Flying Lichens, Like Old Man’s Beard, Find a Way to Live on Air
Lichens are not so much a taxonomic category as a way of life; as lichenologist Trevor Goward put it, “Lichens are fungi that have discovered agriculture.”
Botany
Naturalist’s Notebook: Discover the Jungle on San Bruno Mountain
Hidden biodiversity beneath a canopy of coyote bush on a windswept ridge of San Bruno Mountain
Redwoods normally buck fires, except when Sudden Oak Death is around
Researchers find that redwood forests suffering from Sudden Oak Death burn with greater intensity.
Should I kill invasive trees with herbicides?
An Oakland resident wants to know how to kill off invasive trees from her garden.
Santa Cruz cypress delisted as endangered species
Another success of the Endangered Species Act. The Santa Cruz cypress, a small evergreen, is doing well thanks to protections.
Redwoods growing faster in a warmer climate
Surprisingly, climate change happens to be a good thing for coastal redwoods and sequoias.
California buckeyes know what to do in summer dry spell — hibernate
What does a California buckeye know that many imported plants around here don't? Duh, you don't go full steam in the hot, dry summer.
Leaves of Three: The Rash Success of Poison Oak
Poison oak is one native plant people love to hate. But it does have a good side, feeding birds and other wildlife. For people, the best thing is to learn to recognize it, and step aside.
Don’t get PO’ed: Poison oak tales of woe, and some ID assistance
Summer's the time to get outside, but in California that also means steering clear of poison oak. Here are some tales of woe, and a video to help you avoid getting POed.
Ithuriel’s Spear and Other Spears of Springtime
Ithuriel's spear and similar flowers are some of our most charismatic springtime blooms.
