FIELD GUIDE

FLORA

Alaska alkali grass (Puccinellia nutkaensis) Description: Form in thick clumps of upright branches with spikelets of 8-15 mm long; a floral axis up to 6 cm wide with 5-12 small flowers; The lower bracts are hairy (3-4 mm) at the base. Habitat: Edges of coastal salt marsh.

alkali heath (Frankenia salina) Description: A shrub-like plant of up to 30 cm tall with sessile leaves and a tube shaped, short lobed calyx; pink florets, each having 5-6 petals and 4-7 stamen; mature fruit is dry; frequently forms in thickets. Habitat: Grows around the edge of salt marshes. Range: Salt marshes from Marin and Solano Counties to Baja California.

American dune grass (Elymus mollis) Description: A hardy grass with stems exceeding 100 cm in length and up to 1 cm in width; smooth, separate sheaths and blades from 1-4 mm wide; leaves greater than 10 cm long; floral axis from 8-30 cm and spikelets 15-30 mm long. Habitat: Occur on sandy backshores and coastal strand. Range: Found from Monterey County, California as far north as Alaska.

awned bentgrass (Agrostis aristiglumis) Description: Grows up to 18 inches tall; non-clump forming; dense inflorescence up to 4.5 inches long; glumes up to 6mm long with short awns; blades up to 3mm wide; lemma with 2-4 teeth. Habitat: Found on damp, gravelly slopes. Range: This species is endemic to the Point Reyes Peninsula, California.

baby blue-eyes (Nemophila Manziensii var. menziesii) Description: Large, bright blue flower with a light blue-white center; petals are from 1-3 cm wide; leaves have feathered lobes on extensive succulent stems. Habitat: Widespread in moist grassy meadows and valleys. Range: Found in southern Oregon and throughout California.

beach bluegrass (Poa confinis) Description: Curved leaf blades and spikelets from 3-5 mm long; 3-4 small flowers sometimes with a thinly dispersed hairy base; Open floral axis from 1-4 cm long and up to 1 cm wide. Habitat: Found in sandy coastal Habitats including dune, strand and backshores. Range:

beach grass (Ammophila arenaria) Description: Straight, separate spikelets and leaf blades from 2-5 mm long; floral axis up to 3 cm wide; inconspicuous veins on glumes but more visible on lemma; forming dense clumps. Habitat: Coastal sand dunes. Range:

beach morning glory (Calystegia soldanella) Description: Large, hairless and kidney-shaped leaf blades that are slightly succulent and ; Corolla bright pink, rose or purple flower with white star-shaped center; and prostrate stem. Habitat: Grows on backshores of sandy beaches, sand dunes and coastal strand. Range: Entire Pacific coast.

beach pea (Lathyrus littoralis) Description: Forms more than 8 leaflets; Usually 2-10 flowers per stem that are 12-18 mm long. Habitat: Coastal strand, backshores of sandy beaches and dunes. Range: beach saltbush

beach saltbush (Atriplex leucophylla) Description: Perennial that grows up to 30 cm tall; forms oval or elongated leaves; separate and clustered flowers having pistils or stamens. Habitat: Found on coastal bluffs, sand dunes and coastal strand. Range:

beach sand-verbena (Abronia umbellata) Description: Long, succulent leaves and elongated stigma; clustered flowers with pink or rose petals; tube of the corolla up to 13 mm long. Habitat: Found on sandy beaches and dunes. Range:

beach strawberry (Frigaria chiloensis) Description: Forms shiny green and leathery leaves in clusters of 3 broad, oblong leaflets with a thick hairy underside; produces a small white flower with a yellow center; and strawberry fruit with more than one pistil embedded in the fleshy, tasteless pulp. Habitat: Close to the seashore on coastal bluffs and sandy backshores. Range: Pacific coast states.

big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) Size: Grows from 30-100 feet tall and up to 4 feet in diameter. Description: Possesses Large leaves (5-12 inches long) with 5 deep palmated lobes that turn yellow-orange in autumn; sweet smelling, white flowers bloom in spring followed by 1 1/2-2 inch long, two-winged seeds called samaras; large, horizontally sprawling branches, a thick trunk, and milky sap. Habitat: Prefers moist, rich soil and high levels of sunlight; frequently occurs near water, along forest edges and trails. Range: Found from southern California to southwest British Columbia. Remarks: In old growth forest, big leaf maple attain a dense covering of epiphytes, particularly club mosses.

bishop pine (Pinus muricata) Description: Evergreen needles in bundles of 2 up to 6 inches long; prickly cones up to 4 inches long that usually remain closed until mature; cones develop in whorls around the brances; dark gray, furrowed bark with thick, scale-like plates. Habitat: Prefers maritime climate in low coastal hills and near sea level. Range: Found in patchy distribution from Humbolt County, California to Baja California. Remarks: Bishop pine is a "fire pine" and usually requires fire to open its cones in order to be fully productive, but occasionally older cones will open on extremely hot days.

blackberry (Rubus ursinus) Description: Slender vines and thin spines; small clusters of flowers. Habitat: Widespread. In Point Reyes, Commonly found among the coastal scrub community. Range: Found widely through-out California. Remarks: Coast Miwok Indians used the root to make tea and relieve menstrual cramps.

blue blossom (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus) Description: Large tree-like shrub; deep blue, bulb-like flowers with an inflorescence up to 3 inches long; polished green leaves up to 2 inches long. Habitat: Prefers damp coastal woodlands, especially old growth redwood and Douglas fir forests. Range: Found widely through-out the Pacific states.

bluedicks (Dichelostemma capitatum) Description: Flower is 6-18 inches tall with pink and blue flowers; having 6 functional stamen and hidden anthers with several projections; dense flower cluster. Habitat: Coastal prairie and open meadows. Range: Widespread through-out the Pacific coast states. Remarks: Root cooked and eaten by the Coast Miwok Indians--similar taste to new potatoes.

bog lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) Description: Grows from 2-5 feet tall; has a hollow stem with 9-17 broad, elongated leaves with pointed tips; flowers grow in thick spikes and are more purple compared to other species of lupine; pronounced curving keel petal with a hairless margin and narrow tip. Habitat: Found in wet meadows and soggy marshes. Range: Pacific states near the coast.

Bolinas manzanita (Arctostaphylos virgata) Description: Grows from 4-20 feet tall with chocolate brown branches, slender green bracts and clusters of small white flowers; produce sticky brown berries and hairy leaves. Habitat: Confined to slopes of rocky outcroppings near the edge of forests. Range: Endemic to Marin County and found along Inverness and Bolinas Ridge and in Muir Woods. Remarks: Used by Coast Miwok to pound into Pinole--a process of pounding and preparing seeds for other edible uses--and mixed with water and drunk.

bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) Description: Grows up to 100 feet long with a bulbous float (up to 6 inches in diameter) at the end of a long, hollow stipe; several strap shaped blades (5-6 feet long) are attached to the float and trail in the water behind it; anchored to rocks by large holdfast. Habitat: Found in the upper subtidal zone. Range: Occurs from Alaska to California. Remarks: Usually do not survive winter storms and grow to this massive size in one season. Floats are filled with large amounts of carbon monoxide gas.

California bay (Umbellularia californica) Size: Grows from 20-80 feet tall and up to 4 feet in diameter. Description: Long (up to 5 inches), leathery, olive-green leaves that have a strong, pungent odor when crushed; scaley, gray-colored bark; small, less than 1 cm wide, yellow flower; Oval-shaped, Yellow-green fruit or purple-green at maturity. Habitat: Prefers rich, fertile soil along mountain slopes where it will grow tall and slender with a full canopy; however, it can tolerate a wide Range of edaphic and moisture conditions. In dry, nutrient lacking soils, it tends to be small and shrub-like with multiple trunks. Range: Found from southern California to southern Oregon and from sea level to 6,500 feet. Remarks: The fruit is a favorite food among Western Gray Squirrels; and among the Coast Miwok Indians, the nuts of the California bay tree were roasted and used to make bread.

California black oak (Quercus kelloggii) Description: Grows from 30 to 90 feet tall, and up to 4 feet in diameter; dull green leaves from 4-7 inches long with 5-7 distinct, deep lobes; deciduous leaves turn yellow and brown in autumn; hairless, pointed winter buds up to .25 inches long; bowl shaped acorns from 1-1.5 inches long; dark brownish-black bark with a forked, sprawling trunk. Habitat: Occur in low elevations on western slopes up to 7,500 feet. Range: Found from southwest Oregon to central California along the coast and in the Sierra Nevada.

California blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium californicum) Description: Flower has 6 dark purple petals with a darker center; Stem has 2 or more branches and grows from 4-16 inches tall. Habitat: Found in open grassy places. Range: Widespread through-out the Pacific coast states (Oregon, Washington, and California). Remarks: Root well boiled and made into tea; used by Coast Miwok Indians to induce menstruation and abortion, also used to relieve stomach aches.

California bottlebrush-grass (Hystrix californica) Description: Non-clump forming grass with spikelets (3-4); produces more than 1 floret; wide leaf blades less than an inch wide; awns are more than .5 inches long and glumes are absent. Habitat: Prefers moist and shaded coniferous forests, especially among redwood trees. However, on the Peninsula it is found among coastal scrub. Range: Occurs from Sonoma to Santa Cruz, California.

California buckeye (Aesculus californica) Description: Grows palmated, opposite leaves with 5 or more leaflets originating from a common stem; small pink or white flowers; small pear-shaped fruits; smooth, grayish bark; short tree up to 30 feet tall, also grows as a shrub. Habitat: Commonly found in the mixed oak-pine foothill woodlands and savana up to 4,000 feet elevation. Range: Coastal and sierra California. Remarks: Miwok Indians picked the whole buckeye nut, leached, boiled it, and then made it into a mush called Ulem.

California buttercup (Ranunculus californicus) Description: Grows up to 2.5 feet tall; has well-branched and amply spaced stems with pinnate leaves; yellow flowers have 9-16 petals. Habitat: Prefers moist meadows and slopes. Range: Widespread through-out California. Remarks: Coast Miwok used the seeds for making Pinole--a process of pounding the seeds with a mortar in preparation for making bread.

California coffeeberry (Rhamnus californica) Description: Grows in a bush with waxy, hairless leaves up to 3 inches long; flowers usually have 5 petals and sepals; fruit is a round, deep blackish-blue berry when ripe with a smooth skin that grows up to .5 inch in diameter. Habitat: Prefers the thick understory of footlhill woodlands including oak, pine, and redwood. Range: Widespread from the coast to the Sierra foothills of California. Remarks: Coast Miwok peeled the bark and made it into tea for spiritual and body purification.

California hazel (Corylus californica) Description: A medium-sized bush and member of the birch family; round leaves with slightly serrated edges; brittle, wood-like stem; single or small clusters of pistillate flowers with 2 red stigma; staminate flowers in catkins; eventually, flowers develop into nuts a little over .5 inches long. Habitat: Occur in coastal woodlands; on the Peninsula, especially common in Douglas fir and bishop pine forests. Range: Found in the Pacific states.

California (giant) kelp (Macrocystis integrifolia) Description: Long, pointed blades with a gas-filled floats attached to the base; new blades develop out of the terminal blade; large stipes up to 200 feet long. Habitat: Fastened to rocks in the intertidal and subtidal zone. Range: Found from British Columbia to Monterey Bay, California.

