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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
Woodland Wonders:
Plants for Dry Shade
C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake
CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve
Madrona Marsh Preserve
August 7 & 10, 2010
© Project SOUND
‘Very local’ native plants may be the easiest to grow – literally
‘grow themselves’
For some gardeners, restoration of locally native plant life is of key importance…
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What is my local Plant Community?
Coastal strand/bluff
S. Coastal Prairie
Coastal shrubland
Coastal Sage Scrub
Chaparral – parts of PV, mostly at higher elevations
http://www.planetizen.com/node/23441
Riparian (wetland/streamside) communities
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Madrona Marsh Preserve gives a good idea of what many local
neighborhoods might have looked like in the past © Project SOUND
Gardens are located in the space between natural and human landscapes
© Project SOUND Many gardeners want to create a cool, shady oasis
http://www.nanscapes.biz/gardens.html
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The Riparian Woodland is a source for
local shade plants that like water
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But what if you want/need both shade and water-wise?
http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/04/
Perhaps you’re lucky enough to have a mature oak(s) in your garden
© Project SOUND
Or you may just want to make the shady parts of your
garden more water-wise
© Project SOUND
A few guidelines – choosing appropriate plant species for your garden
If you live near natural areas:
Choose local native plants (from locally derived sources) – best choice
Choose other native (and non-native) plants & cultivars with great care – should not invade or hybridize with local native plants
Consult with your local Land
Conservancy/Preserve or local native
plant experts (CA Native Plant
Society) to make good choices © Project SOUND
A few guidelines – choosing appropriate native plant species for your garden
If you live in an urbanized area you may also:
Choose plants from appropriate areas that are not immediately local, but still are close by: Inland areas of L.A. Co.; Local foothills; ‘Coastal’ (lowland) plants from
Orange or San Diego Co.
Choose plants from farther away that have appropriate characteristics for your garden: Central/N. CA coastal areas S. CA deserts Baja CA
In fact, plants from ‘nearby areas’
may actually have grown in your
neighborhood at one time
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The Southern Oak Woodland is our most
obvious source for dry shade plants
Foothills of S. CA (including L.A. and other local counties)
Inland valleys of L.A. County (Woodland Hills; Thousand Oaks; Diamond Bar; Cal Poly Pomona)
http://www.rivenrock.com/october2007.htm
© Project SOUND
The Southern Oak Woodland of CA
Precipitation: 15-25” annually
Elevation: 1500-5000 ft in western S. California
Common trees/large shrubs:
Coast Liveoak (Quercus agrifolia) - also Canyon Liveoak (Q. chrysolepis), California Black Oak (Q. kelloggii), Engelmann Oak (Q. engelmannii ) and Valley Oak (Q. lobata)
CA Walnut Blue Elderberry California Bay Laurel (Umbellularia
californica)
Toyon Lemonadeberry Sugarbush Coffeeberry (Rhamnus californica), Sourberry/Tri-lobe Sumac
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/communities/southern-oak-woodland
© Project SOUND
Southern Oak
Woodland
Most often on North-facing slopes, shaded canyons and sheltered inland valleys – on well-drained soils
May be intersected by intermittent streams
Oaks may grow in dense clusters or more openly – a woodland rather than a forest
Smaller trees and shrubs along with herbaceous plants, ferns and grasses form a vegetative understory which is an important part of this community. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2289/1594943902_ead554319f.jpg
One of the more common
understory plants is Poison Oak
http://bss.sfsu.edu/holzman/courses/Fall01%20projects/AcornW.htm
© Project SOUND
Southern Oak
Woodlands have a
distinctive ‘feel’ –
dry shade
http://www.laspilitas.com/California_birds/Sparoows_towhees_and_buntings/Chipping_sparrow/C
hipping_sparrow_in_your_garden.htm
http://jamesgonzalez.net/images/trips/pinecreek/quercus_agrifolia.JPG
http://grounds.stanford.edu/points/significanttrees/quercusagrifolia.html
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Oaks are adapted to our Mediterranean climate
Mature CA oaks survive on winter rains and a summer dry period.
