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Clay & hummingbirds 2009

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This lecture was given in May, 2009 as part of the California native plant gardening series ‘Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden’
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© Project SOUND Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden Gardening with South Bay Native Plants Project SOUND - 2009
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Page 1: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

© Project SOUND

Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden

Gardening with South Bay Native Plants Project SOUND - 2009

Page 2: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

© Project SOUND

A Hummingbird

Garden in Clay Soils

C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake

CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve

Madrona Marsh Preserve

May 2 & 5, 2009

Page 3: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

© Project SOUND

American bird artist, John James Audubon, called hummingbirds "glittering garments of the rainbow."

Page 4: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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California is a migratory route or year round residence for at least six members of the hummingbird family, more than any other state in the U.S.

Page 5: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Anna’s Hummingbird

Feeds on a variety of flowers as well as insects and spiders - eats more arthropods than most hummingbirds.

Particularly likes Salvia species, (Sage), particularly Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea).

Likes to get a drink on hot days.

They especially like bird baths that drip so they can hover and sip water as it runs over the edge.

They will also perch on the edge and drink as other birds do but they only sit still for a minute

http://www.laspilitas.com/California_birds

/Hummingbirds/Anna's_Hummingbird/An

na's_Hummingbird.htm

http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/167/_/An

nas_Hummingbird.aspx

Known for its red head. These feathers are only visible at a certain angle. This allows the male Anna's Hummingbird to hide when he needs to and show off when it suits him.

Page 6: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Allen’s Hummingbird

Common in brushy woods, gardens & meadows of coastal California

Male highly aggressive and territorial. Hot-tempered despite its diminutive stature, a male Allen's Hummingbird will chase other males from its territory, as well as any other hummingbird species

Eats mainly nectar (occasionally eating spiders and insects it finds in flowers). The spiders and insects provide a source of protein.

Need nectar sources with high amounts of sugar to support their incredibly high metabolisms.

Must visit approximately one thousand flowers per day and needs to consume more than twice its own weight in nectar each day.

Has very general nesting requirements - will nest in trees, shrubs, or herbs. Nests are very small and tightly woven cups.

http://hummingbirds.arizona.edu/Web%20pictures/Allen's%20male_salal_Melton.png

http://www.shawcreekbirdsupply.com/allens_hummingbird_map.htm

Page 7: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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The hummingbird habitat: not just pretty

red flowers…

A hummingbird-friendly garden requires five key elements to provide good hummingbird habitat

Nectar-producing flowers

Insects

Water

Perching places

Nest sites

http://www.morrocoastaudubon.org/pics/alhumas.jpg

Page 8: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Like humans, hummingbirds require water for

refreshment, bathing and drinking as part of their

habitat.

In nature, hummingbirds like to take a bath

on a cupped leaf or a shallow pool, or take a “rainbath”.

In the garden, the best water for hummingbirds is moving water.

Misters emit a fine mist of water when attached to a garden hose. Placing a mister so that the mist falls against the foliage of a tree or plant will create a situation where hummingbirds have multiple opportunities to use the feature

Another good source of hummingbird water is a dripper – simply a hose with a tight valve that allows a very slow, rhythmic drip into a reservoir of water. These are often attached to bird baths. Hummingbirds may drink from either the drip or the reservoir and will occasionally bathe in the reservoir

Page 9: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Flowers that depend on the hummingbird for

pollination do all they can to please and attract

Hummingbirds.

Their blossoms project into the open where the birds won’t get caught in the foliage.

Their trumpet shapes accommodate their long bills, and discourage other insects.

Since Hummingbirds have no ability to smell, the flowers do not need to be scented.

Flowers often red or orange to attract hummingbirds visually - their inquisitive nature quickly leads them to investigate any possible new source of food

They tend to have very high sugar content to their nectar – higher than for bee- or butterfly-pollinated plants

male Rufous Hummingbird on Oregon Grape©Donald Jedlovec

Humming-bird pollinated plants and their pollinators evolved together – “co-evolution”

Page 10: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Page 11: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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What is a clay soil?

