Plant information sheets to accompany lecture on S.B. Parish and W.F. Parish.

1. *Burrobush/White bursage – Ambrosia dumosa (am-BRO-see-uh du-MO-suh)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Southwestern deserts of N. America (Sonoran and Mojave Deserts) from CA to UT, AZ
and N. Mexico; common on arroyos, bajadas, gentle slopes, valley floors, and sand dunes at
elevations up to 3,000 feet in Creosote Bush Scrub, Joshua Tree Woodland communities.
Growth characteristics: part-woody sub-shrub mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-3 ft.
Rounded, compact sub-shrub with many slender, stiff branches. Leaves small, densely packed on
stems. Plant is drought deciduous. Entire plant covered in white hairs, giving silvery appearance.
Spreads by rhizomes, producing new plants. Individual plants live perhaps 50 years in wild.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in Spring (Mar-May) but may bloom again in December (depending on
rains). Separate male and female flowers (same plant) in small, inconspicuous heads. Floral bracts
(leaves) turn an attractive purple. The bracts dry to form a spiny, sharp bur (protects seeds). Wind
pollinated – can cause nasal allergies.
Uses in the garden: Mostly used in desert-themed gardens. Very hardy and drought tolerant. Good
filler plant. Provides cover for smaller animals, birds.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native sub-shrubs.
Attracts: Provides cover and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun.
Soil Well-drained soils – best on slopes; local pH (including alkali) are fine.
Water Low needs (supplement winter water in dry year); no/little summer water (Water
Zone 1-2)
Fertilizer None.
Other Inorganic or no mulch.
Management: Shear lightly in fall to shape. Don’t over-water; root-rot can be a problem.
Propagation: from seed: 1 month cold-moist pre-treatment by divisions: likely
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 10, 16, 47, 64 4/26/18
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

2. *Parry’s nolina (Bear grass) – Nolina parryi (no-LEE-na PAIR-ree-eye)
Family: Ruscaceae (Nolina Family)
Native to: Desert side of San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mtns. Desert foothills, Mojave and
Sonoran (Colorado) Deserts; dry slopes below 3000 ft. in Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub,
Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, Joshua Tree Woodland communities.
Growth characteristics: yucca-like perennial mature height: 3-6+ ft. mature width: spreads
Perennial with erect, somewhat woody stems with strap-like leaves mostly in basal rosette. Plant
looks superficially like yucca, but leaves are thinner and not prickly. Plants reproduce vegetatively,
sending up new plants/stems at their base. Evergreen. Interesting shape, color.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring – usually May-June. Species is dioecious (separate male & female
plants). Flowers with papery white bracts create a feathery flowering plume. Very showy and
unusual – prettiest of the Nolinas. Makes a dramatic accent. Flowers attract native bees.
Uses in the garden: Often used as an accent plant, particularly in desert-themed gardens.
Sometimes used as a ground-cover. Mixes well with desert chaparral plants, pinyons & junipers.
Good plant for pollinator gardens. Easy to grow and evergreen.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native yuccas and similar plants.
Attracts: Excellent pollinator & bird habitat: provides pollen, nectar and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun. Tolerates heat
Soil Well-drained (sandy/rocky/DG); good on slopes. pH: 6.0-7.8.
Water Drought-tolerant to occasional (to once a month); Water Zone 1-2 best.
Fertilizer None.
Other Inorganic mulch only.
Management: Prune out dead flowering stalks if desired. Easy, pest-free plant.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed best – no pre-treatment by offshoots: in winter
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 3, 13, 14, 16, 24, 46, 48 4/26/18
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

3. California milkweed – Asclepias californica (ass-KLE-pee-us kal-ih-FOR-nik-uh)
Family: Asclepiaceae (Milkweed Family)
Native to: Central California to N. Baja, excl. Central Valley. Sierra Nevada Foothills, S. CA & desert
mountain ranges, South Coast, Channel Islands, Mojave and Sonoran Desert; flats, grassy slopes,
and open woods to 6500 ft. in Yellow Pine Forest, Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, Chaparral.
Growth characteristics: clumping perennial mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-4 ft.
Herbaceous perennial with stout stems that may be either upright or (more commonly) reclining or
on ground. Stems die back entirely in fall. Simple, oblong leaves. Entire plant quite hairy; foliage
appears silvery or gray-green.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring (Apr-July). Flowers are typical modified shape seen in Milkweeds.
But flowers are large for genus (to ½ inch) and either bright pink to dark maroon. Very showy and
unusual; flowers on pendent stalks. This is one of the prettiest of the native milkweeds. Pods
rounded, lumpy with typical wind-borne seeds.
Uses in the garden: Usually planted for its unusual flowers, foliage. Good habitat plant for
pollinators, Monarch and Queen butterflies. One of the more drought-tolerant milkweeds. Does fine
on dry slopes. Pretty enough for flower beds, cottage garden.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native milkweeds.
Attracts: Excellent pollinator habitat: attracts bees (incl. bumblebees); larval food source for
Monarch, Striated Queen butterflies.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun best; afternoon shade also OK.
Soil Any local soil – sandy to clay; any local pH.
Water Drought-tolerant to occasional (1-2 times per month); Water Zone 1-2 to 2.
Fertilizer None except in containers (1/2 strength when sprouts emerge in winter/spring)
Other Tolerates heat.
Management: Prune back old stalks in late fall. Pretty easy in right spot once established.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed best; stored 2-3 mo. cold treat by divisions: carefully
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 10, 42, 55 4/26/18
© Project SOUND

