hedges for habitat - notes
TRANSCRIPT
1/6/2013
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© Project SOUND
Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden
Gardening with Western L.A. County Native Plants Project SOUND – 2012 (our 8th year)
© Project SOUND
Hedges & Habitat
Water-wise Hedges & Screens
That Provide Habitat
C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake
CSU Dominguez Hills & Madrona Marsh Preserve
Madrona Marsh Preserve
August 4 & 7, 2011
What is a mixed hedge or hedgerow?
A row of trees/shrubs & other plants that separate agricultural fields
A narrow planting strip that grows along field borders, fence lines, property boundaries and waterways
A living fence
A small ecosystem that has all the key ingredients that an animal needs to survive: food, shelter, nesting and denning sites.
© Project SOUND
http://blog.histouries.co.uk/2011/03/28/hedges-and-hedgerows-in-england/
Mixed hedges/hedgerows are not a new
concept
Hedgerows have long played an important role in agriculture.
Since Bronze Age people first used them to divide fields, mark property boundaries and control livestock in Europe more than 5,000 years ago, farmers around the world have appreciated the benefits hedgerows provide
© Project SOUND
http://www.ehow.com/info_12000999_traditional-hedge-laying.html
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What are the benefits of hedgerows?
Security – keeping people/ animals in or out
Provide privacy screens and reduce noise
Act as a windbreak
Reduce soil erosion
Attract beneficial insects and reduce pests
Provide foods and medicinal plants
Provide materials for crafts
Provide a backdrop for other plants
Increase plant diversity
Provide habitat
© Project SOUND
http://www.ofnc.ca/trailguide/tour3_e.php
http://www.citrona.com/nativeplanthedgerow.htm
What does a classical hedgerow look like?
Traditional hedgerows contain a complex mix of evergreen and deciduous plants, including: Trees/Large shrubs
Smaller shrubs & sub-shrubs/ Vines and climbers
Perennial wildflowers
Grasses
Ferns/ Annual wildflowers
© Project SOUND
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Habitat/WildAcres/wahedgerows.asp Looks like a whole garden in a narrow space
© Project SOUND
http://www.barrsam.com/ww/index%20012.htm
But what do hedgerows have to do with urban/
suburban Los Angeles county?
Can we really create hedgerows in
urban/suburban S. California?
We need to consider the appropriate scale of plants
We understand that our hedgerows will be small
We plant the right types of plants to provide the habitat values that are an essential component of true hedgerows
© Project SOUND
Yes, if we understand that:
http://www.dietrick.org/projects/bbb.html
In short, we need to learn how to design S. California Garden Hedgerows
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In fact, our small gardens make hedgerows
even more important
Make the most of small spaces by multi-tasking Screening
Beauty
Functional assets (food, etc)
Habitat
Make good use of limited space by: Growing plants close together
Combining a number of different kinds of plants
Making optimal use of vertical space
© Project SOUND
S. California Garden Hedgerows
are essentially wide, carefully
planned and densely planted
garden beds
Any habitat is better
than no habitat
For maximum habitat benefit, a California Backyard Hedgerow should be:
At least 20 feet long – the longer the better
At least 8 feet wide – 10-12 ft or more is even better (consider it a large mixed bed)
Contain a mix of large shrubs, smaller shrubs/vines, flowering perennials and grasses
Feature plants native to the local area – or with similar flora/fauna
© Project SOUND
http://www.wildwillowdesign.com/residential-landscape-design/featured-projects/napa-1/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mechanoid_dolly/4922239063/
© Project SOUND
The hedge continuum
http://www.nzplantpics.com/cat_hedges.htm
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,1589974,00.html
formal
© Project SOUND
To cut or not to cut?
Many native hedge plants can be pruned or not – the choice is yours
You can even cut one side and leave the other uncut
Once you choose to cut, you’re committed to cutting
Choosing to cut has consequences
http://www.ruralni.gov.uk/print/hedge-cutting.jpg
http://www.pcorbett.co.uk/hedge-cutting-contractor.htm
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© Project SOUND
The formal hedge
Often composed of a single type of shrub
Pruned to formal – often geometric - shapes
Maintained by regular pruning – often several times a year
Requires plants with certain characteristics: Moderate growth rate
Densely branched
Fine-textured foliage; small leaves
Can take regular shearing
http://www.hotgardens.net/hedges.htm
http://blogs.move.com/do-it-green/2007/06/06/hedges-a-green-alternative-to-
fences/
© Project SOUND
The informal hedge
May contain one or several different species of plants
Plants can differ in size, even shape.
Are lower-maintenance
Initial shaping may be required
Yearly pruning to maintain general size, promote plant health
May be too large and unruly for home gardens
http://www.ipswich.gov.uk/Services/Greenways+Countryside+Project/Photos/The+Fonnereau+Way.htm
© Project SOUND
The semi-formal
hedge
Rely on pruning to maintain natural shape.
Are a little bit more formal – so appropriate for urban gardens.
Work well with many of our native species.
Need enough space in the garden to show their form.
Are more forgiving; pruning is less crucial.
