeley.edu/~karthik/pics/2005-06-1-BigSur/web/html/dscf0076.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Sur

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© Project SOUND

* Carmel Creeper – Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis

Northern & Central CA coast (var. horizontalis from Monterey Co.)

Chaparral, coastal scrub, closed-cone-pine forests.

© Project SOUND

* Carmel Creeper – Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?6586,6589,6615

http://www.sb.watersavingplants.com/listplants.php?index=9 http://www.flickriver.com/photos/80651083@N00/tags/montereycounty/

© Project SOUND

Carmel Creeper: it creeps

Size: 2-3 ft tall

6-15 ft wide

Growth form: Woody (half-woody) evergreen

groundcover; fast-growing

May be flat or slightly mounded

Foliage: Shiny, medium/dark green leaves

– almost unreal looking

Dense foliage – hardly see branches

Neat, attractive appearance

Roots: Symbiotic relationship with N-

fixing bacteria

© Project SOUND

Flowers: ooh la-la

Blooms: winter through spring: any time from Dec. to April

Flowers: Usually a bright medium

blue, but may be lighter

Dense clusters of tiny flowers – really showy in a good year (many years)

Sweet scent attracts bees and other insect pollinators

Seeds: In strange dry capsules that

split open; birds eat them

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© Project SOUND

Extraordinarily

adaptable Soils:

Texture: any, from sand to heavy clay

pH: any local

Light: Full sun only along coast

Part-shade (afternoon shade) best in most situations – good under trees

Water: Winter: supplement in dry winters

Summer: Occasional summer water – Zone 2 for species and cultivars

Fertilizer: none needed, but light fertilizer won’t kill it

© Project SOUND

Garden uses for Carmel Creeper

As an attractive ground cover:

Under trees

On slopes

Mounded over walls/retaining walls

Ceanothus griseus

‘Diamond Heights’

Variegated leaves

3 - 4 ft. wide; low

Scant, light blue flowers in spring

Best with light shade in hot regions.

© Project SOUND

http://blog.jannelsonlandscapedesign.com/?cat=78

http://www.bambooandmore.info/2012_01_09_archive.html http://thehumanfootprint.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/california-natives-part-3-groundcovers-

manzanitas-ceanothus/

Ceanothus griseus

‘Hurricane Point’

2-3 ft. tall x 20 ft wide in many years

Slower growth but give it room to spread

Flowers light blue

'Yankee Point' has been called a more restrained version of this cultivar.

© Project SOUND

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22

‘Kurt Zadnick’

Ceanothus

2 to 3 feet tall, spreading or trailing 6 feet or more

Bright indigo blue flowers in spring

More garden tolerant than Yankee Point

© Project SOUND http://www.landscaperesource.com/plants/ceanothus-kurt-zadnik.htm

‘Yankee Point’ –

Carmel Heights

Ever wonder where ‘Yankee Point’ ceanothus originated?

© Project SOUND

http://www.sawbuck.com/property/California/93923_Carmel/7659172-98-Yankee-Point

http://www.carmelrealtycompany.com/index.cfm/person-Barbara_Ehrenpreis_11.htm

http://www.sammcleod.com/properties/111YANKEEPOINT.html

Ceanothus griseus ‘Yankee Point’

© Project SOUND

Old garden standard – 30+ years

2-3 ft tall and 10 ft wide; fast

Darker leaves than species

Great groundcover, slopes, etc.

http://www.fresno.watersavingplants.com/eplant.php?plantnum=2419

4&return=l5_aS

© Project SOUND

Management of low-growing Ceanothus

Proper watering is key: Overwatering is often the cause of

death; make sure they are in well-drained soil.

Once established, apply deep infrequent irrigation in the dry season.

Do not fertilize; like slightly acidic soils so use organic mulch

Only minimal pruning

Pinch back tips during the growing season to shape – unless you have deer

Prune branches only if they are less than 1” in diameter, and only after the spring bloom when flowers have faded.

Use sterile technique

Ceanothus tend to be short-lived (5-15 years) often due to disease (too much water, fertilizer, pruning)

http://www.cuyamaca.edu/oh170/Thumbnail_Pages/Ceanothus_griseus.asp

http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/cegrhyp3.htm

‘Yankee Point’

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Ceanothus: a hit in European gardens

“Ceanothus thyrisflorus, blueblossom, was the first California species to receive both botanical and horticultural recognition . . . when it was collected by botanist Adelbert von Chamisso on the Russian ship Rurik’s expedition to California in 1816.