Oaks set a deep tap root and have
many shallow surface feeder roots. Shallow oak roots extend beyond
the tree’s canopy. Feeder roots are typically 1 to 3 feet below the soil's surface.
To keep S. CA oaks healthy you
need to replicate the summer dry (Zone 1 or 1-2) water pattern; this means using only plants with the same summer water requirements under oaks.
Regularly watered lawns will kill a native CA oak, usually by disease (root fungi)
http://ic.ucsc.edu/~wxcheng/wewu/quercusagrifolia.htm
© Project SOUND
Watering mature oak (or other Zone 1-2) trees
Do not water in ‘critical area’ (10 ft from trunk) Water only in dry spring and summer conditions (if at all) Water no more than once a month; no overhead watering Let water soak to depth of 18-24 inches Organic mulch (oak leaves) required, even in critical area – but
not touching the trunk
© Project SOUND
What do we mean by ‘dry shade’?
Your definition may be very different from mine
http://www.hotgardens.net/santa_barbara_garden_tour.htm
http://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Gardening/diggin-it/2009/0917/dry-shade-in-the-garden-a-checkered-solution
http://ilonasgarden.com/ © Project SOUND
Gardens in Mediterranean climates
(including S. CA) have three Water Zones
Zone 1 – no supplemental water; soils are dry in summer/fall.
Zone 2 – occasional summer water; soil is allowed to dry out between waterings. Watering is slow & deep to replenish the soil water stores.
Zone 3 – regular water; soil is usually moist to soggy, even in summer.
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Water Zone
Description Picture Result/consequence
Zone 1 No supplemental water
Many Zone 1 plants (including many native to western L.A. county & deserts) become summer dormant; some shade species remain green
Zone 2
Occasional water; soil dries out between deep waterings
Includes ‘CA Natives’ from many plant communities; occasional summer water helps many species to remain evergreen – many also extend bloom season
Zone 3 Regular water; soil moist/ soggy
Only native riparian and some mountain/N. CA species – will kill many local CA natives
© Project SOUND
The secret of a water-wise garden is to prioritize water
needs and group plants with similar requirements
http://www.taunton.com/finegardening/pages/g00101.asp
Dry; needs drought-tolerant plants
Regular water
‘Water-wise’ ; occasional summer water
© Project SOUND © Project SOUND
Is it hard to grow plants under oaks (and other
summer dry trees)? Yes, but not impossible
Challenges: summer drought requirement; dense shade; root competition
Solutions:
Choose plants that thrive in dry shade:
Plants from the Southern Oak Woodland
Plants from the Central and Northern Oak Woodlands
Other drought-and-shade tolerant plants (often from Chaparral)
Prune to provide better air circulation, light
http://syllable.rice.edu/LangEx_06_07/WIKI/index.php?title=Presentation_Group_1_with_
Andr%C3%A9s&printable=yes&printable=yes
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Under many drought-tolerant trees you
have options/choices
© Project SOUND
Central & Northern Oak Woodlands
Annual rainfall: 20-35 inches
Dominant large trees/shrubs Valley Oak (Quercus lobata), Blue Oak
(Quercus douglasii), Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) and Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizenii)
Gray Pine ( Pinus sabiniana)
Understory: Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.) Coffeeberry and Redberry (Rhamnus spp.) Currant and Gooseberry (Ribes spp.) Toyon
In openings: Grasses & ferns Annual & perennial wildflowers : Goldfields
(Lasthenia spp.), Poppies (Eschscholzia spp.), Lupines (Lupinus spp.) and other forbs in spring.