4. *Parish’s bluecurls – Trichostema parishii (try-KOS-te-muh PARE-ish-ee-eye)
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Native to: Inland mountain ranges of S. CA from Santa Barbara Co. to Baja; dry slopes, 2000-6000
ft. elevation, in Coastal scrub, Chaparral, Yellow pine forest and Joshua tree woodland.
Growth characteristics: small woody shrub mature height: 2-3 ft. mature width: 2-4 ft.
Woody, evergreen shrub with rounded or irregular shape. Looks like a smaller version of Wooly
bluecurls (Trichostema lanatum), with less aromatic foliage. Branches upright. Small, medium to
dark-green, linear leaves in clusters. A neat and attractive shrub.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms spring to summer (usually April to June or July locally). Flowers are similar
to Wooly bluecurls, but slightly less hairy. Flowers blue-magenta, in loose clusters around the
stems. Sexual parts extend well beyond the petals. Very pretty, showy, unique.
Uses in the garden: wonderful evergreen accent plant. Useful for its smaller size, attractive flowers
and foliage. Excellent choice for pollinator or hummingbird garden. Works well in a water-wise
herb garden or in summer-dry mixed beds. Combines well with local Eriogonums, Salvias, Diplacus
and Goldenbushes. Fine on dry slopes. Use in smaller gardens as substitute for Wooly bluecurls.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Mediterranean shrubs like Rosemary.
Attracts: Excellent pollinator habitat: attracts native bees and hummingbirds.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun (immediate coast); afternoon shade inland.
Soil Adaptable, but likes well-drained. Plant on slope/berm if soils slow-draining.
Water No/very little summer water once established (Water Zone 1 to 1-2)
Fertilizer None needed.
Other No, inorganic or light leaf mulch.
Management: Tip-prune during growth season (after flowering) for fuller plant.
Propagation: from seed: fall; GA3 recommended (fresh, stored) by cuttings: semi-soft & hardwood
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 9, 13 4/27/18
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

5. *Sierra currant – Ribes nevadense (RYE (or REE)-bees nev-uh-DEN-see)
Family: Grossulariaceae (Gooseberry Family)
Native to: Mountain ranges from S. OR to NV and CA. Locally in the Tehachipi, San Gabriel, San
Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains; in forest, shady woodland and riparian habitats, 3,000–
10,000 ft. elevation, in Yellow Pine, Red Fir, and Lodgepole Forest, Wetland-riparian woodland.
Growth characteristics: woody shrub mature height: 4-6 ft. mature width: 4-6 ft.
Drought-deciduous woody shrub with semi-upright form. Looks similar to Pink currant (Ribes
sanguineum var. glutinosum), but smaller sized. Moderate-fast growth and long-lived. Thin, three-
lobed leaves typical of Ribes are very bright green, attractive.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring (Apr-June; perhaps earlier at lower elevation). Flowers small, in
drooping cascades. Flower color medium to bright pink. Very pretty, fragrant when covered in
blooms. Fruits are edible, raw or cooked.
Uses in the garden: Useful as a background shrub in moist, shady parts of the garden. Good for
north- or east exposures, with Heuchera, Iris, Columbines. Can be grown in planter, large
container. Excellent habitat plant for pollinators, butterflies, birds. Nice, woodsy appearance.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native currants and gooseberries.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover and fruit. Attracts insect pollinators, butterflies.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Part-shade to shade.
Soil Well-draining, slightly acidic soils best (pH 5.0-7.5).
Water Best with moderate summer water (1-2 times a month); Water Zone 2 to 2-3.
Fertilizer Fertilize in containers.
Other Best with leaf mulch or fine bark mulch applied yearly.
Management: Prune as needed to shape when dormant. Don’t plant near White Pines
(susceptible to White pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola).
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed best, fall by cuttings, layering: semi-soft wood, early summer.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 13, 29, 62 4/27/18
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