California maidenhair fern (Adiantum jordanii) Description: Bipinnately compounded leaves branching alternately; round, fan-shaped leaves, slightly ruffled (appearance is unlike typical ferns with elongated leaflets); single rachis petiole; centrally located stalk. Habitat: Prefers moist woodlands. Range: Found widely through-out the Pacific states.

California oatgrass (Danthonia californica) Description: Grows 15-30 inches tall in thick, tufted clumps; blades are normally hairless; flower cluster usually results in 3 widely spaced spikelets; glumes up to 1 inch long above the florets; the two lower bracts and callus are hairy. Habitat: Prefers moist soil or, at least, with frequent subsurface runoff. Range: Found along the northern California coast and at elevations above 2,000 feet. Remarks: Considered to be valuable cattle forage.

California Phacelia (Phacelia californica) Description: Grows from 1-3 feet tall; ruffled silvery-gray leaves with 0-3 leaflets; sprawling, upright stems; large lavender flowers with white spike-like protrusions. Habitat: Prefers rocky slopes. Range: Found along the central coast of California. Remarks: Coast Miwok Indians used the leaves to make tea.

California poppy (Eschscholzia californicus) Description: Grows from .5 to 2 feet tall (low to the ground on the Peninsula); double rimmed stalk; bowl-shaped flower with orange, yellow, cream or reddish petals; leaves are bluish-green. Habitat: Prefers grassy, open meadows. Range: Widespread through-out California and Oregon. Remarks: It is the state flower of California.

California sage brush (Artemisia californica) Description: Shrub grows up to 40 inches tall and even broader in diameter; leaves and stem are bluish-gray, almost woody; not hairy; stems entangled; bracts below the flower grow up to an inch long. Habitat: Prefers the coastal strand and scrub communities. Range: Found from Marin and Napa Counties, California to southern California.

California sea lavender (also known as marsh rosemary) (Limonium californicum) Description: Grows up to about 20 inches tall; large basal green leaves at the base; small, pale lavender flowers with white sepals occur at the tops of the numerous branched stalks. Habitat: Commonly occurs near the edge of salt marshes, rocky shorelines, and in the spray zone along the California Coast. Range: Found from Eureka, California to the Mexican border.

California torreya (Torreya californica) Description: Grows from 15 to 100 feet and up to 4 in diameter; flat, stiff green needles 1-2.75 inches long with strong pinelike odor when crushed; green, olive-shaped fleshy but woody fruit with purplish-red striations; 1-1.5 inches long. Habitat: Prefers canyon bottoms and along streams up to 4,000 feet elevation. Range: Occurs in a patchy distribution through-out the Sierra Nevada of California, as well as Mendocino and Monterey Counties, California. Remarks: This rare and unusual relict species is part of the Arcto-Tertiary Geoflora that once covered all of North America.

California wax myrtle (Myrica californica) Description: Tall evergreen shrub (occasional specimens are tree-like) growing up to 14 feet tall; elongated, smooth aromatic leaves from 3-4 inches long and 1 inch wide; flowers with 7-16 stamen and pistillate catkins approximately .5 inches long; hard, purplish oval fruit from .25-.5 inches in diameter. Habitat: Commonly occurs among redwood, Douglas fir and other closed pine trees along the inner coast. Range: Found along the coast from Washington to southern California.

cattail family (Typhaceae sp.) Description: Native perennial grows up to 9 feet tall; long grass-like blades with a stiff, upright stem created by creeping rhizomes; small flowers compressed in elongated, tight cylindrical inflorescence with male spike above female; no petals or sepals. Habitat: Prefers moist, muddy areas along swamps, lakes, ponds and trenches. Range: Occurs widely through-out California.

chamisso dune lupine (Lupinus chamissonis) Description: Grows up to 6 feet tall with silvery, palmated leaves having 5-12 leaflets; long-blooming bush; hairless keel and small blue flowers with 5 petals. Habitat: Coastal strand and dune preferring deep, clean sandy dirt. Range: Widespread along the California coast. Remarks: Coast Miwok Indians used the root to make rope.

coast buckwheat (also known as coast eriogonum) (Eriogonum latifolium) Description: Grows from 1-2 feet tall; curly- edged, oblong leaves clustered at woody base; upper stem leafless; hairy, bulbous white and pink flowers mostly confined to tops of stem; flowers up to 1.5 inches wide. Habitat: Prefers steep, rocky slopes and cliffs along the coast. Range: Found from Oregon to the central California coast.

coast gilia (Gilia capitata) Description: Grows from 1.5-3 feet tall; straight, erect stems with pinnate leaves and linear lobes clustered at the base; upper stem leafless; large rotund pale blue to violet ball-like flowers occur at tip of stem. Habitat: Prefer coastal dunes and sandy backshores. Range: Found along the central California coast.

coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) Size: Grows from 30-90 feet tall and and 2-6 feet in diameter. Description: Grows deciduous, leathery toothed leaves with hairy undersides and up to 4 inches long; arched crown of branches; stout trunk and pointed, conical shaped acorns up to 1.5 inches long; Habitat: Occurs on slopes and valleys near the coast. Range: Found along the coastal region of California.

coast rock cress (also know as rose rock cress) (Arabis blepharophylla) Description: Perennial grows from 2-8 inches high; long, broad leaves clustered at base; long hairs along leaf margin; large flowers with pink to purple petals up to .75 inches long; fruit erect from .75 to 1.5 inches long. Habitat: Prefer rocky habitats along the coast. Range: Occur along the central California coast.

coastal (or California) shield fern (Polystichum californicum) Description: Long, upright fronds with pinnate leaves; fronds widest at the base and narrow toward the top; enlarged lobe near rachis of primary leaflets; bipinnate, lower leaves; toothed upper leaves. Habitat: Prefers damp, coastal forest. Range: Found through-out the Pacific northwest.

common checkerbloom (Sidalcea malvaeflora) Description: Grows from .5-2 feet tall; sprawling stems and large round, hairy leaves with 7-9 deep lobes; Pink to reddish-purple flowers with pronounced white veins occur in an elongated pattern along the stem. Habitat: Prefer low elevations and grassy slopes and meadows. Range: along the inner coast and coastal foothills. Remarks: Coast Miwok used the flower's seeds to make bread--seeds prepared in this way were called Pinole.

common orache (Atriplex patula var. obtusa) Description: Annual grows to more than 16 inches tall; shallow lobed leaves or with small minimal teeth; fruit enclosed by bracts and wider at the base, with noticeable projections. Habitat: Found in salt marshes and other saline soils. Range: Occurs along the central to northern California coast.

cow parsnip (Heracleum lanatum) Description: Hearty herb; grows from 4-10 feet tall with large, over-sized leaves; 3 lobed and toothed leaflets per leaf; white flat flowers forming a large compounded umbel up to 10 inches wide. Habitat: Prefers partial shade and damp soil along coastal headlands and valley streams. Range: Found widely through-out the Pacific states. Remarks: Skin contact with leaves or stems followed by exposure to sun can cause rash and irritation.

coyote bush (also known as coyote brush) (Baccharis pilularis) Description: Low and spreading stiff, woody shrub; single-veined, small toothed, leathery leaves up to 1.5 inches long; lack thorns and leaves are not prickly; male and female flowers occur on separate plants and female flowers are larger than male. Habitat: Prefer dry, Mediterranean climates within the coastal scrub plant community. Range: Found widely along the California coast. Remarks: Coast Miwok heated the brush and applied it to swollen areas of the body; considered valuable ground coverage to prevent erosion.

curly-leafed monardella (also known as western pennyroyal) (Monardella undulata var. undulata) Description: Grows up to 1 foot tall; branching, erect stems with several terminal purple flowers having 5 petals; wavy leaf margins; Habitat: Occurs on coastal dunes and sandy backshores. Range: Found from Marin to Santa Barbara Counties, California.

deer fern (Blechnum spicant) Description: Produces 2 types of leaves: large, vegetative blades usually greater than 16 inches in length and short-term (in spring and summer) spore-producing leaves with small lobes less than .25 inches wide; form a crown with dark reddish or purplish-brown petioles; several sterile, erect evergreen fronds from 8-40 inches long; brownish stipes 1-12 inches long; short-creeping rhizome. Habitat: Prefers the dense, wet understory of the redwood and mixed evergreen forest. Range: Found from Santa Cruz to Del Norte Counties, California.

douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) Size: Grows from 100-250 feet tall and up to 8 feet in diameter. Age: Usually lives over 750 years. Description: Evergreen. Mature trees have a deeply furrowed, dark brown bark; young trees have smooth bark with several resin scars. Long flat, flexible needles that radiate from the branches in all directions and end in a red bud. The cones are 2-4 1/4 inch long and consist of 3 pointed bracts that protrude from under the scales; they dangle downward from the limbs and drop at maturity. Branches usually begin at about a third to half way up the tree and those on the side of the crown droop. Habitat: Widespread but especially abundant on drier sites with acidic soil and high moisture zones. Range: Found through-out the Pacific Northwest from sea level to 6,000 feet depending on local site conditions. Remarks: It is not a true fir and differs from true firs whose cones remain upright. Its' genus, Psuedotsuga, translates to "false fir".

douglas iris (Iris douglasiana) Description: Grows from 6-32 inches tall with 1-4 branches; leaf blades up to an inch wide and 40 inches long; flower has dark violet to creamy white petals and sepals with inferior elongated ovary positioned below the flower; corolla and pedicle approximately 1-2 inches long. Habitat: Occur on grassy slopes and open meadows, mixed evergreen forest and coastal prairie. Range: Found from southern Oregon to Santa Barbara County, California.

eelgrass (Zostera marina) Description: Green belt-like, rectangular blades grow to 4 feet long and up to .25 inches wide; extensive, entangled root system and spreading rhizomes; small, inconspicuous spike-like flowers in 2 rows along spadix; parallel veins or one mid-vein on blade. Habitat: Prefer protected bays and lagoons up to 40 feet deep (usually in the intertidal or subtidal zone) with a muddy or sandy bottom. Range: Found from Mexico to Alaska.

evening primrose (also known as beach primrose) (Camissonia cheiranthifolia) Description: Low lying plant with stems up to 10 inches long; grayish, oval leaves .25 to 1 inch wide; and yellow petals from .5 to 1.25 inches long. Habitat: Restricted to coastal strand and sand dunes. Range: Found from Point Concepcion, Baja Mexico to southern Oregon.

evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) Description: Shrub Produces dark, glossy alternating leaves up to 1.5 inches long; clusters of white flowers at tips of stem that later develop into shiny, juicy blue-black berries; urn-shaped corolla up to .5 inches long with small lobes. Habitat: Prefers acidic soils in the understory of coastal conifer forests, especially redwood and bishop pine forest. Range: Found from Baja, Mexico to southern Oregon.

false lily-of-the-valley (Maianthemum dilatatum) Description: Grows from 6- 15 inches tall and stem is without tendrils; long petioles and large heart-shaped leaves with pronounced parallel veins along the top; tiny white flowers with 4 petals develop into small red berries. Habitat: Prefers moist, shaded areas along the coast. Range: Found from San Mateo County, California to British Columbia.

fescue (Festuca sp.) Description: Blades of grass are frequently narrow, can be involute and sometimes flat; shred and turn brown with age; several flowered spikelets up to 1.5 inches long (not including the awns); widely spaced florets with a firm lemma; mostly perennials; 24 species in California. Habitat: Occur in grassy open areas from the coast to the mountains. Range: Found widely through-out the northwestern United States and Canada. Remarks: Perennial species considered to be valuable livestock forage.

fivefinger fern (Adiantum aleuticum) Description: Flat, flower-like fern; bipinnate leaves, often tripinnate or quadripinnate; branching petiole into 2 rachises that branch again; fan-shaped leaflets and lopsided with respect to the slender stalk. Habitat: Prefers damp forests. Range: Found widely through-out the Pacific states.

fleshy jaumea (Jaumea carnosa) Description: Grows from 4-12 inches tall; long and narrow, smooth fleshy leaves less than .5 inches wide; phyllaries in 2-3 series; stems almost prostrate; dense yellow flower heads with 6-10 petals. Habitat: Prefers salt marshes and tidal flats along the coast. Range: Found along the Pacific coast.

footsteps-of-spring (Sanicula arctopoides) Description: Grows from 2-8 inches; low lying; entire plant pale yellow including leaves; large leaves with 3 deep lobes and spine-like teeth; compact umbels from .5 to 1.5 inches wide; compact, bulbous yellow flowers. Habitat: Prefer open, grassy coastal slopes below 1000 feet. Range: Found from central Washington to central California.