Soil: a combination of sand, silt, clay, minerals and organic matter that also contains some air and water.

Clay soils are sometimes referred to as heavy soils and sandy soils are called light.

To be classified as clay soil, it should be made up of about 50% clay particles, the finest particles found in soil.

http://www.your-healthy-gardens.com/soil.html

http://www.soilsensor.com/soiltypes.aspx

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Most gardeners know if they have clay soil

If your soil sticks to shoes and garden tools like glue, forms big clods that aren't easy to separate, and crusts over and cracks in dry weather, you have clay.

Page 13: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Tests for clay soil: Feel Tests

Rub a sample of soil between your fingers.

Sandy soil is rough and gritty and breaks up easily.

Clay soil is sticky and feels like plastic.

Silt is in between - much smaller particles than sand and it feels slippery when wet.

Squeeze a sample of moist soil

A heavy clay soil will form a solid lump that is difficult to crumble when it's squeezed together. You can form a ‘rope’ or ‘ribbon’

It's hard to get sandy soil to form a lump and it crumbles easily.

First, take a handful of

moist soil and feel it.

http://home.howstuffworks.com/soil-texture-and-structure.htm

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/la/la_001.cfm

Page 14: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Tests for clay soil: sedimentation test

Fill a quart jar 2/3 full with water

Add dry soil (break up clods) until water is within 1” of top of jar.

Put the lid on the jar and shake it energetically until everything is swirling around. Then set it aside and let it settle, and mark layers until the water clears.

The layers indicate just how much sand, silt and clay make up your soil.

Page 15: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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The sedimentation

process Sand Layer: settles in 1-2 minutes

Allow suspended soil to settle for about a minute.

Mark the side of the jar at the top of the layer that has settled out.

Silt Layer: settles in 1 hour Set jar aside, being careful not to mix

the sand layer; wait ~ an hour. Mark the top of the Silt Layer on the

side of the jar.

Clay layer: settles in ~24 hours Set jar aside, being careful not to shake

or mix the layers that have settled out. After 24 hours, or when the water is

clear (more or less), mark the jar at the top of the clay layer.

Most of the organic matter will be floating on the top of the water

The percentage of each layer tells you what kind of soil you have.

Page 16: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Clay soils Very common in certain areas of S.

CA, particularly around urban areas where fill soils have been used to establish grade in subdivisions and developments.

Clay soils are typically comprised of approximately 0 - 45% sand, 0 - 45% silt and 50 - 100% clay by volume.

Clay soils are not typically free draining, and water tends to take a long time to infiltrate.

When wet, such soils tend to allow virtually all water to run-off.

Clay soils tend to be heavy and difficult to work when dry.

50% clay particles

Page 17: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Loam Soils Are also common in

Southern California, particularly in the valleys and flat areas (flood plains) surrounding rivers and streams.

Loam soils are typically comprised of approximately 25 - 50% sand, 30 - 50% silt and 10 - 30% clay by volume.

Loam soils are somewhat heavier than sandy soils

Tend to be fairly free draining, again, due to typically low organic content. 1:1:1 soils

Page 18: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Gardening in clay soils is different

The old CA garden philosophy: amend the heck out of it The new CA Garden philosophy: what plants will do well in my

clay soil? How do I manage my asset (clay soil)?

Page 19: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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The benefits of clay soils are real…

They retain soil moisture well – you won’t have to water as often

They usually retain nutrients better than sandy soils

Many trees & shrubs (particularly CA natives) grow well in clay soils

Trees often develop better root system – less likely to topple over

Page 20: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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The keys to succeeding with clay soils (in

my experience) are:

Leaving the soil alone as much as possible

Timing: When to plant When to water

Plant Choice: Plants adapted to clay soils Exact choice depends on

drainage qualities of your soil

Mulch/ground-covers

Page 21: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Benefits of CA native plants in clay soils

No need to ‘turn the soil’ each year – associated with problems of compaction

If you plant soils native to your area, they are adapted to your local soil – whatever the soil may be

No need for expensive (and backbreaking) adding of amendments & fertilizers

Most native plants (esp. trees and shrubs) have strong roots; penetrate most clays just fine

Page 22: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Amending clay soils: yes or no?

