Calochortus tiburonensis photo by Mary Aline Stevens

MARIN CHAPTER
CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY

Dedicated To The Preservation Of California Native Flora
8 February 2010

Marin CNPS Meetings~~ Marin Field Trips~~ Marin CNPS Plant Lists~~ January Newsletter
Links~~Wildflower Reports with Photographs~~ Volunteer Opportunities in Marin
Join the California Native Plant Society
Email Marin CNPS
Upcoming Marin CNPS Events
Monday February 8 Monthly Membership Meeting Jim Shevock: "California Mosses: An Introduction"
Wednesday, February 17 Field Trip Dirca Monitoring with Doreen Smith, Samuel P. Taylor State Park
Wednesday, February 24 Field Trip Early Flowers at Chimney Rock
Rare Plant Monitoring Field Trips conducted by National Park Service, GGNRA
contact Michael Chassé at (415) 561-2857 or by Email if you would like to join any of these trips
Thursday February 11 9-2 Bolinas Ridge Arctostaphylos virgata
Thursday February 18 9-2 Pirate's Cove, Muir Beach Arabis blepharophylla, Erysimum franscicana
more dates and other volunteer opportunites
April 23-26 Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival
Purchase your tickets now - events are filling up quickly! Schedule of Events
Wayne Roderick Lectures East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden (Tilden)
Saturday Mornings 10:30 November through February, Free to the Public
February 13 Wildflower hiking in Del Valle Regional Park, Sunol, and Ohlone Wilderness-Steve Edwards
February20 Some botany and history in coastal Monterey-Steve Edwards
February 27 Shifting baselines in Bay Area oak woodlands & savannas: historical patterns & restoration potential-Alison Whipple
February 2010 Plant of the month by Doreen Smith
Zigadenes of Marin County
dwarf Zigadene near Dillon Beach photo by Doreen Smith
"The Zigadenes in this area begin to flower this month. The earliest species are of the Zigadenus fremontii group, now likely to be put in a new Family, Melanthiaceae, and called Toxicoscordion fremontii! The following forms are all lumped into the same species.

"On the S-facing slopes of Mt. Burdell there is a fine population of large-flowered plants with yellow anthers. This same form is present in the Marin Headlands along the Bobcat trail and on Ring Mountain .

"On the immediate coast is a dwarf strain that can be seen on the headlands above Drakes Estero, east of the visitor center, near Marconi and at Oceana Marin, near Dillon Beach. This is the one pictured above.

"The most common form in Marin is a tall variety with branching inflorescences and white anthers that's most usual in chaparral openings and especially after fires.

"Also in serpentine chaparral, such as on the Carson Ridge, there is a small-flowered, unbranched form.

"Occasionally a form can be seen in the upper edge of the Pickleweed zone of salt marshes.

"Zigadenus micranthus var. fontanus = Toxicoscordion fontanum, is much later to flower (May) and usually is associated with seasonally-wet serpentine habitats, for example the seeps below Old St. Hilary's chapel, Tiburon and about Rock Spring, Mt. Tamalpais.

For more information about and photographs of California native plants, visit Calflora, CalPhotos. or USDA PLANTS
Wildflower reports from Marin County
Report (email us) your Marin native plant sightings and photographs
All reports from 2003 to present

February 7 Eva Buxton reports: "On the CNPS hike to Cascade Falls today, we saw California pipevine (Aristolochia californica), a widespread but uncommon plant in Marin. Brad Kelley sent an article reminding me of its pollination by fungus gnats, which are attracted to the flower that emits a foul odor. The gnats enter the "bowl" of the pipe and get trapped for a long enough time to increase the chance of pollination. The flowers form tiny pipes less than a cm before the leaves appear and then continue to grow to a size of 2 - 4 cm. This is unusual in the plant world; the flowers of most plants have reached full size before emerging from the bud."

Trevor February 7 Wendy Dreskin reports: " Junior Botanist Trevor found Indian Warriors at Cascade Canyon on January 28. He also found Sanicula laciniata at Lake Lagunitas on February 4."

February 3 Sharon Salisbury reports "Today at Homestead were Hound's Tongues, Trillium ovatum, hundreds of Fetid-Adder's Tongues, Milkmaids (everywhere). On the firetrail behind the golf course in MV there were Zigadene Liles just about to burst last week...2 weeks ago in the Marin Headlands I saw Wall Flowers, Indian paintbrush, Monkey flowers, California poppies and Foot-steps-to-spring."