© Project SOUND
Oak woodlands in Central &
N. CA get more rain – they
look & feel more lush than
those of S. CA
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/communities/central-oak-woodland
http://www.laspilitas.com/California_birds/Finches/House_finch/house_finch.html
You may find the ‘greener’ look of the
more northern Oak Woodland more to
your liking/needs © Project SOUND
The key is to group plants with like needs
together
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© Project SOUND © Project SOUND
Shade is variable, even in an Oak Woodland
http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/Natural_Resources/Oak_Woodlands.htm
© Project SOUND
You need to become a
‘connoisseur of shade’
Light shade (FS/PS): receives shade for less than four hours each day.
Partial or semi-shade (PS): assumes a half day of shade.
Full shade (FSH): occurs where there is no direct sun.
http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/slides/Loeb/Loeb-Pages/index.html
© Project SOUND
Light shade
Definition: shaded but bright
Examples:
The sun's rays blocked by a tree, wall or building for several hours at midday, sunny the rest of the day
Areas that receive filtered or dappled sunlight for longer periods. (edges of shady gardens or areas under the canopy of lightly branched trees)
Effects on plants:
Provides beneficial cooling/shade during the heat of summer
Flower and foliage color may be more brilliant
Most sun-loving plants can survive/thrive in light shade
http://www.rivenrock.com/blogcanyon062006.jpg
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Partial, medium or semi-
shade
Definition: direct sun rays are blocked from an area for at least half the day.
Similar to an open glade in the forest or the woods' edge
Examples:
Established landscapes with mature trees; area receives some direct sun early or late in the day
Bright, north- or east-facing exposures, slopes
Effect on Plants:
Protection from harmful effects of direct sunlight
Less available light – so best to utilize plants that require some shade
http://longbeachnaturalareas.blogspot.com/2007/06/el-dorado-regional-park.html
http://wildsuburbia.blogspot.com/2009/11/friends-of-south-pasadena-nature-park.html
© Project SOUND
Full (dense) shade
Definition: Little or no direct sunlight reaches the ground at any time of the day.
There may be reflected light from sunnier areas of the yard or off light-colored walls.
Examples:
Under thick tree canopies (under oaks and pines) or in dense groves of trees
Areas under stairways, decks or covered patios on the north side of buildings
Effect on plants:
Relatively little available light
Plant choice is critical since only limited plants will perform well in such reduced light.
http://www.nopalcactusblog.com/category/politics/
© Project SOUND
Openings in Oak Woodlands increase the variety
http://longbeachnaturalareas.blogspot.com/2007/06/el-dorado-regional-park.html
© Project SOUND
Oak Woodlands are transitional – include areas that are wetter & sunnier
Seasonal riparian plants
Plants of adjacent plant communities: Valley Grasslands
Chaparral
Even Mixed Evergreen Scrub
http://www.urbanedpartnership.org/target/fragile_habitats/climate.html
http://oakesfamily.net/nature.htm http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/Natural_Resources/Oak_Woodlands.htm
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Get to know your shade – throughout the year
Choose plants that naturally grow well under oaks http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/slides/Meuris/Meuris-Pages/index.html
http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/slides/Loeb/Loeb-
Pages/index.html
http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/slides/Richard/Richard-Pages/Image11.html © Project SOUND
Let’s say this is your front yard…
© Project SOUND
Part of what attracts you is the variety of understory
plants
http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/Natural_Resources/Oak_Woodlands.htm
© Project SOUND
First let’s replace a shrub that’s gotten too
big & old…
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© Project SOUND
Possible shrubs for local Oak Woodland
understory California sagebrush
(Artemisia californica)
California blackberry (Rubus ursinus)
Nevin’s Barberry (Mahonia/Berberis nevinii )
California coffeeberry (Frangula/Rhamnus californica)
Sourberry/Three-lobed Sumac (Rhus trilobata)
Nevin’s Barberry
Coffeeberry
© Project SOUND
Three-lobe Sumac – Rhus trilobata
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Herman, D.E. et al. 1996. North Dakota tree handbook. USDA NRCS ND State Soil Conservation Committee; NDSU
Extension and Western Area Power Admin., Bismarck, ND.
