Identification of Northern California Grasses (Poaceae)
Led by John Dittes
Senior Biologist—Dittes & Guardino Consulting
***Sorry, this workshop has been postponed***
Grasses dominate many California landscapes, yet their identification presents a challenge to beginners and experienced botanists alike. Despite their prevalence and importance in ecology and agriculture, most general plant taxonomy courses barely touch on the subject.
Using native and non-native species from the Northern Sacramento Valley, Southern Cascade and Northern Sierra Nevada Ranges of California, this workshop will familiarize you with grass identification. Valley and foothill annual grasslands, vernal pools, meadows, riparian corridors, coniferous forest and rock outcrops of this region support diverse grass assemblages and ample identification “challenges”. Fresh and dried specimens of ~20 genera and 30-35 species will be provided to key together as a group and independently. Emphasis will be placed on terminology and morphological features used to delineate “Tribes”, circumscribe genera and distinguish select species using the Jepson Manual keys. As we work through the material, participants are encouraged to make “reference specimens” with index cards and clear tape. Beginner and more seasoned botanists wishing to “brush-up” are encouraged to attend. Please bring forceps (tweezers), a dissecting needle, and a millimeter ruler (we have some extras in the herbarium). If possible, bring a copy of The Jepson Manual 2nd Edition (we have several copies to loan to those who need them; let us know in advance); we can direct you to sources for The Jepson Manual if you contact us ahead of time.
This workshop has been approved for 3 Professional Development Credits by the California Consulting Botanist Board of Certification
This workshop will be led by John Dittes, Senior Biologist with Dittes & Guardino Consulting. John has 36 years of field experience in California and the western United States. Since 1995 he has taught plant ID workshops for the CSUC Ahart Herbarium, including Springtime Grasses (Poaceae) of California Valleys and Foothills, Sunflowers (Asteraceae), Pea Family (Fabaceae), Flora of Vernal Pools and Seasonal Wetlands, and Introduction to Plant ID and The Jepson Manual. Grass specimens are generously provided by none other than Lowell Ahart. (Photos provided by John Dittes.)
