Sand Parkland is found almost exclusively on the ridgetops of the sand hills, and features a deep, loose, sandy soil, with very widely spaced ponderosa pines providing little or no cover to the assortment of ephemeral herbs (annuals) and scattered subshrubs which make up this community. Much of the year this habitat may look sandy and barren, but each spring showy annuals and biennials provide a splash of vibrant color.
In the photo:ย Ben Lomond Wallflower (Erysimum teretifolium) is the yellow flower in front with Silver Leaved Manzanita (Arctostaphylos silvicola) and Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) behind it.ย Behind them are Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) and Ben Lomond Mountain.
In the photo:ย Ben Lomond Wallflower (Erysimum teretifolium) is the yellow flower in front with Silver Leaved Manzanita (Arctostaphylos silvicola) and Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) behind it.ย Behind them are Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) and Ben Lomond Mountain.
ASSOCIATED PLANTS
| Scientific Name | Common Name |
|---|---|
| Castilleja exserta | Purple owl’s clover |
| Chorizanthe pungens var hartwegiana | Ben Lomond spineflower |
| Erysimum teretifolium | Ben Lomond wallflower |
| Eschscholzia californica | California poppy |
| Lasthenia californica | Gold fields |
| Layia platyglossa | Tidy tips |
| Minuartia californica | Sandwort |
Ben Lomond Wallflowers (Erysimum teretifolium) in front, with Ponderosa Pines (Pinus ponderosa) behind.
Picture by Suzanne Schettler.
Chorizanthe pungensย var.ย hartwegiana
Picture taken under dissecting microscope by Janell Hillman.