Location: 37.88355968 N, 122.62686697 W

Site Description: It is a dense redwood forest with many different kinds of ferns.

Species Description:

Family – Liliaceae, Species – large flowered fairy bell (prosartes smithii); This perennial herb has simple, sessile leaves with parallel venations. The stalk is twisted and bell-shaped flowers grow from underneath the leaves. They like to grow near water, as it needs moist soil.

Family – Sapindaceae, Species – Big leaf maple (Acer macrophylum); This large deciduous tree has palmately shaped leaves with a strong venation on the underside. It has special seed pods that will spin like a helicopter if spun in the air which is how they achieve wind dispersal. It is often found near water.

Family – Pteridaceae, Species – Five-fingered maiden hair (Adiantum aleuticum); This fern is located near water and had fan-shaped leaves. The leaves look like fingers, hence the name. The stem also has a brownish-black, almost fake feeling stem which is a characteristic of plants in the pteridaceae family.

iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/159904222

Narrative: The hike was pretty long, around 3 miles round trip. The weather was actually very nice which was greatly appreciated. There was a lot of mini waterfalls and creeks along the trail. The views were spectacular as well. There were some very steep edges, hence the name, but it was a lot of fun. Near the end of the trail, there was a ladder. A small group of us went up the ladder and chilled for a few minutes. The hike back was easy and we got to see an amazing view of the ocean.

Location: 50.0657° N, 5.7132° W

Site Description: Near Sutro Baths and is around 15 minutes away from USF.

Species Description:

Family – Iridaceae, Species – Cobralilies (Chasmanthe floribunda); This perennial herb is found along the coast of San Francisco. It reproduces by corms and the seeds are dispersed by birds or water. On the leaf, the midvein is prominent.

Family – Cupressaceae, Species – Monterey Cypress (Cupressus Macrocarpa); This coniferous evergreen tree has green foliage and have a slightly citrus scent when crushed. The seed cones are oblong and brown when mature.

Family – Amaryllidaceae, Species – Three-cornered Leek (Allium Triquetrium); This flowering plant has a three-cornered shape flower stalk which is how it got its common name. The stems have umbel inflorescences with white flowers. The tepals are long and white with a strong green line. The leaves give off a garlic scent when crushed.

iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/159100625

Narrative: I went to Lands End and walked around the coastal trails. I saw lots of cool plants and took a detour to Mile Rock Beach, where I climbed a rock. There was a lot more stairs then I was anticipating so I was exhausted by the time my hike ended. It was also very windy to the point where my hat blew off and had to chase it. Other than the weather, it was a very peaceful hike and I will hike there again when I have the chance.

Location: 37.9099° N, 122.4858° W

Site Description: Ring Mountain is located in Marin County. It is an open field with many trails. Serpentine soil is found here as well.

Species Description:

Family – Asteraceae, Species – Pineapple weed (Matricaria discoedea); These are found along riverbanks. Its height is short, being around 10-30 cm. The stems branch out from the base with glaborous, sessile leaves. It has small head inflorescences that look like little pineapples.

Family – Asteraceae, Species – Q-tips (Micropus Californicus); This annual herbaceous plant is mostly found in California. Its flowers resemble little cotton balls, hence the name. There are also tiny hairs on the flower forming the pappus of each seed.

Family – Urticaceae, Species – Stinging Nettle (Urtica Diocia); This perennial herbaceous plant is found worldwide. On the leaves and stems are hollow stinging hairs called trichomes. If you touch the plant, the hairs will sting you and you will become itchy, as it injects histamine or other chemicals. The leaves are borne oppositely and have a serrated margin.

iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/158790878

Narrative: When we got to Ring Mountain, there was a ton of grass which heightened all of our allergies. It was also very hot so we had to make sure we stayed hydrated. There were a lot of cool plants and we even saw some lizards and birds in the area. On the way back down, we took a short break near turtle rock. A few of us climbed on top of the rock. The breeze was nice up there. After the tiring hike, we made a special trip to In-N-Out which was awesome. Everyone got back to the school satisfied and full.

Location: 10 Old Stage Coach Rd, Redwood City, CA 94062

Site Description: Edgewood Park is around 40 minutes away from USF. It is near Redwood City.

Species Description: 

Family – Geraniaceae, Species – Cranesbill (Geranium molle); This herbaceous plant has classic palmate leaves. It is pubescent with several ascending stems. They are found along the edges of roads. The flowers are purple with green sepals. There are 5 petals, each with two lobes.

Family – Saxifragiaceae, Species – Fringe Cups (lithophragma heterophyllum); These perennial herbs have small palmate leaves. Their flowers are star-shaped with 5 white and unfused petals. They look very similar to the common woodland star. The main difference is the shape of their receptacle.

Family – Phrymaceae, Species – Sticky Monkey Flower (Diplacus aurantiacus); These perennial subshrubs can be found along California. The leaves and flowers are sticky. The flower is tubular at the base and ends in 5 lobes. They come in a variety of colors.

iNaturalist link: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/155708925

Narrative: When we got to the trail, we saw lots of poison oak. Instead of its usual red color, the leaves were green and very big. It was pretty nice out so we didn’t need to wear jackets like we’ve done on previous hikes. On the trail, we saw a dead mole that looked like it had just died. We also saw some deer grazing in the open fields.

Location: 37.8262° N, 122.4997° W

Site Description: Lots of coffee berries, ferns, and poison oak along the trail.

Species Description:

Family – Saxifragaceae, Species – fringe cups (Tellima Grandiflora); Hairy stem, pink inflorescence. Leaves are dissected, palmate and hairy. Urn-shaped flowers with fringed petals.

