Post on 20-May-2015
transcript
1/6/2013
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© Project SOUND
Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden
Gardening with Western L.A. County Native Plants Project SOUND - 2010
© Project SOUND
Pools, Ponds and
Streams
C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake
CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve
Madrona Marsh Preserve
June 5 & 8, 2010
S. California has many different kinds of
wet places
Estuarine—marsh* Estuarine—mudflat Estuarine—open water Estuarine—submerged aquatic vegetation Vernal pools & swales (always seasonal) Depressional wetlands except vernal pools &
swales—marsh and unvegetated flats* Depressional wetlands except vernal pools &
swales—open water* Seeps and springs wetlands* Playas—marsh* Playas—open water* Lakes—marsh Lakes—open water Streams and rivers—channel* Streams and rivers—riparian habitat*
Local wetlands – what do they look like?
Western L.A./Orange County (lowlands) Wetlands associated with
depressions Vernal pools (Madrona Marsh)
Freshwater marshes - vernal or year-round (Madrona Marsh)
Wetlands associated with moving water Year-round streams (San
Gabriel & Santa Ana Rivers)
Seasonal streams (Gardena Willows Preserve)
Madrona Marsh – seasonal marsh
Gardena Willows – seasonal stream
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Local wetlands – a little farther away –and a
bit more topography
Local Mountains (Santa Monica & San Gabriel Mtns.)
Seeps & wet meadows
Ponds & lakes
Year-round creeks, streams & rivers
E. Fork, San Gabriel River
Malibu Creek
Two key elements that determine plant
life in freshwater systems
Is the water still or moving?
Is the water year-round or seasonal?
http://walkingboots.wordpress.com/
These two elements will
also determine the types
of pond/pool/creek side
plants appropriate for your
garden
What do you have in mind? Types of
water features in home gardens
Seasonally wet places (rain garden; vernal swale)
Moist ground year-round (splash zones around fountains or irrigation)
Wet soil year-round (wet meadow/bog garden)
Ponds/pools/puddles (standing water year-round)
Streams/creeks (running water at least part of the year) – may be natural or constructed
http://greenlifeinsocal.wordpress.com/2010/01/30/my-veggie-
garden-in-january/
Perhaps you’ve fallen in love with the Madrona Marsh…
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…and want to have a little bit of the marsh
in your backyard
http://back40feet.blogspot.com/2009/01/winter-in-blake-garden.html
Three water habitats in garden ponds/pools
Habitat 1 – shallow water (less than 1-2 ft)
Habitat 2 – pond edge – very shallow water/ muddy soils
Habitat 3 – upper bank
http://www.mabaquascapes.co.uk/portfolio.htm
http://www.finegardening.com/design/articles/a-garden-set-in-stone.aspx
Some ponds have just 2 of the habitats
You can create a mini-pond in your
garden…complete with pond plants
http://www.penick.net/digging/index.php?s=wildflower+center
Any water-tight container will do: a watertight half wine barrel; large ceramic pots or bowls ; galvanized tubs or horse troughs, etc.
Use ceramic or terra cotta pots set upon bricks or cinderblocks, adjusting them to the level of the top edge of the pond container.
Depending upon the size of your container, you can select about three to five plants for your little "pond".
Be sure you deal with mosquito larva – mosquito fish or chemical means "mosquito dunk"
Relocating a water garden is a challenge. It's best to begin in the right location: in the sun and away from trees and plants dropping debris.
Madrona Marsh provides excellent examples of local pond/marsh plants
Tules dominate the wettest parts of the marsh
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Tules – Schoenoplectus (formerly Scirpus)
Six local species:
Schoenoplectus acutus – Tule
Schoenoplectus americanus – Chairmaker’s Bullrush
Schoenoplectus californicus – CA Tule
Schoenoplectus pungens var. badius - Common Threesquare
Schoenoplectus robustus – Sturdy Bullrush
Scirpus microcarpus – Small-fruited Bullrush
Note: the terms Tule and Bullrush are used
interchangeably
The trouble with Tules …
They are large – to 8 ft. tall
They are active spreaders
They are tough
They require active management
They can take over a garden pond
© Project SOUND
Southern Cattail – Typha domingensis
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Typhadomingensis.jpg
© Project SOUND
Warm temperate and tropical areas, worldwide
In CA - most areas, with proper conditions
Almost anywhere soil remains wet, saturated, or flooded most of the growing season, including : wet meadows, marshes, fens, pond and lake margins, floating bog mats, seacoast estuaries, roadside ditches, irrigation canals, oxbow lakes, and backwater areas of rivers and streams.
