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5.7 Biological Resources

Mojave Spineflower
Mojave spineflower (Chorizanthe spinosa) has a CRPR of 4.2. It typically blooms between
March and July (CNPS 2015). This annual forb is found in desert scrub between sea level and
4,270 feet above msl (Jepson Herbarium 2015). It is prostrate and loosely branched and
prefers dry sandy and gravelly places (Munz 1974). It occurs in Kern, Los Angeles, and San
Bernardino Counties (CNPS 2015). Prior to focused surveys for the Project, this species was
not known to occur in the vicinity of the Project site (Munz 1974). The closest reported
occurrence outside the site is in the Antelope Valley along SR-138 at the intersection of 140
th
Street West (CCH 2016). In 2004, 19 densely populated occurrences were observed (Vollmar
2004). In 2006, approximately 47,575 individuals were observed on the site (NRC 2006b).
In 2008, approximately 6,000 individuals were observed on the site (NRC 2008a). In 2015,
approximately 10,000 individuals were observed on the site.

Monkey Flower Savory

Monkey flower savory (Clinopodium mimuloides) is a CRPR 4.2 species. It typically blooms
between June and October. This perennial herb occurs at elevations between approximately
1,000 and 5,900 feet above msl, and prefers moist sites and streambanks in chaparral and
coastal coniferous forests (CNPS 2015). This species occurs in Los Angeles, Monterey, Santa
Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura Counties. The closest known occurrence of this
species is approximately nine miles south of the Project in Middle Fish Canyon (CCH 2016).
Although marginally suitable habitat exists on the site, monkey flower savory was not
observed during focused surveys.

Unexpected Larkspur
Unexpected larkspur (Delphinium inopinum) is a CRPR 4.3 species. It typically blooms
between May and July. This perennial herb occurs at elevations between approximately
6,200 and 9,200 feet above msl, and prefers rocky sites in upper montane coniferous forests.
This species occurs in Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Tulare, and Ventura Counties (CNPS 2015). The
closest recorded occurrence of this species is from an undated collection approximately 14
miles west of the Project, near Cuddy Valley (CCH 2016). The Project is well below the known
elevation range of this species and there is no suitable habitat on the site. Unexpected
larkspur was not observed during surveys, and is not expected to occur.

Mt. Pinos Larkspur

Mt. Pinos larkspur (Delphinium parryi ssp. purpureum) is a CRPR 4.3 species. It typically
blooms between May and June. This perennial herb occurs at elevations between
approximately 3,300 and 8,500 feet above msl, and is generally found in chaparral, Mojavean
desert scrub, and pinyon-juniper woodland. This species occurs in Kern, Santa Barbara, and
Ventura Counties (CNPS 2015). The closest known record of this species is less than one mile
south of the Project site along Pine Canyon Road (CCH 2016). Suitable habitat exists on the
Project site; however no individuals of Mt. Pinos larkspur were identified during focused
surveys.

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