The best way to amend is with composted organic material

Good/necessary choice for: Vegetable gardens Non-native plants

Problems (for native plants) May change soil pH

Increases nutrient levels – may be too high for many natives

Not needed – many natives are fine with many clay soils

Page 23: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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A better choice: add a little topography

Page 24: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Contouring for water management and

conservation Small elevation changes (1-3

ft.) in a landscape can work wonders:

Provide a greater range of Water Zones: high areas will be drier – low areas wetter

Allow local native plants to be grown in clay soils – provide better drainage

Allow good use of seasonal rainfall – channel rainwater into depressions (water gardens) or swales

Page 25: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Shady, slightly wetter areas

Page 26: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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*Hillside Gooseberry – Ribes californicum var. hesperium

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ribescalifornicum.jpg

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*Hillside Gooseberry – Ribes californicum var. hesperium

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?4450,4451,4458,4460

Hills of the Transverse Ranges – Ventura to Orange Co. Locally: Santa Monica Mtns

San Gabriels

Mostly in canyons, shaded areas that get a little extra moisture

http://back40feet.blogspot.com/2009/02/some-pictures-from-3-mile-hike-on.html

Page 28: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Moderate sized shrub

that can be trained

Size: 3-6+ ft tall 4-6+ ft wide

Growth form: Woody shrub Drought-deciduous; also often

winter deciduous Arched/mounded form

Foliage: Leaves typical for

currants/gooseberries Bright to dark green; shiny Bark: red-brown Dense enough to provide cover

for birds Note prickles – be sure you

locate in the right place!

Roots: bind soils well

http://picasaweb.google.com/Julia.Green.67/SmithRiverFloraFauna#5071202037998081666

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericinsf/3406541076/

Page 29: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Flowers are fantastic

Blooms: Early spring - usually Jan-

Mar. in our area

All Ribes provide good early flowers: pretty color & nectar source

Flowers: Almost fuschia-like

Pink/purple & white

Small, but in clusters – & lots of them

Great hummingbird magnet – they guard them!

http://www.calfloranursery.com/pages_plants/pages_r/ribcal.html

http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/hummingbird.html

Page 30: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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The real treats (for humans & others) are the berries

Humans, birds & others will vie for them!

Consider the possibilities: Jellies

Juices

Sorbets

Wine

Etc.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ken-ichi/2336897514/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/repetti/175661922/

Page 31: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Hillside Gooseberry does well in many clay

soils… Soils:

Texture: just about any; sandy to well-drained clays

pH: any local

Light: Does best with afternoon shade

or dappled shade

Water: Young plants: regular water

Winter: takes some flooding

Summer: likes moist soil (Zone 2-3 or 3);

will lose leaves otherwise

No overhead water in warm periods – fungal disease

Fertilizer: organic mulch; keep away from trunk

http://www.calflora.net/favoritephotos/images/hillsidegooseberry7.jpg

Page 32: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Garden uses for native Gooseberries and Currants

As an attractive pot plant – large pot or planter

As a background shrub, particularly in a habitat garden

For a hedge or screen

In a woodland garden

Under trees – be sure they have the same water requirements

As an accent plant – can be pruned for a formal look

Espaliered along a wall or fence

In an edible garden http://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/3254808068/

Page 33: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Other Ribes for clay soils

Golden Currant – R. aureum

White-flowered Currant – R. indecorum

Chaparral Currant - R. malvaceum

Fuschia-flowered Gooseberry - R. speciosum

Page 34: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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The keys to succeeding with clay soils (in

my experience) are:

Leaving the soil alone as much as possible

Timing: When to plant When to water

Plant Choice: Plants adapted to clay soils Exact choice depends on

drainage qualities of your soil

Mulch/ground-covers

Page 35: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

© Project SOUND

Soil texture/Drainage

Soil type Approximate time

to drain

Hard-pan or sodic soils

days

Clay 3-12 hours

Loam 20-60 minutes

Sandy Loam 10-30 minutes

Sand can't fill the hole, drains too fast

dig hole 1 ft x 1 ft

fill with water and let drain

fill hole again, measure

time for water to drain

How good is the drainage in your clay

soil? – conduct a ‘perc test’

Page 36: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

© Project SOUND

Loam soil that doesn’t drain?