6. *Threadleaf brodiaea – Brodiaea filifolia (bro-DEE-uh fill-ih-FOE-lee-uh)
Family: Themidaceae (Brodiaea Family) - formerly Liliaceae
Native to: Southern CA from Los Angeles to San Diego Counties; locally clustered in clay soils at the
edges of vernal pools and flood plains, in Valley Grassland, Foothill Woodland and Coastal Sage
Scrub Communities. Rare plant seriously threatened by development.
Growth characteristics: perennial wildflower from corm mature height/width: to 1 ft.
Herbaceous perennial from a corm (underground reproductive structure). Leaves simple, thread-like.
Foliage appears with winter rains; plants die back to corm after flowering, setting seed.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring (Mar-June depending on rains, temperature). Up to 12 flowers in
loose cluster at top of flower stalk. Flowers blue- to pink-purple, trumpet-shaped with six rather
narrow petals. Flowers seem to float above the drying foliage. Very delicate, charming.
Uses in the garden: Best used as an accent along pathways, at the front of dry beds or in a rock
garden. Plant at least three bulbs for good pollination/seed production. Charming with native
annuals and cool season grasses. Excellent choice for containers. Corms are edible.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native bulbs.
Attracts: Good pollinator habitat: supports several native bee and pollinator beetle species.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part-shade.
Soil Clay or clay-loam; any local pH.
Water Needs good winter rain. Let plants dry out after bloom (Water Zone 1-2 or 1).
Fertilizer None needed in ground. ½ strength dose in late winter in containers.
Other Best with no of light mulch only.
Management: Allow plants to produce seeds and re-seed, producing new plants. Dig up corms
every 3-4 years in fall; replant larger bulbs in new area.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed, in fall/winter by offsets: easy; won’t flower first years.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 18 4/29/18
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

7. Padre’s shooting star – Primula (Dodecatheon) clevelandii
(PRIM-yoo-luh KLEEV-land-ee-eye)
Family: Primulaceae (Primrose Family)
Native to: Santa Monica Mtns. south to northern Baja CA; open, summer-dry grassy places in
chaparral, valley grassland, valley woodland and coastal sage scrub communities below about 2000'.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 1-3 ft.
Perennial wildflower that forms spreading colonies. Basal rosettes of rounded, hairy and glandular
leaves in winter/spring. Clove-scented foliage emerges with winter rains, dies back to ground at
flowering. Very much an early season perennial.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms late winter/early spring (Jan. to Apr. depending on rains). Leafless flower
stalk has up to 16 nodding, distinctive flowers that resemble shooting stars. Flowers have five fused
petals that are usually purple or magenta and swept back away from the reproductive parts. Very
showy and unusual – decorative. Buzz-pollinated by bumblebees. Tan seeds in dry capsule.
Uses in the garden: Best as an accent plant or massed in grassland plantings with native grasses
and annual wildflowers. Showy choice for containers or rock gardens. Food for early-flying
bumblebees. Woodsy touch, particularly along walkways, under trees or in seating areas.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native primroses, cyclamens.
Attracts: Excellent bumblebee habitat plant.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Best with part-shade (afternoon shade or dappled shade)
Soil Most soils if summer-dry; pH 6.8-7.2 best (no alkali soils)
Water Needs good winter rain (supplement if needed); summer-dry (Water Zone 1 to 1-2)
Fertilizer Fine with light fertilizer, in ground or soil
Other Light leaf mulch best; no heavy mulch
Management: Best to let plants naturalize in garden. Keep dry in summer or roots will rot. Snails
and slugs attracted to foliage, particularly in wet winters. Roots are brittle when dry.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed in fall; 3 years to flower by divisions: carefully in winter
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 10, 13, 34, 45, 46 4/30/18
© Project SOUND

8. * Catchfly prairie gentian – Eustoma exaltatum (yoo-STOH-muh eks-all-TAY-tum)
Family: Gentianaceae (Gentian Family)
Native to: Much of SE, central and western U.S. In CA, South Coast, Peninsular Ranges, Sonoran
Desert; wet, often alkaline or saline areas, saline to freshwater wetlands in Coastal Sage Scrub,
Creosote Bush Scrub, Wetland-riparian plant communities.
Growth characteristics: annual/biennial wildflower mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft.
Herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial with lush appearance. Leaves simple, oblong to oval, 1-
2.5 inches long. Leaf color gray-green to blue-green. Leaves have waxy coating. Pretty plant.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms off-and-on throughout warm months of the year (usually May-Oct.).
Flowers are large (2-3 inches across). Shaped like an open bell and exquisitely lovely. Petals are
lavender to pink-purple with darker purple, white and yellow towards the center.
Uses in the garden: Used as a cut flower or accent in gardens throughout the world. Lovely choice
for moist areas of the garden. Fabulous in containers. Mass for front-yard show-stopper! Great cut
flower. Cultivars in many colors are available as seeds or plants from commercial seed/nursery
companies (often as Lisianthus exaltatum, Eustoma russellianum or just plain Lisianthus).
Sensible substitute for: Non-native, summer-blooming garden annuals.
Attracts: Good habitat plant: provides nectar, pollen and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Sun to part-shade; fine in high shade under trees.
Soil Not particular about texture, pH.
Water Needs regular water (Water Zone 2-3 to 3) until flowering ceases.
Fertilizer Fertilize in containers; can fertilize in garden soils.
Other No mulch or thin inorganic mulch if reseeding is desired.
Management: Allow plants to set seed; collect seed or let naturalize. Cut back to 2-3 inch in Fall.
Propagation: from seed: surface sow fresh seed in warm days of fall for best results.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 61 (cultivars: available on-line) 4/27/18
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND