Gardening sheets december 2013

*California Nutmeg/Stinking Yew – Torreya californica (TOR-ee-uh cal-ih-FOR-ni-cuh)

Family: Taxaceae (Yew Family)

Native to: Endemic to N. CA, growing in Pacific Coast Ranges and foothills of the Sierra Nevada;

occurs in many diverse plant communities, including chaparral and various coastal forests such as

redwood, ponderosa forests, usually in cool deeply shaded slopes and canyon bottoms.

Growth characteristics: woody evergreen tree mature height: 40-60 ft. mature width: 30-40 ft.

Evergreen tree that’s conical in youth, more rounded with age. Needles shiny dark green, sharp,

arranged stiffly on slender branches. Resembles a miniature yew or glossy-leaved redwood in form.

Plants are very aromatic – scent similar to Sandalwood, but some find it disagreeable. Mature bark

is thin, gray-brown. Plants are slow-growing and live hundreds of years in the wild.

Blooms/fruits: Separate male, female ‘cones’, usually on separate trees. Not related to true

nutmeg; so named for the appearance of the female fruits/cones which are covered like a fleshy fruit

before maturity. Seeds ripen in fall; take two years to mature.

Uses in the garden: Mostly used as large specimen tree for its striking appearance, aroma. Several

sometimes planted in ‘groves’ in parks and other large landscapes. Can be pruned as a hedge; used

as barrier plant. Does well in large containers. Gives the feel of N. CA coastal forests. Seeds eaten

by Native Californians; plant also used medicinally and for other uses. Nice wood.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native yews and similar evergreens.

Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover, nest sites and seeds for jays and other birds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun only on immediate coast; part-shade best in most gardens.

Soil Any texture – sandy to clay; prefers slightly acidic soil – pH 5.5-7.0.

Water Moist, well-drained soils – Water Zone 2-3 to 3; likes to be misted.

Fertilizer ½ strength fertilizer fine.

Other Organic mulch; can allow to self- mulch.

Management: Easy to grow in the right conditions, but needs moisture (like a redwood). Does

poorly in windy sites.

Propagation: from seed: fresh seed or cold-moist pre-treat; slow germination by cuttings: yes

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 5, 8, 11 12/3/12

© Project SOUND

* California Juniper – Juniperus californica (ju-NIP-er-us Kal-ih-FOR-nih-kuh )

Family: Cupressaceae (Cypress Family)

Native to: Western and southern desert mountains of CA to Baja and east to AZ & NV. Locally in

San Gabriels and in antelope Valley; on dry, alkaline slopes & flats below 5000 ft. in desert chaparral

and pinyon/juniper woodlands.

Growth characteristics: woody tree/shrub mature height: 10-15+ ft. mature width: 10-20 ft.

Evergreen tree-like shrub or small tree – usually multi-trunk. Foliage is typical for junipers with

scale-like leaves and is aromatic and can be used for making juniper tea. Bark is light gray, thin and

shreddy. Form is upright with widely spreading branches. An attractive juniper. Older specimens

have interesting shapes. Slow-growing and long-lived (to 150 years in wild).

Blooms/fruits: Blooms are insignificant in spring. Species is dioecious (separate male & female

plants). Female plants produce juniper ‘berries’ (actually cones). ‘Berries’ are green when

immature; red-brown when mature in fall. Fruits are dry, sweet-tasting and contain 1-2 large

seeds. Fruits are used to flavor beverages (gin; tea) or cooked meats.

Uses in the garden: A hardy, water-wise juniper that can be used as a small tree. Also used for

informal hedges. Excellent wildlife habitat plant. Fine on dry slopes, for erosion control. Use it

anywhere that you want a large juniper/cedar look.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native Junipers.

Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover, nest sites and seeds for food.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to light shade.

Soil Most local soil types and pH; prefers well-drained soils, but others OK.

Water Low needs once established; Zone 1-2 best in garden setting.

Fertilizer None

Other

Management: Prune for plant health and to shape (if desired). Plant will drop leaves and fruits –

like any other juniper.

