Beautiful butterflies 2013 notes

7/6/2013

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© Project SOUND

Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden

Gardening with California Native Plants in Western L.A. County Project SOUND – 2013 (our 9th year)

© Project SOUND

Beautiful Butterflies:

food and habitat for our

prettiest pollinators (in the

context of a formal garden)

C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake

CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve

Madrona Marsh Preserve

July 6 & 9, 2013

You’ve just bought your dream home…

© Project SOUND

… or it’s time to redo your old front yard

http://www.movoto.com/real-estate/homes-for-sale/CA/Redondo-Beach/510-S-Guadalupe-Ave-202_PW13104255.htm

There’s much that’s good about the home

© Project SOUND

http://www.movoto.com/real-estate/homes-for-sale/CA/Redondo-Beach/510-S-Guadalupe-Ave-202_PW13104255.htm

Classic CA Bungalow/ Craftsman style; formal lines

Nice colors??

Nice picket fence, gate and arbor

Good sized front yard

Brick walkways; infiltrate water

Seating possible in front yard

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© Project SOUND http://www.movoto.com/real-estate/homes-for-sale/CA/Redondo-Beach/510-S-Guadalupe-Ave-202_PW13104255.htm

…but you’d like to make better use of the front yard You dream of creating a butterfly garden

© Project SOUND

http://www.harvardcommonpress.com/the-

butterfly-garden/

http://www.lindenplantationgardens.com/gardens.htm

But want a garden that is formal

enough to fit with your tastes, home

style and neighborhood

Why use formal/semi-formal design?

Some house designs need a more formal garden design Some classical/historical home

designs

Very modern, geometric designs

Some situations require more formal look Front yards

Public gardens

Some plants benefit from a more formal treatment Herbs and vegetables

Some ornamental grasses, succulents

? Native plants

© Project SOUND

http://egardens.blogspot.com/2011/07/im-published.html

© Project SOUND http://www.movoto.com/real-estate/homes-for-sale/CA/Redondo-Beach/510-S-Guadalupe-Ave-202_PW13104255.htm

What do we want in the front yard?

Seating area

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Is it possible to have it all in a small front yard

(semi-formal design; butterflies; seating)?

© Project SOUND

First we need to draw a

rough map of the front

yard

© Project SOUND

22 ft 9 ft

26

ft

19

ft

Front yard - dimensions

8 ft

What makes a formal

garden formal?

Ancient origins.

Formal gardens found in many cultures: Western, Middle Eastern, and Eastern Cultures

Order, neatness, geometry, and symmetry are the defining characteristics

Formal gardens create a sense of peace and stability

Hardscape often plays an important role in defining a ‘formal’ look

© Project SOUND http://www.cotonmanor.co.uk/images/herb_garden_potting_shed_nov_09.jpg

The Parterre garden Formal garden constructed on a level surface Planting beds arranged to form a

pleasing, usually symmetrical pattern

Gravel (sometimes stone) paths; beds edged in stone, brick or tightly clipped hedging.

Developed by Claude Mollet in France ~ 1600; classic examples at Versaille, Kensington Palace

In and out of style ever since

Ideas now often used to give a more formal look to gardens that may include some ‘informal/unruly’ plants: Herb gardens

Kitchen gardens

?? Native plant/habitat gardens

© Project SOUND http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parterre

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Contemporary Parterre gardens: less formidable

Symmetric patterns look neat and orderly – work well with more formal architecture

Can be adapted to any size; good for even small front yards

Can be very formal to semi-formal, depending on hardscape & plant choices

Tightly clipped shrubbery and gravel pathways were the two main requirements of the first parterres; contemporary parterre gardens:

Use a wider range of path materials: brick, DG, symmetric pavers/stone, even mulch

Edging is more likely brick/stone – even concrete or benderboard

Plants include a wide range of flowering plants, edibles, etc.

© Project SOUND

http://www.shootgardening.co.uk/article/traditional-garden-and-parterre

http://www.blueplanetgardenblog.com/2008/08/lawn-substitutes-part-3--

-kickin-it-french-style.html

How formal do we want the garden to be?

© Project SOUND

http://carex.tumblr.com/post/29766039352/the-knot-garden-at-the-garden-museum-

in-london

http://rockoakdeer.blogspot.com/2012/06/gardening-on-rocks-new-backyard-

garden.html

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/victorygarden/grow/primers_projects/annuals.html

http://www.homelife.com.au/gardening/features/inner+city+vegie+garden,15345

What do we like?

Simple geometric design

Gravel/crushed rock pathways

Beds lined with red brick – fits with existing brick pathways

Seating included in garden design

Focal point around which garden is constructed (classical element) ; ? Water feature

© Project SOUND http://www.homelife.com.au/gardening/features/inner+city+vegie+garden,15345

http://www.motherearthliving.com/in-the-garden/herbal-travels-visiting-

gardens-during-herbal-vacation.aspx#axzz2VpoD2J1e

http://goodfoodshops.blogspot.com/2011/09/incredible-edible-todmorden.html

© Project SOUND

22 ft 9 ft

26

ft

19

ft

Let’s try some possibilities using our garden’s layout

8 ft

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© Project SOUND © Project SOUND

© Project SOUND © Project SOUND

Now, that’s more like it!

