Monitoring Rare Plant Species

Protecting Plants High and Low

When strolling through the San Elijo Lagoon you may have noticed a large, statuesque plant known as Shaw’s agave (Agave shawii), possibly containing a stalk towering over your head. Believe it or not, this species was once destroyed down to a single plant here in San Diego County. Kept alive through transplanting projects in protected areas such as the San Elijo Lagoon, this area now contains several thriving plants. The only issue is, Shaw’s agave transplants do not reproduce at a rate that can reestablish the once wild population so the work Nature Collective does to propagate and reestablish this important species is critical.

Another rarity you may have come across near Cardiff dunes is a low-sprawling blanket of Nuttall’s lotus (Acmispon prostratus). Speckled with red buds and yellow flowers, this species is native to a slender strip of coastal dunes between Oceanside and northern Baja California. It is an integral part of the coastal dune ecosystem and supports animals like legless lizards and Snowy Plovers. Due to encroaching development and human activity, Nuttall’s lotus is a seriously endangered species.

Above: Nuttall’s lotus at Cardiff State Beach

Together, we’re working towards reestablishing population numbers for these rare species. By collecting seeds, propagating, and planting in protected areas like San Elijo Lagoon, we are helping this species survive.

In addition to hands-on restoration projects, we are also collecting data in an annual, county-wide San Diego Management and Monitoring Program, that is monitoring 30 rare plant species including Shaw’s agave and Nuttall’s lotus. By participating in this monitoring, we are better able to determine future management methods to help these species thrive.

Above: Shaw’s agave in bloom at the Nature Center

To learn more about these plants and 100+ others growing at San Elijo Lagoon visit our Plant Guide. Your donation makes programs like this possible, thank you!