© Project SOUND
Three-lobe Sumac – Rhus trilobata
Naturally occurring:
Many areas of western N. America – Canada to Baja
Coastal and mountain areas of CA
In S. CA: coastal sage scrub, chaparral and southern oak woodland
Moist areas including stream-sides, seasonal drainages, and canyon bottoms
sand dunes and sand hills
dry rocky slopes
In same genus as Lemonade Berry, Sugar Bush & Poison Oak (which it resembles)
Also known as Basket-brush, Sumac, Sourberry, Skunkbrush
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Rhus+trilobata
© Project SOUND
Three-lobed Sumac is loved by gardeners
because it’s so easy to grow…
Soils: not too particular Any texture; well-drained Any pH
Light: full sun to part-shade
Water: Very drought tolerant when established Can take some summer water – but may
become leggy
Nutrients: fine with no fertilizer, but can tolerate light doses/organic mulches
Very hardy; takes a frost
Rapid growth first 3-5 years; then moderate
Lives 20-30 years
http://weather.nmsu.edu/nmcrops/ornamentals/SUMAC.htm
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Management of Three-lobe Sumac
Planting:
Best in fall/winter
If planting under oaks, don’t plant within 6 ft. of trunk
Good transplant success rates
Pruning:
Can be pruned for shape
Cut back severely (to 6 inches) to rejuvenate old plants or produce straight stems (e.g. for basketry)
Remove any unwanted suckers
That’s all – very easy to manage plant
© Project SOUND
Three-lobe Sumac
pleases the palette…
Yellow flowers in spring Butterflies & bees
Red berries in summer
Birds love them (many species) Make a tangy drink Excellent for jelly Can even eat them raw (tart)
Even the foliage is eaten occasionally by large & small animals
http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/plants/sdpls/plants/Rhus_trilobata
.html
Many parts of the plant are used for
natural dyes
© Project SOUND © Project SOUND
http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Quercus-agrifolia/
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* Bluewitch Nightshade – Solanum umbelliferum
© 2009 Ron Wolf
© Project SOUND
* Bluewitch Nightshade – Solanum umbelliferum
Coastal and foothill regions from OR to Baja – locally in the San Gabriel Mtns/foothills.
Dry, brush-covered slopes & valleys – usually in chaparral and low-elevation oak woodlands in California
A tough shrub which can grow in rocky and clay soils
Often springs up in areas recovering from wildfires or other disturbances
© 2008 Ellen Tatum
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?7625,7682,7699
© Project SOUND
Characteristics of the ‘Bluewitch’
Size:
2-4 ft tall
3-5 ft wide
Growth form: Perennial sub-shrub – part woody
Mounded to sprawling (particularly in shade)
Fairly open branching
Foliage: Grayish to blue-green – rather
pretty
Caution: all parts of plant are toxic if eaten
Roots: branching
J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
© Project SOUND
Fabulous flowers
Blooms: Mainly in spring-summer,
when days are warm
With water may bloom some at other times
Flowers: Large for the family – 1” +
Light blue-purple color with golden stamens
Quite showy – close at night
Fruits: In summer/fall
Green turning to purple; flat seeds like tomato
Brother Alfred Brousseau @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
© 2009 Keir Morse
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One hardy plant… Soils: Texture: any well-drained; will
even take clays on slopes
pH: any local
Light: Full sun to part-shade
Water: Winter: adequate
Summer: very drought tolerant (Zone 1 or 1-2) but looks a little better at Zone 2 (occasional water)
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: prune to shape
Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
© Project SOUND
http://sbwildflowers.wordpress.com/wildflowers/solanaceae/solanum/solanum-umbelliferum/
Use Bluewitch in
tough spots
On dry slopes – even part-shade areas
Under oaks and other water-wise trees
In difficult to water areas
In a dry mixed bed with grasses and wildflowers
© Project SOUND
Cultivar 'Spring
Frost'
Slightly smaller (2’ x 2’)
Very light (gray) foliage
White flowers
Very attractive choice for a white garden – very unique, showy
http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=1201
© Project SOUND
Other perennials for S. Oak Woodland –
mostly sprawlers in shade
Diplacus aurantiacus
Salvia spathacea
Stachys bullata
Symphoricarpos mollis
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© Project SOUND
Grasses are also an
important part of local
Oak woodlands –
especially in dappled
sun & sunny edges
http://www.laspilitas.com/California_birds/Sparoows_towhees_and_buntings/Lark_sparrow/Lark_sparrow_in_y
our_garden.htm
http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Melica-imperfecta/
© Project SOUND
Coast Range Melic Grass - Melica imperfecta
© Project SOUND
Coast Range Melic Grass - Melica imperfecta
Distribution: CA, Baja CA
Habitat: dry, rocky hillsides, stable dunes, open woodlands
Delicate-looking cool-season perennial bunching rhizomatous grass
Height: 1-3 ft Width: 2-3 ft
Flowers on graceful stems above leaves – dark brown fading to gold – Mar-June
Local variation in characteristics
http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Melica-imperfecta/ © Project SOUND
Melic grass in the garden
As a specimen plant in small areas, rock gardens, deep pots
In natural meadows, grassy borders
Good for shaded areas – meadows or under trees
Soil stabilizer for slopes
Restoring bare areas
http://www.conservaseed.com/Melica%20imperfecta.htm
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California Polypody- Polypodium californicum
http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Polypodium-californicum/
© Project SOUND
Characteristics of CA Polypody
Size: 20” tall; individual plants ≈ 25” wide – but often grow in spreading clumps
Leaves:
Simple for fern – many leaflets with serrated edges
Drought deciduous – dies back in summer
No flowers: Sporangia are grouped in round sori on the underside of the leaflets.
Rhizomes (underground stems) – relatively slow- spreading
http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/californiapolypody.html
http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/plants/s
dpls/plants/Polypodium_californi
cum.html
© Project SOUND
Growth requirements: not your eastern fern
Sun: part-shade to full shade; can tolerate full sun only right along coast, with adequate water
Soils: Any well-drained Does not tolerate alkali soils
Water: Moist in winter-spring – even
tolerates flooding Gradually reduce water for
summer/fall dormancy – must have dormant period
Nutrients: probably benefits from organic mulch; not a “big eater”
http://www.davidlnelson.md/Cazadero/Ferns.htm
Probably the easiest local fern for the garden; location is everything
© Project SOUND
Polypody in the South Bay garden
Bank cover on North-facing slopes
On north sides of buildings
Delicate, small scale fern for foreground rock walls
In mossy (winter/spring wet) rock gardens
Excellent under oaks
In shaded beds
In a “fern dell” – needs it’s summer drought so place appropriately
http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Polypodium-californicum/
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© Project SOUND
We could fill in with some shade-tolerant annuals
http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/03/
© Project SOUND
Miner’s Lettuce – Claytonia perfoliata
© 2001 Steven Thorsted
© Project SOUND
Miner’s Lettuce is fine in sun or shade…
Herbaceous annual; makes a good annual groundcover
Size: 6-12 in. high; to 12 in. wide
Growth period: fall to spring
Blooms: Small, white Feb-May
Foliage: Attractive & unusual Edible: usually raw in salads or
as greens
http://www.timetotrack.com/jay/minersl2.htm
© Project SOUND
Growing Miner’s Lettuce
from seed
Extremely easy
Sow in prepared soil in fall (best) through spring
Germinates with: Damp soil/fall rains Short days
Re-seeds May want to remove plants if
too prolific – will depend on site
Steve Hurst @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
http://www.pacifichorticulture.org/phv66n3.editorial.html
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© Project SOUND
Chinese Houses – Collinsia heterophylla
© Project SOUND
Reasons to include Collinsia in your
shade garden Easy, reliable annual
Beautiful flowers
Long blooming season
Make great cut flowers
Brighten up shady areas of the garden
Does fine in planters, pots
Looks great with many other flowers in planted beds
Fine under trees
© Project SOUND © Project SOUND But perhaps this is more your style – ‘Central Oak Woodland’ theme
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Central & Northern Oak Woodlands
Primarily Zone 2 plants (in our area); remember, in nature these plants get more water than S. CA native plants
Understory: Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.) Coffeeberry and Redberry (Rhamnus
spp.) Currant and Gooseberry (Ribes spp.) Toyon Others
In openings: Grasses & ferns Annual & perennial wildflowers :
Goldfields (Lasthenia spp.), Poppies (Eschscholzia spp.), Lupines (Lupinus spp.) and other forbs in spring.
