Flora of Mount Diablo By Kevin Hintsa A New Perspective January 1, 1999 Narrow-leaved Mule Ears It has been over fifty years since the publication of Mary Bowerman’s The Flowering Plants and Ferns of Mount Diablo, California . Nearly half the scientific names used then are now obsolete. Also, an additional hundred species (more or less) have been since found to exist on Mount Diablo. This spring UC Berkeley’s Jepson Herbarium announced its intentions to produce a new revision of Bowerman’s Flora, under the leadership of Barbara Ertter. The following plant species are some of the new additions to Bowerman’s Flora. Common California Aster (Aster Chilensis , Sunflower Family) grows on the southwestern portion of Mount Diablo and is uncommon here. This species has either white or purple blossoms and lance-shaped leaves. Some of the specimens seem to resemble a Southern California species of Aster and might merit further study. look for it in the autumn. Narrow-leaved Mule Ears (Wyethia Angustifolia , Sunflower Family) is fairly common in some locations on the mountain, especially along Wall Ridge and lower Pine Canyon. It resembles several other species of yellow sunflowers, but note the narrow leaves and the even-sized leaf bracts that are quite hairy. Also note that the stem is often reddish. This species was most likely overlooked previously. Seaside Heliotrope (Heliotropium Curassavicum , Borage Family) grows on Mount Diablo in a single colony along North Gate Road. The flowers of the species are very distinctive. Look for the white flowers (with a purple tinge) that form a coil. This is a sprawling plant of summer, perhaps a recent colonizer of the mountain. Narrow petal Stonecrop (Sedum Radiatum , Stonecrop Family) is found on Mount Diablo in the North Peak-Mount Olympia area. This species is more upright, with narrower leaves, than the more common Sedum Spathufolium . One specimen was collected during an unrelated butterfly census project. It is a host plant of an undescribed butterfly, a subspecies of Moss Elfin (Incisalia Mossii ). Ammannia sp. (Loosestrife Family) grows in a small colony at Macedo Ranch. The species has yet to be positively identified, but will most likely be a first county record! The flowers are purplish and have four petals per flower, growing in whorls around the stems. The whole plant turns red in the autumn. It blooms in summer after the soil has dried. Alkali Mallow (Malvella Leprosa , Mallow Family) was recently discovered at Macedo Ranch and is poorly established. This is a sprawling plant with grayish-green leaves that are kidney-shaped. The flowers are small and creamy yellow, blooming in summer. Wavyleaf Paintbrush (Castillija Applegate: ssp. Martinii , Figwort Family) is only found on Mount Diablo in the Donner Canyon area, where it is rare. Note that the leaves are bright green and sticky to the touch. Salt Grass (Distichlis Spicata , Grass Family) grows in a colony along North Gate Road at a sodium carbonate seep. The leaves resemble those of Bermuda Grass. This species tolerates high levels of salt in the soil. Southern Cattail (Typha Domingensis , Cattail Family) was identified from a previously-collected specimen from North gate Road. This species probably also grows at South gate Road and Pine Canyon. In this species the male and female portions are separated by a gap, and the leaves are more narrow than in Typha Latifolia . The above species are all native and probably occur naturally here, though a few may trace their origin to recent construction or weed suppression. The following non-native and introduced native plants are also additions to the Mount Diablo floral list. These introduced plants are far more extensive in both number of species and number of individuals, often displacing native species to the point of local extinction. Many of the following are aggressive, unwanted species in this ecosystem. Hedge Parsley (Torilis Arvensis , Carrot Family) is a common widespread species on the mountain. It has an inconspicuous white flower. It is difficult to identify, except by its fruit, from several similar species. Cardoon (Cynara Cardunculus , Sunflower Family. is an invasive type of artichoke found at the Three Springs area, Pine Ridge and Wall Ridge. It has brilliant