Propagation: from seed: requires cold-moist treatment by cuttings: probably

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 6, 14 11/29/11 © Project SOUND

*Common/Mountain juniper – Juniperus communis var. montana (saxatilis) (ju-NIP-er-us COMM-you nus mon-TAN-uh )


Native to: Much of Western North America from AK to CO, NM and CA. In CA. Klamath Ranges,

High Sierra Nevada, Warner Mountains ; Dry rocky soil and rock crevices on slopes and summits in

Yellow Pine, Douglas-Fir, North Coastal Coniferous, Lodgepole and Subalpine Forests > 3500 ft.

Growth characteristics: woody shrub mature height: 1-4 ft. mature width: 4-10+ ft.

Low-growing, woody shrub with many branches. Form may be mat-like or rounded and shrubby.

Blue-gray needles are short-pointed, sharp (wear gloves), in whorls of three, emerging at a right

angle to the stem. Mature bark is red-brown, shreddy. Fragrance of Juniper. Long-lived (> 150 yr).

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring. Separate male & female plants (usually). Female cones are

berry-like, starting green-red and ripening to bright blue with a white bloom. Showy – many per

plant. ‘Berries’ are among the best flavored of all junipers. Used as seasoning, flavoring.

Uses in the garden: Most often used as a woody groundcover plant. Does well on slopes. Nice

addition to rock garden or Asian-themed garden. Very adaptable in garden setting. Hardy –

tolerant of air pollution. Nice color; interesting texture. Plants used medicinally and ceremonially.

Note: all junipers are flammable.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native Junipers.

Attracts: Birds make frequent use of juniper berries and help disseminate the indigestible seeds’; he

shrubs provide cover for small mammals and birds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement


Soil Just about any local soil texture, pH.

Water Very adaptable; takes moist to fairly dry conditions. NO STANDING WATER.

Fertilizer ½ strength OK.

Other Thin layer organic mulch fine – or let self-mulch.

Management: Relatively low maintenance. Best pruned in winter. Susceptible to juniper blight.

Propagation: from seed: warm, then cold-moist pre-treatment by cuttings: yes

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 13, 14, Monrovia Nursery 12/3/13

© Project SOUND

* Tecate Cypress – Hesperocyparis forbesii (hes-per-oh-SIP-ar-is FORBS-ee-eye)


Native to: Foothills from Orange County to Baja (there are only four natural groves left in CA); most

commonly on dry, chaparral & canyon slopes; 1500-5000 ft.

Growth characteristics: woody tree mature height: 10-30 ft. mature width: 6-8 ft. Woody tree that grows quickly to 10-15 ft, then more slowly. Shrubby looking with rounded crown

and usually multiple trunks. Bark peels to reveal red under bark. Leaves typical for cypress,

medium green, attractive. Trees can live to several hundred years old in wild.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms are particularly showy. Separate male and female flowers (on same plant);

female develops into a tough, rounded seed cone.

Uses in the garden: Any situation where a non-native Cypress or upright Juniper might be used.

Excellent for erosion control on hillsides. A good choice for smaller gardens. Makes a good hedge,

screen or windbreak. Plant is fire prone.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native cypress & junipers.

Attracts: Excellent bird & lizard habitat: provides cover and seeds for food.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun.

Soil Quite adaptable, but prefers well-drained. Can take mildly acid (to 5.0 pH) soils.

Water Low water needs once established – best with Zone 1 or 1-2 (inland)

Fertilizer None

Other

Management: Prune to shape – can be sheared. Don’t over-water. Other than that, easy.

Propagation: from seed: difficult; cold-stratify by cuttings: likely yes

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 6, 8, 11, 13, 14, 20, 24 12/2/13 * Native to CA but not to Western L.A. Co. © Project SOUND

*Piute Cypress – Hesperocyparis nevadensis (hes-per-oh-sy-PAR-us ne-vah-DEN-sis )


Native to: Endemic to Kern Co/Sierra Nevadas; On dry hills, ridges and in ravines in mixed conifer/

broadleaved woodland with Pinus sabiniana, Quercus spp., Juniperus californica, Fremontia

californica, Yucca whipplei, and in valley scrub-grassland.

Growth characteristics: woody tree mature height: 30-50+ ft. mature width: 20-35 ft.

