Date: 4/20/2023

Location:  North of Mt Tam to Big Rock 

Site Description: Mount Tamalpais is a popular outdoor recreation destination and is known for its stunning views of the San Francisco Bay Area and the Pacific Ocean. The area offers a variety of hiking and biking trails, camping opportunities, and scenic drives.

Species Description:

• Castilleja exserta, commonly known as the purple owl’s clover, is a herbaceous plant species that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. The flowers are bilaterally symmetrical, consisting of a tubular calyx and a two-lipped corolla. The upper lip is hooded and the lower lip is divided into three lobes and has a single stem with linear to lanceolate leaves that are green in color. 

• Leptosiphon androsaceus or false baby star is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae. The leaves are often twisted or curled and have smooth or slightly hairy surfaces. The flowers are typically white, although they may also be pale pink or lavender. They have five petals fused at the base to form a short tube, with the tips of the petals spreading outwards. 

• Nemophila menziesii, commonly known as baby blue eyes, is a species of flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae. The plant has alternate leaves that are deeply lobed and palmately divided into 5-7 segments. The leaves are generally hairy, especially on the underside. They have five petals fused at the base to form a short tube, with the tips of the petals spreading outwards. The flowers are small and have a light blue color.

Narrative: Big Rock provided an idyllic setting for hiking, with ideal weather conditions. The breathtaking scenery of the lush mountains, colorful flowers, and positive atmosphere created an unforgettable experience for me.