Southern Cattail – Typha domingensis
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=222000445
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?9383,9390,9392
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Genus Typha – the Cattails
Members of the cattail family (family Typhaceae); the only genus in the family.
Aquatic or marsh herbs with creeping rootstocks, long, narrow leaves
Tiny flowers crowded in terminal spikes, with the male (staminate) ones at the top and female (pistillate) below.
~ 18 species all occur in temperate and tropical regions.
Local species: Typha latifolia – Broadleaf Cattail Typha dominguensis – Southern Cattail ?Typha angustifolia – Narrowleaf Cattail
(definitely from San Gabriel Mtns)
Typha latifolia
Typha angustifolia http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/where/ponds/p/ap/guide/emergent/typhaa.cfm © Project SOUND
Characteristics of Southern Cattail
Size: 3-6+ ft tall
spreading – many ft wide
Growth form: Like a very large sedge; upright
Foliage: Long, strap-like leaves
Leaf width ( ~ ½ inch) between that of Broad- and Narrowleaf Cattails
Roots: Rhizomes stout, to 27" in length
and typically ¾"-1½" in diameter
Can be eaten raw, cooked or dried and made into flour
http://www.rook.org/earl/bwca/nature/aquatics/typhaan.html
© Project SOUND
Distinguished from the
closely related Common
Cattail (Typha latifolia) by:
narrower, deeper green leaves on a less robust plant
fruiting spikes showing clear separation between the male and female sections - staminate above the pistillate
leaves typically extending beyond the spike.
http://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=3281
http://www.opsu.edu/Academics/SciMathNurs/NaturalScience/PlantsInsect
sOfGoodwell/plants/pasturefiles/pasture119.html
© Project SOUND
Flowers are unusual
Blooms: Late spring/summer - usually May-July
Flowers: Typical for Cattails
Flower structure a dense, fuzzy, cylindrical spike on the end of stem
A distinct gap of 1"-3" of naked stem between the upper, male portion (staminate) and the lower, female (pistillate) portion.
Male flowers lighter brown; female flowers often green during bloom turning dark brown during seed maturation.
Seeds: fluffy, small – typical Cattail; wind-distributed
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Many uses of cattails and tules
Roots & young stalk – eaten as food; used as diuretic
Young female flowers – eaten raw or cooked like corn on the cob
Pollen – eaten raw or cooked; often added to flour to increase nutrition
Seeds – used to stuff pillows
Leaves: Medicinal: diuretic and
haemostatic (stops bleeding For constructing shelters,
hats, mats, etc.
http://practicalsurvivor.com/wildedibleplants © Project SOUND
Cattails like water… Soils:
Texture: any
pH: any local including quite acidic (to pH 3.0)
Light: full sun
Water: Winter: flooded
Summer: Tolerates continuous inundation, seasonal draw-downs, and brackish waters. Can grow in water to 24" deep. Great for boggy pond margins
Fertilizer: light fertilizer
Other: Less water = less invasive
http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/science/Evolutionary_Ecology_Research/Ecology_of_Cumbe
rland_Plain_Woodland/woodland_plants/typha_domingensis
© Project SOUND
Cattails – not for every garden/gardener
Interesting container plant – can control spread and conditions
In seasonally wet areas – rain gardens, vernal swales
Around/in ponds & pools
Bank stabilization around ponds, streams, rivers.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1248/702390298_0a32a0a4cd.jpg
http://homepage3.nifty.com/plantsandjapan/img698.gif
What makes water plants so invasive?
Fast-growing when conditions are optimal (water; temp.; pH, nutrients)
Most expand through an extensive rhizome system which is responsible for the maintenance and expansion of existing stands.
Most will also reseed – if conditions are right
http://brg.cma.nsw.gov.au/uploads/images/ih_CumbungiBoomi.jpg
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Why the need for vegetative propagation
in wetland species?
