The "serpentine effect" is the chemical effect of serpentine soil on the plants that grow in it. The serpentine effect is due to high amounts of magnesium and low levels of calcium present in the soil.  Many species have adapted over time to these conditions and are found nowhere else.  These native species are referred to as endemic.  There are at least 215 serpentine endemic plants in California alone and about 221 types of plants are able to grow in both serpentine and other soils.

Serpentine Endemic Plants

Growing on Cal Poly Land

Leather Oak - Quercus durata

Source: http://www.natureathand.com/Gallery/Quercus_durata_1868.jpg

Buckbrush - Ceanothus cuneatus

Source: http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/images/buckbrush4.jpg

Chaparral Yucca - Yucca whipplei

Yucca in full bloom, found in Poly Canyon

Photographed by Jeannette Osterloh

Artemisia californica- California sagebrush

California sagebrush in Poly Canyon

Photographed by Jeannette Osterloh

Eschscholzia californica- California poppy

Source: http://www.biologie.uni-regensburg.de/Botanik/Schoenfelder/kanaren/images/Eschscholzia_californica.jpg

Calochortus obispoensis- San Luis mariposa lily

Source: http://polyland.calpoly.edu/topics/florafauna/images/slotuliplily.jpg

Calochortus luteus-Yellow mariposa lily

Source: http://www.coestatepark.com/1ea163640.jpg

Rock Formation

Mineral Characteristics

Soil Composition

Locations on campus

Miscellaneous uses

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