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© Project SOUND http://www.movoto.com/real-estate/homes-for-sale/CA/Redondo-Beach/510-S-Guadalupe-Ave-202_PW13104255.htm

Reality check – what will it look like? Good points about our proposed design

Simple, geometric shapes

Retains the brick walkways and adds crushed rock paths;

Brick walkways are echoed by brick bed edging

Plenty of planting area

Deals with ‘awkward’ asymmetry of the site by: Breaking area into three:

Near house area

Transition area

Two areas that are part of the parterre design

Having two focal points – one on either side of entry walk

© Project SOUND

http://www.motherearthliving.com/in-the-garden/herbal-travels-visiting-

gardens-during-herbal-vacation.aspx#axzz2VpoD2J1e

© Project SOUND

Final design: looks like a workable plan

© 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

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© 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

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

© Project SOUND

Flowers: ooh-la-la!!

Blooms: Just after the rains - usually

Jan-Apr in Western L.A. Co.

Will bloom off and on depending on watering schedule

Flowers: Pink: bright to very pale

The long, pink filaments of the stamens that make the showy display

Plant has a fluffy pink appearance in full bloom

Big attraction for large butterflies & hummingbirds!

http://www.sagebud.com/fairyduster-calliandra-eriophylla/

http://www.calflora.net/losangelesarboretum/whatsbloomingmay07C.html

Marine Blue - Leptotes marina

Caterpillar Hosts:

Local : Astragalus spp., Lotus scoparius

S. CA desert: Amorpha californica, Acacia greggii, Calliandra callifornica, Calliandra eriophylla, Marina (Dalea) parryi , mesquite (Prosopis spp.).

Non-native: Plumbago and many legumes including alfalfa (Medicago sativa), garden beans, Sweetpea (Lathyrus odoratus), Wisteria .

Adult Food: Flower nectar.

© Project SOUND

7/6/2013

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Elements of a butterfly habitat garden

Nectar sources (food for adult butterflies; Often generalist; good nectar

sources attract many species

Often the same as good pollinator habitat plants – garden serves many species

Larval (caterpillar) food sources – may be quite specific

Water

Sunning/perching spots

Protected areas

© Project SOUND

http://www.axsoris.com/butterfly-garden-plan-with-full-sun-plants-for-a.html

Of course you’ll also want to

design some seating so you can

enjoy the butterfly visitors

We decide to focus on several less

common species…

© Project SOUND

http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/lepidopt/nymph/buckeye.htm

Common Buckeye

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:AD2009Aug01_Vanessa_atalanta_01.jpg

Red Admiral

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_(butterfly)

Queen

http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/lepidopt/hesper/checker.htm

Western Checkered Skipper

Sleepy Orange http://www.carolinanature.com/butterflies/sleepyorange.html

© Project SOUND http://www.movoto.com/real-estate/homes-for-sale/CA/Redondo-Beach/510-S-Guadalupe-Ave-202_PW13104255.htm

Can we provide habitat for all of these species? Common Buckeye - Junonia (Precis) coenia

© Project SOUND

http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/lepidopt/nymph/buckeye.htm

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Common Buckeye

Junonia (Precis) coenia

Family Nymphalidae

(brushfoot butterfies)

Medium-sized butterfly

Background color primarily brown with two large multicolored eyespots on dorsal hindwing and one large eyespot on dorsal forewing.

© Project SOUND

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junonia_coenia

http://biology.duke.edu/dukeinsects/Junonia_coenia.php http://biology.duke.edu/dukeinsects/Junonia_coenia.php

Range: s. Canada, U.S. except northwest; nearly all of Mexico except s. Baja California

Habitat: Open areas such as fields, parks,

pastures, meadows, and coastal dunes.

Usually encountered in the undisturbed or semi-disturbed foothills and lowlands; also occasionally seen in vacant lots of cities and towns.

Often found near their food plants, and may also feed or drink around mud puddles

© Project SOUND

Common Buckeye - Junonia (Precis) coenia

Becoming more scarce in

lowland L.A. County with

the destruction of suitable

habitats.

http://www.gardenswithwings.com/butterfly/Common%20Buckeye/index.html

Buckeye life cycle

Adults live about ten days; most common in June, Sept.

Female buckeyes lay eggs individually on buds and leaves of host plants.

The larvae (caterpillars) feed and grow on the host plant, molting several times.

Larvae transform into pupae; metamorphosis is completed in the pupal case, and fully developed adult butterflies emerge. They can take flight after their wings dry.

Larvae and adults may overwinter in warm climates (California lowlands, and regions with similar climate).

© Project SOUND

http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/common_buckeye.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junonia_coenia

Recognizing the Buckeye larva

Caterpillar is highly variable in color, but usually mostly black above and white and/or orange along sides with metallic blue-black dorsal spines.

Spines along sides arise from orange wart-like bases.

Head orange above; black & white speckled

© Project SOUND

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junonia_coenia

http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/gallery?page=46

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Adult food: easy to supply

Males perch on bare ground or low plants, occasionally patrolling in search of females, but they are not territorial.

Adults feed on nectar and also take fluids from mud and damp sand.

Favorite nectar sources are composites including aster, chickory, gumweed, knapweed, tar plant; dogbane, mints, and other flowers also visited

© Project SOUND http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/lepidopt/nymph/buckeye.htm

Larval foods:

require planning

Plantains Plantago erecta

Plantago lanceolata (Eurasian)

Purple Owl’s Clover (Castilleja exserta)

Monkey flowers (Mimulus spp.)

Blue Toadflax – Nuttallanthus/ Linaria canadensis

CA Bee Plant - Scrophularia californica

Roving Sailor (Maurandella/ Maurandya antirrhiniflora)

Garden snapdragon (Antirrhinum sp.).