Conditions are not always optimal – needs to be able to maximize growth in optimal times
Seed reproduction is iffy – small seeds must quickly germinate on moist soil, which often doesn’t occur
Disturbance – plays a key role in both removing and disbursing wetland plants
In the absence of disturbance, cattail dominates marshes in dense, single-species stands, out-competing other species.
© Project SOUND
Managing cattails/rushes/etc. in the garden
setting Many not suitable for
growing in small areas – choose appropriate species
Fast-spreading species need to be managed yearly or will take over: Cut back stems in
dormant season Remove ½ to 2/3 of
mass Replant
Best contained in large, strong, bottomless container.
http://www.jardin-mundani.org/typhaceae/typha.jpg
http://www.westcarlston.com/aquatics_Plants_Lists.htm
© Project SOUND
In garden ponds, you must be the ‘disturbance’
http://greenlifeinsocal.wordpress.com/2010/01/30/my-veggie-garden-in-january/
Smaller choices for habitat 1(shallow
water) & 2 (pond edge) areas
Scouring Rushes - Equisetum
Spikerushes – Eleocharis species
Some rushes – Juncus species
Some sedges – Carex species
Flat-sedges – Cyperus species
Fiber-optic grass - Isolepis (Scirpus) cernuus
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Giant Scouring Rush – Equisetum hyemale ssp. affine
http://www.sbs.utexas.edu/bio406d/images/pics/equ/equisetum_hyemale.htm
Equisetums are well suited to moist
container gardening
Soils: Texture: any from sandy
or gravelly muds to clays
pH: any – prefers 6.5 to 7.5
Light: full sun to shady
Water: can tolerate prolonged wet
conditions, but should not be totally submerged nor allowed to dry out
Best in cool moist soils or pots submerged up to 4”
http://www.vanbloem.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/PLANTS.plantDetail/plant_id/363/index.htm
© Project SOUND
Pale Spikerush – Eleocharis macrostachya
http://www.joesnowaquaticplants.com/plant%20list%20with%20links.htm © Project SOUND
Pale Spikerush –
Eleocharis macrostachya
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id
=1&taxon_id=242101136
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Eleocharis+macrostachya
Common Spikerush –
Eleocharis palustris
Jepson treats them as one species – but there are some slight morphologic differences
Classification is currently undergoing revisions
Challenge – widely disbursed world-wide (as are many wetland species
http://www.efloras.org/object_page.aspx?object_id=9080&flora_id=1
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Spikerushes grow at the edges of ponds or in
vernal wetlands – seeds germinate under water
http://www.cnps.org/programs/vegetation/Table_Mountain/images/16_Eleocharis-Sagittaria-Paspalum_JT.jpg
Eleocharis (Spike Rushes) in the wild
Seeds can germinate under water
Do best with fluctuating water levels in streams, vernal ponds/pools – can even grow in ponds (or aquariums)
Short, delicate stems - bright green color in spring/early summer
Form large meadows in vernal pools
Have great little flower spikes that tower above the leaves
Attractive to bees when flowering
Attractive stems even when dry – looks like a silvery-brown meadow
Eleocharis Spike Rushes in the garden
Rain gardens and vernal swales
On the edges of ponds/pools
In pots in freshwater pools
As a “natural lawn” – needs water to stay green, but needs no mowing
Good for erosion control
Good habitat - birds eat the seeds
Improves useable soil nitrogen
http://www.greenthumbinternational.com/ponds/images/Eleocharis_m
ontevidensis_jpg.jpg
Spike rushes need more water than many rushes & other sedges
Juncus, Carex and water-tolerant perennials are
useful for spanning Wetland Habitats 2 & 3
http://www.finegardening.com/design/articles/a-garden-set-in-stone.aspx
http://www.csupomona.edu/~biotrek/tour/tour03.html
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Juncaceae: Rushes (Wire-grasses)
Characteristics: stiff narrow stems with tiny flower clusters at tips or on side of stem
“Rushes are rounded but sedges have edges”
Juncus – large genus with > 200 annual and perennial species
Rushes form an extremely important component of wetlands, rivers and estuaries
Rushes reproduce by seed, but many species set little viable seed; form large clonal colonies through underground spread of rhizomes.