‘Claypans’ & ‘Plowpans’

What are they?

Impermeable layers within the soil – usually high in clays

Cause water to drain very slowly – ‘vernal pools’

What causes them?

Natural causes: due to natural sedimentation in areas once covered by water

Compaction/plowing: leaves an area that is permenantly compacted

http://generalhorticulture.tamu.edu/lectsupl/Soil/soil.html

Page 37: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Provide adequate drainage before

planting in soils with claypan.

Create a sump by augering one or more holes, each 1 to 4 inches in diameter, through impermeable soil or hardpan. Auger down at least 3 feet or deeper if necessary to penetrate to more permeable soil. Fill the holes with pea gravel or sandy loam soil before planting.

Dig planting hole down through the claypan or compacted layer

Or just plant natives that can take the extra moisture

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/ENVIRON/sitepreparation.html

http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-plant-trees-shrubs-and-vines.htm/printable

Page 38: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

© Project SOUND

Bugle (Rigid) Hedgenettle (Wood Mint) – Stachys rigida (ajugoides)

© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College

Page 39: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Bugle (Rigid) Hedgenettle (Wood Mint) – Stachys rigida (ajugoides)

West coast from WA to Baja – local var. (rigida) more coastal

Grows in moist places:

Damp bottomlands

Along creeks and streams – riparian areas

Near marshes

Other moist low ground, including roadside ditches

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Stachys+ajugoides+var.+rigida

var. rigida

Page 40: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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The Mint family (Lamiaceae)

Includes many herbs used in cooking & perfumery; Rosemary, French Lavender, Thyme, Majoram, Sage, and the garden mints

Are usually aromatic, but not necessarily minty

Loved by hummingbirds!

The stems are square with opposite leaves, with each pair of leaves at right angles to the ones above and below it.

The flowers are in whorls

The corolla of the individual flower is usually 2-lipped, with 2 lobes forming the upper lip and 3 lobes the lower lip.

The hedgenettle genus Stachys is a mint – only superficially resembles “nettles” - so “Wood Mint” is really a better name

Many members of Lamiaceae make attractive garden additions, particularly the showy sages and mints.

Page 41: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Rigid Woodmint is a good example of a shady

wetland perennial plant

Modest size: 1-3 ft high and wide

Does well in part shade; full shade in hot areas – would do well under trees

Requires moist soil most/all of the year to succeed – regular water in the garden

Blooms in summer – nectar source for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds; also seed-eaters

Spreads by rhizomes (underground stems) – good groundcover in damp areas of the garden – cut back yearly to keep in check

http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/rigidhedgenettle.html

Page 42: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Specimens from further north are more

colorful

Colors range from magenta to pale pink

Unclear what proper taxonomy is – much current debate

http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/Faculty/Carr/ofp/sta_rig.htm

George W. Hartwell

Page 43: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Rigid Woodmint can be a useful addition

to the shade garden

Small irrigated perennial borders – size is modest, so good scale for small area

Bog or seep gardens with Rushes, Spikerush, Mimulus guttatus, Ranunculus californicus, Verbena lasiostachys

Groundcover for damp, shady areas

Near ponds

Great in well-watered planters, pots

Page 44: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Other local Woodmints also make great

groundcovers in clay soils

Stachys albens Stachys bullata

Just trim back,

even drastically,

in Fall to keep

plants in check

Page 45: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

© Project SOUND

And don’t forget Hummingbird Sage….