© Project SOUND
Little Sur Manzanita – Arctostaphylos
edmundsii
© 2006 Steve Matson
© Project SOUND
Low-growing Manzanita:
perfect for your garden?
Attractive, ‘neat-looking’ foliage; red bark on interesting trunks/branches
Low-maintenance under the right conditions: Needs good drainage Low water in summer - susceptible to
fungal diseases; deep watering (Zone 1/2)
No fertilizer
Many take some shade – grow naturally under oaks
Coastal varieties will thrive along immediate coast – even right next to beach
©J.S. Peterson
Jo-Ann Ordano © California Academy of Sciences
Flammable: manzanita plants contain
volatile compounds, which burn like a
torch when ignited – not a good
choice for fire-prone areas © Project SOUND
* Point Reyes Ceanothus - Ceanothus gloriosus
© 2006 Steve Matson
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© Project SOUND
Creeping Barberry – Mahonia repens
R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
© Project SOUND
In the wild – a groundcover plant
http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/Yellow%20Enlarged%20Photo%20Pages/mahonia%20repens.htm
© Project SOUND
Characteristics of Creeping Mahonia
Size: 1-2 ft tall
spreading – 2-4 ft wide
Growth form: Sprawling woody shrub; spreads via
stems (stolons or rhizomes)
Evergreen
Rather stiff appearance
Foliage: Leaves holly-like
Dark green; old leaves may turn purple/red in winter
Roots: deep rooted; can resprout from root crowns
© 1984, H. Tim Gladwin
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils:
Texture: any, including heavy clays
pH: any local; does fine with acidic soils – OK under pines
Light: Part-shade to full shade
Will flower and fruit best in part-shade (like under trees)
Water: Winter: good winter water
Summer: Zone 2 (or even 1-2) once established; Zone 2-3 for first 1-2 years
Fertilizer: use an organic mulch (pine needles or oak leaves are ideal)
Other: tolerates heat
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Creeping Barberry
Most often used as a low natural groundcover Evergreen; low-growing
Easy to grow
Fills in to cover an area
Interesting, attractive foliage
Bright spring flowers; winter foliage color
Great under trees; other shady areas
In a woodsy garden; or creeping over a low stone wall
To attract fruit-eating birds
Fine in pots/planters
Anywhere you might consider (shudder) planting ivy
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MARE11
http://www.elnativogrowers.com/Photographs_page/mahrep.htm © Project SOUND
Coyote Mint – Monardella villosa
© Project SOUND
Showy mint flowers
Blooms: May-Aug. in S. Bay
Flowers: Dense heads of small
flowers; showy Color ranges from
lavender, rose-purple, to white
Long-blooming Attract a wide range of
butterflies, bees, other pollinators
Vegetative reproduction: natural layering
© Project SOUND
Coyote Mint
Soils:
Texture: any well-drained
Light: full sun to part shade
Water:
Winter: don’t let it get too wet
Summer: best with slightly damp to slightly dry sandy soil; don’t over-water – will make it leggy and decrease it’s lifespan
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: Pinch tips to promote fuller growth
Shear back to about 1/3 of it’s volume in fall/winter
If the plant loses its leaves
to drought during the hot
months, it will leaf out
again with rain and cooler
weather.