http://www.biology.iastate.edu/Courses/Bot364%20Aquatic%20B
otany/Genera/Juncus/Juncus-line.GIF
Blue Rush: adaptable to a
wide range of water
schedules
Seasonal flooding in winter
Prefers moist summer soil but will take:
Growing in water in a pond (grow in a pot)
Regular watering
Occasional (every few weeks) watering
No added water – and still looks greenish
http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/spreadingrush.html
Some local rushes – and there are others
Baltic Rush
http://plants.montara.com/ListPages/FamP
ages/Junca1.html
Leopold’s Rush Common/Blue
Rush Mexican Rush Iris-leaved
Rush
Juncus in
the garden
Accent plant in/around pools
Planted among stones
As a container plant
Erosion control – along streams
In moist areas in general – bio-swales, wet areas in lawns
Good nesting, hiding cover for birds
http://www.cjb.unige.ch/BotSyst/APG2/Commelinid/100_JUN_13.jpg
http://www.paradiseenvironments.com/images/New/POND
S-GRIFFITH%20JUNCUS.JPG
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Uses for Carex species in
the garden
In vernal swales
In rain gardens
Along banks of ponds and natural pools
In full sun or in shade under trees
In watered rock gardens
As an ornamental “grass”
Carex tumulicola
http://www.alamedacreek.org/Join%20-
%20Volunteer/FOTA/GNG%20plants.pdf
Carex spissa
http://www.smgrowers.com/imagedb/Carex_spissa.jpg
© Project SOUND
Water Smartweed – Polygonum hydropiperoides
http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/where/ponds/p/ap/guide/emergent/polygonumh.cfm
© Project SOUND
Water Smartweed – Polygonum hydropiperoides
Much of N. America
Locally – Madrona Marsh & other local wetlands
Shallow water along the margins of lakes, ponds, and streams
Smartweeds are members of the buckwheat family (family Polygonaceae).
Stems commonly have swollen nodes. (The family name refers to this, deriving from Greek words meaning many knees.)
http://www.efloras.org/object_page.aspx?object_id=92773&flora_id=1
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?5936,6248,6270 © Project SOUND
Smartweed is different… but kind of interesting
Size: 2-4 ft tall
3-4+ ft wide, spreading
Growth form: Herbaceous perennial
Many erect to leaning stems – clump-forming
Dies back in winter – nice fall color
Foliage: Long narrow leaves
Young leaves and be eaten – also important as an antiseptic medicine
Roots: Rhizomes; stems also root where
they touch the ground
http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/where/ponds/p/ap/guide/emergent/polygonum
h.cfm
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© Project SOUND
Flowers are showy
Blooms: Summer into fall
Usually July & Aug or later – depends on available water
Flowers: Clustered on slender
flowering stems
Many small pink-white flowers –old-fashioned look
Seeds: Small, dark brown/black
Food for many birds – waterfowl & songbirds
Steve Hurst @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
http://www.backyardnature.net/n/h/swamp-sm.htm © Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: any
pH: any local, acidic to alkali
Light: Full sun to part-shade (good in
filtered shade under trees)
Water: Winter: takes winter flooding
Summer: wet to moist; can grow in shallow water, but also in seasonally dry areas
Fertilizer: leaf mulch; ok with light fertilizer
Other: may need to be replaced when starts looking raggedy – every 3-4 years
© Project SOUND
Garden uses for
Smartweed
As a pond plant – in shallow water; can grow in pot in a pond
As a pond-side plant
As an attractive pot plant – good for wet/bog containers
Other moist areas of the garden
http://www.backyardnature.net/n/h/swamp-sm.htm
http://bhushandalvi.wordpress.com/tag/polygonum-hydropiperoides/
Container gardens allow us to create the
conditions needed by selected plants
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Yerba Mansa – Anemopsis californica Garden uses for
Yerba Mansa
As an attractive pot plant, particularly for mini ‘bog gardens’
In containers placed in the ground
Around ponds
In water gardens
As a turf substitute or ground cover
Under birdbath or other moist areas of garden http://www.mswn.com/Plant%20Info%20Sheets/Anemopsis%20californica.pdf
Musk Monkeyflower – Mimulus moschatus
J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Cardinal Flower: a garden perennial
Size:
2-6 (usually 2-4) ft tall
2-3 ft wide
Growth form: Herbaceous perennial; winter
dormant
Upright growth
Short-lived but re-seeds well
Foliage: Leaves: most basal, alternate
Light to deep green; often with bronze tinge
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LOCA2
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Cardinal Flower is a
great Zone 3 plant…
Great candidate as a container plant; bog garden plant
Moist meadow, rain garden, anywhere that gets a little extra water
Flowers make nice cut flowers
Fine at back of conventional (regularly watered) beds
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LOCA2
Yellow-eyed Grass – Sisyrinchium californicum
http://www.soquelnursery.com/perennials_Santolina_Sutera.html
http://www.efloras.org/fl
orataxon.aspx?flora_id=
1&taxon_id=242101895
Yellow-eyed Grass – Sisyrinchium californicum
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?8185,8222,8224
Pacific coast from central California to s. British Columbia -
Primarily in moist-wet peripheries of ponds, bogs, marshes, lakeshores, moist grasslands and other moist sites near the coast
Genus Sisyrinchium In the iris family, Iridaceae. Between 70 to 150 species,
all native to the New World.
