- Author: Robert J Keiffer
Endemic to California is one of the state's largest mammals ... the Tule Elk (Cervus canadensis ssp. nannodes). Tule elk, once abundantly common in the Central Valley and oak-covered foothill regions of California, were on the verge of extinction after the on-slought of early market hunters and trappers, and the gold-rush 49ers. A late-1800's cattle baron, Henry Miller, discovered a remnant herd on his property and protected them, but after his death hunting once more resumed. The last herd was reduced to 72 animals.
The first successful relocation attempt occurred in 1933 when Walter Dow moved a small group of these elk to Owens Valley, where they flourished. Efforts by the Dept. of Fish & Game have established several permanent herds throughout California, including herds in Potter Valley, Mendocino National Forest, and Laytonville areas of Mendocino County.
Here at the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center we know that historically they occurred here from a very old shed antler dug from the gravels of Parson's Creek in 1907 ... which resides in our vertebrate museum collection. In the photo you see an nice mature bull from the Potter Valley herd quite at home in the oak woodland.
- Author: Robert J Keiffer
As the grass-covered hills of California turn to harvest gold as the summer progresses one can find some bright spots of vivid purple. Harvest Brodiaea or Crown Brodiaea (Brodiaea coronaria) is a perennial herb (bulb or corm) that is native to California and north to British Columbia. Found in valley grasslands, foothill woodlands, yellow pine forests, and wetland vegetation types, this late spring/early summer bloomer brightens the hillsides upon close-inspection (you are not likely to see these from the car at 60 mph).
Its bell-shaped corolla of six bright purple lobes adorns the top of the erect inflorescence. This species was first collected by Archibald Menzies during the Vancouver Expedition, and was published as Hookera coronaria by Richard Salisbury in 1808.
This cheery wildflower is common at the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center.
- Author: Robert J Keiffer
Botanists and wildflower enthusiasts are always searching the woods and meadows for the unusual. For some reason, members of the Orchid family, Orchidaceae, always jump to the top of the favorites-list of plants to find ... probably due to their rarity and low numbers as compared to other plant families. Here at the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center there are 5 species of orchids on record.
Two of those species are of the genus Spiranthes. Found in wet seeps and vernal pool sites these plants are quite limited in numbers on the Center. Here you see Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes porrifolia) in bloom at a newly found location near a spring-seep where we counted about 12 to 20 plants. The word "tress" means a braid of hair, or a long lock of hair, so the name "Ladies' Tresses" is from the three vertical lines of flowers that spiral upward along the spike similar to a twisted braid of hair.
- Author: Robert J Keiffer
Native species in California prairies and grasslands are facing rapid changes in both climate and community composition. In the next 100 years, ecosystems in California are expected to experience warmer temperatures and shifts in seasonal water availability. Also in the picture is the abundance of exotic plants. How native plant species will respond to such pressures is of interest to ecologists and land managers.
Here you see researcher Jennifer Balachowski and assistant conducting field work that tests several hypotheses derived from a well-known functional strategy model called Grimes CSR triangle in California coastal priaries and inland grasslands using several ecotypes of blue wildrye. Blue wildrye (Elymus glaucous) is a native bunchgrass commonly used in restoration.
- Author: Robert J Keiffer
With a little bit of luck and know-how at the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center one can locate certain showy-but-secretive maroon blooms tucked away in shady ravines. The Spicebush, or Sweet Shrub (Calycanthus occidentalis) is a native plant that is endemic to California. The genus Calycanthus is in the family Calycanthaceae which is endemic to North America, and has been used in the horticulture industry for over 100 years.
These deciduous shrubs can be found along streamsides, shady wet ravines, and nearby to spring-seeps. The maroon-colored flowers are produced in early summer and can have a smell similar to bubblegum. However, the name Spicebush comes from the strong camphor smell that is released when the stems are scraped or crushed. This smell can remain for years on twigs that are stored in a dry environment.