Woody evergreen tree, multi-trunked and similar to taller junipers. Shape pyramidal in youth;

usually more spreading-mounded with age. Leaves scale-like, blue-green to medium green and

aromatic when crushed. Attractive shape is enhanced by shreddy bark, exposing red-brown new

bark. Fast growth to 20 ft., then slower.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring. Male & female cones on same tree. Female cones rounded, pale

red-brown in clusters at the ends of branches; may remain unopened for several years.

Uses in the garden: Most often used as a water-wise specimen tree in S. CA gardens. Nice size and

really tough. Fine on slopes and probably in large containers. Sometimes used as large hedge,

wildlife habitat. Good for background in Asian-themed or Mediterranean-themed gardens.

Drought-tolerant shade tree.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native cypress, junipers.


Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun.

Soil Any well-drained; any local pH.

Water Best with some supplemental water, but drought-tolerant: Water Zone 1-2 to 2-3.

Fertilizer Not needed; ½ strength probably fine.

Other Organic mulch recommended

Management: Prune as needed or desired. Fairly care free. Watch for fungal diseases

Propagation: from seed: cold-moist pre-treat by cuttings: yes

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 6,13 12/3/13

© Project SOUND

*Coast (Beach) Pine – Pinus contorta var. contorta (PI-nus con-TORR-tuh )

Family: Pinaceae (Pine Family)

Native to: Western coastal N. America from AK to N. CA (Mendocino Co.); coastal dunes, seaside

bluffs, and exposed rocky headlands < 2000 ft. in closed-cone pine and cypress communities.

Growth characteristics: woody tree mature height: 20-50 ft. mature width: 10-25 ft.

Woody tree with dramatic and wind-swept look, particularly in nature. Trunk is often twisted and

trees have many irregular branches. Short, dark green needles – may be dense in garden setting.

Bark dark and furrowed. Fast growing and relative short-lived for a pine (50+ years).

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring; cones mature in fall. Female cones are dark, irregularly shaped

and often persistent. Cones take two years to develop. Trees begin producing between 5 and 10

years of age. Seeds are edible. Good seed crops in alternate years.

Uses in the garden: Mostly used in gardens along the immediate coast for its tolerance to wind and

salt spray. Good garden tolerance elsewhere with some water and organic mulch. Fast growth and

relatively small size make it good for home gardens. Excellent choice for large containers, bonsai

and training. Would work well in Asian or N. Coastal themed gardens. Rustic appearance.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native pines.


Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to part-shade.

Soil Most, including poorly drained soils; not for pH > 8.0.

Water Occasional to near-regular water; Water Zone 2-3 is optimal. Don’t overwater in

poorly-drained soils.

Fertilizer Not needed; probably OK.

Other Organic mulch.

Management: Easy to grow. Prune if desired to shape.

Propagation: from seed: fresh seed or cold-moist pre-treat by cuttings: yes

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 14 12/4/13 © Project SOUND

*Bishop Pine – Pinus muricata (PIE-nus mur-ee-KAY-tuh )


Native to: Restricted areas of north and central coast, N. Channel Isl. and N. Baja (Cedros Isl.); dry

ridges to coastal, windshorn forests, often in or around bogs redwood forest, n coastal conifer forest,

closed-cone-pine forest, chaparral at elevations < 1000 ft.


Evergreen pine with dark green needles. Shape is pyramidal in youth; mature trees often have a

broad, heavy crown. Mature bark dark brown. Fast-growing. Lives 50-150+ years.

Blooms/fruits: Separate male and female cones. Cones remain closed until high temperatures

(fire) release the seeds. Female cones 2-3 inches, dark brown.

Uses in the garden: good choice when a fast-growing pine is needed, particularly in coastal areas.

Often used as a large hedge or ornamental tree in large plantings. Very attractive – pair with other

plants from the N. and Central coast. Seeds are edible. Note: all pines are flammable.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native pines like Italian Stone Pine.

Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover, nesting sites and seeds for food.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun (coast); part-shade inland

Soil Sandy, loam or rocky; any local pH.

Water Occasional to moderate summer water; Zone 2 to 2-3; perhaps less with age.

Fertilizer Light fertilizer OK.

Other

Management: Pretty care-free. Watch for Beetle Borers, Phytophthora, Root Rot, Rust and Pitch

Canker. Prune out dead branches as needed.