January 23 Bob Sills reports:"Today I saw a lone Trillium ovatum in bloom (although the flower was folded up) in Muir Woods. I also saw a few milkmaids..."

January 18 Doreen Smith reports: "Vernon and I did some hiking on the weekend to see early flowers before the forecast rainstorms.
Mt. Burdell lower slopes: the peppercress, little Blennospermas and Star-lily Zigadenes are starting to bloom. There are a few goldfields in the fenced-off area west of the San Carlos Dr. gate.
Blennosperma nana photo by Doreen Smith Nemophila menziesii Aloe arborea Pt. Reyes Lighthouse: some baby-blue-eyes, a few giant goldfields and small goldfields, salal, milkmaids, and grindelia can be seen. A red-flowering Aloe, left from a light-house-keepers garden, hangs on to the cliffs."

Sydney and Grace January 16 Wendy Dreskin reports: "St. Rita Junior Botanists Sydney and Grace found and identified the first buttercup on the hill behind their school on January 15. Last year students didn't see the first one until February 1! "

January 14 Faith Brown reports: "Hundreds of Indian Warriors (Pedicularis densiflora) on the Wood Oaks Trail off N. San Pedro Road. Some in full bloom, others not open or just popping up."

Amelia Ryan reports: "More than a dozen Hound's tongue (Cynoglossum grande) were in bloom already at the Tiburon Uplands Preserve on Saturday, January 9th. I also saw a few Indian warriors (Pedicularis densiflora) and a milkmaid (Cardamine californica) in bloom and a death camas in bud. Sadly, I neglected to bring my camera."

Garrya elliptica photo by Dean Kelch Arctostaphylos canescens photo by Dean Kelch Dean Kelch reports: "Garrya elliptica and Arctostaphylos canescens were in full flower on the trail between Mt Theater and West Point Inn on Mt Tamalpais on Sunday 1/3/10. A. nummularia was flowering along the Matt Davis Trail."

Cardamine californica photo by Doreen SmithDecember 29 Doreen Smith reports: "Cardamine californica is blooming in "Marinwood" just north of the Mt. Lassen Dr. parking spot for Old Lucas Valley Road."

Scoliopus bigelovii photo by George McRae December 21 George McRae & Heidi Rand report: " ...many Brownies (Scoliopus bigelovii) in bloom in Muir Woods along the main trail just short of Cathedral Grove on Friday December 18th. We took a trip to Cascade falls yesterday Dec 20, but saw none. "

Arctostaphylos manzanita photo by Vernon Smith Solidago californica photo by Vernon Smith December 19 Vernon Smith reports: "On David Herlocker's hike today, I saw Common Manzanita (Arctostaphylos manzanita) and California Goldenrod (Solidago californica) in bloom on Big Rock Ridge.
Things seem to be somewhat early."

Castilleja subinclusa ssp. franciscana photo by Dave Strauss November 8 Dave Strauss reports: "It was surprising to see several plants in bloom in the Marin Headlands today including: Eschscholzia californica, Mimulus aurantiacus, and Castilleja subinclusa ssp. franciscana. I also observed Arctostaphylos sp. in bloom high up along Gold Hill Grade in San Rafael yesterday."

