Scientific Name
Eriogonum crocatum Davidson
Family
Polygonaceae
General
CI
This plant, listed as "rare" by the State of California, is thriving at CSUCI. It grows from shear rock faces on both north and south facing slopes of hills. It is observed flowering as early as February.
Post-Fire Observations
The above ground portion of many individuals of this species was consumed by the Springs Fire. By July, living shoots were emerging from the bases if many of these damaged plants. Additionally, many plants survived relatively unscathed living on rock faces where there was little fuel for the fire. Some of these plants were flowering within days of the fire.
References
More on this species at Calflora.
The Jepson Manual (2012: 1095, Polygonaceae by Mihai Costea and James L. Reveal).
Dale (2000: 158).
McAuley (1996: 465).
Eriogonum crocatum along crest of ridge to South of Malibu Hall, CI (5 March 2013).
Eriogonum crocatum in flower on hillside to south of University Glen, CI (14 June 2003).
Eriogonum crocatum growing from fissures in the cliff face to the north of University Glen, CI (15 February 2004).
Eriogonum crocatum tiny plant growing from rock face on hillside to south of Malibu Hall, CI (20 February 2013).
Eriogonum crocatum on cliff face on hill to south of Malibu Hall, CI (20 February 2013).
Eriogonum crocatum in flower, on rocks near summit of hill to south of University Glen, CI (20 June 2003).
Eriogonum crocatum detail, on hillside to south of Malibu Hall, CI (22 April 2013).
Eriogonum crocatum flower detail, on hillside to south of Malibu Hall, CI (22 April 2013).
Eriogonum crocatum in flower, on hillside to south of University Glen, CI (22 June 2003).
Eriogonum crocatum growing from rockface just off pathway to south of University Glen, CI (24 May 2005).
Eriogonum crocatum flowers on hillside to south of University Glen, CI (29 May 2003).
Eriogonum crocatum flowers on hillside to south of University Glen, CI (29 May 2003).
Eriogonum crocatum on hillside to south of University Glen, CI (29 May 2003).
Eriogonum crocatum along crest of ridge to South of Malibu Hall, CI (5 March2013).
Eriogonum crocatum opposite (to the south) of the Town Center, CI (5 March 2013).
Eriogonum crocatum near ridge line on hillside to the south of University Glen, CI (7 February 2013).
Eriogonum crocatum one of the largest plants of this species observed around CI, just off the path to the south of University Glen, CI. The exposed parts of this plant were consumed by the Springs Fire, but by July, new shoots were emerging from its roots within the rock face (February 2003).
Eriogonum crocatum along top of ridge to the south of University Glen, CI. This new growth, more than a year after the Springs Fire, is seen emerging from the charred base of the pre-fire plant. Note also the fire scared lichens on the rock, lower right (29 May 2014).
Eriogonum crocatum growing on rock face to north-east of Sage Hall, CI campus (9 June 2014).