Yellow-eyed Grass – like Blue-eyed Grass
Size: 1-2 ft tall
1-2 ft wide, spreading
Growth form: Herbaceous perennial from
rhizomes (like Iris)
Foliage: Grass-like (or mini-Iris-like)
leaves
Pale to blue-green; dry to black
Roots: rhizomes
Gerald and Buff Corsi © California Academy of Sciences
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Flowers are lovely
Blooms: Spring/summer usually Apr-
June in our area
Long bloom season with good water
Flowers: Like Blue-eyed Grass –
except bright, cheery yellow
Delicate, star-like - on stem above the foliage
Open in morning; close by midday
Seeds: Pod is 3-chambers – like Iris
Small, angular dark seeds
Charles Webber © California Academy of Sciences
© 2001 Tony Morosco
© 2007
Ron Wolf
Likes a drink in spring Soils: Texture: any – sand to clay
pH: any local
Light: Full sun best; will tolerate light
shade
Water: Winter: adequate moisture
Summer: moist to wet conditions in spring - somewhat drier conditions in midsummer through winter. Needs dormant period
Fertilizer: not picky; poor to medium-rich soils
Other: Divide every 3rd year
Re-seeds well; deadhead to prevent
http://www.geoffhandley.com/Gardening/flowergallery/siscalifornicum.jpg
http://www.anniesannuals.com/signs/s/sisyrinchium_californicum_yeg.htm
So now we’re feeling confident about
planting a small garden pool….
© Project SOUND
http://www.wiseacre-gardens.com/pond/pond_matt2.jpg
But maybe you really wanted more of a
streamside look…
Malibu Creek - Santa Monica Mountains
http://www.calflora.net/wildplaces/index.html
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There’s something special about a
lowland riparian woodland…
© Project SOUND
*California Boxelder – Acer negundo var. californicum
http://trees.stanford.edu/ENCYC/ACERneg.htm
© Project SOUND
*California Boxelder – Acer negundo var. californicum
Several nice specimens at the Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve © Project SOUND
*California Boxelder – Acer negundo var. californicum
Species: moist areas of U.S… including much of east
var. californicum: CA Floristic Province (W of Sierras) from OR to Baja
Locally in Santa Monica & San Gabriel Mtns
Introducing into nursery trade by Theodore Payne
Species widely planted as a street tree
http://na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/acer/negundo.htm
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?256,257,0,264
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© Project SOUND
CA Boxelder: large shrub/ small shrubby tree
Size:
30-60 ft tall – usually 30-40
20-30 ft wide
Growth form: Woody shrubby tree –irregular
shape w/ several trunks – dark/red bark
Winter deciduous
Fast-growing first 15-20 yrs; lives ~ 75 years
Produces Maple syrup
Foliage: Leaves similar to Ash
Foliage light, bright green in spring – fall color (yellow)
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=acne2
http://www.laspilitas.c
om/nature-of-
california/plants/acer-
negundo-californicum © Project SOUND
Flowers are subtle
Blooms: In spring; usually Mar-Apr
in our area
Flowers: Trees are dioecious (sep.
male and female trees) – unique for Maples (but common in riparian plants)
Female flowers – on long, drooping stalks
Male flowers – in clusters
Neither is particularly showy
Bee pollinated
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-
california/plants/acer-negundo-californicum
© Project SOUND
Seeds are definitely
Maple seeds
Seeds: Winged samaras – single wing – in
fall
Wings help in seed dispersal - seeds are wind distributed continuously until spring
Seeds produced each year on individual trees beginning at 8 to 11 years of age.
