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The Clairemont Times • May 2019 • 15
Easy to Grow Native Grasses: Part 1 by Susan Lewitt
So many grasses. Calflora lists 426 grasses for San Diego. Bermuda grass, Pampas grass, Reed fescue and Kentucky Blue Grass are among the 163 nonnative invasive species. Instead, please consider the native grasses. Many native grasses (80+) support the biodiversity of Clairemont and the surrounding areas. Thirteen, found throughout California, are very easy to grow. Seven will be in July’s article. Here are the other six: THINGRASS (Agrostis pallens), a 4” to 28” bent grass is great for lawns, can be mowed short to be golf course-like or left
clay-loam soils, needs summer watering 2 times per month and can be in sun or part shade. It does well with other sun loving
Tecolote Nature Center 5180 Tecolote Road San Diego, CA 92110 • 858-581-9944 Deer grass
Thingrass
alone to be meadowlike. It stands up to foot traffic. Summer watering 2 to 3 times per month is enough. This grass can be in sun, or part shade and almost any soil with good drainage. It works well with annuals and herbaceous perennials for a meadow setting or rock garden. Trees and shrubs are `good companions for a woodland setting. This grass seed is becoming more available commercially. JUNEGRASS (Koeleria macrantha), a deer resistant tuft forming perennial bunch grass, works for grazing, golf course roughs, meadows, rock and butterfly gardens. It tolerates sun to full shade, a variety of soils and requires only a once monthly summer watering. Put it under oaks or other trees. Group it with other native grasses, annual flowers, and herbaceous perennials including California Poppy, Dudleyas and cacti. It’s a host plant for Columbian Skipper butterflies. PURPLE THREE AWN (Aristida purpurea), an erect perennial grass under 40” tall, is a good substitute for invasive grasses but not good for grazing. It tolerates a variety of soils with medium to fast drainage, sun and a once a month summer watering. Many mountain, desert, and coastal plants work as companions, including Creosote Bush, Sagebrush, Joshua Tree, Brittlebush, Buckwheat, cacti, and succulents. CALIFORNIA BROME GRASS (Bromus carinatus), a widespread bunchgrass grows to 5’ tall, works for grazing, butterfly gardens, ground cover, and erosion control. It is also used for damaged land restoration. It may be short lived but reseeds itself. This grass does well in clay and tolerates loam and
plants needing summer watering including Black Oak, Douglas' sagewort, and Dog Violet. It hosts the Umber Skipper butterfly, attracts seed eating birds, and a diversity of insects. DEER GRASS (Muhlenbergia rigens), a perennial bunch grass, grows in sandy and clay soils with good drainage, maturing in about two years at 5’ tall. It can take weekly summer watering or no summer water and does well with full sun to part shade, growing slowly in full shade. Toyon, Lemonade Berry, larger Ceanothus, Manzanita species, and Scrub Oaks are some of the plants that will work alongside this tall grass. Seed eating birds will visit this deer resistant plant during the summer. PURPLE NEEDLE GRASS (Stipa pulchra), a drought tolerant fountain grass is an unofficial California state symbol because it’s widespread. This 3 ½ foot tall grass does well in serpentine and clay soils with full sun. Use for deer resistant ground cover and butterfly gardens. It may be overtaken by more aggressive plants. Grow it with native shrubs. For a grassland look, plant it with geophytes including Wild Onions, Brodiaea species,
Park Ranger Office 858-581-9961 Monday – Closed, Tuesday –Saturday 9:00-4:00, Sunday 9:00-2:00
Saturday, May 4 We’re in the Clairemont Garden Tour! For more info https://www.clairemontonline.com/Garden-Tour Sunday, May 5 9:00-11:00 Sunday in the Garden Volunteer in our native plant garden and nurture nature with Park Ranger Erika! Help us get the garden ready for the upcoming Clairemont Garden Tour in May! Wednesday, May 15 1:30-3:00 Art & Activities for Kids- Free! Learn a little, create a lot! Have fun in nature and create some spring crafts. Saturday, May 18 9:00-11:00 Weed Warriors Volunteer with the Park Rangers to make your canyon awesome! Help is needed in the restoration and revegetation areas. Gloves and tools provided. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. No flip flops please. Bring sun protection and a refillable water bottle. * Arrive early to get a good parking spot. Save the date – June 1st 10:00-2:00 Tecolote Family Day! *Many volunteer opportunities available! 858-581-9959 www.sandiego.gov/volunteer-program Activities are posted at www.meetup.com/Friends of Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center. Like us on Facebook/Friends of Tecolote Canyon www.friendsoftecolotecanyon.org
Advertising Sales Person(s) Wanted If you or someone you know is looking for a p/t or f/t job we are looking to hire ad sales reps. The ideal candidate is someone who is outgoing and ambitious and looking to supplement their income. The hours are very flexible. Sales experience is preferred.
Purple Three Awn
Mariposa Lilies, Dichelostemma species, and annual wildflowers from seed. It’s helpful in defeating invasive plants and helps native oaks. Many native insects, birds and small mammals are drawn to it. CNPS meetings for more native plant information: 3rd Tuesday, (except August) 6:30 pm, Casa Del Prado, Room 101, Balboa Park.
Please feel free to call or email Chris O’Connell at (858) 752-9779 or Chris@ClairemontTimes.com. This is a heavy commission sales position.
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