Residents for Ecological Landscaping
California’s native grasslands are among the most-threatened natural communities in the United States. Remnant populations of native prairie species still exist in scattered locations. However these small populations are vulnerable to extinction by urbanization, agriculture and competition from invasive weeds. As natural areas and native plant populations continue to decline there is a growing need to incorporate residential landscapes for native species re-establishment.
Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) now occupies 12 million acres putting ever more pressure on California’s native grassland flora. In addition to grasslands, yellow starthistle (YST) has affected rangelands, pastures, roadsides, as well as, orchards and vineyards. Yellow starthistle infestations not only displace native plants, but also, reduce wildlife habitat and forage, decrease animal diversity, and threaten natural ecosystems by fragmenting sensitive plant and animal habitats. It has reduced land values and access to recreational areas. Studies indicate that YST significantly depletes soil moisture reserves in annual and perennial grasslands. Because of its high water utilization YST also threatens human economic interests. It is estimated (Dudley 2000) that the Sacramento River watershed incurred an economic loss of $16 to $56 million in water conservation annually due to yellow starthistle.
Presently one local resident wanted to provide an in vivo refuge for native plants by direct seeding the following: Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis),California brome (Bromus californica), Pine bluegrass (Poa secunda ssp. secunda), purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra), nodding needlegrass (Nassella cernua), slender hairgrass (Deschampsia elongata), blue wild rye (Elymus glaucus), creeping wild rye (Leymus triticoides), California melic, (Melica imperfecta), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), hayfield tarweed (Hemizonia congesta ssp. leucocephala), Spanish clover (Lotus purshianus).
Trinity County residents have an opportunity to contribute information towards a greater understanding of which native grasses and forbs are able to compete with yellow starthistle and other noxious weeds. Reintroduction of native plants into suburban and urban neighborhoods can play an important role in conservation. Some of the grasses we advocate are food for the larval stage of native butterflies. If you would like to improve the ecological function and diversity surrounding your home sign up to purchase plugs of native grasses, perennial forbs, and annual native flowers through the Trinity County Resource Conservation District. Trays holding ninety-eight 10-inch containers of native plant plugs may be ordered for approximately $54 a tray through the TCRCD at 623-6004.
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