Laserfiche WebLink
differences exist with respect to mode of reproduction, as grass species reproduce by <br /> either: 1) rhizomes (asexually), a mode often predominating in the more moist sites or 2) <br /> seeds (sexually), most commonly in drier sites. This distinction has practical implications <br /> regarding establishment and maintenance. At Buckeye Ranch, native perennial grasses <br /> species that thrive combine characteristics of occurring in generally more mesic <br /> environments (e.g., "wet meadow" or woodland species grasses such as creeping wildrye <br /> and sedge and reproducing by underground rhizome systems. In contrast,dry upland <br /> situations, such as that which occurs on the San Joaquin soils at Buckeye Ranch, generally <br /> are devoid of native bunchgrasses. Restoration goals for the dry upland sites will therefore <br /> be tempered by the inherent uncertainties associated with species adapted to the site and <br /> difficulties of plant establishment. <br /> A realistic goal for vegetation composition for each zone needs to be set. This is <br /> accomplished by determining the native perennial grasses and forbs- non-grass, <br /> herbaceous plants - that now grow on Buckeye Ranch and those plants that have likely <br /> been eliminated by cultivation and grazing. Closer inspection of Buckeye Ranch and the <br /> surrounding area is needed to determine soils preferences of each species. Locally, there <br /> are native annual grasses associated with vernal pool habitats. These include annual <br /> hairgrass (Deschampsia danthonioides), Lemon canarygrass (Phalaris lemmonii), <br /> semaphoregrass (Pleuropogon californicus), Orcuttgrass (Orcuttia spp), and neostapfia <br /> (Neostapfia colusana). Thus far these grasses have not been sighted on Buckeye Ranch. <br /> The native perennial and annual wildflower habitats of the natural zone will serve as a <br /> template and seed source for other areas. The native plants have coexisted with the exotic <br /> Mediterranean annuals and have survived many years of cultivation and grazing. <br /> Wildflowers were once more diverse and abundant in pristine valley grasslands, and were <br /> associated with a rich perennial grass component. The following list describes the most <br /> common native perennial grasses found on grazed and ungrazed upland grasslands and <br /> Buckeye Ranch Resource Plan (November, 1993) <br /> 140 <br />