Salvia spathecea

Page 46: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

© Project SOUND

Planting in clay soils: follow a few simple

rules & you’ll succeed

Never work clay soils when they are soggy wet or bone dry; ditto for walking on wet clays

Plant after the first fall rains (best) or wet the ground thoroughly

Let ground dry out (1-2 weeks depending on drainage)

Dig a hole that’s not too big (or deep)

1 ft wider than tree/shrub (6” on each side) Same depth as plant – rough up soil in bottom

of hole

Consider digging hole with a spading fork rather than a shovel – or rough up the sides of the hole

Page 47: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Planting in clay soils: follow a few simple

rules & you’ll succeed

Don’t amend (or put gravel in) planting hole – encourages root rot

Backfill with soil from the hole; break up any clods/clumps

Firm down the soil around the roots

If you create a moat around the plant, remove it in wet weather

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/la/la_001.cfm

Page 48: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

© Project SOUND

Native plants with wide water tolerances

often do well in clay soil gardens

Page 49: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

© Project SOUND

* Rose (Chaparral) Snapdragon – Sairocarpus

multiflorus (Antirrhinum multiflorum)

© 2002 Lynn Watson

Page 50: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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* Rose Snapdragon – Sairocarpus multiflorus

(Antirrhinum multiflorum)

Foothills below 4000 ft. elevation

Generally on dry slopes, disturbed areas or burns

Usually in chaparral

Soil may be rocky

Other names: Multiflowered Snapdragon; Sticky Snapdragon;

Withered Snapdragon http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?7177,7178,7187

Page 51: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Rose Snapdragon

is a fire-follower

Common reasons why a plant is a fire-follower:

Seeds need either heat and/or smoke exposure to germinate

Plants need full sun

Plant need decreased competition for water/nutrients

Soil nutrient levels are increased; plants that need a little extra nutrients may be fire-followers

© 2006 Aaron Schusteff

Page 52: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Rose Snapdragon:

a sub-shrub

Size: 2-4 ft tall

2-4 ft wide

Growth form: Perennial/sub-shrub

Bushy or mounded form

Foliage: Lance-shaped, blue-green

leaves; larger below

Semi-drought deciduous; retained with a little summer water

http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/flowers/index.php?action=show_item&id=175&search=

Ó by Dave Hildebrand

Page 53: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Flowers: delightful!

Blooms: Spring into summer; usually

Apr-June in our area

Blooms over several weeks

Flowers: Snapdragon-type

Color: ranges form hot pink/magenta to pale pink, even lavender

Flowers arrange snapdragon-like along upright stems – very showy

Fragrant; loved by hummingbirds

Seeds: small; surface sow – let dry out a bit between watering

http://www.anniesannuals.com/plants/plant_display.asp?prodid=60

http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/rosesnapdragon.html

Page 54: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Plant Requirements Soils:

Texture: tolerates wide range from sandy to clay

pH: any local

Light: Full sun to part shade

Full sun fine in most gardens, but flower color may be better with a little shade

Water: Winter: needs good water

Summer: wide range of tolerance – Zone 1-2 to 2-3; good for transitional zones

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

Management: cut back to 12” in fall/winter

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

Page 55: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Pink Snapdragon –

made for the garden

In mixed perennial beds; good water tolerance

In native grasslands; or mixed with wildflowers

Good choice on sunny hills and slopes

Wonderful habitat plant; hummingbirds and others

As an attractive pot plant

Good showy choice to use as ‘cover’ while slower-growing shrubs are maturing

© 2006 Aaron Schusteff http://www.flickr.com/photos/deinandra/316812126/

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Habitat : not just for nature preserves any more

Our yards are a critical source of habitat for birds, insects, other wildlife

http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/slides/Drummond_2009/index.html

Page 57: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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* Vine Hill Manzanita – Arctostaphylos densiflora

© 2006 Steve Matson

Page 58: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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* Vine Hill Manzanita – Arctostaphylos densiflora

Endemic to Outer North Coast Ranges (Vine Hill, near Forestville, Sonoma Co.)

A common garden Manzanita – many cultivars of varying sizes

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Arctostaphylos+densiflora

Page 59: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Grows on unique shale outcrops

© 2001 David Graber

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Vine Hill Manzanita is a winner..

