Adobe Canyon

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Adobe Canyon

Much of this area is on the serpentine soils originating in the Del Puerto ultramafic body and there are numerous outcrops. Vegetation is primarily chaparral and, in general, is relatively sparse along the steep, unstable talus slopes forming the sides of the canyon. Along the creek the riparian community is better developed.

There are a number of serpentine endemics found here, including the rare plants Fritillaria falcata, Streptanthus callistus and Cirsium fontinale var. campylon. Collomia diversifolia appears here at the southern limit of its range and there is a population of Hesperolinon clevelandii, which otherwise is known only from Lake and adjacent counties. Other plants include Eriophyllum jepsonii, Campanula exigua, Acanthomintha lanceolata, Garrya congdonii, Clarkia breweri and, along the stream course, Salix breweri.

There are several springs along the creeksides, ranging in temperature from 15-22°C (60-72°F). Alkalinity of the water ranges from 9-12 pH, the result of the serpentinization of the ultramafic body.

Integrity: The area is grazed and there has been some mining.

Use: Private

Ref: Sharsmith, H. K. 1945. Flora of the Mount Hamilton Range. Amer. Mid. Nat. Vol. 34, No. 2.
Barnes, Ivan and J. R. O'Neil, 1969. The Relationship between Fluids in Some Fresh Alpine-type Ultramafics and Possible Modern Serpentinization, Western United States. Geol. Soc. of Amer. Bull. 80, pp. 1,947-1,960.

January 1976