“The Royal Horticultural Society received seeds of Ceanothus thyrisflorus from Richard Brinsley Hinds from the 1837 expedition of HMS Sulphur, making it the first California species introduced into European gardens “

Even today, it is not uncommon in Britain to see Ceanothus espaliered against a south-facing brick wall.

© Project SOUND

http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/plantfinder/ceanothus-california-

lilac_1.asp

Our trip takes us to the

San Francisco Bay

Central coast

Point Sal/Guadalupe

San Simeon/Arroyo de la Cruz

Big Sur Rocky point

Yankee Point/Diamond Heights

Northern coast

Point Reyes

Ft. Bragg

© Project SOUND

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:California_State_Route_1.svg

http://swr.nmfs.noaa.gov/recovery/mapped93/index.php?p=dom-NCCC

© Project SOUND

* Glossyleaf Manzanita – Arctostaphylos nummularia

http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Arctostaphylos-nummularia/

North Coast, Outer North Coast Ranges, w San Francisco Bay Area (Mount Tamalpais, Santa Cruz Mtns)

Rocky sites, woodland, coniferous forest, < 1500 ft

AKA ‘Fort Bragg Manzanita’

© Project SOUND

* Glossyleaf Manzanita – Arctostaphylos nummularia

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3449,3454,3510

http://www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/mount-tamalpais.html http://www.thevoiceofalliant.com/FunSun.html

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© Project SOUND

Glossyleaf Manzanita: variable habit

Size: 2-6 ft tall; usually 2-3 in nature

4-6 ft wide

Growth form: Dense evergreen shrub

Habit varies from low and spreading (rocky, exposed sites), mounded to larger upright shrub (forest sites)

Red bark

Foliage: Leaves rounded, tidy looking

Dark shiny green above; lighter beneath

Roots: no burl – don’t coppice!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Arctostaphylos_nummularia_1.jpg

© 2006 Steve Matson

© Project SOUND

Manzanita flowers

Blooms: In winter; usually Dec-Feb

locally, tho’ may be a few blooms at other times

Flowers: Small, urn-shaped flowers

typical of the genus

Pale pink; sweetly scented

Flower clusters slightly more open and other species

Flowers pollinated by large bees – ‘buzz pollination’

Fruits: Edible ‘apples’ in summer/fall

© 2006 Steve Matson

http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Arctostaphylos-nummularia/

© Project SOUND

Grows under rage of

conditions

Soils: Texture: well-drained – sandy or

rocky best

pH: slightly acidic; may want to amend with peat moss

Light: Best with afternoon shade

Good choice for under trees (pines; oaks)

Water: Winter: gets a lot in its native

habitat – supplement if needed

Summer: gets summer rain and fog – Zone 2-3 and wash-downs

Fertilizer: light applications of acid fertilizer

Other: best near the coast

© 2004 Aaron Schusteff

© Project SOUND

Garden uses for Glossyleaf Manzanita

Mounded groundcover under pines and similar tall trees

Along coast, with other species for a north coast themed garden: Allium unifolium, Diplicus aurantiacus, Baccharis pilularis, Pinus attenuata, Fragaria vesca, Satureja douglasii

© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College

© 2004 Aaron Schusteff

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Arctostaphylos nummularia

‘Small Change’

Selected for its small leaves which are bronze when young.

2-3' H x 3-4' W; mounding or spreading

Coast: full sun; Inland: part shade

Well-draining, acidic soils - good choice for planting under pines.

Provide afternoon sun and extra water in inland gardens.

© Project SOUND http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Arctostaphylos_nummularia_'Small_Change'

Versatile ‘Emerald Carpet’

hybrid is garden friendly

and low

Hybrid between Arctostaphylos uva-ursi and A. nummularia – best traits of both parents

groundcover to very low hedge

© Project SOUND

http://www.pasadena.watersavingplants.com/eplant.php?plantnum=243&return=l8_aK

The climate above San Francisco Bay is

quite different from ours

© Project SOUND

http://angrylambie-landscapes.buzznet.com/user/photos/wildflowers-northern-california-

coast/?id=66160771

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Reyes

Point Reyes ~ 30 miles (50 km) north of San

Francisco on Highway 1

A prominent cape

The Point Reyes Peninsula is bounded by Tomales Bay on the northeast and Bolinas Lagoon on the southeast.