Family – Montiaceae, Species – Miner’s Lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata); herbaceous annual plant found along the coastal regions of North America. Leaves are fleshy and cauline. The flowers have 5 petals and are pink or white. Mature plants will form a rosette.

Family – Apiaceae, Species – Cow Parsnip (Heracleum Maximum); herbaceous perennial plant. Stems are hollow and hairy. Umbel inflorescence composed of small white flowers. Leaves are large and lobed.

iNaturalist Link: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/154666925

Narrative: We went to the Marin Headlands, where we went along an uphill trail. We did a mock field quiz, where we had to name the families of around 40 species. The weather was very nice, although, it got pretty windy as we were getting towards the top.

Location: 37.923824, -122.596207

Site Description: Located up north past the Golden Gate Bridge. There are patches of serpentine soil along the trail. There is a sloped field where mouse-eared monkeyflowers can be found.

Species Description:

Family – Rhamnaceae, Species – Ceanothus Cuneatus (Buckbrush); Opposite stems. Leaves are reticulate, leathery, tiny, and sessile. White-colored bark.

Family – Caryophyllaceae, Species – Cardionema Ramosissimum (sand mat); Grows around a mile from the coast. Leaves are sessile, hairy, and tiny. Have a mat-like growth and the leaves point in one direction. Thrive in open areas.

Family – Onagraceae, Species – Teraxia Ovata (sun cups); Flowers are radially symmetrical with 4 petals, 8 anthers, and a single stigma. Sepals are reflexed, green, and lanceolate. Leaves are a basal rosette.

iNaturalist Link: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?user_id=aachew&place_id=any&verifiable=any

Narrative: When we got to the site, there was a lot of debris on the ground due to a big storm that occurred a few days beforehand. The debris made it difficult to find certain flowers but we were able to find most of them. At one point, we were looking for mouse-eared monkeyflowers. The first person to find it would get extra credit but Dr. Paul found it instead. So no extra credit. There were also a lot of muddy areas so we had to walk carefully. The weather was really nice as well.

Location: 37.5779° N, 122.4757° W

Site Description: There are a lot of blue-gum eucalyptus trees. It is a windy trail uphill with a great view of the ocean and mountains.

Species Description:

Family – Cornaceae, Species – Dogwood; Head-like terminal inflorescences. Red stems. Leaves are entire, fuzzy, and there is strong venation on the underside. Bracts are colorful.

Family – Garyaceae, Species – Coast Silk Tassel; Leaves are thick with wavy margins. The underside of the leaves are hairy. Catkins are green.

Family – Ranunculaceae, Species – Meadow Rue; Highly dissected leaves. Stamens hanging and pendulous with terminal inflorescences. Annual herbaceous plant.

iNaturalist Link: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/150528523

Narrative: 

We drove around 45 minutes south of San Francisco to San Pedro Valley near Pacifica. It was cold but sunny so it was a nice day to hike. There was a lot of poison oak along the trail so we had to be careful when looking at the other plants. When we got to the top of the mountain, the view was amazing. I took a ton of pictures along the way as well. I was exhausted by the end of the hike so I took a nap in the car on the way back.

Location: 37.80014343895593, -122.47953985767197

Site Description: Magnificent view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Located near the Presidio. An abundance of poison oak along the trail. Lots of Serpentine soil.

Species Description:

Family – Anacardiaceae, Species – Pacific Poison Oak (toxicodendron diversilobium); Reddish to green color, compound leaf with three leaves. Can be in the form of vines but are usually shrubs. Every part of the plant is poisonous. It will irritate the skin if rubbed against it.

Family – Apocynaceae, Species – Periwinkle (Vinca Major); Petals fused at the bottom and free at the top. Latex seeps out when the leaves are broken which plays a role in anti-herbivore defense. Sepals are long, green, and claw-like.

Family – Rhamnaceae, Species – Blueblossom (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus); Leaves have an almost parallel-like venation. Tiny dentations on the margins. Cluster, almost head-like inflorescences. Tiny yellow anthers popping out on top. Steps have vertical striations. The underside of the leaves have raised veins.

iNaturalist Link: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/149675003

Narrative: At the start of the trial, we spotted a checkerspot caterpillar. Then, we proceeded to go down the trail. Not long after we started hiking, it started to rain. It eventually turned into hail which was super fun for the class. It was also very cold. We came across many interesting plants and also a lot of poison oak. We were careful not to touch any of it. As we got closer to the Golden Gate Bridge, we saw a purple flower called Coast Rockcress. The view of the bridge was amazing so I took lots of pictures.

Location: 37.923824, -122.596207

Site Description: Located up north past the Golden Gate Bridge. Abundance of California Bays and Douglas Firs. Tan Oak trees were diseased with sudden oak death. Vegetation of ferns and other shrubs along the trail and cataract creek.

Species Description:

Family- Dryopteridaceae; Species- Western Sword Fern (polystichum munitum); Long, linear fronds that are 1-2 pinnate. The most common fern we will see. Often found in Doug Fir or Redwood forests. Sori are brown in color in rows of 2.

Family- Lilyaceae; Species- Slink pod (scoliopus bigelovii); Perfect monocot flower, mottled leaves; Smell is somewhat akin to rotting flesh to attract flies.

Family- Pteridaceae; Species- Goldback fern (pentagramma triangularis); Fronds are wide at the base but not that long; Stem is black and feels like plastic; Has recurved false indusia.

iNaturalist Link: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/149354686

Narrative:

We started walking downhill towards the forest. We first came across a diseased oak tree and then made our way down to cataract creek and then some. It was a windy day but the trees provided protection. A classmate found a tiny salamander as well. Crossing the stream was fun and we made our way to the waterfall after Professor Paul talked about the different species of ferns. Afterwards, we made our way back up the mountain and took a group picture at a scenic spot nearby.

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