This is a public-interest archive. Personal data is pseudonymized and retained under GDPR Article 89.

Re: plant/seed source

Richard,

As you probably know, there are some incredibly attractive grasses that
are native to CA, and are adapted to both dry and mesic areas. In place of
Big Bluestem I would suggest Deer Grass (Muhlenbergia rigens), one of my
personal favorites, which grows well in riparian (or mesic) areas, but
could do well on your hillside with enough precip/irrigation.  If
you're looking for a tall screen or hedge, have you considered using
some of the large native bush Lilacs (Ceanothus spp)?  They are very
beautiful and fragrant in the spring-summer, grow well in dry-rocky areas, 
and wouldn't require any additional irrigation.  For dry areas I really
like the several species of Needle Grass (Stipa spp, and Nassella spp).

I'm sure you are aware of these species, but I would like to steer people
away from using exotics.  The remaining grasslands in BOTH the Midwest and
California have become completely overwhelmed by exotics, some of the
worst were introduced for seemingly good purposes (such as "wildlife
habitat" or "livestock forage") in past decades and these species have
become nightmares for current grassland managers.  As a result, there is
often a strong backlash against people who mention making a plant
introduction, and for good reason:  The person envisions a nice lawn or
hedge or whatever, but doesn't realize that decades later, that species
will have spread throughout the area, changing ecological functions and
putting pressure on already rare plants and animals.

Of course the Big Bluestem may turn out to be a beautiful, well-mannered
plant that doesn't invade riparian areas, doesn't destroy the natural
summer fire regimes, and doesn't out compete native plants and animals,
but why risk destroying our remaining natural ecosystems?

Chris Hauser.

>> Richard Starkeson wrote:
>> Sonoma County, California - not a native prairie ecosystem, so I am not
>> concerned about the genotype.  It would be used at the back of a meadow
>> hillside (where it would need irrigation - there is no precipitation
>> here for 8 months at a time).  Most of the meadow will be
>> re-established with california native grasses.  It is now covered with
>> foxtails and some native forbs.  It really needs burning, but there is
>> a high danger of forest fire in the area except in the winter.
>>

---------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@mallorn.com with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PRAIRIE
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index