© Project SOUND

By incorporating toxins

(iridoid glycosides) from

these plants, the caterpillars

deter predatory ants

We’ll need a place for annuals in our garden

© Project SOUND

Dotseed Plantain – Plantago erecta Purple Owl’s Clover - Castilleja exserta

We’ll also need to consider including

Lower herbaceous perennials Gumplants (Grindelia)

Asters (Symphyotrichum/Aster chilense)

Mints/Salvias

Taller perennials – placement CA Bee Plant - Scrophularia

californica

Perennial Vines? Roving Sailor (Maurandella/

Maurandya antirrhiniflora)

© Project SOUND

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Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta

© Project SOUND http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:AD2009Aug01_Vanessa_atalanta_01.jpg

Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta

Nymphalidae family (Brush-footed butterflies)

Medium-size - 1 3/4 - 3 inches

Striking dark brown, red, and black wing pattern on upper side Dark wings possess orange bands

that cross the fore wings and on the outer edge of the hind wings;

White spots on the dorsal fore wings near the front margin;

Undersides of hindwings delicately patterned in shades brown; provides excellent camouflage when perch on tree trunks

© Project SOUND

Summer form

http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Va

Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta

Range: Guatemala north through Mexico and the United States to northern Canada; also Europe

Habitat: Moist woods, yards, parks, marshes, seeps, moist fields.

© Project SOUND http://bugguide.net/node/view/566577/bgimage

Note: will need to provide ‘puddles’ since Red Admirals and others drink from moist soil.

Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta

Flight: Two broods from March-October in the north; winters from October-March in warm climates.

Very erratic, rapid flight.

Females lay eggs singly on the tops of host plant leaves.

Caterpillars make a larval shelter, either tying up the leaves of a shoot tip, or usually later in the life cycle rolling a leaf. They live and eat in the shelter

Adults hibernate in cold weather.

© Project SOUND

7/6/2013

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Red Admiral Caterpillar Hosts:

Plants of the nettle family (Urticaceae) including stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), tall wild nettle (U. gracilis), wood nettle (Laportea canadensis), false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), pellitory (Parietoria pennsylvanica)

Babytears (Soleirolia soleirolii)

Adult Food:

Prefer sap flows on trees, fermenting fruit, and bird droppings; visit flowers only when these are not available.

Will nectar at plants in Sunflower family (asters), milkweed, clovers and alfalfa, among others.

© Project SOUND http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?search=Vanessa

We may want to consider adding

Larger Shrubs/sub-shrubs Calliandra eriophylla

Taller perennials – placement CA Bee Plant - Scrophularia californica

Lower herbaceous perennials Gumplants (Grindelia)

Asters (Symphyotrichum/Aster chilense)

Mints/Salvias

Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)

Perennial Vines? Roving Sailor (Maurandella/ Maurandya

antirrhiniflora)

Groundcover Babytears - (Soleirolia soleirolii)

© Project SOUND

http://www.clker.com/cliparts/h/H/1/a/j/l/check-list-

outline-md.png

Striated Queen - Danaus gilippus strigosus

© Project SOUND

Recognizing the ‘large orange butterflies’

© Project SOUND

Queen - Danaus gilippus (wing span: 2 5/8 - 3 7/8 inches)

Gulf Fritillary Monarch

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Queen - Danaus gilippus

Family: Nymphalidae (the brush-foots); subtropical relative of the Monarch

Habitat: Open, sunny areas including fields, deserts, roadsides, pastures, dunes, washes.

Range: from Brazil to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Also prevalent in California, Texas, Arizona, and s. New Mexico.

Local: Sporadic records from many low elevation

localities; flies April-November

Probably more common in desert areas

© Project SOUND

male

female

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_(butterfly)

http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/lepidopt/danaidae/queen.htm

Adults roost communally.

http://www.gardenswithwings.com/butterfly/Queen

/index.html

Queen - Danaus gilippus

To find females, males patrol all day.

Courtship involves the use of scent cues

Females lay eggs singly on leaves, stems, and flower buds; which the caterpillars eat.

© Project SOUND

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_(butterfly)

http://bugguide.net/node/view/717169/bgimage

http://bugguide.net/node/view/562040

Queen - Danaus gilippus

Caterpillar Hosts:

Milkweeds and milkweed vines.

Some of the milkweeds contain cardiac glycosides which are stored in the bodies of both the caterpillar and adult. These poisons are distasteful and emetic to birds and other vertebrate predators.

Adult Food: nectar from flowers including :

Milkweeds (Asclepias)

Sunflowers (Cliff Aster; Encelia; Rabbitbush).

© Project SOUND

Our growing

list of plants Lower herbaceous perennials

Gumplants (Grindelia)

Asters (Symphyotrichum/Aster chilense)

Mints/Salvias

Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)

Rabbitbush (Ericameria nauseosa )

Taller perennials – placement CA Bee Plant - Scrophularia californica

Cliff Aster – (Malacothrix saxatilis)

Perennial Vines? Roving Sailor (Maurandella/ Maurandya

antirrhiniflora)

Groundcover Babytears - (Soleirolia soleirolii)

© Project SOUND

http://www.clker.com/cliparts/h/H/1/a/j/l/check-list-

outline-md.png

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Sleepy Orange – Abaeis (Eurema) nicippe

© Project SOUND

http://butterfliesofamerica.com/abaeis_nicippe_live3.htm

Sleepy Orange –

Abaeis (Eurema) nicippe

Family: Pieridae (Whites & Sulphers)

Small-medium size: wing span: 1 3/8 - 2 1/4 inches (3.5 - 5.7 cm).