blue-purple flowers. There has been some effort to control this species on the mountain. Salsify (Tragopogon Porrifolius , Sunflower Family) grows in small numbers around Rock City and Mitchell Canyon. Note the Solitory flowers and a white milky sap. Wild Radish (Raphanus Sativus , Mustard Family) and Jointed Charlock (Raphanus Raphanistrum ) sometimes hybridize, forming a confusing complex. Members of this complex are common on North Gate Road. The blossoms can be white, yellow or pinkish-purple. Eastern Rocket (Sisymbrium Orientale , Mustard Family) was recently found growing along South Gate Road. It may also grow on North gate Road. It resembles Hedge Mustard but has very long seed pods that look like missiles (hence the common name). Bird’s-foot Deerweed (Lotus Corniculatus , Pea Family) is an invasive species found in Pine Canyon, especially along Pine Creek. The flowers are orangish-yellow. Spanish Broom (Spartium Junceum , Pea Family) is found along Pine Creek in Pine Canyon. It has conspicuous yellow flowers that contrast with the bare green branches. there probably will be an attempt to control the species on the mountain. Shamrock (Trifolium Dubium , Pea Family) grows in Mitchell and Pine Canyons. The tiny flowers are yellow and resemble beehives. Rose Clover (Trifoliom Hirtum , Pea Family) is a common species along North Gate Road, Pine Canyon, etc. The flowers are conspicuous and vary from rose pink to deep pink. Spring Vetch (Vicia Sativa , Pea family) is common and widespread on Mount Diablo. The flowers are usually a combination of pink and pale purple. Winter Vetch (Vicia Villosa , Pea Family) is an abundant species in the Pine Canyon area. The flowers are a deep shade of purple. This species is aggressive in its growth habit. Dove’s-foot Geranium (Geranium Molle , Geranium Family) is common and widespread on the mountain. In appearance it closely resembles Geranium Carolinium . Clasping Henbit (Lamium Amplexicaule , Mint Family) is rather local on Mount Diablo. It grows in Mitchell Canyon and Knobcone Point Road and sometimes in Pine Canyon. The flowers are pinkish-red, and the circular leaves grow around the stem. Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus Discolor , Rose Family) grows in Pine and Donner Canyons. It resembles Rubus Ursinus , but note it often has leaflets in S’s and has stouter spines. Puncture Vine (Triblus Terrestis , Caltrop Family) grows along South Gate Road, where it is uncommon. This species has yellow flowers and hugs the ground, Bicyclists learn to avoid its spiny seed pods that give it its common name. English Plantain (Plantago Lanceolata , Plantain Family) is found at Macedo Ranch and probably elsewhere. the leaves of this species are long and narrow and look shiny. It has an inconspicuous whitish flower at the end of a tall stalk. This species can tolerate heavy foot traffic. Big Quaking Grass (Briza Maxima , Grass family) grows in abundance at Rock City and Pine canyon (probably widespread). The seed head looks like the rattle of a rattlesnake. Hedgehog Dogtail (Cynosurus Echinatus , Grass Family) is a common widespread species on Mount Diablo. The seedhead somewhat resembles the European Hedgehog (a small mammal). This plant species has quickly spread in the park. The changes in the floral composition of Mount Diablo are the result of many factors. Exotic species, sometimes also native ones, often establish themselves in disturbed areas. This is often due to cattle grazing, construction and weed control, creating an unnatural habitat where aggressive plants can dominate as pioneering species. This is perhaps the single most important point concerning the change in species composition. Many of the "new" species to the mountain appeared recently, and probably were not in this area prior to Bowerman’s 1944 Flora. Some of the new discoveries are the result of better access to remote areas, or searching these areas during a different season. A few of the new discoveries are the result of re-examination of previously-collected specimens or changes in plant taxonomy. The Revised Flora of Mount Diablo will be more complete and more useful to anyone interested in the mountain’s flora. Spring Vetch | Mike Woodring Seaside Heliotrope | Mike Woodring BACK TO LIST