The headland is protected as part of Point Reyes National Seashore.

© Project SOUND

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Reyes

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Reyes

1/6/2013

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Rainfall: Point Reyes

© Project SOUND

Our rainfall

Much cooler summers as well -

highs in the 50’s

Point Reyes: northern

maritime chaparral Maritime chaparral at Point Reyes intergrades with mixed evergreen forest and is bordered by coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) groves and riparian woodlands

Common maritime chaparral species at Point Reyes include Eastwood's manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa), glossyleaf manzanita (Arctostaphylos nummularia), chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), giant chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla), buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus), and chaparral pea (Pickeringia montana). Also of importance in this vegetation type are the rare species Bolinas Manzanita (Arctostaphylos virgata), Point Reyes ceanothus (Ceanothus gloriosus var. exaltatus), and Mason's ceanothus (Ceanothus masonii).

© Project SOUND

http://www.meetup.com/bay-areakayakers/events/12581031/

http://www.math.cmu.edu/~pikhurko/Gallery/110320PointReyes/33.html http://roadjournals.viamagazine.com/2012/01/17/point-reyes-national-seashore-

hiking-tamales-point-trail/

© Project SOUND

* Point Reyes Ceanothus – Ceanothus gloriosus

© 2006 Steve Matson

North Coast (Marin, Sonoma Counties), San Francisco Bay, north Central Coast

var. porrectus (Mt. Vision ceanothus) - rare variety endemic to Marin County in the vicinity of Point Reyes

var. gloriosus (glory mat) - smaller mat-forming variety known mainly from Marin County

Seaside bluffs and the slopes of the coastal mountains

Coastal Bluff scrub, closed cone conifer forest, coastal dunes, coastal scrub below 1700'

© Project SOUND

* Point Reyes Ceanothus – Ceanothus gloriosus

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?6586,6589,6608

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8u9p--NTHGj834b-n31gzg

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© Project SOUND

Ceanothus gloriosus: varieties differ in height, habit

Size: 2-6 ft tall (depends on var.)

6-12+ ft wide

Growth form:

Var exaltatus: large shrub

Var. gloriosus: low, almost mat-like groundcover, but may be mounded

Bark red aging to gray

Evergreen; fairly fast growth

Foliage:

Leaves bright, fresh to medium green, shiny on top

May be toothed like holly

Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

http://beling.net/articles/about/Ceanothus_gloriosus

© Project SOUND

Flowers: prolific

Blooms: in spring, usually Mar-Apr in western L.A. County

Flowers: Cluster of small flowers typical of

the ceanothus

Medium blue color – gives a nice pastel look to spring garden

Loaded with blooms

Pollinated by bumblebees and other large bees

Fruits: knobby, dry capsule – birds eat the seeds

Vegetative reproduction: stems root where they touch ground

http://www.easybloom.com/plantlibrary/plant/point-reyes-creeper

http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/cegl2a.htm

© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements Soils:

Texture: sandy or rocky best

pH: any local

Light: Full sun only on immediate coast

Afternoon shade needed in most gardens

Water: Winter: supplement it needed;

gets 30”/year or so in nature

Summer: likes some summer water – Zone 2 or 2-3 best in local gardens

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

Other: organic mulch

http://atlantis.mendocino.edu/jxerogeanes/Plant%20ID2/Forms/DispForm.aspx?ID=301&Ro

otFolder=%2Fjxerogeanes%2FPlant%20ID2%2FWeek%207

© Project SOUND

Ceanothus gloriosus: Ground cover for: Under trees

Parking strips

Side yards

Front yard: with natural associates Baccharis pilularis, Diplacus aurantiacus, Frangula californica, Sedum spathulifolium, Rhamnus californica

http://www.metrofieldguide.com/portfolio/flowering/ceanothusgloriosus/ceanothu

sgloriosus.htm

http://www.wallyhood.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_1727.jpg

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Ceanothus gloriosus

'Anchor Bay'

Very dense, low-growing and spreading selection

More compact than species: ~ 2 ft tall and spreads 6-8 feet.