Upperside of wings orange in both sexes; orange-yellow form rare.

Forewing with small black cell spot.

Male with sharply defined black borders on outer and costal margins; female borders not so well-defined.

In winter form, underside of hindwing is brick red, brown, or tan; in summer form it is orange-yellow.

© Project SOUND

http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Abaeis-nicippe

http://butterfliesofamerica.com/abaeis_nicippe.htm

Sleepy Orange – Abaeis (Eurema) nicippe

Range:

Central America north to along the United States-Mexico border;

Vagrant to non-mountainous parts of the eastern and central U. S. south of 40 latitude

Habitat: Low elevation areas including pine flats, fields, desert scrub, gardens, vacant lots, road edges, and washes.

© Project SOUND Puddling http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Eurema_nicippe_clustering.jpg

http://www.gardenswithwings.com/butterfly/Sleepy%20O

range/index.html

Sleepy orange

Life History: Males patrol flats and gullies for

females.

Females lay eggs singly under host plant leaves.

Caterpillars eat leaves.

Dry season form overwinters and lays eggs in spring.

Flight: Four-five flights/all year long, in warm areas of S. CA. Mid- to late summer in cooler areas.

Often encountered passing through backyards. The butterfly is an erratic and often rapid flier when frightened.

© Project SOUND

http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Abaeis-nicippe

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Attracting Sleepy

Orange

Caterpillar Hosts: Cassia/Senna species in the pea family (Fabaceae). Non-native Cassia spp., are likely the most important food sources in S. CA.

Adult Food: nectar from many

species of flowers

© Project SOUND http://www.uniprot.org/taxonomy/72259

http://www.discoverlife.org/IM/I_DLW/0001/640/

© Project SOUND

*Coues' Cassia/Desert Senna – Senna covesii

© 2005 Gene Wagner, RPh.

© 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

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/

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Common garden Sennas

Winter Cassia/ Butterfly Bush - Cassia bicapsularis

Tropical Northern S. America

Widely available

Large shrub or small tree

Regular water

Lindheimer/Velvet-leaf Senna - Senna lindheimeriana Native to TX, AZ

Available at Tree of Life Nursery

3-6 ft tall shrub

Low water use; sun or part-shade

© Project SOUND

http://butterflies.heuristron.net/plants/cassiabicapsularis.html

http://www.backyardnature.net/n/w/vl-senna.htm

Our growing list of plants

Lower herbaceous perennials Gumplants (Grindelia)

Asters (Symphyotrichum/Aster chilense)

Mints/Salvias

Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)

Taller perennials – placement CA Bee Plant - Scrophularia californica

Cliff Aster – (Malacothrix saxatilis)

Perennial Vines? Roving Sailor (Maurandella/ Maurandya antirrhiniflora)

Groundcover Babytears - (Soleirolia soleirolii)

Shrubs Calliandra eriophylla

Rabbitbush (Ericameria nauseosa)

? Cassia

© Project SOUND

http://www.clker.com/cliparts/h/H/1/a/j/l/check-list-

outline-md.png

Western (Common) Checkered Skipper

Pyrgus albescens

© Project SOUND

http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/lepidopt/hesper/checker.htm

Western Checkered Skipper Pyrgus albescens

Hesperiidae (Skipper family)

Small-medium size; wing span: 1 - 1 1/2 inches (2.5 - 3.8 cm).

Upperside of male is blue-gray; female is black. Mostly gray-brown.

Both sexes have large white spots which form median bands across both wings. Patterns can be quite variable.

Underside is dull white with dark gray bands.

© Project SOUND

http://socalbutterflies.com/hesperiidae_html/white_checkered.htm

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Western Checkered Skipper Pyrgus albescens

Range: Low altitudes in southern California, southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, west and South Texas; Florida, and Mexico. A rare stray to southwest Utah, and central Texas.

Habitat: Open, sunny places with low vegetation and some bare soil including prairies, fields, roadsides, yards, gardens, and low deserts.

© Project SOUND

http://www.abirdshome.com/resource/usa/655.htm

Pyrgus albescens

Life History: Egg is laid singly on the

foodplant (Malvaceae ).

Larva is translucent bluish-green with fine whitish lateral and dorsal stripes.

Larva makes flimsy shelter constructed by folding over a leaf and fastening it with a few strands of silk.

After each moult it moves and builds another shelter.

Flight: All year in warm climates; most of the year elsewhere.

© Project SOUND

http://www.butterfliesofamerica.com/pyrgus_albescens.htm

How will we judge

success? Adults & larva

Adults: Nectaring

Puddling/drinking

Courtship/Egg-laying

Larva Evidence of larva of many

sizes; look for their shelters

Larval food being consumed

Pupae (chrysalis/cocoon)

Adults emerging

© Project SOUND http://www.thedauphins.net/common_white_checkered_skipper_life_cycle.html

Butterfly habitat gardens support the

entire life cycle

Western Checkered Skipper Pyrgus albescens

Caterpillar Hosts: Not reliably reported for L.A. Co. Probably several plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae) including globemallows (Sphaeralcea), velvet-leaf (Abutilon), and poppy mallow (Callirhoe).

Adult Food: Nectar from a variety of plants.