Size: 4-8 ft tall (cultivars somewhat

outside this range)

4-6+ ft wide

Growth form: Woody shrub; actual form

depends on local conditions

Cultivars range from tree-form to low groundcover

Moderate growth rate

Bark an attractive red-brown

Foliage: Evergreen

Leaves leathery, elliptic, upright, medium green

http://www.elnativogrowers.com/images/Photos/arcdenhm_trunk.JPG

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/171/419662011_8048513537.jpg?v=0

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Flowers: small but showy

Blooms: Late winter/early spring;

usually Feb.-Apr in W. L.A. Co.

Flowers: Small urn-shaped flowers

typical of Manzanitas

Shell-pink or white

Many flowers in dense, showy clusters – a real show-stopper

Hummingbirds love them

© 2006 Steve Matson

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericinsf/3356240703/

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The berries are edible

Loved by fruit-eating birds like Cedar Waxwings, Mockingbirds, etc.

Can be used to make a drink or juice reminiscent of apple cider (manzanita is, after all, ‘little apple’)

Also makes a nice jelly or syrup

http://www.wildscaping.com/plants/plantprofiles/Arcto_HowardMcMinn.htm

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An adaptable Manzanita Soils: Texture: quite adaptable –

more so than other Manzanitas – takes clay soils

pH: any local; slightly acidic is best

Light:

Full sun to part-shade

Water: Winter: tolerates seasonal

flooding

Summer: likes to be fairly dry – Zone 1-2 to 2 once established

Fertilizer: likes poor soils; fine with organic mulch

Page 64: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Vine Hill manzanita

Train as an attractive tree

Use as a large accent shrub

Shear as a formal hedge – or leave it more informal

Some cultivars even make nice evergreen groundcovers

‘Howard McMinn’ cultivar

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

http://www.nativeson.com/images/plants/arctostaphylossunset.jpg

Page 65: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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‘Sentinel’ cultivar

8-10 ft tall & ft wide; upright habit

Very ‘garden-tolerant’

One of the easiest Manzanitas to grow

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/arctostaphylos-densiflora-sentinel-manzanita

Page 66: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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‘Howard McMinn’

cultivar

5-8+ ft tall & wide

Readily available

Very tolerant or garden conditions; long-lived (50+ years)

Often trained as a small tree

‘White Lanterns’ is more dense

http://www.wildscaping.com/plants/plantprofiles/Arcto_HowardMcMinn.htm

http://www.nativeson.com/images/plants/arctohoward.jpg

http://www.elnativogrowers.com/images/Photos/arcdenhm_lsp_shrub.JPG

Page 67: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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‘Harmony’ cultivar

Low-growing – 2-3 ft tall & 6+ ft wide

Used for hedges & groundcovers

Easy to grow – does fine in heavy clay soils

http://www.theodorepayne.org/gallery/pages/A/arctostaphylos_Harmony.htm

Page 68: Clay & hummingbirds   2009

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Watering clay soils: it’s all about timing…

Soils should neither be too wet (root rot) nor too dry (prevents water from penetrating)

Winter rains can present a challenge; contouring

You have control of summer water; check your soil until you get to know just how often to water

Deep water – but shorter run times (20 min in clay on slopes)

The question of drip irrigation

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/07-035.htm

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http://www.sare.org/publications/bsbc/chap14.htm

Mulches & cover crops are essential

Cover crops help dry out soils – at depths

Mulches keep the surface from drying out too fast

Consider using native grasses & wildflowers as ‘cover crops’

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Showy Penstemon – Penstemon spectabilis

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Showy Penstemon – Penstemon spectabilis

Penstemons

270 species worldwide (largest of the Figwort genera), 150 species in western U.S.