For more information about and photographs of California native plants, visit Calflora, CalPhotos. or USDA PLANTS
Gardening with Native Plants in the San Francisco Bay Area
Native Plants that Attract Birds
Invasive Alert - Lepidium latifolium - Pt. Reyes staff have been finding scattered new populations of Perennial Pepperweed in Tomales Bay and would greatly appreciate reports of any plants seen around Tomales Bay. Please contact Ecologist Lorraine Parsons at Lorraine_Parsons@nps.gov. with information as to the location (as precise as possible), size, and life stage (flowering, fruiting, etc).
Lepidium latifolium description and photos
Volunteer Opportunities
  • GGNRA - Rare Plant Monitoring Field Trips conducted by National Park Service
    contact Michael Chassé at (415) 561-2857 or by Email if you would like to join any of these trips
    Thursday February 11 9-2 Bolinas Ridge Arctostaphylos virgata, Ceanothus masonii, Ceanothus gloriosus var. exaltatus
    Thursday February 18 9-2 Pirate's Cove, Muir Beach Arabis blepharophylla, Erysimum franciscanum, Cirsium andrewsii(?), etc.
    Wednesday March 3 1-4 Marin Headlands Arabis blepharophylla, Erysimum franciscanum, locally rare species?
    Friday March 12 9-12 Marin Headlands Arabis blepharophylla, Erysimum franciscanum, locally rare species?
    Wednesday March 17 1-4 Marin Headlands Arabis blepharophylla, Erysimum franciscanum, locally rare species?
    Friday March 29 9-12 Marin Headlands Arabis blepharophylla, Erysimum franciscanum, locally rare species?
    Thursday April 8 9-3 Stinson Beach,Bolinas Stebbinoseris decipiens, others?
    Thursday April 22 9-3 Nicasio Ridge Castilleja affinis ssp. neglecta, and others
    Thursday April 29 9-3 Four Corners Calochortus umbellatus, other rare species?
  • Marin Audubon Society Marsh Restoration
    MAS has scheduled planting days at Bahia in Novato for
    February 12, 13, 19 and 20 and March 13, 10 am - 1 pm, Additional days may follow.
    At its marsh restoration projects the Marin Audubon Society (MAS) has frequent opportunities for volunteers to help both with planting native plants and with controlling invasive non-natives. During the rainy season MAS volunteers have been planting creeping wild rye grass, Leymus triticoides, on uplands along the levees at Bahia in Novato. The planting season is coming to an end soon, but we still have a good supply of Leymus in our plant nursery for transplanting and a large area in which to plant.
    We need many hands to help with planting. Everyone is welcome.
    Tools, water and snacks will be provided. Meet at the end of Topaz Drive near Bolero Court.
    contact Robert Hinz at (415) 383-8688 or by Email for more information
  • MMWD - Mt Tam Watershed Volunteer Opportunities
    Embrace the new year by participating in a fun, invigorating, outdoor event on Mt Tamalpais. Volunteers work with MMWD to restore habitat, improve trails, educate the public or gain service learning credits for school, all while exploring beautiful Mt Tam. Individuals are welcome to drop in; groups of ten or more should pre-register.
    Dress for changing weather, wear work shoes, bring your lunch, a water bottle and your friends! We provide snacks, water, instruction and inspiration.
    Please note that all events are subject to cancellation due to heavy rain. Please call (415) 945-1128 the morning of the event. It could be raining on Mt. Tam. but sunny 10 miles away or vice versa!
    Mt. Tamalpais Habitat Restoration Generally the 3rd Saturday of each month
    Mt. Tamalpais Trail Crew Generally the 1st Saturday of each month
    Frog Docent and Turtle Observer Training We're looking for volunteers who can dedicate time from March through June to monitor two vulnerable animal species. Training to become a Frog Docent will be on February 27 and Turtle Observer training will be on March 13. After training, contribute time on your own schedule.
  • Point Reyes National Seashore-
    Habitat Restoration Program
    Workdays are normally held on the second and last Sundays of each month.
    February 14th will find us returning to the site to plant native plants in the restored areas.
    Please meet us at Bear Valley Visitor Center at 9AM to car pool out to the site. If you're late and want to meet at the work site, please be sure to check at the Visitor Center front desk to confirm the location (depending on the size of the group, an alternate site may be selected). Remember to bring a snack/lunch and water and wear clothes that can get dirty. Contact Ellen(Ellen_Hamingson@nps.gov,415-464-5196) for more information.
  • Point Reyes Weed Watchers
    Point Reyes Weed Watchers patrol park trails, detecting and mapping weeds as they first invade. If you enjoy leisurely hikes through the parks but also want to help protect the unique natural resources, then this is the perfect opportunity for you. Weed Watchers is appropriate for adults and teens. For more information, call 415-464-5201 or Natalie_Howe@nps.gov.
  • Bolinas Lagoon Preserve, Audubon Canyon Ranch
    Your help is needed in restoring native plant communities and wildlife habitat in the coastal riparian forests of Bolinas Lagoon. Please join us for our weekly Volunteer Work Days:
    Thursdays     9am- noon in Volunteer Canyon.
    Contact Leslie@egret.org, 415-868-9244 for more information and to RSVP
  • SPAWN" (The Salmon Protection and Watershed Network)
    Every Saturday, 10am - 1pm, Creekside Habitat Restoration
    Join us as we plant, prune, remove invasives, and improve endangered coho habitat in the San Geronimo Valley! Its a wonderful opportunity to learn more about salmon and share rewarding experiences with like-minded folks of all ages while restoring our local ecosystem. Location varies, please visit SPAWN"S upcoming events for more details!
    Every Friday, 10am - 1pm, Native Plant Nursery Day
    Come out and help SPAWN volunteers at our very own Native Plant Nursery! We cultivate beautiful plants destined for restoration sites throughout the valley - everything from native blackberries and grasses to majestic redwoods and Douglas fir. Be a part of transforming creekside habitat from the ground up!
  • more Volunteer Opportunities
New and Revised MARIN FLORA
 The new edition of John Thomas Howell's classic 1949 Marin Flora. is co-authored by Wilma Follette, Catherine Best and Frank Almeda, Senior Curator of Botany at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, and is a joint project of the Marin Chapter of the CNPS and the Academy of Sciences. This updated edition has added 416 line drawings to assist in keying species, new well-tested dichotomous keys, and color photos of plant communities in Marin. There are new maps along with satellite images of Marin County. As much as possible has been preserved of Howell's original plant descriptions that have long delighted botanists as well as his insights and poetic observations. Hard and soft cover books will be available for purchase at chapter meetings or you can Order Marin Flora from the Marin Chapter CNPS. Marin Chapter members have contributed many hours of volunteer labor andexpertise; work was carried out at the Academy where plant specimens are retained. Publication was made possible by Tom Howell's generous remembrance of the chapter in his will when he died in 1994.
Cover illustration: "Mt. Tamalpais from Corte Madera Creek" by Tom Killion © 2004
Lost Plants of Marin by Doreen Smith
Marin CNPS Photo Gallery
Common Bay Area Spring Wildflowers
Common Bay Area Shrubs
Arctostaphylos species of Marin County
Orobanche species of Marin County
Some Native Orchids of Marin County
Delphinium bakeri pictures and article
Plant Communities of Marin County
Order Plant Communities of Marin by David Shuford and Irene C. Timossi
CNPS Posters
Junior Botanists Program
E-mail questions or comments to Marin CNPS 		Calochortus tiburonensis photo by Mary Aline Stevens