The S. California Garden Hedgerow
Is designed to be in scale with local gardens: At least 20 ft long
At least 8-10 ft wide
Uses CA native plants (at least primarily)
Usually ranges in size from large shrubs (6-10 ft tall) to groundcovers
Provides a screen
Reflects the owner’s desires in design, plant choices, formality
© Project SOUND http://www.wildwillowdesign.com/residential-landscape-design/featured-projects/napa-1/
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The new backyard – a clean slate
© Project SOUND
60 ft
15 ft (2 shrubs)
Steps in designing a S. California Garden
Hedgerow
Draw a scale map of the area
Do site assessment: light, etc.
Decide on a plant palette: N. Calif. Coast – Water Zone 2 to 2-3
Western L.A. Co. – Zone 2
Sonoran Desert – Water Zone 1-2 to 2
Choose a ‘Backbone Shrub’ species; determine number of plants needed
Choose complementary ‘Filler Shrubs’
Complete design with smaller shrubs, sub-shrubs, perennials, grasses & groundcovers
© Project SOUND
© Project SOUND
‘Backbone Shrub’ – the key to a good hedgerow
Will constitute 40 to 70% percent of the mixed hedgerow
Should be selected first.
Should be a plant with: Evergreen foliage A good growth rate; Nice, but neutral-looking, foliage Pest/disease resistance Appropriate for your site Added value: flowers/fruit/seeds
Comparison shop before you choose Compare 3-4 potential Backbone
Shrubs before making final selection
Choose the species with the most ‘value’
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Myrica_californica.jpg
Zone 2 to 2-3 – Northern Coast
© Project SOUND
‘Backbone Shrub’ : Coffeeberry (Frangula/Rhamnus californica)
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How dense to plant the large shrubs?
Principles: Need some overlap – no gaps
Need to insure that the death of one shrub doesn’t leave a gap
Want it to fill in as quickly as possible
Don’t want to over-crowd species that normally have room to stretch
Rules of thumb: 1-2 foot overlap between adjacent
mature large shrubs
Example: 8 ft wide shrubs are planted 4 to 6 feet apart
© Project SOUND
1-2 ft
4-6 ft on center
4 ft radius/8 ft diameter
Zone 2 to 2-3 – Northern Coast
© Project SOUND
8-9 large shrubs
But what if we want our hedgerow to be
more drought tolerant – and local?
© Project SOUND
Lemonadeberry - Rhus integrifolia
http://nativeson.com/annotated_catalog/qcatalog.htm
http://earthfriendlylandscapes.blogspot.com/2010/07/planting-with-hedges-in-california.html
No problem – we’ve got a wealth of
large evergreen shrubs native to
western L.A. County
Steps in designing a California Backyard
Hedgerow
Draw a scale map of the area
Do site assessment: light, etc.
Decide on a plant palette: N. Calif. Coast – Water Zone 2 to 2-3
Western L.A. Co. – Water Zone 2
Sonoran Desert – Water Zone 1-2 to 2
Choose a ‘Backbone Shrub’ species; determine number of plants needed
Choose complementary ‘Filler Shrubs’
Complete design with smaller shrubs, sub-shrubs, perennials, grasses & groundcovers
© Project SOUND
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Western L.A. Co. Palette: Water Zone 2
Large shrubs: backbone candidates
Ceanothus crassifolius: white/gray
Ceanothus cuneatus: white/green
Ceanothus megacarpus : white/green
Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber: ins/green
Heteromeles arbutifolia: white/green
Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia: white/green
Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii: white/green
© Project SOUND
Zone 1-2 to 2: local native backbone plants
© Project SOUND
Ceanothus crassifolius Ceanothus cuneatus
http://sbwildflowers.wordpress.com/wildflowers/rham
naceae/ceanothus/ceanothus-cuneatus/
Ceanothus megacarpus
http://www.researchlearningcenter.org/bloom/sp
ecies/Ceanothus_megacarpus_megacarpus.ht
m
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/mechanoid_dolly/sets/72157624828039022/
Heteromeles arbutifolia
Zone 1-2 to 2: local native backbone plants
© Project SOUND
Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber Prunus ilicifolia
Planning a hedgerow –
take time in planning
Appropriate for site/compatible with other plants Size
Light
Soils
Water needs
Aesthetic considerations Foliage characteristics: color,
texture, etc.
Flowers: color, season, etc.
Fruits/seeds: color, season, etc.
Other benefits Scent; edible; medicinal; etc.
Habitat value What species: insects, birds, etc
What they provide: food, shelter, nest sites, perches
© Project SOUND
Remember, your hedgerow
will be around for a long time
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How do the local backbone shrubs stack up?
Ceanothus species
Flowers: abundant, white, spring
Fruits: insignificant looking
Other: soap; dye
Aesthetic: pretty; neat, evergreen; well-known
Hedge characteristics: good; dense & take semi-formal hedging
Habitat: bees: good; birds: cover & fruits/seeds
Toyon – Heteromeles arbutifolia
Flowers: abundant, cream, summer
Fruits: showy, red in winter
Other: dye; medicinal
Aesthetic: neat; nice green color; can prune to tree shape; well-known
Hedge characteristics: good; dense & take formal/informal hedging
Habitat: insects – good; birds – cover, nest, fruits
© Project SOUND
Mountain Mahogany - Cercocarpus
Flowers: seeds showy
Fruits: no
Other: medicinal; dye
Aesthetic: pleasant; neutral background; white bark; can be tree-like
Hedge characteristics: informal or formal; easy to maintain
Habitat: bees – excellent; birds – perch, nest, cover, seeds
Native Cherries - Prunus ilicifolia
Flowers: masses of white, spr/su
Fruits: edible cherries, fall
Other: fruit; medicinal; dye
Aesthetic: shiny leaves, good color, pretty flowers, fruits
Hedge characteristics: excellent, formal/informal, narrow screens
Habitat: bees – excellent; Pale Swallowtail host plant; birds – perch, nest, cover, seeds
© Project SOUND
How do the local backbone shrubs stack up?
