California Plants
California is the most biologically and ecologically diverse state in the U.S., with more than 40,000 plant and animal species, many of which are currently endangered. Nearly one-fourth of all plants found in North America occur naturally in the state. This diversity can largely be attributed to the different eco-regions located within the state. These include Desert, Mediterranean, Forested Mountains, and Coastal Forests. These ecoregions have largely insulated California from the surrounding states, giving it a large population of endemic plant and animal species.
Perhaps the most recognizable and majestic of these plants are the Coastal Redwood and the Giant Sequoia, among the oldest and largest living things on Earth. There are also many varieties of Pine tree, including the Torrey Pine, the rarest pine in the U.S., which grows only in San Diego County and on one of the Channel Islands. Another well-known tree is the Great Basin Bristlecone Pine, made popular by a specimen known as Methuselah, a 4,846-year-old tree growing in eastern California.
California Giant Sequoia
Other common plants include the palm, creosote bush, Monterey Cypress, huckleberry, and currants.
California also grows over 200 different crops and produces almost all of the nation's almonds, apricots, dates, figs, kiwi fruit, nectarines, olives, pistachios, prunes, and walnuts. Other important crops are avocados, grapes, oranges, strawberries, peaches, lemons, lettuce, broccoli, celery, garlic, mushrooms, onions, and wheat.
California Animals
Animal life in California is also very diverse; about 400 species of mammals and 600 species of birds have been identified. Sadly, many of these are now extinct or endangered. Before becoming a state, California was known as the 'Bear Republic' due to the large numbers of California Grizzly Bears. Now the state animal, it became extinct in 1922.
Tule Elk in California
Perhaps equally as stately as the Grizzly, the Tule Elk was once thought to be extinct. However, in 1874 a single mating pair were discovered in the Southern San Joaquin Valley. Because of conservation efforts, their population now exceeds 4,000.
Other specimens found only in California include the California Clapper Rail, San Francisco Garter Snake, California Newt, Golden Trout, and Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle.
Wildcats and cougars tend to roam the more remote mountain areas, but human contact is becoming more common as communities continue to develop. More commonly sighted animals include deer, bobcats, coyotes, skunks, raccoons, and black bears. Desert areas are home to tortoises, horned toads, and rattlesnakes. Common birds are jays, mountain bluebirds, hermit thrushes, and juncos.
Steller's Jay in California
If you dive, snorkel, or paddle, you just might encounter leopard sharks, garibaldi (the state fish), black giant sea bass, California sheephead, gray whales, elephant seals, sea otters, tufted puffins, bat rays, and blue whales (the largest animals ever known to have lived).
Whether you are exploring the desert or the sea, California plants and animals are sure to make a lasting impression. By partaking of its beautiful flora and fauna, please mind the old adage: 'Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.'