© Project SOUND

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Our list has grown to two columns:

can we meet the challenge?

Shrubs Calliandra eriophylla

? Cassia

Rabbitbush (Ericameria nauseosa)

Mallow

?Abutilon palmeri

?Sphaeralcea ambigua

Perennial Vines? Roving Sailor (Maurandella/

Maurandya antirrhiniflora)

Groundcover Babytears - (Soleirolia soleirolii)

Lower herbaceous perennials Gumplants (Grindelia)

Asters (Symphyotrichum/Aster chilense)

Mints/Salvias

Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)

Taller perennials – placement CA Bee Plant - Scrophularia

californica

Cliff Aster – (Malacothrix saxatilis)

© Project SOUND http://www.clker.com/cliparts/h/H/1/a/j/l/check-list-

outline-md.png

We also need some good nectar plants

Larger Shrubs Calliandra eriophylla

? Cassia

Abutilon palmeri or Sphaeralcea ambigua

Perennial Vines? Roving Sailor (Maurandella/

Maurandya antirrhiniflora)

Groundcover Babytears - (Soleirolia

soleirolii)

Heliotropium curassavicum

Lower herbaceous perennials Gumplants (Grindelia)

Symphyotrichum/Aster chilense

Yarrow – Achillea millefolia

Mints/Salvias

Buckwheats

Eriogonum parvifolium

Eriogonum cinerium

Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)

Rabbitbush (Ericameria nauseosa)

Taller perennials/subshrubs CA Bee Plant - Scrophularia

californica

Cliff Aster – (Malacothrix saxatilis)

Mints/Salvias Purple Sage – Salvia leucophylla

Cleveland Sage – Salvia clevelandii

© Project SOUND

© Project SOUND

Calliandra eriophylla

First place the large shrubs

? Cassia

N

Maurandya antirrhiniflora

© Project SOUND

* Roving Sailor/Climbing Snapdragon – Maurandella antirrhiniflora

Patrick J. Alexander @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

7/6/2013

19

© Project SOUND

Roving Sailor is a nice, refined little vine

Size:

4-10 ft long & wide

Growth form: Semi-woody vine/sprawling shrub in

our area – grown as an annual in cold-winter areas – fast growth

Sprawls and twines through/over other plants (or trellises, etc.)

Foliage: Fresh, medium to dark green

(woodsy looking with water) – to gray-green (in hot, dry conditions)

Dainty – leaves somewhat ivy-like but more attractive shape

Dies back almost to ground in winter (or cut back if needed)

G.A. Cooper @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=maan9 © Project SOUND

Roving Sailor is surprising well suited to

garden conditions…

Soils: Texture: likes a well-drained soil;

sandy soils are great, as are well-drained clays

pH: good for alkali soils

Light: full sun to part-shade; probably does best in dappled shade (under trees or climbing up a trellis)

Water: Winter: rainwater often sufficient

Summer: some supplemental water (Zone 2 or even 2-3) will extend bloom season; drought tolerant

Fertilizer: not needed, but won’t harm

http://pics.davesgarden.com/pics/htop_1211484777_460.jpg

Roving Sailor can hide a multitude

of ‘sins’

© Project SOUND

English gardeners have

known for years…

Nice petite vines to climb up poles, fences, trellises

Use it to hide those ugly chain-link fences

Excellent (period-appropriate) climber for an Edwardian/ Craftsman Garden

Use to attract Buckeye butterflies

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-

california/plants/maurandya-antirrhiniflora © Project SOUND

Available through traditional seed companies as

Climbing Snapdragon - Asarina antirrhiniflora

‘Mixed’ - available through several specialty seed sources online

‘Red’ – available through Summerhill seeds and several others

http://www.thompson-morgan.com/seeds1/product/7506/1.html

7/6/2013

20

© Project SOUND

Calliandra eriophylla

Let’s use a Mallow in the transition zone

? Cassia

N

Maurandya antirrhiniflora Maurandya

antirrhiniflora

Which Mallow would work best?

© Project SOUND

Spheralcea ambigua

© Project SOUND

* Indian Mallow – Abutilon palmeri

© Project SOUND

* Indian Mallow – Abutilon palmeri

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Abutilon+palmeri

Native to the low desert of S. California, on the eastern slopes of the peninsular range

Riverside, Orange & San Diego Co. Sonoran Desert

Colorado Desert

San Jacinto Mtns

Dry east-facing mountain slopes, creosote bush scrub, elevation:

1800-2400'

7/6/2013

21

© Project SOUND

Indian Mallow is grown for it’s foliage

Size:

4-8 ft tall 3-5 ft wide

Growth form: sub-shrub Woody base; portion of

branches are herbaceous

Rounded shrub

Foliage: Light green/silvery white

Velvety-soft to the touch

Leaves have attractive, rounded shape

Will die back with very low temperatures, but will recover

© Project SOUND

is well suited to the water-wise garden

Soils: Texture: any well-drained, but

partial to coarser textures

pH: any local

Light: Full sun best: keeps nice,

rounded shape

Tolerates some shade/ afternoon shape

Tolerates reflected heat

Water: Winter: needs winter rains;

plant next to a rock to hold moisture

Summer: Zone 2 (best); tolerates 1-2 to 2-3

Fertilizer: none

© Project SOUND

Desert Mallow – Sphaeralcea ambigua

© Project SOUND

Desert Mallow is really an attractive sub-shrub

Size: to 3 ft tall (to 5 ft. w/water)

to 3 ft wide

Growth form: Sub-shrub – partly woody

Mounded to slightly sprawling form – many thin, wand-like branches

Short-lived – but will reseed

Foliage: Gray-green; velvety soft

Leaf shape is typical mallow.