Ancient genus – and long in the Americas

Have evolved to succeed in a wide range of conditions – very wet to very dry

Have a variety of types of pollinators

Penstemon spectabilis

Likely in dry areas of PV peninsula, definitely in Santa Monica Mountains and foothills near Los Angeles

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Reading floral

clues

Bee pollinated flowers:

Shorter “bell”

More wide-open (particularly those pollinated by large bees)

Color: more often blue

Hummingbird pollinated flowers:

Longer, more tube-like flower; less bell-shaped

Color: more often red

https://www.csun.edu/biology/grad/faculty/wilsonpdfs/Wilsonetal2004.pdf

Bee pollinated Hummingbird pollinated

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banks of dry washes and creek beds coastal bluffs gravelly and sandy slopes, hillsides recently disturbed places below 6000' in coastal sage scrub, chaparral and oak

woodlands

http://elib.cs.berkeley.edu/imgs/512x768/6212_3041/0635/0094.jpeg

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Showy Penstemon

Size: 2-5 ft tall; 2-4 ft wide

Fast-growing each year from woody base; dies back in fall

Usually upright – but may sprawl

Coarsely serrate, smooth grayish green leaves that turn partially purple in cold weather, drought – dramatic looking

Usually long-lived (for a herbaceous perennial) – at least 12 years

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Flowers definitely live up to their name

Blooms Apr-June – over a month or more

Flowering spikes rise above the foliage

Flowers lavender/purple tinged with pink

Flowers attract bees, masarid wasps (pollinators), butterflies and hummingbirds

Seeds eaten by seed-eating birds

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Gardening with Showy Penstemon

Soils: any well-drained soil from sandy/rocky to clay; any local pH

Sun: full sun to part-shade

Water: very drought tolerant; don’t over-water in summer. Summer water extends growth season but decreases lifespan

Pruning: Cut back to rosettes after seed has matured in summer

Reseeds: commonly on bare ground

Easy to grow in the right location

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Penstemons in your

garden

Location is everything: plant with other plants that like summer/fall dormancy

Ceanothus, Grindelia, Nassella, Yucca

Encelia, Eriogonum, Mimulus, Salvia

Excellent specimen plants – great flowers & foliage

In the back of a perennial garden or bed – it is tall

In large planters, rock gardens

In the butterfly or hummingbird garden

Make nice cut flowers, too http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2213/2522746720_2c1c7ffab1.jpg

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Other Penstemons for hummingbirds

P. eatonii

P. heterophyllus

P. newberryi

http://www.geol.ucsb.edu/faculty/sylvester/118_fotos2005/Flowers/Flowers-

Images/11.jpg

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Summary: succeeding with clay soils

Minimize work in and walking on muddy clay soils to prevent compaction; provide walkways

Minimize the amount of ‘working’ clay soils; leave them intact as much as possible

Plant with the first fall/winter rains if possible

Only plant when ground is well-watered but dried out enough to not be muddy

Don’t make planting holes too large/deep – and don’t amend the soil in the holes

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Summary: succeeding with clay soils

Use a mulch and/or cover crop (native grasses; wildflowers); leave

Supplemental water only as needed; check soils at depth of 4”

Monitor your watering closely; timing is critical

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Hummingbirds &

parking strips?

Good choices for clay soils include:

Grasses

Sedges

Some perennials

Many annual wildflowers – see list for key ones

http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/slides/Dahlquist_2009/index.html

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Western Wallflower – Erysimum capitatum var. capitatum

http://www.wnmu.edu/academic/nspages2/gilaflora/erysimum_capitatum.html

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Western Wallflower – Erysimum capitatum var. capitatum

Grows in the west – Texas to British Columbia

Found in much of CA

is a common member of many plant communities, generally away from the coast, below 8000'

Also called Sand dune Wallflower – but don’t let that discourage you!

