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5.7 Biological Resources

Tejon Poppy
Tejon poppy (Eschscholzia lemmonii ssp. kernensis) is a CRPR 1B.1 species. It typically
blooms between March and May (CNPS 2015). This annual grows in open grasslands at
elevations between approximately 650 and 3,280 feet above msl (Jepson Herbarium 2015).
It only occurs in Kern County (CNPS 2015). This species is generally found on the northern
side of the Tehachapi Mountains, and is associated with heavy clay soils (Vollmar Consulting
2004). It is reported from the canyon west of Fort Tejon State Historic Park; however, when
this purported location was revisited, Tejon poppy was not found, and a similar species, the
foothill poppy (Eschscholzia caespitosa), was found. It is possible that this foothill poppy was
misidentified in this location as Tejon poppy (Vollmar Consulting 2004). Although
potentially suitable habitat for this species exists on the site, Tejon poppy was not observed
during focused surveys.

Pine Green-Gentian

Pine green-gentian (Frasera [Swertia] neglecta) is a CRPR 4.3 species. This perennial herb
occurs on dry slopes between approximately 4,500 and 8,000 feet above msl, largely in
yellow pine forest habitat, and typically blooms between May and July (Munz 1974). It is
found in dry, open woodlands (Jepson Herbarium 2015). More specifically, it prefers
montane coniferous forest and pinyon/juniper woodland habitats, and is known from Kern,
Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties (CNPS 2015). In the
Project vicinity, it is known from approximately six miles to the north along Blue Ridge (CCH
2016). It is also known from multiple collections southwest of the site in the Mount Pinos
region of Ventura County, including about 14 miles away on Alamo Mountain, 16 miles away
along Seymour Creek, and 18 miles away in Lockwood Valley (CCH 2016). Although
potentially suitable habitat for this species exists on the site, pine green-gentian was not
observed during focused surveys.

Delicate Bluecup
Delicate bluecup (Githopsis tenella) is a CRPR List 1B.3 species. It typically blooms between
May and June (CNPS 2015). This annual grows in moist places in oak woodlands at elevations
between 3,600 and 6,230 feet above msl (Jepson Herbarium 2015). It occurs in Kern and
Tulare Counties (CNPS 2015). It occurs approximately eight miles from the Project site, on
Purdie Ridge, south of Purdie Canyon, in the Tehachapi Mountains (CDFW 2015a). The
Purdie Ridge location supports an isolated stand of white fir (Abies concolor) within a grove
of canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis). Although potentially suitable habitat for this species
exists on the site, delicate bluecup was not observed during focused surveys.

San Gabriel Mountains Sunflower

San Gabriel Mountains sunflower (Hulsea vestita ssp. gabrielensis) is a CRPR 4.3 species. This
perennial herb occurs in montane coniferous forest habitat between approximately 4,900
and 8,200 feet above msl (Jepson Herbarium 2015). It typically blooms between May and
July, and is known from Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties (CNPS 2015). In
the Project vicinity, it occurs about 10 miles west of the site at the summit of Frazier
Mountain, and about 13 miles southwest of the site, west of Sewart Mountain Peak in Ventura

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