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5.7 Biological Resources

Umbrella Larkspur
Umbrella larkspur (Delphinium umbraculorum) is a CRPR 1B.3 species. It typically blooms
between April and June. This perennial herb occurs at elevations between approximately
1,300 and 5,250 feet above msl, and typically grows in chaparral and cismontane woodland.
This species occurs in Kern, Monterey, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura Counties
(CNPS 2015). The closest recorded occurrence of this species is approximately six miles
northeast of the Project near I-5 and Lebec Road in Rising Canyon (CDFW 2015a). Suitable
habitat for this species exists on the Project site; however, no individuals of umbrella
larkspur were identified during focused surveys.

Tehachapi Buckwheat

Tehachapi buckwheat (Eriogonum callistum) is a CRPR 1B.1 species. It typically blooms
between May and July. This perennial herb occurs at elevations between approximately
4,600 and 4,900 feet above msl; it prefers openings in chaparral on rocky, limestone
substrates. This species has only recently been described, and is known from fewer than five
occurrences in Kern County (CNPS 2015). The closest known occurrence of this species is
approximately 1.5 miles northwest of the Project boundary (CDFW 2015a). Although
suitable habitat for this species occurs on the site, Tehachapi buckwheat was not observed
during focused surveys.

Southern Mountain Buckwheat

Southern mountain buckwheat (Eriogonum kennedyi var. austromontanum) is a federally
listed Threatened and a CRPR 1B.2 species. It typically blooms between June and September
(CNPS 2015). This perennial herb occurs on dry, stony slopes at elevations between
approximately 6,300 and 6,500 feet above msl, in yellow pine forest habitats (Munz 1974).
This species occurs in San Bernardino and Ventura Counties (CNPS 2015). In the Project
vicinity, this species has been collected several times in Lockwood Valley, more than
ten miles west of the Project site (CCH 2016). Suitable elevation and habitat for this species
does not exist on the site; southern mountain buckwheat was not observed during focused
surveys.

Fort Tejon Woolly Sunflower

Fort Tejon woolly sunflower (Eriophyllum lanatum var. hallii) is a CRPR 1B.1 species. It
typically blooms between May and July (CNPS 2015). This herbaceous perennial grows in
dry sites at elevations between approximately 3,940 and 4,600 feet above msl (Munz 1974;
Jepson Herbarium 2015). It occurs in both Kern and Santa Barbara Counties, and the nearest
occurrence is approximately three miles north of the Project site (CDFW 2015a). This species
is associated with soils derived from metamorphic rock and is also known from 17 sites
located a few miles north of the Project site; these sites were located mainly on steep, north-
facing hillsides within or adjacent to dense or moderately open oak woodlands (BonTerra
Psomas 2015b). Although potentially suitable habitat for this species exists on the site,
Fort Tejon woolly sunflower was not observed during focused surveys.

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Draft EIR