Our logo is the Tiburon Mariposa Lily
(Calochortus tiburonensis). This extremely rare lily can be seen blooming from the end of May through mid-June among the serpentine rocks of Ring Mountain in Marin County, California. In fact, this is the only place in the world it has ever been found growing in the wild. It was first noticed by botanists in 1971 when the small patch of land on which it lives passed from private into public hands. The plant is now in cultivation and can be seen in botanic gardens.
Try your hand at identifying the parts of this flower:
or
View more photographs of this lily in its native habitat
or
Visit the College of Marin's "To See A World Project" to learn more about Ring Mountain

The California Native Plant Society is a non-profit organization of amateurs and professionals united by an interest in the plants of California. Its principal aims are to preserve the native flora and to add to the knowledge of members and the public at large. It seeks to accomplish these goals in a number of ways, including: The work of the Society is carried out primarily by the volunteer efforts of the members of CNPS chapters throughout the state. Money at the State level is provided by the dues of members. Local chapters raise money through plant sales and poster and book sales. The California Native Plant Society has 9,000 members statewide. The Marin Chapter, which was founded in 1973, has approximately 500 members.

Chapter Websites:
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other
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 PHOTOGRAPHS AND WILDFLOWER IDENTIFICATION AIDS:
  • CalPhotos UC Berkeley Digital Library Photo Collection consists of 63,460 images of California plants (native and naturalized) and habitats. You can search for plants by name, location (there are 1734 plant images taken in Marin County), or type and color.
  • USDA PLANTS Database provides standardized information about the vascular plants, mosses, liverworts, hornworts, and lichens of the U.S. and its territories.
  • California Academy of Sciences: California Wildflower Search
  • Ron Parson's Flowershots Photographs of Orchids and other Wildflowers as well as lots of links to orchid sites and sites of general botanical interest
  • Reny Parker's Wildflowers An image gallery of wildflower, native plant, and landscape photographs. Currently over 1,750 images identified to 78 plant families.
  • Dpn Bain's Virtual Guidebook to Marin and the North Bay Counties (and loads of other spots spanning western North America): Scroll through 360-degree panoramas, each seamlessly stitched together from 12 still photographs. They even tell you how to create your own. Definitely entertaining if you have QuickTime software already installed or want to download it.
WILDFLOWER REPORTS:
CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY:
How to become a member of the California Native Plant Society

The Marin Chapter of the California Native Plant Society thanks Geology Professor Jim Locke and the College of Marin for hosting our Web Pages.

e-mail Marin CNPS
webster Mary Aline Stevens