Date: 2/22/18

Location: Mt Burdell, Novato, CA 94947

Site Description: Mt. Burdell is located within it associated state park. Geographically, the area is primarily open chaparral filled with annual grasses and small shrubs. The open chaparral was characterized by shallow soil over serpentine rock. In these area of serpentine rock with very little soil, very small plant species were present. The area was exposed to large amounts of sunlight. The predominant tree genus present was Quercus, with its most common species being agrifolia, kelloggii and lobata.

Narrative: The trip began at a trail head close to the road at the bottom of hill. We began our way along a dirt trail that went from the road to an open chaparral. In this open area, we were allowed to explore in search of the “mouse eared mimulus.” After a long period of time searching, we reconvened and traveled further down the trail beyond a small, somewhat dry creek to investigate other larger species outside of the heavily serpentine areas.

Family, Genus and Species: Apiaceae Sanicula bipinnatifida

      

Micro-habitat: Immediately off the trail on a steep part of the hill in a sun-exposed area.

Habit: small plant, taprooted.

Morphology:

• Leaves: simple, 1-2 pinnately dissected, green, glaucous, oblong-ovated to round, generally narrow and sharp-toothed.
• Flowers: peduncle inflorescence, bracts fused at base, dark purple petals, bisexual flowers.

Family, Genus and Species: Montiaceae Calandrinia mezxiesii

      

Micro-habitat: Several yards away from the trail on a flat portion of the chaparral, surrounded by other small, herbaceous plants.

Habit: Annual, herbaceous, low-growing.

Morphology:

• Leaves: 1-10cm, linear to oblanceolate or spoon-shaped, glabrous to ciliate.
• Flowers: raceme, short to elongate inflorescence, sepals glabrous to ciliate, often puberulent on abaxial midvein, 5 pedals, white to purple approaching margin of the corona.

Family, Genus and Species: Melanthiaceae Toxicoscordion fremontii 

      

Micro-habitat: Several yards off the trail, surrounded by short grasses in full exposure to the sun.

Habit: Bulb, long leaves and stem extending.

Morphology:

• Leaf: wide, curved, scabrous-ciliate, parallel venation.
• Flowers: Panicle inflorescence, bisexual, widely ovate, obtuse, dentate pedal margin, 6 petals, white, deep yellow stamen.