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Green-to-gold late again, Silk Oak tree's short-lived glory

New moon on May 7 coincides with highest and lowest tides

Azalea Glen Trail, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Azalea Glen Trail, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

The Annual Green-to-Golden Transition of San Diego’s wild grasslands normally takes place in late March or early April, but another year of  late and heavy precipitation has again delayed the dry-out phase. These rains also trigger a late growth of grasses. The browning can happen very quickly after just a couple of dry weeks with warming temperatures. North-facing hillsides and canyon slopes retain the green color longer, as they are less exposed to drying sunshine. Locally, most of the wild grasses are naturalized (non-native) annuals, the seeds of which were introduced along with hay and other grains brought in by the Spaniards well over a century ago. Some of the mountain meadows have remnants of native grasses, which remain more or less green almost year-round. These rare native grasslands can be found in certain parts of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and are more widely distributed at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve near Temecula.

Grevillea robusta (Silk Oak) leaves and flowers.


The Silk Oak Tree, a fast-growing import from Australia, comes into its short-lived glory this month. Golden flower clusters decorate the silvery-green branches, an effect that is particularly stunning when seen in contrast to the blue-blossoming jacaranda trees often planted nearby. A common tree in San Diego-area parks, the silk oak is also a popular street and backyard tree in the older residential areas.

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Look Up in the Sky on May 7 and you’ll notice that the moon is missing. That’s because the new moon has arrived. It’s also a good day to start your summer garden. While the moon’s gravitational pull famously  affects the ocean’s tides, the cycles of the moon also affect moisture levels in the soil and assist plant growth.

Local travel: Torrey Pines at high tide.


May’s Highest and Lowest Tides are Occuring this Week. On Tuesday the 7th, the tides rise to 7.05 feet at 9:27 pm and then recede to -1.67 feet the following morning at 4:26 am, and on Wednesday the 8th, the high tide is 7.02 feet at 10:03 pm and then recedes to -1.64 feet at 5:13 am.

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Azalea Glen Trail, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Azalea Glen Trail, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

The Annual Green-to-Golden Transition of San Diego’s wild grasslands normally takes place in late March or early April, but another year of  late and heavy precipitation has again delayed the dry-out phase. These rains also trigger a late growth of grasses. The browning can happen very quickly after just a couple of dry weeks with warming temperatures. North-facing hillsides and canyon slopes retain the green color longer, as they are less exposed to drying sunshine. Locally, most of the wild grasses are naturalized (non-native) annuals, the seeds of which were introduced along with hay and other grains brought in by the Spaniards well over a century ago. Some of the mountain meadows have remnants of native grasses, which remain more or less green almost year-round. These rare native grasslands can be found in certain parts of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and are more widely distributed at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve near Temecula.

Grevillea robusta (Silk Oak) leaves and flowers.


The Silk Oak Tree, a fast-growing import from Australia, comes into its short-lived glory this month. Golden flower clusters decorate the silvery-green branches, an effect that is particularly stunning when seen in contrast to the blue-blossoming jacaranda trees often planted nearby. A common tree in San Diego-area parks, the silk oak is also a popular street and backyard tree in the older residential areas.

Sponsored
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Look Up in the Sky on May 7 and you’ll notice that the moon is missing. That’s because the new moon has arrived. It’s also a good day to start your summer garden. While the moon’s gravitational pull famously  affects the ocean’s tides, the cycles of the moon also affect moisture levels in the soil and assist plant growth.

Local travel: Torrey Pines at high tide.


May’s Highest and Lowest Tides are Occuring this Week. On Tuesday the 7th, the tides rise to 7.05 feet at 9:27 pm and then recede to -1.67 feet the following morning at 4:26 am, and on Wednesday the 8th, the high tide is 7.02 feet at 10:03 pm and then recedes to -1.64 feet at 5:13 am.

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