2016 - Robert's adventures in the Northern Sierra Nevada - California

[Robert]

The scent of the chaparral is complex, with many species contributing to its fragrance. Lepichinia calycina, along with Salvia sonomenesis, is one of the more strongly scented species of the low elevation chaparral plant community. The scent of Lepichinia can be quite strong especially on a warm day. I include this species in our garden specifically for its fragrance. Its white flowers are somewhat unassuming. Its fragrant foliage certainly wins me over.



Phacelia cicutaria is an annual species, and perhaps our showiest low elevation Phacelia species.



I have yet to attempt its cultivation in our garden, however it certainly appears to be worth the effort.



As I continued my hike through the chaparral I came across numerous plants of the evergreen shrub Rhamnus ilicifolia in bloom. There is considerable variance in its habit of growth. Some plants are attractive upright shrubs, others can be quite sprawling and unruly. The flowers are numerous, but hardy noticeable. In the autumn the berries are very dark red to almost black.



Lupinus benthamii, Spider Lupine, is very attractive with its large flower trusses. This annual species is one of 4 Lupinus species I cataloged this day. I have cultivated this species in our garden in past years and it is well worth the effort.

[Robert]

Eventually the trail lead into a small side canyon. The environment changed dramatically from chaparral to oak woodland. Here I found colonies of Iris macrosiphon.



The Irises at this site are above average in flower color. In my travels, most of the Iris macrosiphon I find are a pale blue.



Many of the Irises were very attractive, some forming large clumps. My understand is that Iris macrosiphon can occasionally be found with yellow flowers. I have yet to find any. This species can also hybridize with Iris hartwegii, which is generally found at higher elevations. I. hartwegii is generally a yellow flowering species, however there are blue forms of this species too. I have found blue forms of Iris hartwegii in the past. These two Iris species can be a bit challenging to distinguish from each other out of bloom. In bloom the differences are obvious.



In this woodland setting there were masses of Ranunculus californicus in bloom. It can be challenging to differentiate this species from R. canum another somewhat local species. The two species can hybridize in the wild too, adding to the identification challenges. There are good clues so keying to species is often possible. Beyond identification, this species is a delight to see in mass in the wild.



Another species of this woodland was the deciduous shrub, Styrax redivivus. The plants were loaded with flower buds. I hope that I can get a good photograph of this species in bloom this year. The fragrant white flowers of this xeric species are fantastic.

[Robert]

Poison Oak, Toxicodendron diversiloba, is a common shrub / vine at low elevations in California. As you can see the new growth can be very attractive. In addition the autumn foliage can be brilliant scarlet. Do not be deceived by the sirens call of this species! For many, but not all, contact with this plant can cause acute dermatitis - even when dormant during the winter ( I know, this happened to me when I was 11 years old!    )



Eventually I arrived at the seasonal creek that flowed through the canyon. By this time the weather was very threatening, with gusts of wind and increasing amounts of rain. There was much more that I wished to check on this day, so I now needed to work quickly.



I wanted to check on the giant Erythronium colony I had found and there was a fair distance I needed to hike.

I did pause to enjoy the Buckbrush, Ceanothus cuneatus, growing by the trail. On warm days the flowers of this species have a very strong and pleasant pollen scent. In its best forms this can be an attractive species for the larger xeric garden.



Another interesting plant occasionally seen in the chaparral is Marah fabaceus. This herbaceous species can trail a considerable distance from its tuberous root every season. Its flattened saucer-like or wheel-shaped flowers are not especially showy and are different from those of its sister species M. watsonii the flowers of which are more cup-like or bell-like. M. watsonii is also occasionally found in the chaparral too.



I finally arrived at the mega Erythronium site. It was also pouring rain by now too. I wasn't in a Gene Kelly mood (no Singin' or dancin' in the rain). I spent a considerable amount of time exploring another part of this mega colony, crawling through the Chamise and trying to avoid the Poison Oak. There were plenty of budded plants, however I did not find one open flower. Good! I can return later and see them in bloom.

[Robert]

Despite having excellent rain gear I was fairly soaked (at least my for-arms and lower legs) after an hour or so in the driving rain. By now (as it turned out) very few photographs were to turn out. I took a number of photographs of thickets of Rhus aromatica (I learned it as R. trilobata) a species that can look very similar to Poison Oak.

Before leaving, I took one last photograph of Cercis occidentalis, Western Redbud. They are blooming throughout the countryside now and are a delight to see. The flowers photographed are from a shrub that I have know since I was a teenager. Our college Botany class even came out here once (way back in the mid-1970's). This is a very special site with many good feelings for me. I am glad it is protected in a State Park.

Cold and tired it was time to drive back to the farm - another very productive and satisfying day out.

Until next time.........   

[Gabriela]

Lots of new findings Robert. I guess there will be even more from now on 
I often stumble here on the eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), when I pay attention to other things around. I wonder if it's true that even if you never had symptoms, it's possible to get a reaction at some point after repeated exposures?

So true about the rain gear, no matter how expensive you get soaked after a few hours in the rain, especially looking for plants/taking photos.

[Robert]

Lots of new findings Robert. I guess there will be even more from now on 
I often stumble here on the eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), when I pay attention to other things around. I wonder if it's true that even if you never had symptoms, it's possible to get a reaction at some point after repeated exposures?

So true about the rain gear, no matter how expensive you get soaked after a few hours in the rain, especially looking for plants/taking photos.

Gabriela,

Spring has certainly arrived here in our part of California. In the high country there must be 3 to 6 meters of snow. Spring will not be arriving there until late May or June.

As for poison oak......   Some people never get poison oak. I had a friend (passed to the other side) who could get whipped with poison oak branches and would never get a skin rash. Yet, other folks lose their tolerance with repeated exposures. I always get it if I am careless! 



