Vernal Pool Plants

Juncus rushes and bulrush sedges are commonly found around vernal pools and provide cover for mating salamanders. Many birds also like to eat these grasses.

ScirpusBulrush Sedge
(Scirpus sp.)

The bulrush sedge is native to California and is commonly found near vernal pools.
Bulrush Sedge (Scirpus sp.)
Copyright © 2004, Magic, Inc.

What kinds of plants are you planting at the vernal pools?

We are planting two main kinds of plants at the vernal pools in the Stanford foothills. The plants are both native to California and are commonly found near vernal pools. We hope that these plants will be familiar to the salamanders and that they will think that the pools are an excellent place to mate. A perimeter of these plants around a vernal pool are very important for the salamanders because they provide an excellent place for them to hide from predatorsPredator

An animal that kills other animals to eat. while they are mating.

JuncusJuncus Rush
(Juncus sp.)

These hardy rushes are commonly found near vernal pools and other wetlands.
Juncus Rush(Juncus sp.)
Copyright © 2004, Magic, Inc.

The first type of plant we are planting is the bulrush sedge (Scirpus sp.). You can tell the difference between sedges and rushes because each leaf of a sedge is a blade, while rushes are round. You can remember the difference by memorizing the following sentence: "Rushes are round, and sedges have edges".

We are also planting juncus rushes (Juncus sp.) around the vernal pools. As they are rushes they have round stems that are hollow during the wet season. While these rushes are very useful to have near a vernal pool, historically they have had other uses as well. Native American tribes such as the ChumashChumash

A term collectively applied to Native Americans who lived in the central coastal region of California before it was settled by European colonists. used these rushes to make baskets.

We have a lot more plants to plant before the vernal pools will be ready for the salamanders to move in and we would be delighted if you would come out some day to help us! Planting is easy and fun and a great way to get a bit of exercise.

previousWhat kinds of animals can you find at vernal pools?

Find out what kind of neighbors the California Tiger Salamander has.  homeVernal Pools

Here you can find out what a vernal pool is and why vernal pools are vanishing. Also, you will find out what kind of creatures like vernal pools … and what kinds don't.