Western L.A. Co. backbone shrub: Toyon
© Project SOUND
Replacing the old (short) hedge
© Project SOUND
http://www.jeunitedrealty.com/listing/2009-robinson-street-%7Cb-redondo-beach-s12013328
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How many 8-10 ft backbone shrubs?
© Project SOUND
http://www.jeunitedrealty.com/listing/2009-robinson-street-%7Cb-redondo-beach-s12013328
22 ft
How many 8-10 ft backbone shrubs?
Place one shrub at each end – each 5 ft in from edge
12 feet remain
You have room for a total of 3 plants – planted 6 feet on center
You might want to: Use just a backbone
species for lg. shrub
Choose a filler shrub that looks similar to the backbone
© Project SOUND
http://www.jeunitedrealty.com/listing/2009-robinson-street-%7Cb-redondo-beach-s12013328
22 ft 6 ft
6 ft
Replacing the old (short) hedge
© Project SOUND
6 ft 6 ft 5 ft
Toyon Toyon or Mountain
Mahogany
Toyon
What do we still need?
Aesthetics/Human Uses
Have Summer flowers
Winter red berries
Dye/medicinal plant
Need Winter/spring color -flowers
Colored flowers
? Different foliage
Habitat
Have Summer nectar
Winter fruits
Good cover/nest sites
Need Seeds
? Fruits:
Grass: nests; seeds; Skipper habitat
© Project SOUND
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Need 3 more local large shrubs
Large shrubs
Backbone
Ceanothus crassifolius: white/gray
Ceanothus cuneatus: white/green
Ceanothus megacarpus : white/green
Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber: ins/green
Heteromeles arbutifolia: white/green
Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia: white/green
Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii: white/green
Filler Arctostaphylos glauca
Ceanothus spinosus
Comarostaphylis diversifolia
Cornus glabrata
Crossosoma californicum
Garrya veatchii
Mahonia nevinii
Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina) ??
Rhamnus crocea
Rhus integrifolia
Quercus berberidifolia
? Xylococcus bicolor
© Project SOUND
Possible local filler shrubs
© Project SOUND
Local Ceanothus Nevin’s Barberry – Mahonia nevinii
Summer Holly
Comarostaphylis diversifolia
Spiny Reberry
Rhamnus crocea
Western L.A. County Palette: Water Zone 2
© Project SOUND
• Toyon - Heteromeles arbutifolia
• Wedgeleaf Ceanothus - Ceanothus cuneatus
• Summer Holly - Comarostaphylis diversifolia
Western L.A. County Palette: Water Zone 2
© Project SOUND
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What do we still need?
Aesthetics/Human Uses
Have Summer flowers
Winter red berries
Dye/medicinal plant
Winter/spring color –flowers
Need Colored flowers
? Different foliage
Mid- and low-growing species
Habitat
Have Summer nectar
Winter fruits
Good cover/nest sites
Fruits: more variety
Need Seeds
Grass: nests; seeds; Skipper habitat
© Project SOUND
Western L.A. Co. Palette: smaller species
Smaller shrubs Amorpha californica var.
californica
Brickellia californica
Lycium californicum
Ribes aureum
Ribes indecorum
Salvia leucophylla
Salvia mellifera
Other Achillea millefolium
Artemisia californica
Boykinia rotundifolia
Grindelia stricta var. platyphylla
Salvia spathacea
Solanum wallacei
Solidago californica
Tauschia arguta
Venegasia carpesioides
Native grasses
© Project SOUND
Zone 2 (local) backbone shrub: Toyon
© Project SOUND
• Purple Sage - Salvia leucophylla
• Western Yarrow - Achillea millefolia
• Foothill Needlegrass - Nassella lepida
Zone 2 (local) backbone shrub: Toyon
© Project SOUND
• Golden Currant - Ribes aureum
• Purple Sage - Salvia leucophylla
• Western Yarrow - Achillea millefolia
• Foothill Needlegrass - Nassella lepida
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We’ve transformed the old (short) hedge
© Project SOUND
• Golden Currant: colored flowers/edible berries/contrasting foliage
• Purple Sage : scented foliage (herb) /colored flowers/nectar/seeds/ gray foliage
• Western Yarrow: flowers/beneficial insects/seeds/medicinal
Placing smaller shrubs/other small plants
Plants nearest to the large shrubs should overlap the large shrubs – 1 ft overlap – you will prune these as if they are an extension of the large shrubs
Plants further from the large shrubs can be spaced further apart or overlapped – depends on the plants and your personal taste
© Project SOUND
The hedgerow at
Heritage Creek
Preserve
© Project SOUND
Sonoran Desert Palette: Water Zone 1-2 to 2
© Project SOUND http://www.shannontech.com/ParkVision/JoshuaTree/JoshuaTree4.html
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A little less water (Sonoran Desert Palette)
Large shrubs
Backbone Arctostaphylos pungens
Forestiera pubescens var. pubescens
Lycium brevipes
Simmondsia chinensis
Filler Calliandra eriophylla
Fallugia paradoxa
Hyptis emoryi
Lycium andersonii
Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia
Prunus andersonii
Smaller shrubs Abutilon palmeri
Acalypha californica
Encelia farinosa
Justicia californica
Sphaeralcea ambigua
Other Ericameria nauseosa
Geraea canescens
Mirabilis multiflora vars glandulosa and pubescens
Nolina bigelovii
Penstemon eatonii
Penstemon palmeri
Viguiera parishii
© Project SOUND
Zone 1-2: Sonoran Desert backbone shrubs
© Project SOUND
Point-leaf Manzanita
Arctostaphylos pungens
http://www.delange.org/ManzanitaPointleaf/ManzanitaPointleaf.htm
http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.