Gairdiner's yampah (Perideridia gairdneri ssp. gairdneri) Description: Grows from 1-4 feet tall; long, delicate stem with thin, elongated pinnate leaves; rounded fruit; umbel inflorescence; pistils curve downward. Habitat: Occur at low to middle elevations in open, grassy meadows. Range: Found widely in Pacific coast states.

giant chain fern (Woodwardia fimbriata) Description: Large crown forming fronds up to 3 feet long; sori elongated leaves arranged in 2 rows from end to end; leaf blade eventually forms an acute tip. Habitat: Prefers damp, riparian woodlands. Range: Found through-out the Pacific states.

giant horsetail (Equisetum telmateia) Description: Grows up to 3.5 feet tall with a .25 inch thick stem; there are 2 kinds: 1.) produces green, hair-like needles, do not develop cone-like structures, and last several months; 2.) Produce a light creamy-green cone-like structure with cream to brown spores, does not last long (disappears after spores die). Habitat: Prefers damp, humid forest. Range: Found through-out the Pacific northwest.

goldfields (Lasthenia chrysotoma) Description: Forms slender, unbranched stem with opposite pairs of linear, slightly hairy leaves; light yellow tipped petals with darker yellow-orange on bottom half; separate, individual bracts on flower head; 4 straight, linear thorns on seed. Habitat: Occurs in grassy meadows and woodlands below 4,000 feet. Range: Found through-out California and in southwest Oregon.

grand fir (Abies grandis) Description: Grows up to 230 feet tall, and 2-5 feet in diameter; distinct flat needles of varying length .75-2 inches long; green above and white-lined below; notched tips; hairless twigs; flat or V-shaped sprays on lower part of tree; green cones 2-4 inches long; smooth, brown bark. Habitat: Prefers moist canyon and valley bottoms and western slopes up to 6,000 feet elevation. Range: Found from southwest British Columbia to western Montana to northwest California.

hedge nettle (Stachys sp.) Description: Grows from 1-4 feet tall; large, opposite branching leaves; flowers with noticeablely protruding lower lip; slender, non-branching stem; 4 stamens. Habitat: Usually found in wet soils along the coast and sloping hills. Range: Found from British Columbia, Canada to southern California.

hooker's fairybell (Disporum hookeri) Description: Member of the lily family growing from 1-3 feet tall; long, funnel-like hanging flowers; white or creamy-white petals; entire, single stigma; stamen longer than the perianth segments; large oval leaves on a long slender stem. Habitat: Prefers shaded woods away from the coast. Range: Found from the Sierra Nevada of Central California to northwest British Columbia, Canada.

lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina var. cyclosorum) Description: Low lying, delicate fern; fronds grow up to 3 feet long; small, tightly packed leaflets along stem; sori semicircular, not forming 2 distinct rows; rounded leaf blades. Habitat: Occurs in damp, coastal forests, especially common in redwood forests. Range: Found along the coast from central California to the Pacific northwest.

licorice fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) Description: Leaves produced by a creeping rhizome; all leaves same type; leaflet lobes light green, not leathery with translucent veins and narrowing to a point; terminal leaf not noticeable. Habitat: Prefers damp, rocky areas, mossy tree trunks or logs. Range: Found through-out the Pacific northwest.

lizard tail (also known as seaside woolly sunflower) (Eriophyllum staechadifolium var. artemisiaefolium) Description: Forms both ray and disk corolla on flower heads; yellow, greenish yellow, orange or red ray flowers; alternating leaves occur full length of stem; densely hairy leaves on underside; leaves not toothed or lobed; woody at base of stem. Habitat: Prefers exposed coastal cliffs and coastal strand.

marsh monkeyflower (also known as seep-spring monkeyflower) (Mimulus guttattus) Description: Grows from 2 inches to 3 feet; juicy stem with smooth leaves short pedicels encompass the bright yellow corolla; petals at least 1 inch long; sprinkling of red or reddish brown freckles on lips of petal or inside tube. Habitat: Commonly found in wet, marshy areas at low and middle elevations. Range: Found through-out the Pacific states. Remarks: Leaves were steamed and boiled by the Coast Miwok Indians and used on open sores.

mock heather (Happlopapus ericoides) Description: Grows from 12-40 inches high; compact shrub; numerous clustered, tube-like leaves from .25-.75 inches long; 2-6 ray flowers and 8-14 disk flowers. Habitat: Prefers coastal sand dunes and strand. Range: Found from Point Reyes Peninsula to Los Angeles County, California. Remarks: Warmed and used to soothe sores by the Coast Miwok Indians.

Mount Vision ceanothus (also known as glory mat) (Ceanothus gloriosus var. porrectus ) Description: Grows up to 15 feet tall; shrub; abundant clusters of bluish-lavender flowers; angular spreading branches; leaves up to 1.5 inches long and scantily toothed; petioles up to .125 inches (2-4 mm) long. Habitat: Found in and along the edges of the bishop pine forest on the Peninsula. Range: Endemic to Point Reyes Peninsula, California.

nori (Porphyra sp.) Description: Grows into long, single thin blades up to several feet; delicate and membraneous blades with oily appearance; mostly Range in color from red to purple (diverse color Range in the intertidal zone). Habitat: Occurs in the intertidal zone up to 100 feet. Range: Commonly found through-out the Pacific coast and Asia. Remarks: Coast Miwok baked the nori on hot ashes as a source of food.

oar weed (Laminaria) Description: Grows up to 17 feet long; unbranched stipe; single torn or split, usually smooth, blade; absent of veins or ribs. Habitat: Occur in the intertidal zone out to the open sea. Range: Found from Oregon to Santa Barbara County, California, and in the Asian Pacific. Remarks: Commercially harvested for iodine, and used as a food source in the Pacific Rim countries.

Pacific gumplant (Grindelia stricta) Description: Grows from 12-16 inches high and up to 40 inches across; herbaceous perennial; woody at base of stem; leaves toothed but not hairy; yellow flower heads from .5-1.5 inches wide. Habitat: Found on seaside bluffs and along the edges of coastal salt marshes. Range: Found from Marin County, California to Oregon.

Pacific hairgrass (Deschampsia holiciformis) Description: Forms dense clumps; leaf blades less than .25 inches wide; spikelets up to .25 inches long with an inflorescence up to 8 inches long; white hairy pedestal between the 2 florets. Habitat: Occurs along the coast; considered a dominant species on the Peninsula. Range: Found from Santa Barbara County, California to British Columbia.

Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii) Description:Grows from 20-120 feet with a diameter up to 48 inches; leathery, elliptical evergreen leaves from 3-5 inches long; panicle flowers; round, orangey-red fruit; usually peeling reddish-brown bark that exposes a smooth under surface. Habitat: Prefers wooded areas along streams near the coast and in the mountains. Range: Found from southern California to British Columbia.

Pacific starflower (Trientalis latifolia) Description: Grows from 2-8 inches tall; leafless stem with flat, corsage-like, oval leaves clustered at the top under flowers; small pink star-shaped flowers on long, delicate pedicels; corolla about 1 inch wide with 5-7 lobes. Habitat: Prefers coniferous woods. Range: Found through-out the Pacific coast states west of the Sierra-Nevada mountains.

Pacific wild rye (Leymus pacificus) Description: Grows up to 25 inches tall with leaf blades extending to or beyond inflorescence tip; slender, creeping rhizomes; inflorescence up to 2.25 inches long and 1 inch wide; 1 spikelet at each node; firm, short-awned glumes. Habitat: Occurs on sandy backshores and coastal strand. Range: Found from Monterey to Mendocino Counties, California.

pink flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum glutinosum) Description: Grows up to 15 feet tall; shrub; bright green leaves with hairy upper surface; spineless branches; flowers deep to pale pink; drooping inflorescence; deep blue-black, bland currant berries ripen in summer. Habitat: Occurs in the coastal ranges frequently on north-facing slopes and mixed evergreen forests; on the Peninsula, found at Ledum Swamp. Range: Found from Santa Barbara to Humbolt Counties, California.

Point Reyes bent grass (Argrostis clivicola var. punta-reyesnis) Description: Annual grows from 2-6 inches tall; non-clump forming; flat blades of grass up to 7 inches long and .5 inches wide; dense panicle inflorescence up to 3 inches long. Habitat: Occurs on sloping bluffs facing the sea. Range: Endemic to the Point Reyes Peninsula, California.

Point Reyes blennosperma (Blennosperma nanum var. robustum) Description: Grows from 2-8 inches tall; well, branched robust stem; linear, pinnate leaves with 2-3 lobes; involucure .25 inches tall; achenes (dry single seed) less than .25 inches long. Habitat: Prefers sandy soil near the coast (coastal strand and backshores). Range: Endemic to the Point Reyes Peninsula, California.

Point Reyes ceanothus (Ceanothus gloriosus var. gloriosus ) Description: Similar to Mount Vision ceanothus; leaves from 1-2 inches long (contrast with Mount Vision ceanothus); petioles up to .25 inches long (see Mount Vision ceanothus for further description) Habitat: Occurs in sandy soil of coastal strand and backshores. Range: Found from Mendocino to Marin Counties, California.

Point Reyes horkelia (Horkelia marinensis) Description: Produces large leaves with 7-25 toothed or shallow lobed leaflets; flowers with 24-30 pistils; pistils develop into individual fruits that dry when mature. Habitat: Prefers coastal terraces; considered rare. Range: Found from Mendocino to San Mateo Counties, California.

Point Reyes lupine (Lupinus tidestromii var. layneae) Description: A rare shrub grows up to 3 feet tall; palmate compounded leaves with 3-5 leaflets; glandless calyx; bright colored raceme; hairy keel; not woody. Habitat: Occurs near the coast. Range: A rare species of lupine found from Marin to Monterey Counties, California.

