Vegetation Management and Maintenance Plan - Watsonville ...

ICEPLANT
Carpobrotus edulis
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES This perennial herb grows from
spreading stems, which easily root along the soil surface. The leaves
are short and fleshy. Plants typically grow as dense patches, approximately
1 foot in height. Known to hybridize with its close relative, sea
fig (C. chilensis).
BLOOMS Yellow to light pink; large 2-6 inch flowers, peak flowering
season May - October.
PREFERRED HABITAT Bare ground, road edges and previously
disturbed areas. Often spreads rapidly and forms dense stands.
YELLOW STAR THISTLE
Centaurea solstitialis
DESCRIPTION This two annual or short-lived perennial thistle is
characterized by the sharp spines on the single flower head and tips of
leaves. Leaves are grayish-green, divided into deep lobes. Young
plants form distinctive basal rosettes in winter, sending up flowering
stems in late spring or early summer. Plant height ranges from 6” to 4
feet.
BLOOMS Yellow (0.5-0.8 in.), June - September.
PREFERRED HABITAT Dry grasslands, most widely distributed in
the Sacramento and northern San Joaquin valleys and Sierra Nevada
foothills. It is most problematic in moderately warm, exposed areas on
drier soils and disturbed sites such as roadsides and pastures.