Cismontane Nolina [Nolina cismontana Dice in edit.]
Listing CNPS Unlisted R-E-D Code - None
State/Federal. Status -- /C2 AGAVACEAE Jun.-Jul.
Global Rank G1 State Rank S1.1
Distribution: San Diego County, Orange County, Ventura County
Habitat: This distinctive shrub generally grows in xeric Diegan Sage Scrub and open chaparral. In Orange County erosion is often substantial on Cieneba soils where it occurs; Las Posas fine sandy loams are mapped for the San Luis Rey River site. Also reported utilized are other soil types including Lodo, Calleguas-Arnold complex, and Anaheim.
Known Sites: Cismontane Nolina grows northeast of Gregory Canyon on the south-facing slopes overlooking the San Luis Rey River. It also is found in limited numbers on Highway S-16 just north of Pala, and is reported from the hills to the west. It is locally common in the rugged terrain east of Live Oak Canyon Road and south of the Hamilton Truck Trail in Orange County. A number of reports are for the western flanks of the Santa Ana Mountains in this region. Reported from San Diego County in upper Borrego Canyon, 4.5 km northeast of Mount Olympus along Magee Truck Trail, west of Trujillo Creek and southwest of Magee Truck Trail, 2.7 km east of the Ranchita Store, and the western slope of Viejas Mountain; from Claymine Canyon in Orange County; and along Medea Creek 2 km SSE of Simi Peak, as well as the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains near the head of the Santa Ana Valley in Ventura County.
Status: Cismontane Nolina is slowly declining in the Pala region owing to land clearance for orchards and extensive residential yards, and in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains for residential development. All substantial populations are recommended for protection; significant portions of smaller populations should be placed into biological open spaces.
Copyright © May 1994 Craig H. Reiser.