Ladybug Time by Robert Smith Mountain News, January 1999 An attractive but not-so-innocent littlesojourner on Mount Diablo January 1, 1999 Ladybugs | Mike Woodring Ladybugs inhabit many places in the world. Not bugs at all, they are VW-shaped beetles with hard, protective outer wings. Their coloration varies from region to region, but many ladybug species are predominantly red-orange with black spots. There are several species in California, the most prominent of which on Mount Diablo is Hippodamia convergens . These colorful, insects appear each winter by the hundreds of thousands on Mount Diablo. Guided by some inner map, they mass in the same sheltered ravines year after year, dispersing in the spring to search for food. However winsome they may seem to humans, ladybugs are rapacious armored tanks to their favorite prey, aphids. Because of the beneficial role they played in medieval Europe by ridding gardens and vineyards of aphids, they were reverentially dubbed “Our Lady” beetles, after the Virgin Mary; hence the derivation ladybug (“ladybird” in Britain). Look for swarms of adult ladybugs in dark, shaded ravines, especially on the Falls Trail. Lady Beetles converging, by Arnold Joe BACK TO LIST

Wildflower Mount Diablo Hoary Nettle Scientific Name: Urtica gracilis holosericea Family: Urticaceae Blooms: July Color: White Perennial herb Native Jump to Blooming Now Blue / Purple Red / Pink White Yellow / Orange Invasive Plants Daniel Fitzgerald

Mount Diablo becomes a State Park They had a big party in 1921 January 1, 2024 Just over two weeks after the governor signed legislation creating state parkland on Mount Diablo there was a party to celebrate! According to the “Hikers” column by Harold French in the San Francisco Call, at the dedication on June 19, 1921, “Unique outdoor exercises were held …first in a natural amphitheater at the base, and later at the summit.” In addition to performances by the Martinez band and Choral Society, and speeches by local and state dignitaries, “Moving pictures and airplane stunts heightened the interest of the varied program conducted on the top of this 3850-foot mountain.” In 2022, Mount Diablo State Park celebrated its Centennial, and continues to attract thousands of visitors to its summit to enjoy the impressive views of Northern California. BACK TO LIST

American Robin Thrushes and Thrashers American Robin Turdus migratorius All Year Thrushes and Thrashers Daniel Fitzgerald Our "robin red-breast" is found in woodlands and along woodland edges. It takes advantage of fruit-bearing trees or shrubs in the winter. Yellowish bill, red to redish-orange breast, and white lower belly and undertail coverts. Male's head is darker than female's. Cup-shaped nest constructed from twigs, grass, and mud is placed in trees and is often easy to locate. Robins eat invertebrates and fruits.

California Thrasher Thrushes and Thrashers California Thrasher Toxostoma redivivum All Year Thrushes and Thrashers Daniel Fitzgerald Found in chaparral and riparian woodland, usually with extensive dense understory shrubs. Bill is noticeably decurved. Note dark, brownish-gray upperparts; somewhat paler below. Whitish throat, dark moustache, and dark eye are diagnostic. Can be heard singing at almost any time of year. Cup-shaped, twig nest is placed in shrubs or trees. This species feeds on insects, fruits, and berries.

Edwards Digger Bee Anthophora edwardsii Apidae Anthophora Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image Description Anthophora edwardsii has a mostly dark abdomen without bold hair bands. There can be a metallic bluish sheen to abdomen. Nectar/ Pollen Plants Most local Anthophora are generalists. Habits Nests are usually single-celled and 3-4 inches deep. Nests are made in early Spring, with an egg laid on a pollen/nectar combination. Larvae hatch, feed and pupate in the Fall. Adults hatch in Fall and overwinter underground, and emerge the following Spring (males first). These Anthophora are often found in large, active aggregations along some of Mount Diablo State Park’s wide trails. Season Earlier Spring (starting late-February/early March)