Point Reyes meadow foam (Limnanthes douglasii var. sulphurea) Description: Grows from 4-15 inches; pinnate leaves with 7-13 leaflets (less in other Limnanthes species) and may be toothed or lobed; flowers bowl-shaped with entirely yellow petals. Habitat: Occurs through-out the Peninsula along the coast, especially in wet swales and meadows. Range: Endemic to Point Reyes National Seashore, California.

red alder (Alnus rubra) Description: Grows from 70-130 feet tall with a diameter up to 2.5 feet; gray-blue and white bark; oval, deciduous leathery leaves with coarse teeth and reddish-brown colored hairs on the underside; upright, woody cones 1 inch wide and .5 inches wide. Habitat:Prefers bottomland soils along streams, near the coast. Range: Found from San Luis Obispo County, California to northwest Canada.

red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) Description: Woody shrub grows up to 20 feet tall; 5-7 stiff, oblong and pubescent leaves; white flowers; rounded or pyramidal inflorescence from 2.5-4 inches across; small round red fruit. Habitat: Occurs in wet forested areas (e.g. redwood forest, Douglas fir forest, and coastal scrub) and lowlands. Range: Found from San Mateo, California to British Columbia.

redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) Description: Grows up to 350 feet tall and up to 15 feet in diameter; tallest tree species; evergreen; flat, needle-like leaves from .25-1.25 inches long, cover entire length of twig; furrowed, reddish-brown bark; burls at various places on bark; may live up to 2,000 years old. Habitat: Occurs in coastal fog belt up to 3,000 feet elevation. Range: Found from central coastal California to southwest Oregon.

redwood Sorrel (Oxalis oregana) Description: Three distinct clover leaves with an upright pink, whitish or reddish purple flower; solitary, funnel-like flower; pale or white petals streaked with pink; grows from 2-12 inches tall. Habitat: Prefers moist coniferous forests. Range: Found from Monterey County, California to Washington state.

redwood violet (also known as evergreen violet) (viola sempervirens) Description: Member of the violet family growing up from 4-12 inches tall; distinct v-shaped, lower lipped petal with 4 upright, upper petals; lemon-yellow with purplish veins; creeping stems form mats. Habitat: Occurs in moist, shaded coastal forests. Range: Found from Monterey County, California north along the coast to Washington state.

rein-orchis (Habenaria elegans var. maritima) Description: Grows from 1-2 feet tall; thick, straight stem with 2-4 lance-like leaves that usually wither before flowers bloom; dense spike of white flowers from 2-5 inches long with green stipe; several flowers per spike; member of the orchid family. Habitat: Found on Dry slopes and bluffs near the immediate coast. Range: Monterey to Del Norte Counties, California.

rosebay (Rhododendron macrophyllum) Description: Grows up to 8 feet tall; smooth elongated, evergreen leaves from 2.5 to 8 inches long; 10 stamens; funnel-shaped, pink or rose colored corolla. Habitat: Prefers damp, shady coastal areas especially among redwood trees. Range: Found from Monterey County, California north along the coast to the Pacific northwest.

rush family (Juncaceae) Description: Leaf blades are frequently cylindrical when present; sheaths usually exposed; mostly terminal inflorescence with perianth segments; 2, 3 or 6 stamen and a pistil with 3 thin styles; fruit contains several seeds in 1 or 3 chambers; resembles grass. Habitat: Typically found in and around marshlands, as well as, low lying, depressed areas where the water table is near to the surface. Range: Found through-out North America.

salal (Gaultheria shallon) Description: Dense shrub grows up to 7 feet tall; shiny, elliptical leaves with pointed tips and toothed margins (stems can be vine-like); white bowl-shaped flowers develop in racemes; deep purple berrie; and peeling bark. Habitat: Prefers moist sites in the understory of coastal, redwood, and Douglas fir forests, as well as temperate rainforest. Range: Found from British Columbia to California.

salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) Description: A large shrub; aggregate of pink, orange, yellow or red fruits; compounded leaves with 3 leaflets and double-pointed; unlike blackberry bushes, stem not covered with a whitish deposit. Habitat: Commonly occurs along roadsides, streams, rivers and in open areas. Range: Found from Alaska to northwest California. Remarks: Can be confused with western poison oak and Pacific blackberry.

saltmarsh dodder (Cuscuta salina var. major) Description: Parasitic on the goosefoot family and other salt marsh plants; stringy, orange or yellow stems containing no chlorophyll or root system; tiny, scale-like leaves barely noticable; flowers less than .25 inches long with 5 calyx and corrolla lobes, and 5 stamen. Habitat: Occurs in wet areas along marshes, streams and ditches. Range: Found along the entire coast of California.

San Francisco owl's clover (Orthocarpus floribundus) Description: Develops long, protruding stamen beyond the corolla's upper lip; white or cream corolla from .25-.5 inches long; single, main stem with branches above the base; stamen with only one pollen producing sac; member of the snapdragon family. Habitat: Prefers coastal Rangeland. Range: Rare species found in Marin and San Mateo Counties, California.

scouler surfgrass (Phyllospadix scouleri) Description: Short, basal flowering stem grows up to 8 inches tall; broader blades than torrey surfgrass, more than 1/8 inch wide; produces 1-2 spadices only. Habitat: Prefers rocky shorelines with heavy surf and wave action. Range: Found along the entire California coast.

sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca) Description: long, thin ruffley green blades grow up to 20 inches long; thalli two-cell layers thick; epiphytic on other algae; duing feritlization, reproductive cells are released into the water producing a pale green cloud. Habitat: Prefers rocky intertidal and subtidal zones, mud flats, bays, lagoons, harbors, and marshes. Range: Found from from the Bering Sea to Chile. Remarks: Due to their high quantity of minerals and vitamins, they are used in many countries as a source of food.

sea palm (Postelsia palmaeformis) Description: Grows up to 20 inches tall; supple stalk with thin, corrugated belt-shaped leaves up to 10 inches long and strong holdfasts; some plants have upwards of 100 leaf blades; looks like a drenched, dwarf palm tree when exposed. Habitat: Prefers exposed rocky coastline with pounding wave action. Range: Found from British Columbia to Central California. Remarks: Used as a supplement to stir-fried foods, soups or even eaten fresh.

sea pink (Armeria maritima) Description: Grows from 2-20 inches tall; leafless stem with hardy, grasslike leaves clumped at base; dense, bulbous umbel of flowers at tip of stem with bright pink corolla lobes and strawlike bracts. Habitat: Prefers exposed beaches, coastal bluffs and along the edges of salt marshes. Range: Found along the coast from British Columbia to San Luis Obispo County, California.

sea plantain (Plantago maritima) Description: succulent, vertical banana-shaped leaves; dense, upright and terminal inflorescence with 4 sepals, 4 papery corollas and 2 or 4 stamens; fruit divided into 2 partitions with 1 or more seeds. Habitat: Prefers rocky shorelines in the spray zone, sandy beaches, and salt marshes. Range: Found in the Pacific states.

sea rocket (Cakile maritima) Description: Grows from 1-3 feet tall; deeply pinnated leaves; prostrate stem; pink to purple flowers; 2 horn-shaped protrusions near the base of the seedpod. Habitat: Prefers loose sand on ocean beaches. Range: Found along the central California coast.

seaside arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima) Description: Grows form 1-2 feet tall; long, slender stem and small flowers (racemes up to 15 inches long); grasslike leaves with pointed ligules. Habitat: Prefers salt marshes and alkaline environments. Range: Found in the Pacific coast states.

sedge family (Cyperaceae) Description: Develops solid, 3 angled stem; slender leaves with significant sheath around basal leaves supporting the base of the stem; clustered florets with 3 stamen (rarely 2) and a pistil with 2-4 stigmas. Habitat: Mostly found in freshwater and brackish marshes. Range: Found through-out North America.

Sonoma chorizanthe (Chorizanthe valida) Sonoma chorizanthe (also known as Sonoma spineflower) (Chorizanthe valida) Description: Grows up to 12 inches tall; straight stem with few branches near the base; basal or sub-basal leaves up to 2 inches long; calyx up to .25 inches long with oblong lobes; 9 stamens; straight spines on involucre. Habitat: Prefers sandy places amongst coastal scrub and rangeland. Range: Found in Marin and Sonoma Counties, California. Remarks: Considered rare and possibly endangered.

sun-cups (Oenothera ovata) Description: Develops short stems with oval-shaped, basal leaves on long stalks clustered at base; bright yellow flowers with .5 inch long petals; rounded stigma tip; flowers open in morning. Habitat: Prefers open meadows near the coast. Range: Found from southern Oregon to San Luis Obispo County, California.

stalked kelp (Pterygophora californica) Description: Grows up to 7 feet in length; straight, undivided woody stipe; smooth, straplike blades extend on opposite sides from top half of stalk (formation resembles the blades of a helicopter); end of stalk results in a terminal blade with midrib; and stalk develops growth rings similar to a tree. Habitat: Occurs in the intertidal zone up to 120 feet deep. Range: Found along the entire Pacific coast. Remarks: May have been used by the Miwok Indians to tie on their arrow heads.

sticky monkey flower (Mimulus aurantiacus) Description: Woody shrub grows up to 3.5 feet tall; opposite leaves distributed the full length of the stem; orangey-yellow corolla with 4 stamens and united sepals; leaves produce a sticky residue when rubbed between fingers. Habitat: Prefers dry slopes among bishop pine and Douglas fir forests, or the open bluffs among the coastal brush. Range: Found along the California coast.

silvery beachweed (also known as Ambrosia or beach burr) (Ambrosia chamissonis) Description: Grows low to the ground; loose carpet-forming perennial; silvery leaves up to 1.5 inches long with silky hairs along silvery-reddish stems; leaves range in shape from simple ovals to pinnately clefted foliage; spiny bracts form burs; pollen-producing male flowers compressed in terminal spike. Habitat: Prefers the coastal strand and backshores of sandy beaches. Range: Found from British Columbia to central California, especially prevalent from the California-Oregon border to Santa Cruz County, California.

sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana) Description: Grows from 180 to 220 feet tall, and 3 to 8 feet in diameter; pointed, blue-green needles from 2.25-4 inches long; large, oval cones with mature scales up to 26 inches long; seeds .5 inches long with large, rounded wings up to 1 inches long; dull grayish brown trunk with with vertical ridges. Habitat: Prefers deep soil and cool hillsides from 4,000-9,000 feet elevation; commonly occur in subalpine, redwood, montane fir, and mid-elevation pine forests. Range: Found from northern Baja California, Mexico to central Oregon.

swamp hare bell (Campanula californica) Description: Slender, weak-stemmed perennial grows from 4-12 inches tall; wide, oval leaves up to 1 inch long; 1-2 solitary flowers; corolla pale blue; sepals lanceolate less than .25 inches long. Habitat: Restricted to freshwater swamps near the coast. Range: Found from Marin to Mendocino Counties, California. Considered rare.

tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus) Size: Grows from 30-115 feet tall and up to 5 feet in diameter. Description: Thick and leathery leaves (3-5 inches long) with hairy undersides; bark is gray and furrowed; acorn is up to 1 inch long with a shallow, bristly cup. Habitat: Prefers cool valleys and mountain slopes and intermingles with douglas fir, redwood and other true oak species. Range: Found along the coast of California from central Ventura County to southern Oregon and patchy stands in the central and northern Sierra Nevada. Remarks: Also referred to as tanbark oak due to the high tannin content found in its' bark and, historically, used for tanning leather. It is not a true oak, however, the leaves and acorns are very similar to true oak species.

thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus) Description: Large shrub grows ; leaves up to 5 inches long with 5 separate lobes; petioles from 1-5 inches long; open inflorescence with few flowers (usually not more than 7); petals from .5 to 1 inch long; bright red, clustered fruits. Habitat: Prefers the shaded understory of oak-pine, redwood and Douglas fir forests. Range: Widespread through-out the Pacific states. Remarks: Eaten fresh by the Coast Miwok Indians.

torrey surfgrass (Phyllospadix torreyi) Description: Grows from 4-10 inches tall; stem long with several spadices; narrow, wiry blades less than 1/8 inch wide and half as thick; pistillate and staminate flowers. Habitat: Prefers protected sandy areas of the coastal strand. Range: Found along the entire California coast.