php?id_image=1004
Desert Olive - Forestiera pubescens
http://seedsofsuccess.smugmug.com/keyword/pubescens/1/11
53460478_2UbVe#!i=279467734&k=Y7pqc
Jojoba - Simmondsia chinensis Lycium brevipes
© Project SOUND
*Jojoba – Simmondsia chinensis
© 2003 Monty Rickard © Project SOUND
Characteristics of Jojoba depend a bit on
the site Size:
3-12 ft tall (usually 6-10 ft)
6-10 ft wide
Growth form: Large woody shrub or small tree
(larger forms in wetter sites)
Many branches; dense – provides good cover
Foliage: Thick, leathery gray-green leaves
Evergreen except in severe drought; deer & rabbits eat it
Leaves move through day to minimize sun exposure
Roots: deep taproots; don’t disturb
© 2005 Michelle Cloud-Hughes
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© Project SOUND
Jojobas is really
drought tolerant Soils:
Texture: well-drained; sandy or rocky best
pH: any local (6.0-8.0)
Light: Full sun to part-shade
Takes hot exposures
Water: Winter: no flooding, but needs
good soil replenishment
Summer: best with occasional water (Zone 1-2 to 2) but can be treated as Zone 1
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: use an inorganic mulch (crushed rock; coarse sand)
http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=3245
© Project SOUND
Jojoba is gaining popularity as a
water-wise shrub
Really hardy – great for places that get little maintenance (street medians; roadsides)
Can be used as a small tree
Makes wonderful water-wise hedges, screens, windbreaks
Informal – little or no pruning
Formal – clipped or hedged (after seed production)
Hedgerow foundation plant
http://www.cas.vanderbilt.edu/bioimages/speci
es/sich.htm
Remind you a
bit of olive trees!
© Project SOUND
* Desert Olive – Forestiera pubescens var. pubescens
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
© Project SOUND
Desert Olive: large shrub or small tree?
Size: 10-15+ ft tall; mod. long-lived
12-15 ft wide
Growth form: Woody shrub/tree; lovely gray
bark ; moderate growth rate
Somewhat mounded shape – reminds me of Laurel Sumac – but may be almost vine-like
Densely branched, some thorny; hard wood (used for tools)
Foliage: Winter deciduous
Bright green/gray-green leaves – yellow color in fall
Roots: naturally clump-forming
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=FOPUP
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
http://www.cnr.vt.edu/DENDRO/dendrology/syllabus2/factsheet.cfm?ID=739
1/6/2013
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© Project SOUND
Desert Olive is very undemanding
Soils: Texture: any, but well-drained best
pH: any local (6.0-8.0)
Light: full sun to part-shade;
Water: Winter: needs enough for ground-
water replenishment
Summer: regular water first year; then Zone 1-2 to 2
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: tolerates heat, high winds, moderate soil salinity
http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/Yellow%20Enlarged%20Photo%20Pages/forestier
a%20pubescens.htm © Project SOUND
Flowers are reminiscent of Forsythia
Blooms: Spring: usually Feb/Mar. in
western L.A. County – depends on night temperatures
Often flowers before plants leaf out – like Forsythia
Flowers: Tiny and rudimentary, but lots of
them
Clustered along branches – quite showy & sweet-scented (like all olives)
Important nectar source for nectar insects (mostly native bees & butterflies)
http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4DMG/Trees/Shrubs/mexpriv.htm
http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/Yellow%20Enlarged%20Photo%20Pages/forestiera%20pubescens.htm
© Project SOUND
Desert Olive is a true olive
Family: Oleaceae (Olive Family) trees or shrubs comprising about 30 genera
and 600 species Many members of the family are
economically significant.
Includes: Forestiera & The olive (Olea europaea) - important for
fruit and oil The ashes (Fraxinus) - tough wood Forsythia, lilacs (Syringa), jasmines
(Jasmonium), privets (Ligustrum), are valued as ornamental plants
Important habitat plants: food, shelter & nesting sites (pollinator insects; larval food for Hairstreaks, Sphinx Moth; many birds & animals eat fruit and utilize shelter)
The ‘olives’ of Forestiera may sometime be an important source of olive oil.
