Fountain thistle (Cirsium fontinale var. fontinale) is a federally endangered plant species that grows in an unusual and specialized habitat – serpentine seeps – and is only found at our work location and in a few other nearby locations on the Peninsula.

Fountain thistle’s recovery here is a restoration success story. Once almost completely displaced by jubatagrass (Andean pampas grass), it has largely recovered here, as a result of the work done by CNPS volunteers. The CNPS project is a cooperative effort of the Santa Clara Valley and Yerba Buena Chapters. However, fountain thistle is still under threat from invasion by non-native plants and by woody plants threatening to convert the area to shrubland or woodland. In addition, the bordering dry serpentine zone is habitat to another rare plant, Crystal Springs lessingia (Lessingia arachnoidea), which is threatened by invasion of yellow star-thistle, fennel, tufted wallaby grass (Rytidosperma caespitosum) and other non-native plants.

Sturdy gloves are recommended; you might also want to wear long sleeves/pants and bring sunscreen, water, a hat and layered clothing. If you have them, bring tools, such as trowels, spades and shovels. Some tools will also be provided.

Sign up on the Chapter’s Meetup page, here: www.meetup.com/California-Native-Plant-Society-Santa-Clara-Valley-Chapter/www.meetup.com/California-Native-Plant-Society-Santa-Clara-Valley-Chapter/.

We’ll meet at the end of Lessingia Court in San Mateo. For more information, contact Don at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..