The Arroyo Willow – Salix lasiolepis – is a native shrub or tree in California and in most Western states. Wetland Habitat Willo is important in riparian (creek and waterway) environments; it provides habitat and food for insects, birds, amphibians and other animals in spring, birds use a cottony substance released by the seeds to build nests The Arroyo Willow likes to keep … Read More
Invasive Species Choke Natives & California’s Floristic Province
The California Floristic Province is considered a world biodiversity hotspot. It contains a large number of ecosystems that include alpine forest, mixed evergreen forest, riparian forest, sagebrush steppe, coastal sage scrub, redwood forests and more. Currently, only 25% of the original vegetation remains unharmed. Highly populated and a producer of agriculture products for 50% of the country, California is also considered ‘one of … Read More
Native Plants for Healing the Land after Fire
“Destructive fires in California have increased in both number and severity over the last decades. … Recent drought and bark beetle tree mortality has resulted in millions of dead and dying trees … significantly weakened to resist fires.” – Nevada County 2018-19 Fire Safe Guide “This is California’s new normal,” says Governor Jerry Brown. Contributors to the New Normal warmer and longer summers more homes more people … Read More
Yerba Santa – Fire Follower & Phlegm Fighter
Yerba santa – Eriodictyon californicum – is native to California and Oregon. Its common name is Spanish for “sainted weed” or “blessed herb.” Native people are thought to have educated the early missionaries about plant uses. Habitat This sun-loving plant generally grows on east or south-facing slopes. It can be found near Douglas-fir, Madrone, Ponderosa Pine, Jeffry pine, Black, Blue, and Canyon live oaks. Life … Read More
Mugwort – Dream Plant with a Long History
Aromatic mugwort has been used to help women with menstrual and menopausal issues, it has been included with greens to stuff geese, and used to make beer before hops became popular. Its generic name, Artemisia, comes from the Greek moon goddess, Artemis, patron of women. In Pagan ceremonies, a belt of mugwort was worn while dancing around the fire summer solstice celebrations. When the dance was … Read More