Many people are allergic to the Desert Mallow; often called "Hierba Muy Mala" in Spanish

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36764294@N00/13295740

Foliage is good Desert Tortoise food

7/6/2013

22

© Project SOUND

Flowers remind one of

Hollyhocks

Blooms: Spring is usual bloom season

(Mar-May), following rains

May bloom off and on throughout year in garden

Flowers: Showy mallow blooms along

the stems

Color- usually ‘apricot’ (another name is Apricot Mallow), but differs with variety

Nectar & pollen attract butterflies, hummingbirds, any other insects

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/149/430082786_0b30a88eee.jpg?v=0

© Project SOUND

Flowers of many colors….

http://www.fireflyforest.com/flowers/reds/red05.html

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/Sphaeralcea_ambigua_11.jpg

var. rosacea vars ambigua & monticola

© Project SOUND

Desert Mallow is

versatile in the garden

Lovely addition to mixed beds – place appropriate for size

Excellent for water-wise garden, particularly in sandy/rocky soils; most drought-tolerant Sphaeralcea

Good for desert-themed gardens

Good choice for containers

Great on dry slopes, hot gardens; not for very foggy areas

Protect roots from gophers (cage) if present

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/sphaeralcea-ambigua

http://www.bridgerlandaudubon.org/wildaboututah/090407xeri-garden.htm © Project SOUND

Calliandra eriophylla

Hopefully we’ve enough mallow for Checkered Skippers

? Cassia

N

Maurandya antirrhiniflora Maurandya

antirrhiniflora

Sphaeralcea ambigua Sphaeralcea

ambigua

7/6/2013

23

© Project SOUND http://www.movoto.com/real-estate/homes-for-sale/CA/Redondo-Beach/510-S-Guadalupe-Ave-202_PW13104255.htm

Time for a reality check Seaside Heliotrope

Heliotropium curassavicum

Growth and other characteristics

Fleshy perennial

10-20 inches tall

Color: blue-green to yellow-green

2-10 ft stems branch from base

Spreading, prostrate (low-lying) form with ascending tips

Drought-deciduous

Gardening requirements: Seaside Heleotrope

Full sun to afternoon shade (in hot gardens)

Fine-medium soils (including sandy soils)

Low nutrient requirements

Fine for alkali (high pH) soils and salty soils

Note: may be modestly invasive in very most soils

Goes well with CA Verbena (Verbena lasiostachys) – might mix the two

as a seasonal groundcover

7/6/2013

24

Attracts a variety of butterflies and other

insects

Skippers – including state endangered Wandering Skipper

Fritillaries

Blues – Acmon Blue

Ladies

Others

Other insects

Bees

Lygus bugs

© Project SOUND

Calliandra eriophylla

Place the low-water groundcover plants

? Cassia

N

Maurandya antirrhiniflora Maurandya

antirrhiniflora

Heliotropium curassavicum +

? Verbena lasiostachys

Sphaeralcea ambigua Sphaeralcea

ambigua

Several shrubs/perennials not yet included

Medium shrubs/sub-shrubs

CA Bee Plant - Scrophularia californica

Purple Sage – Salvia leucophylla

Cleveland Sage – Salvia clevelandii

Rabbitbush (Ericameria nauseosa)

Coastal Buckwheat - Eriogonum parvifolium

Ashyleaf Buckwheat - Eriogonum cinerium

Cliff Aster – (Malacothrix saxatilis)

Smaller sub-shrubs/perennials

Gumplants (Grindelia)

Asters (Symphyotrichum/Aster chilense)

Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)

Yarrow – Achillea millefolia

Mints

© Project SOUND © Project SOUND

California Bee Plant - Scrophularia californica ssp. floribunda

© 2006 Steve Matson

7/6/2013

25

© Project SOUND

CA Bee Plant

Size: Foliage: 1-2 ft. tall & wide (slowly

spreading to 3-4 ft. wide) Flowering stalk – 2-4 ft tall

Growth form: mounded herbaceous perennial

Foliage: Leaves simple, toothed, bright to

dark green – attractive Stems: square & red with some

sun; even dried stems are interesting

In colder areas (or summer drought) foliage dies back each year ; emerges with winter rains

© Project SOUND

Bee Plant is well suited to garden

conditions…

Soils: Texture: any; best in well-drained pH: neutral to slightly acidic best (5-

7); use a bark mulch

Light: full sun (coastal) to nearly full

shade

Water: Winter: moist soils Summer:

Fairly dry to regular watering (well-drained soils only)

Will spread with summer water – not really invasive

Fertilizer: bark mulch

Other: quite easy to grow; few pests other than deer (who like the foliage)

http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/slides/Baird-Harper/Baird-