Jenkinson Reservoir full of water!    This reservoir supplies our drinking and irrigation water. No shortage this year. 



The spillway at Jenkinson Reservoir. The last time it spilled water was the spring of 2011.



Even at 3,500 feet (1067 meters) spring is starting to arrive. This is the high elevation form of Primula (Dodecatheon) hendersonii. My plants at the farm, of this form, have not started blooming yet. It is a very beautiful form! 

This was our first day without rain in the last 11 days. I drove past Jenkinson Reservoir today to see if there was any snow on the ground and how far advanced the plants might be. Planning my next outing, for now I will stick with the lower elevations - this is where the action is at this time. The North Fork of the Mokelumne River can wait for now.

I did see some Ceanothus roderickii blooming by the edge of the freeway. I will want to check on this species this coming week as well as the populations of Salvia sonomensis, and a woodland Carex species that is quite interesting. There is plenty to keep me busy now. 

[Hoy]

I am not sure whether I like Poison Oak or not I am not used to look for dangerous plants in the wild - except a few thorny ones and stinging nettle - which is nothing

Glad to see the reservoir filled to the brim!

- and a lot of decorative plants of course.


When I am out for some hours, especially in cold and/or rainy weather, I always use wool to keep me warm. It works even when I get soaked.

[Robert]

Trond,

Your feelings about poison oak are very understandable. In our part of California anything below 3,500 feet (1,067 meters) can be considered the poison oak zone. Above the altitude of 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) it is never found growing.

When I was young (i.e. less than 15 years old) I would get poison oak frequently. One time I had it so bad that both of my eyes were swollen closed with the oozing rash as well as most other parts of my body. After I recovered, this did not keep me out of the woods, however I learned how to avoid it in any season.

I did have wool socks on the other day. You are right on about how wool keeps one warm even when wet. It would be wise if I thought about getting and wearing other wool clothing in such weather. 

Now a few photographs from today.



Micranthes californica. Once in the genus Saxafraga, now with its up-dated name. This blooming plant is in our foothill garden (the farm). This is the first season I have had blooming plants. The plan is to create small drifts of this species in one of our xeric gardens (i.e. no summer irrigation). Having blooming plants is a positive step forward.



More Erythronium multiscapoideum in our foothill garden. Several years ago I moved all the Erythroniums from another part of the garden to a new site(s). We lost a few in the move, however most are coming on strong now. I am sure that other species will be blooming next year. The rodents have never bothered the "bulbs". I hope that it stays that way.



Primula (Dodecatheon) hendersonii. This is a group of the low elevation form, most of which have "gone over".



This is a pot full of the higher elevation form of Primula hendersonii. In many ways they are identical to the lower elevation form, however the foliage is of a thicker texture and they start blooming about a month later than the low elevation form (even at the farm). Extending the blooming season by another 2-4 weeks is something I am not going to pass up    . I have taken pollen samples from both forms and will be examining it under a microscope. I am curious to see if there are any differences.

[Robert]

Today's outing was outstanding. We have finally received enough precipitation to have a decent display of wildflowers. I almost used all the memory in the camera, so it is going to take a while to get everything sorted out. This is only the first wave of wildflowers. There is much to keep me very busy now.

[Hoy]

Robert,

Although I would dislike a close encounter with the poison oak I am not afraid of it

Looking forward to your next chapter!

[Robert]

Trond,

I am still getting everything organized from yesterday's outing.

Here are some photographs from today on our way into town. This time of year I bring the camera and other items with me whenever I go out. It is a bit out of the way but this time of year the scenic route is worth the extra time.



In the right locations whole hillsides are carpeted with Foothill Poppy, Eschscholzia caespitosa.



Dichelostemma capitatum are blooming in quantity too. Many other Themidaceae will be following soon.



This year the Lupinus albifrons are blooming profusely.



The sunny canyon face is covered with them now.



I will have to follow up in more detail as there is a good variance in the flower colors. Some are excellent.

[Robert]

In this area the some of the hillsides are carpeted with Pseudobahia heermannii.



From a distance they have the appearance of Goldfields, Lasthenia californica, however this California native annual is quite different when viewed close-up.



I found one slope carpeted with Mimulus kelloggii. I like to return to the same sites again and again. This is the first time I have observed this species in this area. A good reason to return.



I saw this annual perched on top of a vertical cliff face mixed with Eschscholzia caespitosa. I wish I could have captured that image! I was not ready scale the cliff and hang by one hand while fiddling with a camera. Those in the photograph were from a bit farther up the slope where it was safe - no Eschscholzia there. 



A beautiful example of Silene laciniata ssp californica.

[Robert]

The first of the Wallflower, Erysimum capitatum.



In this area the annual Lupine, Lupinus bicolor, is predominant. There were a few Spider Lupine, Lupinus benthamii, in places too. Lupinus bicolor is the dominate Lupine species on the farm. I have been encouraging them the spread about. In places they completely carpet the ground now. They are just now starting to bloom at the farm.



Nemophila heterophylla is generally unassuming. This clump was quite dramatic. There are so many things to be aware of and things are constantly changing. I would not mind having these established on the farm property.



I have not seen Rock Creek like this since 2011. Makes me happy. 

Part I of Thursdays outing will be coming soon.

[monocotman]

Robert,
Many many thanks for these postings.
The glimpse it gives into an unfamiliar ecosystem through the eyes of an expert is truly wonderful.
David

[Maggi Young]

I love  Californian poppies, they remind me of my Grandma's garden ( on Deeside in Aberdeenshire, which is a bit odd, I suppose!) and the Eschscholzia caespitosa is a treat.
The annual Mimulus kelloggii is not one I have seen in real life - it is a real charmer.