Welcome to the Plant Pages, where you will find an introduction to 25 common plants of Upper Newport Bay. This is a product of a dedicated and talented volunteer, Don Millar, who photographed plants for over three years to capture the blooms and seeds during their season. The pictures and descriptions should help you recognize the plants you will encounter during restoration projects and on outings in this habitat. You can find a larger index of Upper Newport Bay plants by visiting the Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends website.

Right Column

Arroyo Willow (Salix lasiolepis)

Plant: A low-spreading riparian shrub that can grow between 6 and 30 feet tall. Its branches are somewhat droopy. The twigs and branches are yellowish-olive to red in color. Common.
Leaf: The leaves are long and slender, wider near the middle, tapering toward the base, 2½ to 4 inches long, ¾ inch wide, dark green above and lighter on the reverse side. Many fall off during the fall.
Leaf (apple) Galls caused by the Sawfly (Tenthredinidae Pontania)
Stem Gall caused by the Sawfly (Tenthredinidae Euura) and Flower Gall caused by the Gall Midge.
Flowers: grouped in male and female catkins that are on different plants and appear before the leaves grow. The seeds bear long and silky hairs.