Turkish towel plant (Gigartina exasperata) Description: Grows from 12-20 inches long and 4-8 inches wide; broad, thick blades with numerous small, pebble-like protrusions covering blade; ranges from purple to deep red; iridescent when under water; small stipe sometimes with more than one offshoot. Habitat: Occurs in rocky areas of the lower intertidal and subtidal zone. Range: Found from British Columbia, Canada south to California.

Virginia pickleweed (also known as saltwort) (Salicornia virginica) Description: perennial grows up to 10 inches tall; forms spreading mats with branching from the base; clublike spikes form inflorescence on thin, jointed stems; scalelike leaves. Habitat: Occurs in saline environments, especially in salt marshes. Range: Widespread through-out the Pacific states.

western azalea (Rhododendron occidentale) Description: Grows up to 8 feet tall; elongated, deciduous leaves with finely toothed margins from 1-3 inches long; white or cream colored, funnel-shaped corolla, sometimes with a pinkish-orange hue and distinct yellow on upper lobe; 5 stamens; fragrant flowers. Habitat: Prefers moist areas along streams and swamps; commonly occur in riparian woodland habitats. Range: Found from Santa Cruz County north to the Pacific northwest.

western bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum var. pubescens) Description: Leaves grow up to 40 inches long from a single creeping rhizome; leaf blade triangular; slightly wooly petiole and blade; deciduous. Habitat: Occurs widely throught-out the redwood and mixed evergreen forests, as well as the coastal scrub community. Range: Found through-out the Pacific states.

western (creek) dogwood (cornus occidentalis) Description: Grows up to 15 feet tall; dark or bright green leaves 3-5 inches long with 4-7 pairs of side veins and hairy undersides; hairy reddish-purple twigs; white pith; slender buds; small blossom clusters; white fruit. Habitat: Prefers moist soil up to 8,000 feet elevation. Range: Found from northwest Washington state south to central California.

western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) Description: Grows from 100-175 feet tall and 2-4 feet in diameter; flat needles of varying lengths; drooping top spire; flat sprays of radiating branches; needles pale white-striped below and polished green above; small clustered cones hang downward on branch tips; grow up to 1 inch long; grayish-brown trunk with scaly ridges. Habitat: Occurs in coniferous forests over 3, 000 feet elevation; especially common in temperate rainforests, redwood and Douglas fir forests. Range: Found from southeast Alaska south to northwest California.

western Labrador tea (Ledum glandulosum) Description: Large, round shrub; grows up to 6 feet tall; elongated, leathery leaves from 1-2.5 inches long; dark green above and whitish below; occur alternately along thick stem; aromatic when crushed; white, distinctly separate petals up to .25 inches long; clusters of dark brown fruits remain for long periods of time. Habitat: Prefers the edges of swamps and bogs. Range: Found through-out the Pacific states; on the Point Reyes Peninsula, commonly found at Ledum Swamp.

western poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) Description: Variable shrub grows up to 10 feet tall; deciduous, compounded leaves with 3 equal-sized, rounded leaflets; whitish flowers; dark, clustered fruits. Habitat: Occurs in many environments, especially in coastal forests, foothill woodlands and along streams. Range: Found through-out the Pacific coast states. Remarks: Coast Miwok used it to make tatoos. The charcoal from the burned plant was made into a paste, applied to the skin, and then the surface was punctured to allow the paste to permanently penetrate the incision.

western spring beauty (Claytonia lanceolata) Description: Grows from 2-6 inches tall; slender stem with a pair of opposite, elongated leaves; petioles absent; pale pink flower with notched petal tips. Habitat: Occurs in humid forests and meadows. Range: Found through-out the Pacific northwest.

western sword fern (Polystichum munitum) Description: Grows compound leaves (not deeply divided) along a rachis of long stalk-like branch; leaflets from 1-2.5 inches long with hairy fringe; produces both vegetative and sporangia portion of leaves. Habitat: Prefers damp, thick understory of redwood and mixed evergreen trees. Range: Found through-out California.

western trillium (Trillium ovatum) Description: A member of the lily family with 3 Large round leaves at the top of the stem; single white or pink flower on a long pedicel; grows from .5 to 2 feet tall. Habitat: Prefers shady, humid forests. Range: Found from Monterey County, California along the coast to British Columbia.

western wood anemone (Anemone lyallii) Description: Grows from 4-12 inches tall; long, slender stem and pinnate leaves with 3 leaflets; long, petiole main leaf; small white flower with 5 petals. Habitat: Prefers Humid, low elevation forests. Range: Found from central California north to the western Cascades of Washington state.

wild ginger (also known as long-tailed ginger) (Asarum caudatum) Description: Grows from 1-6 inches tall; long, slender sepals that resemble petals; Large, purplish-brown heart-shaped leaves with deep cleft at base; stamen larger than tooth-like anther; ginger smell. Habitat: Prefers moist, shady woods. Range: Found in the Santa Cruz Mountains of Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties and Sonoma County, California.

willow family (Salicaceae) Description: alternate and deciduous leaves; staminate and pistillate flowers; absent of petals or sepals; cup-shaped disk under flower; long hairs on fruit to facilitate dispersal; 2 genera. Habitat: Prefers wet soils along streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshlands. Range: Widespread through-out North America.

wood rose (rosa gymnocarpa) Description: Member of the rose family and genera rosa; straight, medium-sized shrub; numerous spines; compounded leaves; bright red, round fruit. Habitat: Prefers shaded woods. Range: Found from Monterey County, California north along the coast.

yellow-eyed grass (also known as golden-eyed grass) (Sisyrinchium californicum) Description: Grows from .5-2 feet tall; bright yellow flowers with 6 petals and 5-7 veins; petals up to .75 inches long; deep, divided styles; wing-like stems with flat, dull green leaves. Habitat: Occurs in low salinity, wet places, swamps and freshwater marshes. Range: Found along the northern and central California coast.

yellow ice plant (Mesembryanthemum edule) Description: Forms plump, fleshy 3-sided leaves that occur on a long trailing stem; numerous pale yellow petals at outer tips with more intense yellow on lower half; petals dry pink; inferior ovary. Habitat: Prefers coastal strand and dune. Range: Found through-out the Pacific states.

yerba-buena (Satureja douglasii) Description: Grows from .5-2 feet tall; square stem and oval-shaped leaves; small, 2-lipped, white or purplish flowers up to .25 inches long; pleasant aroma. Habitat: Occurs in shady woods at lower elevations. Range: Found through-out California in the coastal ranges.

FAUNA

American kestrel (Falco sparverius) Description: Rusty-brown back and tail with twin black stripes on white face; males have blue-gray wings, reddish crown, back and tail; underside is white with spotted sides; terminal band around tail; most common and smallest of the falcons. Size: Resembles a jay; approximately 10.5 inches long. Food: Prey on reptiles, small mammals, other birds and insects. Habitat: Prefers open farm country, woodlands and open suburban areas. Range: Found from Alaska to the tip of South of America; northern populations are migratory.

Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna) Description: Male's head and sides of throat are deep, rosy red; female's throat has flecks of red creating a patch of color; both have a grayish underside with a tint of green; white tipped tail; juvenile's throat usually dark brown spotted pattern. Size: Approximately 4 inches long. Food: Nectar of flowers. Habitat: Prefers gardens, oak woodlands and chaparral. Range: Found from southern Oregon to northern Baja, Mexico.

axis deer (also known as chital) (Axis axis) Description: A reddish-brown, medium-sized deer with dark stripe along the middorsal; permanent white spots; upward pointing antlers up to 3 feet long with a terminal fork. Size: Full grown bucks are up to 3.5 feet tall at shoulder. Food: Primarily survive on grasses during the rainy season and some forbs during the rest of the year. Habitat: Prefers open grassy meadows and pastures. Range: Exotic, introduced species found on the Point Reyes Peninsula. Native of India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

badger (Taxidea taxus) Description: Large brownish-gray mustelid with brown and white patches on face and forehead; distinct white stripe from tip of nose down to the middle of the back; strong black forefeet with long claws for digging; stout, flat body; short, moderately furry tail. Size: Grows from 20-24 inches long; males weigh up to 25 pounds and females weigh up to 12 pounds. Food: Feed mostly on ground squirrels and pocket gophers. Habitat: Prefers open areas with sandy soils including deserts. Range: Found from south central Canada to central Mexico. Population fluctuates depending on the presence of pocket gophers or squirrels.

black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis) Description: blackish-blue all over; chestnut nape with white speckles; short black bill; undersides dark gray to black; thin, white bars on flank. Size: Very small rail about the size of a sparrow; approximately 6 inches long. Habitat: Prefers fresh, brackish and saltwater marshes, as well as wet meadow swales and swamps. Range: Found from the coastal marshes of Marin County, California to Baja California, Mexico; also occurs along the Colorado River; however, the most extensive range occurs in the southeast United States.

black swift (Cypseloides niger) Description: Entire body black with a whitish forehead visible at close range; long tail with a slightly forked, and often fanned, tail; flies with long, lilting glides interspersed with quick, short wing beats. Size: Resembles a large sparrow and grows up to approximately 7.5 inches long. Food: Feed on insects captured in mid-air. Habitat: Prefer moutains and protected cliffs; often observed beneath waterfalls and in the open sky. Range: Found from the panhandle of Alaska along the narrow coastal range to central California; in pockets of the Sierra and southern Rockies; and occu extensively through-out Central and South America.

black-tailed deer (Odocoileus columbianus) Description: A small deer with a reddish dorsal in summer and gray-brown in winter; dark ears with grayish face; black-tipped tail; dichotomously branched antlers. Size: Length varies between the different races but usually it is 4-6 feet long. Food: Feeds on a variety of grasses, forbs, leaves of small shrubs and trees, and acorns. Habitat: Prefers forest, coastal scrub and grassy open areas. Range: Found through-out most of the state, especially in the coastal ranges. Remarks: black-tailed deer is the smaller, coastal race of the mule deer that is found in the Sierra.

black-tailed hare (Lepus californicus) Description: A large hare with powerful, long fore and hind legs; very long ears, black, upright tail. Food: Feeds on grasses, forbs and farm crops. Habitat: Occurs in forests, open grassy areas, and coastal scrub. Range: Found in most of the western United States to Central Mexico and Baja California.

blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) Description: Oval-shaped mussel with thin, dark purplish-gray shell; strong, dark brown or bluish-black periostracum; broadly rounded at posterior end; umbones at pointed anterior end; 4-7 small anterior teeth. Size: Grows from 2-4 inches long. Food: Feed on suspended food particles by filtering water through gills. Habitat: Prefers rocky shores near low tide line. Range: Found on the Pacific coast from southern Alaska to Baja California, Mexico; the eastern seaboard from the Arctic to South Carolina; and in South America.

bobcat (Lynx rufus) Description: A spotted cat with a short, white and ringed-tail; pointed/tufted ears; long legs (for a small cat); long whiskers. Size: Males weigh up to 70 pounds. Food: Opportunistic survivor; feeds on a variety of small squirrels, rabbits, reptiles and birds. Habitat: Occurs in a variety of habitats including open forest, coastal scrub, foothill chaparral and brushland. Range: Found from southern Canada to central Mexico.