Harper_Pages/index.html

© Project SOUND

Bee Plant is an excellent filler……

In narrow beds with other water-lovers

In mixed beds with annuals

As quick-growing herbaceous hedge – like along the driveway

Gives a ‘woodland’ feel to the garden

Foliage provides interesting contrast

Attracts Buckeye butterflies

http://norenes5percent.blogspot.com/2006/03/native-plants-of-california.html

© Project SOUND

Calliandra eriophylla

CA Bee Plant will serve as a nice screen

? Cassia

N

Maurandya antirrhiniflora Maurandya

antirrhiniflora

Heliotropium curassavicum +

? Verbena lasiostachys

Sphaeralcea ambigua Sphaeralcea

ambigua

Scro

phula

ria c

alifo

rnic

a

7/6/2013

26

© Project SOUND

Calliandra eriophylla

Now for some medium-size shrubs

? Cassia

N

Maurandya antirrhiniflora Maurandya

antirrhiniflora

Heliotropium curassavicum +

? Verbena lasiostachys

Sphaeralcea ambigua Sphaeralcea

ambigua

Scro

phula

ria c

alifo

rnic

a

Shrubs/perennials not yet placed

Medium shrubs/sub-shrubs

CA Bee Plant - Scrophularia californica

Purple Sage – Salvia leucophylla

Cleveland Sage – Salvia clevelandii

Rabbitbush (Ericameria nauseosa)

Coastal Buckwheat - Eriogonum parvifolium

Ashyleaf Buckwheat - Eriogonum cinerium

Cliff Aster – (Malacothrix saxatilis)

Smaller sub-shrubs/perennials

Gumplants (Grindelia)

Asters (Symphyotrichum/Aster chilense)

Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)

Yarrow – Achillea millefolia

Mints

© Project SOUND

© Project SOUND

Calliandra eriophylla

Proposed layout: medium-size shrubs

? Cassia

N

Maurandya antirrhiniflora Maurandya

antirrhiniflora

Heliotropium curassavicum +

? Verbena lasiostachys

Sphaeralcea ambigua Sphaeralcea

ambigua

Purple Sage

Cleveland Sage Ashy Buckwheat

Coast Buckwheat

Rabbitbush

Scro

phula

ria c

alifo

rnic

a

© Project SOUND http://www.movoto.com/real-estate/homes-for-sale/CA/Redondo-Beach/510-S-Guadalupe-Ave-202_PW13104255.htm

Time for another reality check

A more mounded form

might look better

7/6/2013

27

© Project SOUND

Ashy-leaf Buckwheat – Eriogonum cinereum

© Project SOUND

Special features of Ashy-leaf Buckwheat

Size: 2-4 ft tall

to 6 ft wide

Growth form: Many-branched perennial

shrub

Mounding or cascading form

Medium to fast growth (depends on water availability)

Foliage: Large gray-green to white

leaves

Nice color year-round

© Project SOUND

Ashy-leaf Buckwheat adds

a touch of class…

Excellent plant for the natural, wildlife garden.

Interesting ground cover

Blends well with other gray-leaved natives

Good for erosion control on slopes

Excellent for seaside/ coastal areas

http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/ashyleafbuckwheat.html

Although the species has long been in

cultivation, it is only infrequently found

in the garden today

© Project SOUND

Calliandra eriophylla

Final placement: medium-size shrubs

? Cassia

N

Maurandya antirrhiniflora Maurandya

antirrhiniflora

Heliotropium curassavicum +

? Verbena lasiostachys

Sphaeralcea ambigua Sphaeralcea

ambigua

Purple Sage

Cleveland Sage Ashy Buckwheat

CA Buckwheat

‘Dana Point’

Rabbitbush

Scro

phula

ria c

alifo

rnic

a

7/6/2013

28

© Project SOUND

Managing shrubby

buckwheats

Most are low maintenance

By fall, the flowers turn a reddish-brown Easily deadheaded, if desired

Or (better) retained for the change of color and for bird habitat.

Cut back in late fall to mid-winter to encourage herbaceous growth over woody look Leave several inches of woody

growth

Cutting it back to 6” in late fall keeps the woody growth to a minimum and the plant looking its best the year round.

When the shrub is becoming too leggy, it needs to be replaced.

Shrubs/perennials not yet placed

Medium shrubs/sub-shrubs

CA Bee Plant - Scrophularia californica

Purple Sage – Salvia leucophylla

Cleveland Sage – Salvia clevelandii

Rabbitbush (Ericameria nauseosa)

Coastal Buckwheat - Eriogonum parvifolium

Ashyleaf Buckwheat - Eriogonum cinerium

Cliff Aster – (Malacothrix saxatilis)

Smaller sub-shrubs/perennials

Gumplants (Grindelia hirsutula)

Pacific Aster (Symphyotrichum/ Aster chilense)

Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)

Yarrow – Achillea millefolia

Mints (Stachys bullata)

© Project SOUND

Smaller sub-shrubs/perennials

Babytears - (Soleirolia soleirolii) - needs regular water

© Project SOUND

Calliandra eriophylla

Fill in with perennials for color and habitat

? Cassia

N

Maurandya antirrhiniflora Maurandya

antirrhiniflora

Heliotropium curassavicum +

? Verbena lasiostachys

Sphaeralcea ambigua Sphaeralcea

ambigua

Purple Sage

Cleveland Sage Ashy Buckwheat

CA Buckwheat

‘Dana Point’

Rabbitbush

Scro

phula

ria c

alifo

rnic

a

Baby Tears

Stachys

bullata

Stachys

bullata

Yarrow Yarrow

Water Zone 2-3 to 3

Pellitory

Achieving adequate floral coverage in each

season: it takes some thought if space is limited

Flower patches: at least 3 ft x 3 ft per species – the bigger the better A few well-chosen plant species

might be better than many

Most bang for buck: shrubs vs. annual wildflowers (depends on situation)

Likely will need to use vertical space Some shrubs and trees are quite

adaptable to small/narrow spaces

Lots of ‘flowering area’ with a small footprint

One yard/garden can’t do it all - “it takes a neighborhood”

© Project SOUND

http://www.northwestbotanicals.com/portfolio_chcraftsman.htm

7/6/2013

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How are we doing for seasonal coverage?