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© Project SOUND
Coyote Mint – just what
your garden needs!
Good in herb gardens, mixed borders, even vegetable gardens!
Dramatic cascading down slopes or over rock walls
Does well on hot dry slopes and sand dunes.
Nice ground cover in sun or dappled shade
Great along paths & walkways
Would do well in containers & planters
Fresh or dried leaves & flower heads can be steeped in cold water (should not be boiled) to make a refreshing clear tea.
'Russian River‘ cultivar is slightly fuzzy © Project SOUND
* Bolander’s Phacelia – Phacelia bolanderi
© Project SOUND
* Bolander’s Phacelia – Phacelia bolanderi
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_cpn.pl?PHBO
http://www.pnwflowers.com/flower/p
hacelia-bolanderi
Plant of coastal N. CA and OR/WA
Component of coastal woodlands (including pine/fir)
May be found in either dry (dry slopes) or more moist areas
Honors Henry N. Bolander (1831-1897) who made extensive collections of California plants from 1863-1875, particularly in the San Francisco area
© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College © Project SOUND
Bolander’s Phacelia is a pretty perennial
Size:
1-2 ft tall
1-2 ft wide
Growth form: Drought-deciduous perennial
Mounded to sprawly
Looks like a perennial groundcover
Short-lived (3-4 years) but re-seeds
Foliage: Fresh medium green
Leaves toothed, somewhat like grape leaves; attractive
All parts are hairy – may cause contact dermatitis
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/phacelia-bolanderi
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© Project SOUND
Among the prettiest
phacelia flowers
Blooms: late spring into summer – May to
July in our area
Fairly long bloom season 4+ weeks – can extend with judicious watering
Flowers: Light blue-purple – can be very
pale
Open flowers – ½” and more across
Open sequentially along the stem (uncurls as flowers open)
Seeds: many tiny seeds in dry capsules; will often re-seed in garden
http://www.larnerseeds.com/_pages/wildflower_perennial.html#Bolanders_Phacelia
© Project SOUND
Bolander’s Phacelia
is easy to grow
Soils: Texture: any well-drained
pH: any local
Light: Really best in some shade: dappled
shade or bright shade; morning sun
If grown in full sun will need more water
Water: Winter: adequate
Summer: wide range – if Zone 1 or 1-2 will be summer deciduous; Zone 2 to 2-3 can extend bloom, green
Fertilizer: adaptable; can take occasional fertilizer
Other: remove dead stems in late summer/fall
© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College
Don’t forget to wear gloves and
long sleeves if you are
sensitive to Phacelias’ hairs
© Project SOUND
Summer-dry perennials
make good groundcovers
Lovely as a sprawling perennial under oaks or other water-wise trees
Mix with other perennials and grasses with similar requirement
Like all phacelias, is an excellent habitat plant – attracts many visitors
Use as a filler between shrubs – particularly in young gardens
Can also be used as a pot plant on shady decks
http://www.robsplants.com/plants/PhaceBolan.php
http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Phacelia-bolanderi/ © Project SOUND
1/6/2013
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© Project SOUND
We’ll e-mail you some resources
Internet resources on gardening with oaks/ dry shade
Some book resources to inspire you
A dry shade plant list (includes local and other CA native plants that grow well in S. CA)
http://www.statebystategardening.com/shop/images/9780520251106.jpg © Project SOUND
Get out in nature
and experience an
Oak Woodland
http://www.bahiker.com/slideshows/jserrapics.html
Coast Liveoak Woodland
central coast
© Project SOUND
See how other gardeners make the most
of their shade & water resources
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