broad-handed mole (Scapanus latimanus) Description: A dark gray, medium-sized mole with a silvery, hairy tail; unicuspid teeth unevenly spaced; short hairs almost extend to tip of nose. Size: Grows from 5-8 inches long. Food: Feeds on soil invertebrates, especially prefers earthworms. Habitat: Occurs in light sandy soils and flood plains up to 6,000 feet; absent from agricultural land. Range: Found from Oregon to Baja California, Mexico and east to western Nevada.

brown creeper (Certhia americana) Description: Well camouflaged by mottled white, tan and brown streaked plumage; whitish brow and underparts; downward curving bill and stiff tail (similar to how a woodpecker braces its tail). Size: A shy, slender bird that grows from 5.25 to 5.75 inches long. Food: Feeds on insects found in tree bark. Habitat: Prefers coniferous and mixed woodlands. Range: Primarily found in North America from Alaska to New Foundland, but have spread to the coniferous forests of Central America.

brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani) Description: A small low-to-the-ground rabbit with short legs; sparsely haired; white tail and underside; somewhat pointed ears. Size: Female is usually larger than males weighing up to 2 pounds. Food: Feeds on grasses, forbs, sow thistle and sea lettuce. Habitat: Prefers dense cover of brushland, coastal scrub and forest. Range: Found from the western slopes of the Sierra to the Cascade Mountains, and from Oregon to Baja California.

bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus) Description: Gray back with lighter, whitish underside and pale, barely visible ear; tawny-brown crown (coastal); relatively long, black tail; in fall, males may have pale pink flank. Size: Grow up to 4.5 inches long. Habitat: Occurs along streams in coastal forests and second growth of alder thicket; also inhabits oak woodlands, chaparral and pinyon-juniper forests. Range: Found from southern coastal British Columbia to Baja Mexico; and the southern Rockies of the United States to Oklahoma.

California Meadow Vole (Microtus californicus) Description: A medium-sized vole with a cinnamon to dark brown backside; frequently has a reddish hue down the middle of the back; prominent ear; pale gray underside; bicolored, finely haired tail. Size: Grows up to 7 inches long. Food: Survives on fresh leaves, forbs and grasses; especially prefers young, developing seeds Habitat: Occurs in wet upland meadows and grassy open areas; also commonly found in alfalfa fields. Range: Found from southeastern Oregon to southern California.

California mussel (Mytilus californianus) Description: Elongated, fan-shaped shell; moderately thick, purplish-gray shell; rounded end; numerous longitudinal ridges; small pointed umbones; 2 strong teeth near umbones. Size: Grows from 2-10 inches long. Food: Feeds by straining water through its gills and filtering out suspended food particles. Habitat: Occurs on rocky shorelines close to tide levels and up to 150 feet. Range: Found from southern Alaska to central Mexico.

California red legged frog (Rana aurora) Description: Upper parts reddish-brown with small dark spots mixed with larger dark patches; yellow underside with a red wash on hind legs and abdomen; dark facial mask edged by light colored jaw stripe. Size: Grows from 2-6 inches long. Food: Feeds on insects and isopods. Habitat: Prefers habitats with permanent water source (e.g., pond) bordered by dense vegetation; also likes damp forests. Range: Found from California to Baja California.

California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) Description: Female without fur on underside; coat is light brown or tan; male is dark brown, almost black; protruding forehead; tiny, barely visible ears; flippers can be brought in clase to side of body. Size: Female is up to 6 feet long and weighs as much as 600 pounds; male is up to 8 feet long and weighs up to 1000 pounds. Food: Prey on squid and a variety of other fish. Habitat: Prefers rocky coastline with protected beaches. Range: Breeds from the Channel Islands off the southern coast of California to Baja Mexico; nonbreeding populations are found as far north as Vancouver, Canada.

common opossum (Dedelphis virginiana) Description: Large rat-like marsupial with long hairless, scaly tail; long gray coat; nearly black ears and feet; seemingly white, hairless face with 5 incisors on each side of the upper jaw; opposable thumb on hind feet. Size: Approximately 32 inches long and weighs up to 10 pounds. Food: General forage of both plants and animals. Feeds regularly on insects, bird's eggs, small mice and berries. Habitat: Prefers agricultural landscapes and avoids elevations above 3000 feet. Range: Found from Mexico to Oregon and in the eastern parts of the United States.

coyote (Canis latrans) Description: A doglike carnivore with a dark-gray or brown or reddish-brown coat; black tipped tail; erect ears. Size: Grows up to 4 feet long and can weigh as much as 75 pounds. Food: Preys on mice, squirrels, rabbits and insects; also, feeds on berries and carrion. Habitat: Prefers open country and brushland. Range: Occurs through-out the western United States from southern Alaska to Panama; and, in more recent years, found in the eastern United States.

dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis) Description: A variable species; western males have black or dark gray head and neck; white underparts with pale gray side; peachy-pink backside with gray streaks; dark gray tail and pink bill; females are less colorful. Size: Grows from 5-6.75 inches long. Food: Feeds on seeds and small fruits. Habitat: Prefers the edges of coniferous forests, suburban parks and gardens. Range: Found widely through-out North America from Alaska to Baja California to the eastern seaboard.

deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) Description: A relatively small mouse with large membranous ears; no visible cheek pouches; short bi-colored tail; dark gray to black backside; white or gray underside and white feet. Size: Grows from 6-8 inches long. Food: Feeds on seeds and leaves; may also consume insects and hypogeous fungi. Habitat: A generalist that can survive in a wide variety of habitats including grasslands, brushlands, chaparral and forest from sea level up to 10, 000 feet. Range: Found from New Foundland and northern Canada to Mexico.

Douglas squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii) Description: A medium sized tree squirrel with pale olive or chestnut brown upper parts; yellowis-white underside with black stripe along lower flank; black bushy tail with white trim along edges; black tufted ears. Size: Grows up to 14 inches long. Food: Feeds on seeds of Douglas fir, hemlock, pines and firs; especially prefers bird's eggs in season. Habitat: Occurs in spruce, hemlock, fir and coniferous forests. Range: Found along the coast from southwestern British Columbia to San Francisco, California; and inland, from the Cascade Mountains of eastern Washington to the southern Sierra Nevada of Kern County, California.

dungeness crab (Cancer magister) Description: Oval shaped carapace; dull grayish-brown upperparts with a slight pinkish-purple hue; creamy white underparts; grainy shell texture; 15 teeth; strong front pinchers; short walking legs. Size: Grows up to 10 inches wide and 7 inches long. Food: Feed on a variety of crustaceans, bivalves and worms. Habitat: Prefer sandy bottoms of intertidal and subtidal zones up to 300 feet. Range: Found from Alaska to southern California. Remarks: This species is the largest crab hunted commercially on the Pacific coast.

dusky-footed wood rat (Neotoma fuscipes) Description: A medium-sized rat with brownish or blackish upper parts; light gray or white venter and under tail; dusky white feet; bicolored tail as long as head and body combined; broad, moderately haired ears. Size: Grows up to 17 inches long. Food: Feeds on leaves, berries, nuts flowers and hypogeous fungi; also known to forage in tree tops. Habitat: Prefers hard wood forests and brushlands. Range: Found from western Oregon to Baja Mexico.

eccentric sand dollar (Dendraster excentricus) Description: Round, flat disk; tube feet on upper surface shaped like 5 petals of a flower; deep purple, light grayish-lavender, brown or reddish; mouth central on under side; granular surface all over. Size: Grows up to 3 inches wide and .25 inches high. Food: Feed on organic particles, algae fragments, crustacean larvae and small copepods. Habitat: Occur along sandy bottoms of bays, estuaries and open ocean from the intertidal zone up to 130 feet deep. Range: Found from Alaska to Baja California, Mexico.

fallow deer (Dama dama) Description: A medium-sized deer; coloration varies widely from white to nearly black (the population on the Peninsula tends to be closer to white in color); coat darkens in winter but has permanent white spots on back and sides; diagnol white stripe on flank; white rump with a black perimeter; white legs and underside; distinctly palmated antlers. Size: Bucks weigh from 140-200 pounds; does weigh from 100-150 pounds. Food: Feed on grasses, forbs and browse. Habitat: Prefer open grassy areas. Range: Introduced species found on the Point Reyes Peninsula, central Mendocino County, Tehama and San Mateo Counties, California. Native of Europe.

giant acorn barnacle (Balanus nubilis) Description: Large cone-like barnacle composed of 2 large overlapping plates; flat top with gap; plates lack ribs and grooves; whitish color. Size: Grows up to 4.75 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches high. Habitat: Prefers rocky shores, pilings and attatches to other hard-shelled animals. Range: Found from the intertidal zone to 300 feet, from southern Alaska to San Diego County, California. Remarks: Native indians of the northwest United States eat this species of barnacle by cooking the whole animal over an open fire, then removing the operculum and eating them out of the shell.

giant green anemone (Anthopleura xanthrogrammica) Description: Flat, cylinder-like species; green with a brown hue in the center; several, circular rows of short green or blue tentacles around a central disk; solitary. Size: Grows up to 12 inches high and 10 inches wide. Food: Prey on crabs, fish and detached mussels by stinging and engulfing them. Habitat: Occur along rocky shores and in tidepools, harbors, bays and estuaries. Range: Found from Alaska to Panama, Central America.

giant Pacific chiton (also called gumboot chiton) (Cryptochiton stelleri) Description: Largest chiton in the world; long, white and oval shaped body; covered by thick brick-red or reddish-brown mantle; grainy texture due to small, white spines; butterfly-shaped valves. Size: Grows from 5-13 inches long. Food: Feeds on sea lettuce, fronds and algae. Habitat: Occurs along rocky shores in the intertidal region up to 60 feet deep. Range: Found from southern Alaska to the Channel Islands, California; also found from Hokkaido Island, Japan north to the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.

giant Pacific Octopus (Octopus dofleini) Description: Globular-shaped body; 4 arms that are 3-5 times body length; reddish or reddish-brown above with fine black reticulation; paler below with 2 rows of suckers on each arm; color changeable; wrinkled and folded skin. Size: Grows up to 16 feet long. Food: Preys on a variety of crustaceans, bivalves and fish. Habitat: Found along rocky shores of the intertidal zone up to 1,650 feet deep. Range: Found from northern Asia to southern California.

giant rock scallop (Hinnites giganteus) Description: Broad, oval and thick shell; grayish to reddish brown with a purplish band; attached at right valve; rough and scaly ribbed exterior. Size: Grows from 1.5 to 9.5 inches high and up to 6 inches in diameter. Habitat: Occurs on rocks from the lower intertidal zone up to 150 feet deep. Range: Found from central Baja California, Mexico north to British Columbia.

gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus) Description: A yellow or cream colored snake with reddish-brown or black dorsal patches; dark stripe across head from in front of eye around back of eye to jaw; yellow or white underside with black spots Size: Grows from 3 to 8 feet long. Food: Preys on mice, rats, squirrels, rabbits, gophers, lizards, and birds and their eggs. Habitat: Occurs in a wide range of habitats including grassland, brushland, woodland, coniferous forest, agricultural land and desert. Range: Found through-out California from sea level to 9,000 feet; excluding Santa Cruz and Catalina Islands. Remarks: Often confused with the rattler snake because of its hissing.