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Erysimum+capitatum+var.+capitatum

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Grows in a variety

of conditions

Dry open areas in pine forests

Rocky or gravelly areas

Grasslands with clay soils

All are relatively dry in summer – allow plant to have summer dormancy period

© 2004 George W. Hartwell

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Western Wallflower looks somewhat like our local

Dune Wallflower Size:

1-2 ft tall

1-2 ft wide

Growth form: Short-lived (2-3 year) perennial

in our area

Upright growth habit

Dies back to ground in dry season

Foliage: Leaves sparse, almost linear

Blue-green

Roots: soil-binding

http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=22411

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Flowers are fantastic

Blooms: spring – Mar-May in western L.A. County

Flowers: Bright golden yellow;

quite showy

Typical shape for Brassicaceae (Mustard); parts of 4

Open ‘up the stem’

Attracts bees, hummingbirds & other pollinators

http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/westernwallflower.html

http://www.timetotrack.com/jay/wallfl3.htm

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Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: any, including clays

pH: any local; dislikes acidic soils

Light: Part-shade (afternoon shade)

best in most gardens

Water: Winter: needs good

winter/spring rains

Summer: dry (Zone 1 or 1-2); needs summer dormancy

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

Other: let plant re-seed before cutting back in fall

http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/westernwallflower.html

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Western Wallflower

is good habitat

Excellent addition to a habitat garden – hummingbirds, bees and butterflies favor it

Pair it with blue-flowered annual wildflowers for an attractive contrast

Grow in dry spots along walls

As an attractive pot plant

http://www.wnmu.edu/academic/nspages2/gilaflora/erysimum_capitatum.html

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Erysimum_capitatum_5708.JPG

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Western Wallflower

is good habitat

Excellent addition to a habitat garden – hummingbirds, bees and butterflies favor it

Pair it with blue-flowered annual wildflowers for an attractive contrast

Grow in dry spots along walls, parking strips, etc.

As an attractive pot plant

http://www.wnmu.edu/academic/nspages2/gilaflora/erysimum_capitatum.html

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Erysimum_capitatum_5708.JPG

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Other annuals & biennials that are

particularly attractive to hummingbirds

Circium occidentale

Clarkia unguiculata

Collinsia heterophylla

Lupinus species

Oenothera elata

Annual Salvias

http://www.calfloranursery.com/pages_whatsnew/whatsnewmay07.html

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Gardening for hummingbird habitat

Place plants in several locations. This will allow more hummingbirds and minimize territorial fighting

Fill as much of your yard as possible with flowering plants, vines, shrubs, and trees. If you do not have a garden, even a window box or hanging basket can attract hummingbirds!

Plant clusters of the same species together.

Plant flowers with different blooming

times to provide nectar throughout the seasons.

Minimize or avoid using herbicides or pesticides on or near those plants where butterflies and hummingbirds are feeding.

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Gardening for Hummingbird habitat

http://www.nps.gov/noca/nie/articles/migratory_birds.htm

Consider using many different kinds of plants: annuals, perennials, trees and vines all can contribute – check out the extensive list!

Encourage your neighbors to make their

yards hummingbird friendly too. An entire corridor of habitat is much more valuable than scattered patches.

Think vertically when planning your

hummingbird garden. Use trellises, trees, garden sheds, or other structures to support climbing vines; add window boxes, wooden tubs, or ceramic pots to create a terraced effect and provide growing places for a variety of plants.

Prune your plants to prevent excessive woody

growth and instead favor production of flowers.

Learn about local hummingbird habits and which species are likely to occur near your home. Study the migration dates, nesting season, and seasonal presence. This knowledge will help you select plants that will bloom during the time that hummingbirds are likely to visit your yard.

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More tips: Gardening for Hummingbird habitat

Create both sun and shade area in your hummingbird garden. Your hummingbird flowers will need sun to grow and your hummingbirds will need the shade to perch in between feedings.

Be sure to position your hummingbird garden where you can see it and get the most enjoyment out of it.

Hummers spend nearly 80 percent of their time resting, so you also will want to provide plenty of places to perch. They'll sit on twigs, leaf stems, fences, etc..

Mature trees and shrubs with a thick canopy are important nesting and escape features. Shrubs, bushes and perennials not only provide food but can also provide perching and nesting sites and, in some cases, escape features the bird will use.

Trees and shrubs don’t necessarily need to be huge to provide good hummingbird habitat

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Once hummingbirds discover your property, the same individuals are likely to return each year at about the same time – or simply stay year-round; they are remarkable creatures of habit. The number of hummingbirds that frequent your yard is closely linked to the abundance of food, water, nesting sites, and perches


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