http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/Yellow%20Enlarged%20Photo%20Pa
ges/forestiera%20pubescens.htm
http://tree-species.blogspot.com/2007/11/olive-tree.html
European Olive - Olea Europaea
© Project SOUND
Can be pruned and
shaped, even hedged
Can be sheared to a reasonable hedge
Mix with other species in mixed hedge or hedgerow
Very adaptable and useful – could probably even be espaliered
Limit water to provide better shape
http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4DMG/Trees/Shrubs/mexpriv.htm
http://flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/2640329338/in/set-72157605994561368/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/2973733432/
1/6/2013
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© Project SOUND
* Baja Desert-thorn – Lycium brevipes
© 2002 Charles E. Jones
s Channel Islands, western Sonoran Desert
CA and NW Mexico
Coastal bluffs, canyons, below 2000’
© Project SOUND
* Baja Desert-thorn – Lycium brevipes
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?7625,7636,7639
© 2010 Aaron Schusteff
© Project SOUND
Baja Desert-thorn: typical Lycium
Size: 8-12 ft tall
8-12 ft wide
Growth form: Large, woody shrub
Mounded, densely branching (good for hedges)
Stout thorns
Gray-brown bark
Foliage: Small, rounded leaves
Succulent, pale green
Evergreen or drought deciduous
© 2010 Aaron Schusteff
© Project SOUND
Sweet little flowers
Blooms: in spring; usually Mar-May in our area
Flowers: Masses of small, white to
purplish flowers
Sweet and old-fashioned
May be almost hidden by leaves
Attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds
Fruits: Like tiny tomatoes
Abundant and showy
© 2010 Neal Kramer
1/6/2013
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Uses for fruits
Decorative – plant is very pretty when fruiting
Birds love the fruits – you’ll know when they’re ripe
Human uses:
Dried
Fresh, as a snack
Cooked for tomato-like sauces
© Project SOUND
http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/aridplants/Lycium_brevipes.html
http://www.abdnha.org/pages/03flora/family/solanaceae/lycium_brevipes.htm
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: any well-drained
pH: any local
Light: Full sun
Fine with reflected heat
Water: Winter: be sure it gets good
winter moisture
Summer: best with occasional water – Zone 1-2 to 2 will keep it green
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: inorganic mulch (gravel; DG; crushed rock; etc.)
© Project SOUND
Lyciums: good in
water-wise gardens
For tall hedges, hedgerows and screens: semi-formal to informal (can be pruned to shape; even hedge-trimmed)
Pruned up as a small tree
Good shrub for attracting wide range of wildlife: Nectar
Fruits
Dense cover, nesting sites
http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/aridplants/Lycium_brevipes.html
http://www.desertmuseumdigitallibrary.org/public/detail.php?id=ASDM08603
How do our backbone shrubs stack up?
Pointleaf Manzanita Arctostaphylos pungens
Flowers: white; early spring
Fruits: edible berries; pretty
Other: medicinal; dye
Aesthetic: attractive form, foliage; ?? Mixed with others
Hedge characteristics: informal, semi-formal
Habitat: bird – hummingbirds, fruit, cover, nest sites
Desert Olive - Forestiera pubescens
Flowers: yellow; spring; sweet
Fruits: edible olives (need M/F)
Other:
Aesthetic: attractive shape, bark; pretty big
Hedge characteristics: informal to semi-formal
Habitat: very important habitat for wide range of insect and bird species
© Project SOUND
1/6/2013
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How do our backbone shrubs stack up?
Baja Desert-thorn - Lycium brevipes
Flowers: small, purple - spring
Fruits: edible, tomato-like (small)
Other: edible berries
Aesthetic: striking berries; a bit informal looking
Hedge characteristics: best left semi-formal for berries
Habitat: excellent for insects, fruit/insect-eating birds
Jojoba - Simmondsia chinensis
Flowers: insig./ insects
Fruits: not really showy; edible
Other: medicinal
Aesthetic: nice color and shape – like an shrubby olive tree
Hedge characteristics: excellent – formal to informal
Habitat: excellent for insects, birds, small animals
© Project SOUND
Zone 1-2 (Sonoran) backbone shrub: Jojoba
© Project SOUND
• Jojoba – Simmondsia chinensis
• Baja Desert-thorn - Lycium brevipes
What do we still need?
Aesthetics/Human Uses
Have Summer berries – red
Edible fruits
Need Spring/summer flower color
Scented flowers/foliage
More edibles
More foliage variability
Mid- to low height range
Habitat
Have Cover/nesting sites
Summer fruits/fall nuts
Spring nectar plants
Need Seeds
More larval food sources (butterflies & moths)
More nectar/pollen sources © Project SOUND
Zone 1-2: Sonoran Desert native filler shrubs
© Project SOUND
http://www.unce.unr.edu/programs/sites/nemo/lid/plantlist/plantdetails.asp?ID
=38
Prunus andersonii Lycium andersonii
http://wolf.mind.net/swsbm/Images/New10-2003.html
Hyptis emoryi
© 1998 Larry Blakely http://www.andydownunder.com/nature_profiles?id=129
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Zone 1-2: Sonoran Desert filler shrubs
© Project SOUND
Apache Plume - Fallugia paradoxa Pink Fairyduster – Calliandra eriophylla
© Project SOUND
*Desert Lavender – Hyptis emoryi
© 2004 James M. Andre
© Project SOUND
Desert Lavender is
a woody shrub
Size: 3-8+ ft tall
3-8+ ft wide
Growth form: In nature (with little water) a
compact, branching upright shrub
Drought-deciduous to evergreen
Gray bark
Slow growth (with little water
Foliage: White-green to gray green; hairy
Simple leaves; lavender scent when crushed or after rain
http://www.fireflyforest.com/flowers/violets/violet10.html © Project SOUND
Desert Lavender is a
typical desert shrub Soils: Texture: must be well-
drained; sandy or rocky
pH: any local
Light: Full sun needed for dense
foliage
Tolerates reflected heat – good for very hot place in garden
Water: Once established, give
occasional water (Zone 1-2)
Withhold water in late summer/fall
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
http://caornamentalnativeplants.org/desert_lavender.jpg
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© Project SOUND
Flowers are dainty
Blooms: off and on throughout the year, but most heavily in spring
Flowers: Tiny; in clusters
Lavender to purple; typical shape for Mint family
Scented of lavender
A bee, butterfly & hummingbird magnet!!