The samaras are borne on drooping racemes.
Seed eating migratory birds (like Cedar Waxwing) devour them
Vegetative reproduction: Re-sprouting from stump, roots
http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=File:Acnegundo.jpg&filetimestamp=20071026225348
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/acer-negundo-californicum
© Project SOUND
Boxelders are
stream bank trees
Soils: Texture: just about any
pH: any local except > 8.0
Light: Full sun to light shade
Water: Winter: can take brief periods of
flooding – but best on banks above flood-line
Summer: regular when young – then fine with occasional (Zone 2) to regular water – probably best Zone 2 to 2-3 – susceptible to fungal diseases
Fertilizer: likes leaf mulch
Other: easy to prune/shape, but often needs little; reseeds on moist ground
http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Acer_negundo_var._californicum
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© Project SOUND
Boxelder provides quick shade
Often planted as a street tree – but wood can be weak with over-watering
Nice shade tree if pruned up
Excellent for screen or natural hedgerow
Great for stream bank stabilization or for swales
Ornamental – fall color; looks vaguely Asian
Don’t plant too near buildings or water/sewer lines
© Project SOUND
Boxelder provides the look of riparian woodland
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Acer_negundo_JPG2a.jpg
Other native riparian trees…all large
CA Sycamore – Platanus racemosa
Native Cottonwoods
Black Cottonwood - Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa
Fremont Cottonood - Populus fremontii
Native Willows
Goodding’s Black Willow - Salix gooddingii
Red Willow - Salix laevigata
Arroyo Willow – Salix lasiolepis
Shining (Pacific) Willow - Salix lucida ssp. lasiandra
California Sycamore
Black Cottonwood
Most S. CA native riparian trees are
simply too large for most home gardens
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Narrow-leaf Willow – Salix exigua Narrow-leaf willow in the garden
Locate away from water lines (invasive roots) and buildings (20+ ft)
Containment: probably best in contained area in most smaller gardens
Great along stream-banks, moist slopes – soils stabilizer
Super habitat plant: butterflies, birds, mammals
Nice in a moist garden with sedges, rushes
Lovely color; good contrast with darker greens, grays
© Project SOUND
Four riparian plant zones
waters edge
low terrace
upper slope
top of bank
http://www.californiawaterscapes.com/blog/
http://www.fivestarponds.com/
Same plants
as for ponds &
pools in
garden
© Project SOUND
Lowland riparian/pond gardens can utilize riparian
species from our own and desert regions
http://www.naturamediterraneo.com/Public/data6/Angelo47/DSCF1193%20per%20forum.jpg_20071016205646_DSCF1193%20per%20forum.jpg
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© Project SOUND
* Desert False Indigo – Amorpha fruticosa
© Project SOUND
* Desert False Indigo – Amorpha fruticosa
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3691,3713,3717
http://aces.nmsu.edu/riparian/AMFR.html
Many areas of west – including the coast of CA & Baja
Locally in San Gabriels, mountains of San Diego, Riverside & San Bernardino Counties
Along stream banks, canyon bottoms to 5000', coastal sage scrub, chaparral
© Project SOUND
Western False Indigo: almost tropical-looking
Size: 6-15 ft tall; usually 10-12
5-15 ft wide; usually 5-10
Growth form:
Leggy, irregular form
Multiple upright woody stems – exotic-looking
Most of leaves on top 1/3
Foliage:
Green, compound leaves with many leaflets – typical Pea family
Resinous, sticky
Roots: nitrogen-fixing (with symbiotic soil bacteria)
http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=17605
© Project SOUND
Flowers are amazing!