Medium shrubs/sub-shrubs

CA Bee Plant - Scrophularia californica

Purple Sage – Salvia leucophylla

Cleveland Sage – Salvia clevelandii

Rabbitbush (Ericameria nauseosa)

CA Buckwheat - Eriogonum fasciculatum

Ashyleaf Buckwheat - Eriogonum cinerium

Cliff Aster – (Malacothrix saxatilis)

Smaller sub-shrubs/perennials

Gumplants (Grindelia hirsutula)

Pacific Aster (Symphyotrichum/ Aster chilense)

Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)

Yarrow – Achillea millefolia

Mints (Stachys bullata)

© Project SOUND © Project SOUND

Calliandra eriophylla

Mass perennials for color and habitat

? Cassia

N

Maurandya antirrhiniflora Maurandya

antirrhiniflora

Heliotropium curassavicum +

? Verbena lasiostachys

Sphaeralcea ambigua Sphaeralcea

ambigua

Purple Sage

Cleveland Sage Ashy Buckwheat

CA Buckwheat

‘Dana Point’

Rabbitbush

Scro

phula

ria c

alifo

rnic

a

Baby Tears

Stachys

bullata

Stachys

bullata

Coast

Gumplant

Yarrow

Pacific

Aster

Narrowleaf

Milkweed

Yarrow Yarrow

pellitory

© Project SOUND

Hairy (Coastal) Gumplant – Grindelia hirsutula

Grindelia hirsutula var. maritima

© 2008 Jorg Fleige

http://www.coestatepark.com/grindelia_hirsutula.htm

© 2008 Jorg Fleige

© Project SOUND

Hairy Gumplant - an herbaceous perennial

Size: 1-3 ft tall (v. maritima 1-2 ft)

1-3 ft wide

Growth form: Herbaceous perennial; dies

back in fall

Many slender stems from woody rootstock

May be upright or more leaning (maritima)

Foliage: Blue-green, tinged with red,

purple or yellow

More refined-looking than other Grindelia species

© 2000 Joseph Dougherty/ecology.org

7/6/2013

30

© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: sandy is best, but

really tolerant

pH: any local

Light: Full sun (or at least 4-6 hrs in

summer)

Water: Winter: fine with winter rains –

takes some flooding

Summer: does well in very little to occasional water ( Zone 1-2 to 2 or 2-3); very adaptable

Fertilizer: none needed, but fine with organic mulches

Other: deadhead to keep it looking nice.

http://www.coestatepark.com/grindelia_hirsutula.htm

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2478/3719674868_1148dc805b.jpg?v=0 © Project SOUND

Hairy Gumplant – a natural

for the perennial bed

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/grindella-hirsutula

At back of mixed flowers beds

Along walls, fences

Fine on slopes

Easy, adaptable & hardy

http://sfcompact.blogspot.com/2009/06/mmmmm-food.html

© Project SOUND

Coastal Groundcover Gum Plant

- Grindelia stricta venulosa

A.K.A Grindelia arenicola, G.a. pachyphylla, G.s. procumbens

Coastal bluff plant from the bay area.

Low growing - < 1 ft.

Spreads nicely as a ground cover

Likes some summer water – Zone 2 to 2-3

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/grindelia-stricta-venulosa © Project SOUND

http://www.movoto.com/real-estate/homes-for-sale/CA/Redondo-Beach/510-S-Guadalupe-Ave-202_PW13104255.htm

Though simple, it’s not half bad – let’s go with it!

7/6/2013

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© Project SOUND

Calliandra eriophylla

Final plan: provides color and habitat

? Cassia

N

Maurandya antirrhiniflora Maurandya

antirrhiniflora

Heliotropium curassavicum +

? Verbena lasiostachys

Sphaeralcea ambigua Sphaeralcea

ambigua

Purple Sage

Cleveland Sage Ashy Buckwheat

CA Buckwheat

‘Dana Point’

Rabbitbush

Scro

phula

ria c

alifo

rnic

a

Baby Tears

Stachys

bullata

Stachys

bullata

Coast

Gumplant

Yarrow

Pacific

Aster

Narrowleaf

Milkweed

Yarrow

Where can we plant some annuals?

moist

pellitory

In summary: yes we can have (most) of it!

Formal gardens are appropriate in certain situations

Formal gardens can be simple/small; they just need to have the basic elements: order, neatness, geometry, and symmetry

Hardscape plays an important role in formal garden design – in contemporary gardens, it may be the most important element in making a garden look ‘formal’

© Project SOUND

http://www.allaboutmygarden.com/2012/08/an-herb-garden-to-die-for/

In summary: yes we can have (most) of it!

Butterfly habitat gardens must supply adult & larval food, water as well as perching and sheltered places

Adult food is often the same as the ‘pollinator magnet’ plants we discussed last month

Larval food is often specific; need to choose plants based on specific butterflies and their needs

Size and bloom duration matter when providing butterfly food

© Project SOUND

It takes a neighborhood to provide butterfly habitat; get out and spread the news

Get out and observe butterflies and other insects in local gardens this month

© Project SOUND

Funereal Duskywing - Erynnis funeralis

7/6/2013

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Participate in special butterfly events

© Project SOUND