Seeds: small; plant in spring – no treatment
© 2004 James M. Andre
http://www.delange.org/Lavender/Lavender.htm © Project SOUND
Desert Lavender is popular with desert gardeners
As an attractive accent shrub near patios and walks
In a habitat garden; try it as an informal or sheared hedge
As a delightful addition to the ‘Evening Garden’ – color & scent make it attractive day & night
http://www.delange.org/Lavender/Lavender.htm
http://www.mswn.com/Plant%20Info%20Sheets/Hyptis%20emoryi.pdf
© Project SOUND
Desert Lavender is important for desert
peoples – to this day
Dried foliage used to make a calming tea, season foods
Infusions of flowers and leaves used for inflammatory and infectious conditions
A poultice of crushed leaves makes an antibacterial dressing for wounds
‘Fragrant natural cleansing bar, with the healing qualities of Desert Lavender (Hyptis emoryi) and organic jojoba oil extracted from the seeds of Simmondsia—both native to the desert Southwest--partner here with the best French lavender essence to achieve moisturizing aromatherapy as you bathe.’
Dried foliage has been used instead of mothballs - fragrance is said to repel moths
http://www.flordemayoarts.com/pages/soapinfolavender.html
Zone 1-2 (Sonoran) backbone shrub: Jojoba
© Project SOUND
• Jojoba – Simmondsia chinensis
• Baja Desert-thorn – Lycium brevipes
• Desert Lavender – Hyptis emoryi
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© Project SOUND
* Apache Plume – Fallugia paradoxa
Desert uplands from 3,500 to 7,500 feet
Throughout all four south-western deserts -- Mojave, Chihuahuan, Great Basin, and Sonoran
In CA, Joshua Tree Woodland, Pinyon-Juniper Woodland
Fallugia is a monotypic genus of shrub containing the single species Fallugia paradoxa
Introduced into cultivation in California by Theodore Payne; Avail even through Monrovia Nursery
© Project SOUND
* Apache Plume – Fallugia paradoxa
© 2009 Lee Dittmann
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?6677,6721,6722
© Project SOUND
Apache Plume: medium-large desert shrub
Size: 4-8+ ft tall
5-10+ ft wide
Growth form: Semi-evergreen to evergreen
– depends on water
Mounded form; many shrubby slender branches – good cover for birds, etc.
Shreddy gray-brown bark
Foliage: Small, deeply-lobed leaves
‘fine textured’ appearance – looks good with other shrubs
Roots: spreads by root suckering with abundant water
© 2007 Jason E. Willand
G.A. Cooper @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Patrick J. Alexander @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database © Project SOUND
Flowers and seeds are
very showy
Blooms: in spring – April-June in our area
Flowers: Give a good clue that this plant
is in the Rose family
2 inch pure white flowers like a wild rose – ooh la la
Like a rose, attracts many insects (butterflies, bees, etc.)
Seeds: Have fluffy tails – very showy
on the plant
Fade from pink to gold as they mature
© 2010 James M. Andre
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© Project SOUND
Another desert wash plant Soils:
Texture: likes a well-drained soil, but pretty adaptable
pH: any local
Light: full sun to part-shade – perfect for hedgerow
Water: Winter: supplement if needed
Summer: likes occasional summer water, but very drought tolerant when established – Water Zone 1-2 to 2 (about once a month)
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: inorganic mulch or very thin organic
© 2009 Lee Dittmann
© 2006 Heath McAllister
Managing Apache
Plume
Prune in late fall/winter
Prune to shape & promote blooms (blooms on new growth) Selective deep pruning of old
branches (3 years or older)
Shortening of younger ones (up to ½ of length)
Hedge pruning/tip pruning in summer – makes it neater, too
Prune to rejuvenate Cut oldest woody stems to the
ground to rejuvenate
© Project SOUND
http://desertedge.blogspot.com/2011/06/plant-trinity-abq-to-el-paso.html
© Project SOUND
Gardeners are discovering
Apache Plume
© 2002 Gary A. Monroe
© 2003 Charles E. Jones
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/fallugia-paradoxa
http://www.nazflora.org/Fallugia_paradoxa.htm
As an accent plant in desert-themed gardens for beauty & habitat value
As a foundation shrub
In informal hedges/hedgerows
In very hot, dry situations (parking lots; roadways)
© Project SOUND
* Pink Fairy Duster – Calliandra eriophylla
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CAER
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© Project SOUND
* Pink Fairy Duster – Calliandra eriophylla
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CAER
http://www.graniteseed.com/seeds/seed.php?id=Calliandra_eriophylla
http://www.saguaro-juniper.com/i_and_i/flowers/fairy_duster/fairy_duster.html
Sonoran Desert from CA & Baja to W. Texas
Dry, gravelly slopes & mesas ; often in beds of intermittent streams, bajadas, washes, etc. - rocky, sandy
In Spanish, Cabeza de angel refers to an angel's head or angel's hair
© Project SOUND
Pink Fairyduster is a nice sized accent shrub
Size: 3-5+ ft tall (depends on water)
4-6+ ft wide
Growth form: Woody shrub
Mounded/upright to sprawling; can grow around existing shrubs
Light-colored bark
Foliage: Bright to medium green
Binnately pinnate – small pinna (like Acacia)
Roots: nitrogen-fixing bacteria; rhizomatous – will slowly spread
http://www.public.asu.edu/~camartin/plants/Plant%20html%20files/calliandraeriophylla.html
http://www.fourdir.com/p_fairy_duster.htm © 2005 Dr. Amadej Trnkoczy
© Project SOUND
A plant of desert washes Soils: Texture: loves sandy/rocky soils
but fine in any well-drained
pH: any local
Light: Full sun for best flowering
Will take light shade
Water: Winter: needs adequate
Summer:
Best looking with occasional water (Zone 1-2 or 2) but very drought tolerant
Some water in Aug.