Propagation: from seed: fresh or 6 wk cold-moist pre-treat by cuttings: yes

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 11, 13, 32 12/1/13

© Project SOUND

*California Foothill Pine – Pinus sabiniana (PIE-nus suh-bin-ee-ANN-uh)


Native to: Foothills surrounding CA Central Valley and interior coastal ranges to Ventura Co, Liebre

Mtns.; dry slopes & ridges below 4500 ft. in foothill woodland, n oak woodland, chaparral, mixed-

conifer and hardwood forests. Usually in areas with poor soils.


Evergreen pine with drooping gray-green needles and airy foliage, often high above the understory.

Usually with crooked, divided stems – often looks quite weathered, picturesque. Mature bark dark

brown, thick and fissured. Grows fast to 45 ft. in 15 years. Lives 50-200 years. Long taproot.

Root and shoot fibers can be used for basketry.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring. Separate male, female cones. Female cones are egg-shaped,

very large (6-12 inch) and heavy (1-2 lb), with long, sharp keels. Female cones remain on tree for

years. Seeds are very tasty (eaten extensively by Native Californians) but difficult to process.

Uses in the garden: Often used when a native pine species is desired. Open habit allows other

plants to be grown beneath it. Gray-green color and rustic growth habit make it an interesting

specimen tree. Very drought tolerant. Note: like all pines, this species is flammable.


Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover, nest sites and seeds for food. Scrub jay, acorn

woodpecker and mourning dove relish the seeds. Also eaten by squirrels and other small animals.

Requirements:

Element Requirement


Soil Best in well-drained soils – sandy, rocky or loam; most local pH.

Water Drought tolerant; probably best at Water Zone 1-2 to 2 (occasional water).

Fertilizer None.

Other

Management: Requires little maintenance. Watch for bark beetles. Can prune off lower limbs.

Roots are shallow in clay soils – may blow over in wet windy weather in these soils.

Propagation: from seed: cold-moist treat 45 days by cuttings: yes

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 5, 6, 8, 11, 13, 14, 24, 32 12/1/13

© Project SOUND

*Singleleaf Pinyon Pine – Pinus monophylla (PI-nus mono-FI(or FEE)-luh)


Native to: Dry mountain ranges of the western U.S. from ID to NM and n. Baja. In CA in Sierra

Nevada, Tehachapi Mountains, Peninsular and Transverse Ranges, desert mtns – locally in San

Gabriel mtns; Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, Foothill Woodland between 4000-7500 ft. elevation.

Growth characteristics: woody tree mature height: 10-35+ ft. mature width: 5-15 ft.

Woody evergreen pine. Pyramidal shape when young, becoming more mounded/irregular with age.

Foliage blue-green to gray-green; needles in bundles of one (unusual, and hence its name). Plant

grows rapidly when young, then slowly. Live hundreds of years in wild. Very tough plant.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring; separate male, female cones. Bearing begins about 35 years of

age. Rounded female cones ~ 2 inches, brown. Seeds (pine nuts) are very delicious – prized food

where ever this plant grows. Good crops every 3-7 years on mature trees.

Uses in the garden: Most often used as a specimen plant in regional gardens. Makes a good water-

wise screen/large hedge. Suitable choice for regional Asian-style gardens. Nice shape and water-

wise. Can be trained as bonsai. Sometimes grown as edible crop tree. Gives a rustic, western look

to any garden. Mature plants (15+ years) make a garden look well-established. Good choice for

shade tree – prune out the lower branches. Note: all pines are flammable.


Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover, nest sites and seeds for food. Many kinds of birds

and small mammals feed on the seeds including jays.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to part-shade

Soil Any soil from sandy to clay; acidic to alkali – very adaptable

Water Only occasional water once established; Water Zone 1-2 best.

Fertilizer Not needed

Other Organic mulch OK; best if needles left to self-mulch

Management: Pretty carefree if not over-watered. Watch for bark borers, Oak Root Rot and other

stem and root rot fungal infections. Prune out dead limbs if needed.

Propagation: from seed: needs cold-moist pre-treatment by cuttings: yes

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): Monrovia Nursery, 11, 13, 14 12/2/13

© Project SOUND

Gardening sheets december 2013

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