California Natives, part 04

[amersault]

time for a new update of what's blooming in the garden

as you guys know, i'm not just an orchid nut, i'm also a Cal-Native nut and i'm slowly transforming our garden to be more native-friendly. since doing so, the number of birds and insects in the garden have increased twofold. you can tell the native fauna appreciate the new additions by returning every year.

these plants also use less water and so are more tolerant of drought conditions, especially in light of recent water rationing. at the most, they get deep-watered once a week. i just want to show that Xeriscaping does not have to mean boring and that we do have native plants that are showier than what you would find at your local garden stores.

so w/o further ado, here's what started blooming for Spring 2009:

01: Penstemon heterophyllus "Margarita BOP", easy to care for profuse bloomer on a multitude of spikes.

02 - 03: Philadelphus lewisii, or "Mock Orange" for its sweet citrusy odor.

04: Dendromecon harfordii, or "Bush Island Poppy", a Red-Listed native that is a fast-grower and showy bloomer.

05 - 06: Salvia Clevelandii, "Cleveland Sage", intensely fragrant leaves and flowers that thrives in hot, dry environments.

All these plants are acquired from The Theodore Payne Foundation.

For those interested, they are now carrying a large collection of native orchids for sale: EPIPACTIS GIGANTEA (Giant Stream Orchid).

[amersault]

and few other guys i found milling about the plants when i was gardening nothing beats natural pest-control!!!

01 - 02: Sceloporus graciosus gracilis, "Western Sagebrush Lizard"
03: Unknown (probably juvenile Elgaria multicarinata, "Alligator Lizard")

ID source: California Herps

[norris]

I like the lizards, those pics bring back memories of catching those when I was a kid Oh, and the Alligator Lizard can really chomp down on a finger...

...I like the Native plants too

The link mentions that Native Americans use that orchid Epipactis gigantea for medicinal purposes, do you, or anyone know what they use it for?

[BillC]

Hi Amersault, very pretty flowers; love the colour of the Salvia. The alligator lizard shows great ability to support itself on one rear leg and use the other three to cling on to the case. I believe this lizard has very unusual methods of defence if it comes under attack from other creatures; have you heard anything about it? Thanks for sharing the pics.

Bill

[hulaorchid]

WOW great pictures!! Love them all! Thanks for sharing!!

[norris]

Bill, About the Alligator Lizard. I think I know what you're talking about when you catch one... not only will they drop the tail if you're not careful to grab the body, but they will crap all over your hand... but when you're a 12 year old boy, that doesn't matter... you just got yourself a very cool lizard

[amersault]

LOL - love that you're all enjoying!

the first time i caught an alligator lizard, it had strayed in our pool. as soon as i cornered it, the thing hissed and then chomped down on my approaching glove. i yelled in surprise! they pack a bit of bite - good thing i had gloves on :P

i also think these are the ones that 'flash' you if you get too close. but i'm not sure. Norris, do you remember?

BillC, the juvie is actually just resting on the plastic. i was taking the pict from hawkeye view. i found this guy hiding under my riding boots when i went to put them on. head to tail, it's almost 8" long. and pretty.

[Plucky Purcell]

Love that cleveland sage! And the lizards!

[amersault]

Originally Posted by norris

The link mentions that Native Americans use that orchid Epipactis gigantea for medicinal purposes, do you, or anyone know what they use it for?

i had to look it up bc i didn't know but apparently it's used as a mood-elevating antisposmodic and sedative. wonder w/c parts.

it's very pretty w/ lush foliage and spreads quickly.

i just wouldn't know where to put it here...

Plucky: wish you could smell the sage - the aroma is stronger than lavender and spicy (the wind blows and you can smell it)!

[PhalPal]

Originally Posted by amersault

i also think these are the ones that 'flash' you if you get too close.......

Forgive my ignorance, but what exactly do they have to expose to you ??????

[amersault]

Originally Posted by PhalPal

Forgive my ignorance, but what exactly do they have to expose to you ??????

Connie - they literally 'flash' you (their privates - imagine that on a lizard). never happened to me but rile them enough and they do!

since we're keeping this thread on a PG rating, you'll have to go see the pictures on CalHerps.com Read under 'Behavior'.

[PhalPal]

That's absolutely hilarious!! I wonder what the purpose is in that, other than the possibility of getting sprayed??? Ohhhh, I'm scared! A lizard PeePee!!!!

[norris]

That is exactly what happens... I know from first hand experience When you grab them, their junk comes out, then you get a hand full of lizard pee and poo!

[PhalPal]

And did this tactic work, Norris?????

[norris]

No, I still would bring them home to show them off. then let them go in the yard or bring them back where I found them.

[amersault]

HAHAHAH! at this rate, i'm glad i only got chomped!

[patticake]

I love the flower pics! The lizard.... well?

[Gene.Staley]

As for the lizards at the end of the post the last one is an alligator lizard looks female and I don't thing they flash, I think that might be the leopard lizard.. we get them where I live every summer. those plants are nice we just got mock oranges. and on an off topic I know they aren't native but onions like the ones that you get at the grocery make an interesting highlight for a yard. mine haven't died in two years, that includes 14 inches of snow.