gray fox (Urocyon cenereoargenteus) Description: A silvery gray fox with a white throat; a 15 inch long, moderately bushy tail with a wide black mane down the back to the black tip; dark grayish-black coat with a rusty or white underside; shorter legs than other foxes, possibly adapted for its frequent tree climbing. Size: Grows up to 3 feet long. Food: Feeds on small rodents, birds, berries, insects and fungi. Habitat: A common species found in a variety of life zones including cultivated farmlands, chaparral, and forested areas. Range: Found through-out most of the United States except the Rocky Mountains and Washington State, and in most of Central and South America.

great blue heron (Ardea herodias) Description: Large, blue-gray heron with white head and black stripe extending from eye; ornate plumes on neck and head; white neck and belly with black streaks; long, yellow bill. Size: Grows up to 4 feet tall. Food: Feeds mainly on fish. Habitat: Occurs in and around wetlands near tall trees, rocky ledges and cliffs, or by thick, extensive reed environments. Range: Found widely through-out the United States except in tundra and heavily forested areas; extend as far as northern South America.

great egret (Casmerodius albus) Description: Large snow white egret with spear-like, yellow bill; black legs and feet; long, white plumes extending from back side and chest during breeding season. Size: Grows up to 39 inches tall. Food: Feeds mainly on fish and snails. Habitat: Prefer deep marshes with low grassy banks, mangrove swamps, and mud flats; especially partial to large, open areas. Range: Found on all continents; avoids cold northern (tundra) areas and deserts. In the Americas, occurs from southern Oregon and Idaho south to Colombia, South America.

great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) Description: Large owl with tufted ears set wide apart; yellow eyes and reddish-brown cheeks; mottled gray, brown and black body with dark gray horizontal barring. Size: Grows up to 25 inches long. Food: Feeds on rabbits, rodents and birds, including ducks, crows and other owls. Habitat: Occurs commonly in forested and urban areas, even deserts; found wherever suitable nesting sites may be available including areas with trees, caves, and cliffs. Range: Widespread through-out North America.

hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) Description: A medium-sized woodpecker with a white back and underside; black wings with mottled white spots; white head with black crown and eye mask; male has red patch at back of head; black tail with white outer feathers; larger than its cousin the Downey woodpecker. Size: Grows up to 9.25 inches long. Food: Extracts grubs from trees by hammering holes through the bark. Habitat: Occurs in deciduous and coniferous trees of montane and riverine forests. Range: Found through-out North and Central America from the subarctic of Canada to the highlands of Panama.

harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) Description: A small seal varying in color from almost white to brownish-black to a gray with white spots; no external ears or fur on the underside; appears almost neckless; hind flippers cannot be brought along side the body. Size: Grows up to 6 feet long, and weighs up to 300 pounds. Food: Preys on bivalves, crabs and medium-sized fish, including herring, flounder, cod, squid and octopus. Habitat: Prefer harbors and bays close to shore, isolated beaches and rocky islets; also known to enter rivers for up to 100 miles or more. Range: Found commonly through-out the north Pacific and north Atlantic.

killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) Description: A medium-sized bird with chestnut brown plumage on backside and white belly; 2 distinct black bars on chest and 1 on forehead; orangey-red rump especially visible in flight; long tan tail with black line running horizontally along width--particularly noticeable during flight when tail is fanned. Size: Grows from 9-11 inches long. Food: Feeds on insects, grubs and worms. Habitat: Occurs in meadows, pastures, lawns, protected inland beaches, and along stream and river banks. Range: Found through-out all of temperate North America.

leaf barnacle (Pollicipes polymerus) Description: Scaly, cylindrical barnacle; covered by 6 large plates surrounded by several smaller, smooth overlapping plates; spiney, grayish-brown stalk. Size: Grows up to 3.25 inches long and 1.25 inches wide. Food: Feeds mainly on detritus. Habitat: Attaches to large rocks between the low and high tide lines. Range: Found from British Columbia, Canada to Baja California, Mexico.

long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata) Description: Larger and heavier than the short-tailed weasel; dark brown coat with a yellowish-white belly and chest; black-tipped tail; some individuals have a white spot between the eyes and nose, while others also have white spots below the ears; tail is approximately 44% of head and body length. Size: Grows up to 16 inches long. Food: Preys on small mice, pocket gophers, ground squirrels, chipmunks and small birds. Habitat: Commonly occur through-out the lower Sonoran and Hudsonian life zones. Prefers rock piles and stacks of firewood; avoids the desert and along streams and rivers. Range: Widely distributed from southern Canada to southern Bolivia, South America.

mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) Description: Male easily identified by the bright green head, yellow bill, chestnut brown chest and white body, and white ring around the neck; female maintains a mottled brown body with a reddish chest, tan head with a dark brown streak extending from the beak to the back of the head, and a orange beak marked with black; both sexes have a white tail with a bright purpley-blue speculum bordered on both sides by a white bar. Size: Grows from 20.5 to 28 inches long. Habitat: Occur close to water, especially around wetlands, small river bends, bays, and even urban ponds or lakes. Range: Found through-out most of North America; avoids the high arctic and north Atlantic coast.

mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa) Description: A medium-sized rodent with dark brown fur covering entire body; small eyes and ears with a white spot by each ear; a small tail and long claws. Size: Grows from 12-18 inches long. Food: Feeds on a wide variety of forbs, twigs from trees and shrubs such as alder, thimbleberry, salmonberry, blackberry, dogwood and maple. Habitat: Prefer thickets and mountain meadows along streams and coastal waters. Range: Found from southwest British Columbia south to northern coastal California and the Sierra Nevada as far south as Mono Lake.

mountain lion (Felis concolor) Description: Largest cat in North America; sandy colored coat with 2 phases: reddish with white below and grayish with white below; thinly furred tail; kittens have spots for the first 6 months. Size: Adult is 6-8 feet long. Food: Preys on deer, skunks, porcupines, squirrels, rabbits and a variety of other mammals. Habitat: Shy animal occurs in most forests and brushlands--avoids open areas. Range: Found from the forests of Canada south to Patagonia, Chile.

muskrat (Ondatra zibethica) Description: A large size vole adapted for aquatic habitats with reddish to dark brown fur; lighter coloring around mouth and feet; partially webbed feet and laterally compressed tail. Size: Grows up to about 20 inches long. Food: Feeds on water plants especially cattails, as well as freshwater clams and crayfish. Habitat: Occurs through-out artificial and natural waterways, including rivers, streams, ditches and around lakes and swamps. Range: Found through-out Alaska, Canada and the northern part of the United States. Introduced to the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys.

Myrtle's silverspot (or fritillary) (Speyeria zerene myrtleae) Description: A golden brown butterfly with small, bright silvery spots; 1 of 7 subspecies of the bright orangey-brown zerene fritillary. Habitat: Found in coastal scrub and forests. Range: This endangered species is only found in Marin and San Mateo Counties, California.

northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) Description: A large seal; males have a distinct pendulum-like nose that is used as a defense during breeding season; gray to brownish body; no external ears; powerful hind flippers; large size and proboscis make this species easily identifiable. Size: Male grows up to 18 feet long and weighs as much as 5,000 pounds; the nose grows up to 1 foot long. Female is considerably smaller, and grows up to 10 feet long and weighs up to 1,200 pounds. Food: Feed on bottom dwelling fish, including squid, rat fish and cusk eel. Habitat: Prefers rocky, isolated beaches and islands. Range: During breeding season, found along the coast from Baja, Mexico to the Point Reyes Peninsula, California. During nonbreeding season, found from Mexico north to Alaska.

northern pygmy owl (Glaudium gnoma) Description: A small owl with a long, dark brown tail with whitish-tan horizontal bars; upper body is a reddish-brown or gray-brown; white spots on head; white belly with brownish-gray steaks; yellow eyes; black patches with white outline on back of the neck. Size: Grows up to 7 inches long. Food: Mostly preys on other birds. Habitat: Prefers coniferous and mixed woodlands, especially dense cayons. Range: Found from southeast Alaska south to Guatemala, and as far east as the Rocky Mountains.

ochre sea star (Pisaster ochraceus) Description: Moderately large and heavy starfish; 5 stout arms covered with small spines; spines form star shape on central disk; yellow, pale orange, deep purple, reddish or brown. Size: Grows up to 10 inches in radius. Food: Preys mainly on mussels, barnacles, snails, limpets and chitons. Habitat: Commonly occur in along rocky shores at the low tideline up to 250 feet. Range: Found from Alaska to Santa Barbara County, California.

olive-sided flycatcher (Contopus borealis) Description: A short-tailed flycatcher with a brownish-olive backside; lightly streaked green belly and flank; white or yellow chest and rump; black bill with a yellow lower mandible. Size: Grows up to 7.5 inches long. Food: Preys on a variety of winged insects. Habitat: Occurs in coniferous woodlands, fresh burn sites, and clearings. In particular, prefers eucalyptus, aspen, birch, and maple trees. Range: Found from Alaska, through-out Canada and south to California, the southwest and Mexico. Also, migrates to South America in winter.

osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Description: Large raptor with a dark brown backside and wings; white ventor; males have an all white chest, while females are usually mottled with brown; white head with prominent brown eye stripe; dark beak; distinct brown bands across tail when in flight. Size: Grows from 22 to 25 inches long. Food: Prey exclusively on fish. Habitat: Occur around fresh and saltwater, especially near lakes and rivers. Range: Found through-out Canada, in the northwest and along the southeastern Atlantic coast of the United States, and around the Great Lakes.

Pacific giant salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus) Description: A large, smooth skinned salamander; brown or purplish skin with dark brown or black marbling; no foot tubercles; light brown or yellowish under parts; subtle grooves along flanks and underside; only salamander with vocal chords--may deliver a low pitched "bark" or "growl". Size: Grows from 7 to 11.75 inches long. Food: Preys on mice, insects, garter snakes, snails, slugs and other salamanders. Habitat: Prefers rocky edges of rivers, streams, lakes and damp forests where they are found under thick forest litter, rocks and logs. Range: Found from southwest British Columbia south along the coast to the Santa Cruz Mountains, California; also occur in Idaho and Montana.

Pacific razor clam (also known as northern razor clam) (Siliqua patula) Description: A large, flat oblong clam with a thin, grayish-white shell; rounded at both ends; strong, polished yellow or olivey-brown periostracum; white interior shell flushed with a pale purplish-pink. Size: Grows from 3 to 6.25 inches long. Habitat: An active burrower occurring on sandy beaches, intertidal and subtidal zones. Range: Found from Pismo Beach, California to the eastern Aleutian Islands of Alaska. Remarks: the Pacific razor clam is a highly prized food that is hunted by sport fisherman in California, and hunted commercially from Alaska to Oregon.

Pacific Shrew (Sorex pacificus) Description: Large, reddish brown shrew; uniform-colored tail; equal sized first and second unicuspids. Food: Feeds on antipedes, spiders, slugs and snails. Habitat: Prefers coniferous coastal forest (especially redwood forests), thick undergrowth, coastal scrub and thickets along streams. Range: Found from Marin County, California to the central Oregon coast.

pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) Description: A dull brown grebe; short, thick white bill with a dark ring; white under tail, chin and underside in winter; dark chin and throat during breeding; no crest. Size: Grows from 12-15 inches long. Habitat: Occurs in open water of any kind, especially common in densely vegetated marshes, ponds and ditches. Range: Found through-out the Americas; avoids the subarctic and subantarctic areas.