Blooms: Late spring - usually May-July
Flowers: Thousands of tiny flowers on
dense flowering stalks – very showy, unique
Individual flowers pink-purple with prominent yellow stamens
Open from base to tip
Vanilla scent; butterfly plant
Seeds: bean-like in small pod; seeds disbursed by water over months – can float on water 1 wk
Vegetative reproduction: from broken stems
http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=17605
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Amorpha_fruticosa
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© Project SOUND
False Indigo – many human uses
http://www.wnmu.edu/academic/nspages2/gilaflora/amorpha_fruticosa.jpg
Crushed fruit is used as a condiment
Resinous pustules on the plant contain 'amorpha', a contact and stomachic insecticide that also acts as an insect repellent
The stems are used as bedding.
The plant contains some indigo pigment and can be used to make a blue dye. It is only present in very small quantities - not enough to harvest commercially
True indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) is also in Pea family
True Indigo http://www.learnnc.org/lp/multimedia/7823 © Project SOUND
False Indigo adapts Soils: Texture: well-drained ; light to
medium texture
pH: any local
Light: Full sun to part-shade
Water: Winter: needs adequate
Summer: best with some to regular water (Zone 2-3 to 3);
But has long roots - quite drought tolerant
Tolerates fluctuations in water – flooding to drought
Other: Prune heavily in late winter
Will spread via seeds if happy
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
© Project SOUND
False Indigo – for
moist areas
Along stream banks – popular
In regularly watered beds, near lawns
Pruned as a small tree
In rain gardens
As hedge/windbreak plant
http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=17605
http://www.gsd.harvard.edu/loeb_library/information_systems/projects/E_vue/pl
ants/amorpha_fruticosa.htm © Project SOUND
Big Sycamore Canyon - Santa Monica
Mountains
http://www.calflora.net/wildplaces/index.html
http://www.cnps-sgm.org/gallery/GP-WestFork.html
Perhaps a mountain stream is what you had in mind
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© Project SOUND
A shady yard lends itself well to a ‘mountain
steam’ theme – even in the lowlands
Use the correct type of rocks/boulders
Have areas of light and shade
Use the a combination of wetland & upland plants – some of which are mountain species
http://homepage.mac.com/cjbowdish/GaviotaHotSpringsTrail042107/large-55.html
http://www.pacificoutdoorlivingofgeorgia.com/waterscapes.htm © Project SOUND
* Giant Stream Orchid – Epipactis gigantea
G.A. Cooper @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
© Project SOUND
* Giant Stream Orchid – Epipactis gigantea
Western U.S., Mexico
California Floristic Province (except Great Central Valley, s Channel Islands)
Locally Santa Monica & San Gabriel Mtns.
Seeps, wet meadows, streambanks , ledges
May occur in riparian woodlands
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101585
http://www.wnmu.edu/academic/nspages2/gilaflora/epipactis_gigantea.html http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?8695,8709,8710 © Project SOUND
Giant stream Orchid is, well … an orchid
Size:
1-3 ft tall
2-5 ft wide clump
Growth form: Herbaceous perennial
Winter dormant
Very woodsy looking
Foliage: Glossy, strap-like leaves –
medium green
Roots: short rhizomes – can form
dense, spreading clump (like Day Lilly)
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=EPGI
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© Project SOUND
Flowers: beautiful orchids
Blooms: in spring - usually Mar-May in our area.
Flowers: On wand-like stalks – up to 30+
flowers per stalk
Flowers ~ 1 inch across
Color: 2 forms
Maroon and white (may actually be more pink)
Orange/yellow/gold
Significant variation between individual plants
pollinated by Syrphid flies, beneficial flies that feed on aphids.
Seeds: many, small. Difficult to grow from seed (unless you’re and orchid fancier)
© 2007, G. D. Carr
© Project SOUND
Flowers: beautiful orchids Blooms: in spring - usually Mar-May
in our area.
Flowers: On wand-like stalks – up to 20+
flowers per stalk
Flowers ~ 1 inch across
Color: 2 forms
Maroon and white (may actually be more pink)
Orange/yellow/gold
Significant variation between individual plants
Pollinated by Syrphid flies, beneficial flies that feed on aphids.
