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San Francisco Popcorn Flower
Plagiobothrys diffusus
Text and photo by Mark Oatney

Status
Despite its name, this state-listed Endangered Species is now extinct in the San Francisco area. Only six populations remain, all in wet meadows within Santa Cruz County.

Habitat
Meadows, coastal prairie

Threats
• Invasive Plants
These low-statured plants cannot compete against robust weed species such as velvet grass and tall fescue; thus they are only found in meadows which still support the relatively low-lying native grasses. Aggressive species such as french broom and eucalyptus species are also taking over and destroying grasslands.

• Erosion and Road Grading
Runoff along Empire Grade Road and surrounding fire roads is probably increasing drainage and topography of the meadows, thus compromising the habitat of this wetland-dependent species.


Conservation
More carefully applied land management techniques, such as controlled burns and grazing, could further help the viability of San Francisco Popcorn Flower populations by controlling invasive species in the coastal terrace meadows.