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils; inorganic mulch
Glenn and Martha Vargas © California Academy of Sciences © Project SOUND
Showy accent plant
As a foundation plant
A water-wise accent shrub
As an informal hedge – or for erosion control on slopes
Even in large containers
Consider for Asian or Desert-themed gardens
http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/aridplants/Calliandra_eriophylla.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36517976@N06/4307505066/
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Shaping Fairydusters
Have a good natural shape – can leave as is
Tip-prune during growing season to produce fuller shrub
Lightly prune to shape in late spring
© Project SOUND
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36517976@N06/4307505066/
http://www.avondale.watersavingplants.com/eplant.php?plantnum=1346&return=b_aC http://www.elnativogrowers.com/Photographs_page/caleri.htm
Placing Sonoran Desert Palette plants:
observe desert wash patterns
Notable patterns:
Masses of plants contrast other plant masses
Color
Evergreen vs. deciduous
Simplicity
Spacing to conserve water
© Project SOUND
http://www.biology.ed.ac.uk/archive/jdeacon/desbiome/sonoran.htm
http://localism.com/az/phoenix/sonoran_foothills
Zone 1-2 (Sonoran) backbone shrub: Jojoba
© Project SOUND
• Jojoba – Simmondsia chinensis
• Baja Desert-thorn – Lycium brevipes
• Desert Lavender – Hyptis emoryi
• Apache Plume – Fallugia paradoxa
• Pink Fairyduster – Calliandra eriophylla
Zone 1-2 (Sonoran) backbone shrub: Jojoba
© Project SOUND
• Jojoba – Simmondsia chinensis
• Baja Desert-thorn – Lycium brevipes
• Desert Lavender – Hyptis emoryi
• Apache Plume – Fallugia paradoxa
• Pink Fairyduster – Calliandra eriophylla
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But maybe pink isn’t your thing…
© Project SOUND
• Jojoba – Simmondsia chinensis
• Baja Desert-thorn – Lycium brevipes
• Desert Lavender – Hyptis emoryi
Zone 1-2: Sonoran Desert filler plants: lots of
choices
© Project SOUND
Smaller shrubs Indian Mallow - Abutilon palmeri
California Copperleaf -Acalypha californica
Desert Encelia - Encelia farinosa
Rabbitbush - Ericameria nauseosa
Chuparosa - Justicia californica
Desert Mallow - Sphaeralcea ambigua
Other Coues’/Desert Senna – Cassia covesii
Geraea canescens
Mirabilis multiflora vars glandulosa and pubescens
Nolina bigelovii
Penstemon eatonii
Penstemon palmeri
Viguiera parishii
© Project SOUND
* Chuparosa – Justicia californica
© 2010 Neal Kramer
Sonoran/ Western Colorado Desert plant: CA, AZ & N. Mexico
Dry, sandy or rocky soils, washes from 1000-4000 ft elevation
Introduced into cultivation in California by Theodore Payne.
AKA: Beloperone; Hummingbird Bush
© Project SOUND
* Chuparosa – Justicia californica
Charles Webber © California Academy of Sciences
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_cpn.pl?JUCA8
http://agentmary.wordpress.com/category/california-sights/
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© Project SOUND
Chuparosa: takes some time to establish
Size: 3-6 ft tall
4-8+ ft wide
Growth form: Mounded sub-shrub from a
woody base
Stems green, becoming gray/hairy
Takes 4-5 years to ‘fill out’
Foliage: Bright green succulent leaves in
spring
Cold & drought deciduous – usually leafless most of the year in nature
© 2002 Charles E. Jones
http://www.solano.watersavingplants.com/eplant.php?plantnum=2065&return=l8_p2
© Project SOUND
Flowers are superb Blooms:
Main bloom in spring : usually Mar-May in western L.A. county
Blooms off and on through fall with rains/irrigation
Flowers: hummingbird flowers Tubular, red (may be orange or
even yellow)
Lots of them along the stems
Attract hummingbirds like magnets – let the battles begin!
