| Unique Plants of the Puente Hills |
| Chaparral Honeysuckle (Lonicera subspicata) This chaparral shrub tends to sprawl over other plants and almost seems like a vine. It is a close relative of the domestic honeysuckle, and the white flowers are attractive. This plant also seems to be outside of its normal range. It grows in Powder Canyon and Turnbull Canyon, on moist slopes or along canyon bottoms. Scrub Oak (Quercus berberidifolia) Within the area of public lands in the Puente Hills the only place to see this tree is in Powder Canyon. There are two individuals here, at least that can be easily seen. The leaves are smaller than the Coast Live Oak and flat, and the trees seem more open and airy. One of the trees here is very large for a Scrub Oak, showing it is doing well in our hills, although there are not many of them. It is found growing among its larger cousin, the coast live oak, and oddly both scrub oaks are found growing near an elderberry. Holly-leaved Redberry (Rhamnus ilicifolia) This plant is related to Ceanothus and looks much like a young oak, having similar leaves but with red berries, whereas oaks always produce acorns. It is a true chaparral plant, with stiff branches and thick leaves. You can find it in almost all parts of the hills, but it is never very common. Chaparral Pea I am not sure of the species yet as there are several closely related ones. This vine grows over and through other flora and has beautiful flowers in spring. It is also not common but I have seen it is Turnbull Canyon and Hacienda Hills. Bush Mallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus) A close relative of the hibiscus, the flowers are pink and produced along long stems. It is found in most areas of the hills, but again never common. I have one growing in my yard, and it is really a nice shrub, especially when in bloom. It prefers dry slopes and flats. California Bay (Unbellularia californica) This tree is a relative of the bay leaf found in stores. The leaves have the same nice aroma. It is evergreen but the older leaves turn a neat lemon yellow before dropping. It is common in the San Gabriel mountains but very local in the Puente Hills. It grows in Tonner Canyon and also in Sycamore Canyon, areas seperated by about 15 miles! Yet another interesting and somewhat unexpected species to make its home in these hills. California Rose (Rosa californica) This outstanding relative of the domestic rose grows along streams and moist hillsides. It is also local in distribution, but I have seen it is Turnbull Canyon and Sycamore Canyon, and in Chino Hills State Park. The flowers are pink and have the well known smell of roses from our gardens. They bloom heavily in spring and sporatically during the summer. |
 |
|
| Part two |