Richvale Vernal Pools

Map     Satellite

There are some fifteen vernal pools, all derived from cut-off meanders of a stream, in this area. Several exhibit, during the blooming season, the "classic" concentric ring pattern, bands of white and yellow flowers surrounding a blue center. Among the flowers present are Clarkia sp., Downingia bicornuta, Downingia bella, Downingia pulchella, Navarretia spp., Limnanthes alba, Lasthenia sp., Layia sp., and Brodiaea spp., among others. Some Stipa sp. is also present.

There are a number of nests of ground-dwelling bees that seem to pollinate the Downingia, Lasthenia and Limnanthes.

Integrity: A small stream which runs through the property has been channelized. The area is used for grazing horses.

Use: Private

September 1975

Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman

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