Edwards Digger Bee, and Its Nemesis by Dan Sandri Spring brings Bees! March 16, 2025 Spring brings the Digger Bees (Genus Anthophora ) out of the ground as they emerge from the nests prepared by female bees the year before. One of the Diggers with the largest, most active aggregations in Mount Diablo State Park is the Edwards Digger Bee, and they begin to emerge in late February and early March. The males emerge first and begin noisily patrolling the nesting areas (often a wide fire trail, such as Old Finley Road or Burma Road). The females emerge next and, after mating, begin to dig tunnels. A female will construct a single nest cell at the end of this tunnel, about 3-4 inches down, and fill it with a nectar-pollen mixture, upon which they lay a single egg. She then seals the nest and gets to work on another one. Her larva will feed on the nest provisions and pupate in the fall. Adults hatch in the fall, but stay underground until the following February/March. Alas, it doesn’t always go smoothly for the Edwards Digger Bee. In addition to parasitic threats posed by Bee Flies (Family Bombyliidae), Miltogrammine Flies (Subfamily Miltogramminae, Family Sarcophagidae), Cuckoo Wasps (Family Chrysididae) and other insects, there may be a Lovely-Tailed Mourning Bee (Melecta separata callura ) lurking nearby. The Lovely-Tailed Mourning Bee is a medium-large, strikingly beautiful bee, but with a life history that is adversarial to that of Anthophora Digger Bees. It will seek out a completed nest, dig it out, and lay her own egg in the nest cell. Its larva will hatch first and will eat the egg of the host bee and any other parasite eggs, and eat the pollen contents of the nest. The larva then pupates in the nest cell, and will emerge the following year. Edwards Digger Bee (Anthophora edwardsii) Lovely-tailed Mourning Bee (Melecta separata ssp. callura) on Redmaids (Calandrinia menziesii) BACK TO LIST

Swallowtail Butterfly by Jenn Roe Marvelous Animal Adaptations May 21, 2025 by Dan Fitzgerald Yes, tigers are on patrol in Mitchell Canyon from early spring till late fall. But these creatures have no claws or teeth. They are tiger swallowtail butterflies that depend on flight and colorful camouflage to keep safe from harm. Four types (species ) of swallowtails are found here, and of the four, the Western Tiger Swallowtail is the most frequent flyer. The swallowtail’s name comes from its hindwings (lower pair of wings) that are similar in shape to that of a bird, especially the swallow. Although only about four inches wide, it’s still one of North America’s largest butterflies. Why do these flying tigers have stripes? How do its stripes, colors and other features help it escape enemies, especially hungry birds? Its colors are camouflage that help this butterfly hide in plain sight. The bright yellow and black wing patterns blend with the light and shadows of a woodland habitat , where it lives in the wild. The hindwing’s blue and orange dots are eyespots that fool predators into attacking the lower wings (thinking it’s the head) instead of the butterfly’s real head and body, which would inflict more serious harm. The swallowtail’s large wings and eyespots can also fool some predators into thinking it’s a larger, more dangerous creature and should be left alone. This way the butterfly lives to fly another day. How do butterflies eat? Adult butterflies are herbivores, plant eaters same as gophers and deer, but they can’t chew. Instead of teeth, all butterflies have a long tongue, called a proboscis . A proboscis works like a straw to sip sugar-rich nectar from flowers, a butterfly’s main energy source. Western Tiger Swallowtails also sip from damp places like mud puddles to gather important minerals needed for overall health. Download this article By Dan Fitzgerald A Pale Swallowtail shows off its stripes. by Dan Fitzgerald The Anise Swallowtail is another swallowtail species found in Mitchell Canyon. Here it is using its long proboscis to sip from a flower. BACK TO LIST

Wildflower Mount Diablo Tomcat Clover Scientific Name: Trifolium willdenovii Family: Fabaceae (Legume Family) Blooms: April - May Color: Red-Pink Annual herb Native Jump to Blooming Now Blue / Purple Red / Pink White Yellow / Orange Invasive Plants Kevin Hintsa

Wildflower Mount Diablo Spearleaf Agoseris Scientific Name: Agoseris retrorsa Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family) Blooms: April Color: Yellow-Orange Perennial herb Native Jump to Blooming Now Blue / Purple Red / Pink White Yellow / Orange Invasive Plants Steven Beatty Steven Beatty Leaf detail

Wildflower Mount Diablo California Figwort, California Beeplant Scientific Name: Scrophularia californica Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family) Blooms: February - May Color: Red-Pink Perennial herb Native Jump to Blooming Now Blue / Purple Red / Pink White Yellow / Orange Invasive Plants Mike Woodring