Darker blue flowers than the species.

More adaptable to a range of garden soils

© Project SOUND

http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=1755

http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/images/new_botimages/large/0102_j.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/70207652@N00/page8/

‘Anchor Bay’, Mendecino County Anchor Bay lies in the heart of the

"banana belt", because of its unique microclimate; a warm column of air from inland spills over the protective coastal mountains, making the area warmer, with less fog and wind than the surrounding areas.

© Project SOUND

http://www.california-blog.com/photos-information-places/tag/anchor-bay-ca

Ceanothus gloriosus

‘Heart’s Desire’

Dense groundcover 6"-12" high x 5' wide

Very adaptable to garden soils, watering, being trampled, etc.

© Project SOUND

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/ceanothus-gloriosus-hearts-desire

http://thehumanfootprint.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/california-natives-part-3-

groundcovers-manzanitas-ceanothus/

Planting and spacing: be sure you check

the ultimate size before you plant

Many woody groundcovers get very big – give them the room they need to grow

Hard to contain them by pruning

Will become more mounded if they interact with other plants

Choose fast-growing cultivars if quick coverage is needed

Mulch, mulch, mulch – and re-new mulch

© Project SOUND

http://tmousecmouse.blogspot.com/2011/10/planting-time-plant-sale-time.html

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Why did my groundcover plant grow so

tall? It was supposed to be short!!!!@@@

© Project SOUND

Genetic dwarfs

Plants stunted by environmental conditions Wind

Salt spray/salty soils

Sandy soils

Low soil fertility - serpentine

Acidic soils

‘shallow soils’ – close to bedrock or hardpan

Herbivory – ‘animal pruning’

A combination of genetic and environmental causes

Jug Handle State Park

provides some answers

S. of Ft. Bragg

Each of five ancient terraces represents one stage in a progression of successional environments.

Terraces formed at intervals of approximately 100,000 years and involved about 100 feet of uplift to form each of the terraces.

Provides a rare opportunity to view ecological succession and landscape evolution in a CA coastal environment.

© Project SOUND

http://www.fire.ca.gov/resource_mgt/downloads/reports/FinalReportD

escriptionAndInterpretation.pdf

Some terraces include pygmy forest communities – right next to the same species that are of normal size

This allows us to see the effect of specific aspects of the environment that are associated with stunted growth

In this case, there are several factors: Shallow soils

Low pH

Nutrient depletion

High levels of Aluminum

© Project SOUND

But there’s more….. Soil chemistry and effect on plant growth

Analyses of pygmy forest soils show low levels of macro— and micro—nutrients, and high levels of exchangeable aluminum, which limits the ability of plants to grow. Low pH conditions support formation of an iron hardpan, preventing the trees from setting deep roots and preventing internal drainage of soil water.

As a result, the pine trees in the area are rarely more than three or four feet high, in a sort of natural bonsai effect. Many of the tree trunks, though only an inch thick, contain 80 or more growth rings. Only yards away, but with younger soils, the same species of tree grows many dozens of feet high.

© Project SOUND

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pygmy_forest

http://www.everystockphoto.com/photo.php?imageId=3410677

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Lessons from the Central & N. Coast

Plants tend to be shorter; growth habit

Overall moisture requirements

Moisture patterns

Soils

© Project SOUND

http://www.mrfs.net/trips/2005/Northern_California/Redwood_Coast/Redwood_Coast.ht

ml

Summary: Envi stresses

Decreased mineral nutrition Nutrient-poor soils

Leached/sandy

Just poor nutrient value – sepentine

Competition (with weeds and other plants)

Factors effecting root growth Shallow soils

Soils at pH extremes

Soil water extremes

Other stresses Repeated injury:

Herbivory

Disease

Pruning/bonsai

Wind/blowing sand

Salt

Air pollution

© Project SOUND

© Project SOUND http://www.bon-voyage.co.uk/destinations/california_holidays/itineraries

We hope you’ve enjoyed our trip up the coast

© Project SOUND

Be a part of ‘Mother Nature’s Backyard