Festive Flora on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

The winter season in Orange County offers the perfect opportunity to explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, where festive flora thrives during the crisp mornings and chilly nights. Although Orange County may not resemble a traditional winter wonderland, our local native habitats still showcase the beauty of the season. 

Toyon Shrub (or called Christmas Berry):

During the winter months, native plants that have been dormant throughout the summer and fall come to life. The colorful Toyon shrub, also known as the Christmas Berry, is one of these plants. Toyon can grow up to 30 feet tall on moist slopes or canyon bottoms and produces bright red berries that resemble Christmas holly. This native plant is a prominent species in the coastal sage scrub community. It is a part of drought-adapted chaparral and mixed oak woodland habitats. The brightly colored berries provide a food source for a variety of bird species and some mammals during the winter months.

Tecate Cypress (resembling a Christmas Tree):

While exploring the Landmarks, you may encounter another festive-looking native plant that resembles a Christmas tree – the Tecate cypress. Native to the southern California mountains, this rare species is one of the rarest on the Landmarks and is identifiable by its lush green foliage. Interestingly, the northernmost Tecate cypress grove can be found locally in OC Parks’ Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve. Tecate Cypress trees are federally endangered and serve as the sole host for the Thorne’s Hairstreak butterfly, which is a candidate for endangered status.

Would you like to take one of these Tecate cypress trees from the Landmarks home with you this holiday season? IRC has partnered with local top Orange County nursery, Roger’s Gardens, to sell some of these potted Christmas trees and spread some holiday cheer! For each tree sold, Roger’s Gardens will donate $10 towards restoration efforts across the Landmarks, as well as to protect this endangered species. 

Mistletoe:

For some, the holiday season isn’t complete without decking the halls with festive greenery, including the tradition of hanging mistletoe. During the winter months, mistletoe can be found throughout the Landmarks as it grows as a parasite on riparian trees like cottonwood, walnut, willow and sycamore. Typically located in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, mistletoe attaches itself to tree branches to absorb nutrients and can grow up to 5 feet long.

Visitors to the Landmarks will also experience a variety of bird species that have migrated south for the winter. Among these are Cooper’s Hawk, Fox Sparrow, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Acorn Woodpeckers, California Scrub-Jays, Peregrine Falcons, Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, Red-shouldered Hawks, Barn Owls and Great Horned Owls.

Embrace the winter season on the Landmarks and explore the variety of offerings that come to life during this time of year!