Point Reyes jumping mouse (Zapus trinotatus) Description: Backside is dark yellowish brown with orangey-yellow sides; white belly; dark ear; bicolored tail: dusky brown above and white below; large gray feet with oversized hind legs for jumping. Size: Grows up to 9.5 inches from head to tail. Food: Feeds on grasses, leaves and forbs. Habitat: Prefers moist, coastal meadows bordered by redwood, fir, hemlock or spruce forests. Range: Found on the Point Reyes Peninsula, California. Remarks: This isolated population is a race of the more widely spread Pacific jumping mouse and is at the southern most extent of its range. The Pacific jumping mouse occurs from Marin County, California to southwest British Columbia; and in far eastern Washington, central and eastern Oregon, and the Sierras of California.

purple finch (Carpodacus purpureus) Description: Male is a rosy red finch from head to mid-belly and flanks--not purple; female is tan with brown streaks on chest and belly; both sexes have brown streaked back; brown wings and notched tail; and dark brown patch on cheeks. Size: Grows from 5.5 to 6.25 inches long. Habitat: Prefers coniferous forest edges, mixed and oak woodlands, suburban forests and second growth alder thicket. Range: Found through-out North America except for the Rockies and mid-west plains.

purple olive snail (also known as purple dwarf olive) (Olivella biplicata) Description: Smooth, polished oval shell; shell varies from white to lavender to dark grayish-black with dark lines that define the whorls; usually a deep purple at base of shell; convex or conical spire; narrow suture; long triangular aperture. Size: Grows up to .75 inches long, and shell is from .5 to 1.5 inches high. Food: feeds on kelp, other snails, and probably detritus deposits. Habitat: Occur in sand on beaches and offshore up to 150 feet. Range: Found from southwest British Columbia, Canada to Baja California, Mexico.

purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) Description: Lavendery-purple, dome shaped species; spiney all over upper body; flat bottom; scalelike plates around anus. Size: Grows up to 4 inches wide and 2 inches high. Food: Prefers kelp but also feeds on algae. Habitat: Occurs in the rocky intertidal zone where there is moderately to strong wave activity; and up to 525 feet deep. Range: Found from British Columbia south to Baja California, Mexico.

purple shore crab (Hemigrapsus nudus) Description: Deep purplish-black or, sometimes, a reddish or yellowish brown carapace; oval shaped carapace; whitish underparts; pincers have dark red or purple spots; eyes far apart; 3 short teeth below eyes; strong hairless legs. Size: Grows up to 2.25 inches wide and 2 inches long. Food: Primarily feeds on diatoms, desmids and small green algae that occurs on rocks. Habitat: Occurs in bays, estuaries, along rocky shores and among sea weed. Range: Found from southern Alaska to Baja California, Mexico; uncommon, however, in southern California.

pygmy nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea) Description: A small nuthatch with a bluish-gray backside with partially brown lower wings; gray-brown crown; pale yellowish-white belly and chest; white throat and rump. Size: Grows up to 4.5 inches long. Habitat: Prefers ponderosa and bishop pine, Douglas fir and western larch. Range: Found in southern British Columbia south through central California into northern Baja, Mexico; also occurs in the pine forests of the southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado) United States into Central Mexico.

raccoon (Procyon lotor psora) Description: Highly adaptable and one of the most familiar North American carnivores; black mask on face; 6 complete and distinct rings on tail; grayish-brown coat with lighter gray below. Size: Grows up to approximately 32 inches long. Food: Preys on a varietly of vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as fruits, nuts and berries. Habitat: Occurs in forests and brush areas; along creeks and in marshlands; and in urban areas near streams and park forests. Tends to avoid deserts and other dry areas. Range: Found through-out most of North America south to Central America.

red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) Description: Broad and oval, reddish or pinkish outer shell with whitish wavelike ridges; 3-4 oval shaped holes with raised edges. Size: Grows from 8-12 inches long. Food: Prefers red algae, but will eat other algae as well. Habitat: Occur on rocks in the intertidal zone up to 540 feet deep. Range: Found from Oregon to central Baja California, Mexico.

red bloodworm (Euzonus mucronatus) Description: A small, purplish-red worm (due to high levels of hemogloblin in the blood); two, undivided branches (unlike other bloodworms) along the dorsal gills that occur on every segment of the worm. Size: Grows from 1 to 1.5 inches long. Food: Feeds on sand grains and the microorganisms attached to them. Habitat: Occur on damp sandy beaches near mid-tide level. Range: Found along the Pacific coast.

red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) Description: A small nuthatch with a red breast, belly and rump; females and juveniles have paler undersides; both sexes have a bluish-gray backside; black cap with a prominent black line through eye separated by a white stripe. Size: Grows up to 4.75 inches long. Food: Feeds on seeds and nuts of trees, as well as insects. Habitat: Prefers northern coniferous forests. Range: Found widely through-out Canada and the United States.

red-breasted sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) Description: Bright red head, throat and breast with a dirty yellow belly; barred back; elongated white wing patch; white rump. Size: Grows from 8-9 inches long. Food: Feeds on insects in bark of trees, as well as tree sap. Habitat: Prefers the edges of coniferous forests, especially likes aspens and alders. Range: Found through-out North America; avoids the central mid-west of the United States.

red fox (Volpes fulva) Description: bright red fox with 2 main phases; red phase: a rusty red and orange above and white under parts with dark blackish brown behind ears and on front of legs; black phase: dark blackish-brown all over with silvery hue; white tip on thick, furry tail during both phases. Size: Grows from 3 to 3.5 feet long. Food: Preys on small rodents, birds and insects, as well as feeding on berries. Habitat: Prefer subalpine forests including lodgepole pine and red fir. Range: Found through-out North America and Eurasia. In California, It usually occurs above 4,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada. However, in more recent years, there have been several sightings of introduced populations in the Sacramento Valley and on the Point Reyes Peninsula.

red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Description: A very common buteo in California; dark brown upper parts with lighter, tan brown below; dark band across belly; reddish-brown upper tail and paler below; thin blackish-brown band across lower portion of tail with white tips; dark phase: dark reddish-brown upper and lower body; light phase: white under parts with brown streaks on belly. Size: Grows up to 22 inches long and 50 inches wide (wing tip to wing tip). Food: Preys on rodents and reptiles. Habitat: Prefers open canopy woodlands with nearby meadows; also found in prairie, plains and deserts. Range: Found through-out North America from Alaska to Mexico.

red tree mouse (Phenocomys longicaudus) Description: A large, cinnamon brown tree-dwelling mouse; white under parts; concealed ears; hairy, unicolored tail over 50% of the body length. Size: Grows up to 7 inches long. Habitat: Resides primarily in middle and upper canopy of mixed evergreen forests. Range: Found in western Oregon and northwest California.

red tree vole (Arborimus longicaudus) Description: A bright red vole with curved claws; long, furry tail; partially hidden ears. Size: Grows from 6 to 7 inches long. Food: Feeds on the leaves of Douglas fir, hemlock and spruce trees. Habitat: Occurs in humid, coastal forests of the fog belt. Range: Found from San Francisco Bay north to Canada.

sand (or mole) crab (Emerita analoga) Description: Broad, oval shaped crab with a pale gray or tan shell; whitish legs; cross cut wrinkles in front and a smooth backside; hairy antennae; no pincers on large, strong fore legs; hairy middle legs; slender back legs. Size: Grows up to 1.75 inches long and 1 inch wide. Habitat: Prefer open sandy beaches, as well as between the low and high tide line. Range: Found from Alaska, United States to Chile.

snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) Description: A small plover with pale upper body and white below; thin bill compared to other plovers; dark brown, partial neck band; dark brown patch on ear and forehead; dark, almost black legs and feet. Size: Grows from 6-7 inches long. Habitat: Prefers barren, sandy beaches, river banks and alkali flats. Range: Found along the Pacific coast from Washington to Baja California, Mexico; along the Gulf of Mexico; parts of Nevada and southeast California; and northern Texas.

Sonoma chipmunk (Eutamias sonomae) Description: A large reddish brown chipmunk with pale gray and brown stripes down the backside; red or dark brown eye stripes bordered by white; black cheek patch; uniform reddish tail edged with white. Size: Grows from 8-10 inches long. Food: Probably feeds on chaparral leaves and seeds, but more research needs to be conducted to be certain. Habitat: Prefers chaparral and humid coastal redwood and yellow pine forests. Range: Found in northwest California.

spiny mole crab (Blepharipoda occidentalis) Description: Oval shaped outer shell; dark gray pincers and carapace; off-white legs; spiny claws; 3 lateral and 4 frontal spines; slender frontal antennae; hairy, thicker second pair of antennae; small eyes. Size: Grows up to 3 inches long and 1/75 inches wide. Food: Predominately feed on sand or mole crabs that also share this habitat. Habitat: Occur on open sandy beaches and in the intertidal zone up to 30 feet deep. Range: Found from central California to Baja, Mexico.

spotted owl (Strix occidentalis) Description: A dark brown, fluffy owl with white spots on head, upper and lower parts; dark eyes; round head; no tufts or upright ears like other owls. Size: Grows from 16 to 19 inches long. Food: Preys on medium and large size rodents. Habitat: Prefers densely vegetated canyons; and mature, humid coniferous forests. Range: Found from coastal, southwestern British Columbia, Canada to southern California; also, occurs in the southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado south to Mexico.

Steller sea lion (also known as northern sea lion) (Eumetopias jubata) Description: Adults are tawny brown or yellowish-brown; bull lacks the crested forehead of California sea lion; no under fur; tiny but noticeable external ears; able to bring flippers along side body; pups are dark brown. Size: Males grow up to 8 feet long and weigh as much as 1,000 pounds; females grow up to 6 feet long and weigh up to 600 pounds. Food: Preys on a variety of medium sized fish. During breeding season, bulls do not feed for up to 6 weeks. Habitat: Prefers isolated and remote rocky islands and shorelines. Range: Found from the Channel Islands, California north to the Aleutian and Pribilofs; there is a breeding colony on the Farallons and Ano Nuevo Islands off the central California coast.

Steller's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) Description: Bright blue jay with a blackish-blue crest, throat and upper breast; blue streaked feathers over eye brow; long tail with dark blackish-blue, horizontal bars. Size: Grows up to from 11.5 to 13.5 inches long. Habitat: Occurs in pine and oak woodlands, as well as other thick coniferous forests; readily scrounges around campsites and accustoms itself to humans. Range: Found through-out the west from southern Alaska to central Mexico.

stiff-footed sea cucumber (Eupentacta quinquesemita) Description: White or cream cylinder; cucumber shape; 8 yellow branched tentacles; 5 rows of sturdy, nonretractable tube feet; 10 short tentacles around mouth. Size: Grows up to 4 inches long and .5 inches wide. Habitat: Occurs under rocks and algae near the tideline and in the intertidal zone. Range: Found from British Columbia to southern California.

striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) Description: Black with 2 wide stripes down the middle of back to tip of tail; white stripe usually on forehead; big bushy tail; powerful scent glands. Size: Males grow up to 32 inches long and females grow up to 29 inches long. Food: Feeds on beetle larvae, cutworms, mice, earthworms, berries, plant bulbs and corms. Habitat: Occurs in almost all environments in North America except deserts. Particularly enjoys foraging in urban gardens. Range: Found through-out North America.

sunflower star (Pycnopodia