Sparrows bite off the flowers and eat the nectar-filled bases
Flowers edible: raw or cooked – taste ‘cucumber-like’
Seeds: No pre-treatment needed to
grow from seed
© 2010 Neal Kramer
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: well-drained/sandy
soils best, but tolerant
pH: any local
Light: Full sun; if using in a hedgerow,
plant on the south of west-facing side
Water: Winter: supplement if needed;
don’t over-water clays
Summer: likes occasional water – Zone 1-2 to 2 (will become very large with more water)
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: inorganic mulch best
J. E.(Jed) and Bonnie McClellan © California Academy of Sciences
Chuparosa in the garden
© Project SOUND
Often used as a showy specimen plant in desert-themed gardens
A must for hummingbird gardens
As a filler plant in a low-water hedgerow
In large pots/containers
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Justicia californica 'Tecate Gold'
Color variants exist in nature
The ‘gold’ variants are basically like the standard red-flowered species, but with yellow flowers
Look for more variants in the future
© Project SOUND http://www.huntingtonbotanical.org/WhatsInBloom/april07/Page4.html
A timeline for S. CA Garden Hedgerows
Year 1 Plant large shrubs (backbone &
filler shrubs)
Plant cover species: grasses, annuals, herbaceous groundcovers
Weed, weed, weed
Selective pruning: health; fullness in fast-growing species
Year 2-4 Replace large shrubs if needed
Add smaller species as hedgerow size/shape is revealed
Weed, weed
Prune for fullness during growth season
© Project SOUND
Fillers cover, hide and provide habitat
© Project SOUND © Project SOUND
*Coues' Cassia – Senna covesii
© 2005 Gene Wagner, RPh.
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Sonoran Desert (San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino Co.), NV, AZ, N. Mexico
Dry, sandy desert washes, slopes from 1,000 to 3,500 feet elevation
Named after Dr. Elliott Coues 1842-1899, noted ornithologist who was stationed by the U.S. government at Fort Whipple in 1864, author of Birds of the Colorado Valley
© Project SOUND
*Coues’ Cassia (Desert Senna) – Senna covesii
Robert Potts © California Academy of Sciences
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-
bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3691,4205,4207
http://www.nazflora.org/Senna_covesii.htm © Project SOUND
Desert Senna is a shrubby Pea
Size: 4-6+ ft tall
2-4 ft wide
Growth form: Upright, part-woody stems from
a woody base
Stems gray/tan, hairy
Open appearance
Quick-growing
Foliage: Bright green to gray green –
depending on water/light
Pea-like leaves w/ large leaflets
Larval food for Cloudless Sulphur & Sleepy Orange butterflies
© 2010 Steve Matson
http://www.fireflyforest.com/flowers/2329/senna-covesii-coves-cassia/
© Project SOUND
Flowers bring them in
Blooms: Main bloom in spring; usually
Feb-Apr in our area
Blooms off & on with summer rains/water
Flowers: Senna/Cassia flowers
Golden yellow, 5-petal and very showy
Sweetly scented (‘bubblegum’)
Buzz-pollinated by large carpenter bees, bumblebees
Seeds: Large seed in long pod that
explodes open (like Lupine)
Re-seeds well on bare ground
© 2004 James M. Andre
© Project SOUND
Senna: desert washes Soils:
Texture: well-drained gravelly/sandy in nature – pretty tolerant of others
pH: any local
Light: Full sun for best flowering;
tolerates part-shade
Water: Winter: supplement if needed
Summer: drought tolerant, but will bloom longer with occasional summer water – Zone 1-2 to 2
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: inorganic mulch or none
© 2008 Gary A. Monroe
http://www.desertmuseumdigitallibrary.org/public/detail.php?id=ASDM01329&sp=Senna%20cov
esii
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© Project SOUND
Desert Senna in the garden
Often used as a ‘filler plant’ around other shrubs/trees and cacti in a desert-themed garden
For habitat: flowers, foliage and seeds
As a filler plant in water-wise hedgerows, paired with other Sonoran Desert plants
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Senna_covesii.jpg
http://learningtolivehere.wordpress.com/2010/06/05/vegetation/
http://www.gardeningonthemoon.com/2011/09/14/a-gem-in-the-rough-senna-cassia-covesii/
A timeline for S. CA Garden Hedgerows, cont.
Year 5-7 Plant shade-tolerant vines &
climbers
Plant shade-tolerant cover species: grasses, annuals, herbaceous groundcovers
Weed
Prune for to shape/hedge during growth season (most) or dormant season
Enjoy!
Year 8+ Weed,
Prune for to shape/hedge during growth season
Enjoy!!!!
© Project SOUND
The S. California Garden Hedgerow
Is designed to be in scale with local gardens: At least 20 ft long
At least 8-10 ft wide
Uses CA native plants (at least primarily)
Usually ranges in size from large shrubs (6-10 ft tall) to groundcovers
Provides a screen
Reflects the owner’s desires in design, plant choices, formality
© Project SOUND http://www.wildwillowdesign.com/residential-landscape-design/featured-projects/napa-1/
Steps in designing a S. California Garden
Hedgerow
Draw a scale map of the area
Do site assessment: light, etc.
Decide on a plant palette: N. Calif. Coast – Water Zone 2 to 2-3
Western L.A. Co. – Zone 2
Sonoran Desert – Water Zone 1-2 to 2
Choose a ‘Backbone Shrub’ species; determine number of plants needed
Choose complementary ‘Filler Shrubs’
Complete design with smaller shrubs, sub-shrubs, perennials, grasses & groundcovers
© Project SOUND
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Go out, observe and get planning!
© Project SOUND