Category: Botany
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Lemonade Berry: The Resilient Native Shrub for Southern California
The Orange County Chapter of the California Native Plant Society highlights the Lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia) as the August Plant of the Month. This adaptable evergreen shrub thrives in full sun, tolerates drought, and grows 6-10 feet tall. Known for its unique bitter lemon-flavored berries, it offers various landscaping benefits, such as acting as a…
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Top Native Plants for Summer Drought
In this column, expert gardeners share their favorite native plants that thrive in summer with minimal watering. Key recommendations include Hooker’s Evening Primrose, Lemonadeberry, various Buckwheats, and small trees like Scrub Oaks and California Bay Laurel. Responses emphasize low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants to support local ecosystems and attract pollinators.
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Desert Willow: A Versatile Garden Gem
Dan Songster highlights the Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) as July’s Plant of the Month. This fast-growing, deciduous shrub thrives in full sun and various soils, featuring showy, fragrant blooms from pink to lavender. Ideal for gardens, it attracts wildlife and requires minimal care, making it a versatile landscape choice.
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Protecting Endangered Plants: Habitat is Essential
Ron Vanderhoff, a California botanist, expresses concern about proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act that could weaken habitat protections for native plants. He emphasizes that native species, such as the Laguna Beach Live Forever and Santiago Canyon Live Forever, rely on specific habitats for survival. Conservation efforts must prioritize habitat protection to prevent extinction.
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Matilija Poppy: California’s Iconic Flower
The Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri) is a striking California native perennial known for its large white flowers and golden stamens, blooming in late spring. It thrives in well-drained soil and can become aggressive in gardens, spreading through rhizomes. Best planted away from smaller plants, it stabilizes soil and is challenging to propagate due to delicate…
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Pamela Heiss: Championing Native Plants in Orange County
Pamela Heiss, a member of the OCCNPS board, actively promotes native plants within the Orange County community through her work with the Garden Tour and Outreach teams. Since joining CNPS in 2018, she emphasizes the importance of conservation and community education. Pamela aims to inspire awareness of native plants’ benefits for local ecosystems and biodiversity.
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Creative Bouquets with Native Flowers
Dan Songster encourages local gardeners to incorporate native flowers into indoor bouquets, promoting their use while enhancing plant growth. Contributors share favorites like Blue-eyed Grass, California Poppy, and Woolly Blue Curls, highlighting their longevity and aesthetic appeal. The newsletter invites future tips on drought-resistant native plants.
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Island Bush Poppy: A Gardener’s Guide
The Island Bush Poppy, or Dendromecon harfordii, is an evergreen shrub thriving in full sun to partial shade, native to Southern California’s Channel Islands. With beautiful yellow flowers and bluish-green leaves, it’s drought tolerant and adaptable. Ideal for gardens, it requires careful planting and minimal pruning for optimal health.
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UCI Herbarium Receives $98,000 Grant for Local Plant Documentation
The Joan R. Hampton Trust and OCCNPS granted $98,566 to the UCI Herbarium to address its backlog of plant vouchers. This funding will enable the digitization and accessibility of plant collections, supporting local biodiversity research. Joan Hampton, a former member of OCCNPS, advocated for plant identification throughout her life.
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Lilac Verbena: A Butterfly-Friendly Garden Choice
Lilac Verbena, or Glandularia lilacina, is an evergreen subshrub that blooms year-round, attracting butterflies with its lilac to violet flowers. Native to Cedros Island, it thrives in various soils and conditions, making it a low-maintenance choice for Southern California gardens. Regular pruning enhances flowering, while two cultivars, ‘De la Mina’ and ‘Paseo Rancho,’ showcase different…
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Woolly Bluecurls: The Must-Have Native Shrub
Woolly Bluecurls, or Trichostema lanatum, is featured as the native plant of the month. This hardy evergreen shrub thrives in full sun with minimal summer water. Its stunning purple-blue flowers attract various pollinators and possess a unique fragrance. While admired, it is also considered challenging to grow, requiring specific soil conditions.
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Native Plants for Privacy Hedges: Expert Tips and Choices
The newsletter feature by Dan Songster provides gardening tips focused on native plants for privacy screens and hedges. Members shared their favorite selections, particularly Lemonade Berry and Toyon. Recommendations include a variety of native plants that offer aesthetic appeal while being drought-tolerant. The upcoming topic invites members to discuss native flowers for indoor bouquets.