Seeds: many, small. Difficult to grow from seed (unless you’re and orchid fancier)
Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
© Project SOUND
Easy to propagate
from divisions
Divide in late winter/ early spring
Divide pot-grown plants yearly
http://culturesheet.org/orchidaceae:epipactis
© Project SOUND
Stream Orchids love water Soils: Texture: most local soils
pH: any local (5.5 to 8)
Light: Part-shade to quite shady;
needs shade during hot part of day
Water: Winter: very wet fine –
stream’s edge
Summer: needs regular water – flowing/moving water best – stream’s edge
Fertilizer: likes a good leaf mulch; could give ½ strength fertilizer
Other: pretty easy to grow; may be dormant for a year or so.
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=EPGI
Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
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© Project SOUND
Stream Orchids are a showy
addition to a water feature
In a seep or bog garden
On edges of ponds or stream banks (including manufactured streams) or in moist ground near fountains
Grow in large pots – much as you would cymbidiums
Plant with Scarlet Monkeyflower to fill the space when Stream Orchid is dormant
The lower lip and tongue move when the flower is touched or shaken; hence the alternate name Chatterbox Orchid.
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=EPGI
http://cactiguide.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16440&view=previous&sid=e49e5e49a4aff386a3dd309d17e0215d © Project SOUND
Cultivar
‘Serpentine Night’
Natural cultivar from just north of the Bay area
A bit more difficult that the straight species
Foliage emerges jet black in spring
Blooms are typically greenish purple.
Slower to spread than the straight species.
http://cactiguide.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16440&view=previous&sid=e49e5e4
9a4aff386a3dd309d17e0215d
© Project SOUND
* Mountain Mint – Pycnanthemum californicum
© 2001 Jeff Abbas
© Project SOUND
* Mountain Mint – Pycnanthemum californicum
Foothills of mountain ranges from OR to Mexico
Locally in the San Gabriels
Moist sites of chaparral, oak woodland, and coniferous forests
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?4745,4861,4862
The genus Pycnanthemum - in the mint family, Lamiaceae.
Most species are very strongly scented and pungent
Most are used in cooking and in making herbal tea.
All species in this genus are native to North America.
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© Project SOUND
CA Mountain Mint – a typical mint
Size: 1-2 ft tall
Spreading to 4+ ft wide
Growth form: Herbaceous perennial
Stems erect (for the most part)
Fast-growing (like Stachys)
Woodsy looking
Foliage: Attractive gray-green color – may
be fuzzy or not
Simple, lance-shaped leaves
Make a nice tea
Roots: Spreading via rhizomes
© 2006 Dean Wm. Taylor, Ph.D. © Project SOUND
Flowers are tiny & sweet
Blooms: Summer - usually June-Aug
in our area
Flowers: In ball-like cluster typical of
Mint family
Flowers are small
White, usually with lavender spots
Very old-fashioned look
Seeds: Many tiny seeds – can shake
them out of dried clusters
© 2009 Neal Kramer
© 2001 Jeff Abbas
© Project SOUND
Easy to please Soils: Texture: any, very adaptable
pH: any local
Light: full sun to part-shade
Water: Winter: takes seasonal flooding –
good for wet parts of garden
Summer: needs regular water – Zone 2-3 to 3.
Fertilizer: would do best with some added humus or leaf mulch
Other: treat like other mints – rip out parts that are growing where you don’t want it (pot up and give new plants away – people will be happy to get them!)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3421/3922100003_85f1edee51.jpg
© Project SOUND
Use Mountain Mint in
wet areas
Under a birdbath or fountain
Places where the neighbor’s water makes the soil damp
In bog gardens
In large, moist-soil containers
In the vegetable garden
Moist areas along walkways – smells wonderful when stepped on – and it doesn’t mind a bit!
Around ponds/pools
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/29/97463864_abe4a596f8.jpg?v=0
© 2001 Jeff Abbas
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Combine Mints with grasses for a nice
stream bank planting
Poa secunda ssp. secunda
Bromus carinatus var. carinatus
Elymus multisetus
Agrostis pallens
Vulpia microstachys var. microstachys
Koeleria macrantha
http://forbesontech.typepad.com/my_weblog/forbes_fablesfishing_
strategies/
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/4242808
Get out and look at our local streams, creeks and wetlands for inspiration Good luck with your water garden!