About us
The mission of CNPS is to conserve California native plants and their natural habitats; and increase understanding, appreciation, and horticultural use of native plants.
Did you know we have monthly general meetings at the library? These include informational presentations on all sorts of native plant-related topics, from botanical work done in our region to native plant gardening advice. These are at 7 PM, every 2nd Thursday of the month, at the Chico Branch of the Butte County Library (1108 Sherman Avenue, Chico CA).
Keep in touch with us and get the latest news and event information from our monthly newsletter, the Pipevine. Sign up here!
Join some of the Mount Lassen Chapter activities which include:
- Year round field trips
- Native plant sales
- Demonstration native plant gardens
- Monthly meetings featuring knowledgeable and interesting guest speakers
- Controlling invasive plants
- Conservation of rare native plants and habitats
- Educational outreach to school groups and adults at public events
All activities are open to the public. Support CNPS and join at CNPS.org
For more information about our chapter go to mountlassen.cnps.org
Upcoming events
1
Growing native Milkweeds
Location not specified yetThere are 15 milkweed species (Asclepias genus) native to California, serving as the essential host plants for Western monarch butterfly caterpillars. Because non-native varieties like tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) remain green year-round and spread harmful parasites, experts strongly urge planting only regional California natives. There are four species of Milkweeds in our area. Monarch butterflies require two different types of plants depending on their stage of life. Milkweed plants for their caterpillars stage and nectar-rich flowers for the adult butterflies. Monarch caterpillars are obligate specialists that eat only milkweed leaves which it provides them with a vital chemical defense against predator that provides them with toxic chemicals called cardenolides (cardiac glycosides) that they store in their bodies without harming themselves that accumulated them poisonous to predators.
THE FOUR SPECIES IN OUR AREA
Narrowleaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis): Most widespread species statewide. Features thin, elegant leaves and creamy-pink clusters. Easiest to grow.
https://www.calflora.org/entry/psearch.html?namesoup=Asclepias+fascicularis&countylist=any&plantcomm=any&format=photos&orderby=taxon
Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa): Found mostly in Central and Northern California. Notable for large, velvety leaves and dramatic pink, star-like flowers. https://www.calflora.org/entry/psearch.html?namesoup=Asclepias+speciosa&countylist=any&plantcomm=any&format=photos&orderby=taxon
Heartleaf Milkweed (Asclepias cordifolia): Thrives on rocky slopes and foothill woodlands. Produces deep violet-purple flowers early in the spring season. https://www.calflora.org/entry/psearch.html?namesoup=Asclepias+cordifolia&countylist=any&plantcomm=any&format=photos&orderby=taxon
Woollypod Milkweed (Asclepias eriocarpa): Covers itself in fuzzy white hairs and yields large, cream-colored clusters. Well-suited for drier inland valleys. https://www.calflora.org/entry/psearch.html?namesoup=Asclepias+cordifolia&countylist=any&plantcomm=any&format=photos&orderby=taxon
Click on the name in the link for more information for each species
Come to our monthly meeting on Thursday, August 13th 7:00 PM at the Paradise Branch of the Butte County Library! (5922 Clark Rd, Paradise, CA 95969)! https://maps.app.goo.gl/EJrxbABoPZpWp45U9
We really hope to see you all there! This is a change in venue.5 attendees
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