Wild Flowers of Pacific Union College

Wildflowers 

of Pacific Union College 

Book Layout.indd 1 

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Pacific Union College 

Wildflowers 

Written by:Manuel B. Peralta 

Edited by: Aimee Wyrick -Brownworth M.Sc 

Photos by: Manuel B. Peralta, Haruka Ito, Scott I. Rhodius 

Book Layout.indd 2-3 

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Map of Area 

Region Description 

General Flower Parts 

Non- Natives 

Content 

vi-ii 

viii 

ix 

x-xi 

White Flowers 

Arbutus menziesii (Madrone) 13 

Arctostaphylos stanfordiana (Manzanita) 14 

Calochortus tolmiei (Tolmie Star-tulip) 15 

Calystegia collina (Morning Glory) 16 

Cardamine californica (Bitter Cress) 17 

Chrysanthemum leucanthemum (Ox-Eye Daisy) 18 

Claytonia perfoliata (Miners Lettuce) 19 

Cryptantha flaccida (Beaked Cryptantha) 20 

Fragaria vesca (Wild Strawberry) 21 

Galium aparine (Common Bedstraw) 22 

Leptosiphon parviflorus (Variable Linanthus) 23 

Limnanthes douglasii (Common Meadow Foam) 24 

Lithophragma heterophyllum (Woodland Star) 25 

Plantago lanceolata (English Plantain) 26 

Pyrola picta (White Veined Shinleaf) 27 

Raphanus sativus (Wild Radish) 28 

Scandix pecten-veneris (Shepherds Neddle) 29 

Spergula arvensis (Corn Spury) 30 

Stellaria media (Chickweed) 31 

Toxicodendron diversilobum (Poison Oak) 32 

Triteleia hyacinthina (Wild Hyacinth) 33 

Yellow to Orange Flowers 

Agoseris agoseris (Mountain Dandelion) 35 

Amsinckia intermedia (Common Fiddleneck) 36 

Hirschfeldia incana (Wild Mustard) 37 

Calochortus amabilis (Diogenes Lantern) 38 

Eschscholzia californica (California Poppy) 39 

Hypericum concinnum (Gold Wire) 40 

Hypericum perforatum (Klamath Weed) 41 

Matricaria discoidea (Pineapple Weed) 42 

Medicago polymorpha (Bur Clover) 43 

Ranunculus occidentalis (Western Buttercup) 44 

Ranunculus californicus (Common Buttercup) 45 

Taraxia ovata (Sun Cups) 46 

Trifolium dubium (Shamrock) 47 

Verbascum blattaria (Moth Mullein) 48 

Viola lobata (Pine Violet) 49 

Wyethia angustifolia (California Compassplant) 50 

Red / Red-purple Flowers 

Calycanthus occidentalis (Spicebush) 53 

Clarkia purpurea (Winecup Clarkia) 54 

Clarkia unguiculata (Elegant Clarkia) 55 

Collomia heterophylla (Varied Leaved Collomia) 56 

Erodium cicutarium (Redstem Stork Bill) 57 

Geranium molle (Coastal Heron’s Bill) 58 

Lathyrus latifolius (Everlating Pea) 59 

Lathyrus nevadensis (Sierra Pea) 60 

Pedicularis densiflora (Indian Warrior) 61 

Phlox gracilis (Slender Phlox) 62 

Polygala californica (California Milkwort) 63 

Rosa gymnocarpa (Wood Rose) 64 

Rumex acetosella (Common Sheep Sorrel) 65 

Trifolium depauperatum (Dwarf Sack Clover) 66 

Trifolium hirtum (Rose Clover) 67 

Trifolium willdenovii (Tomcat Clover) 68 

Vicia sativa (Spring Vetch) 69 

Vicia gigantea (Giant Vetch) 70 

Blue / Violet Flowers 

Brodiaea elegans (Harvest Brodiaea) 72 

Ceanothus foliosus (Wavy Leaved Ceanothus) 73 

Collinsia heterophylla (Purple Chinese House) 74 

Cynoglossum grande (Grand Hounds-Tongue) 75 

Delphinium patens (Spreading Larkspur) 76 

Dichelostemma capitatum (Blue Dicks) 77 

Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove) 78 

Iris macrosiphon (Bowltube Iris) 79 

Lupinus bicolor (Miniature Lupine) 80 

Lupinus nanus (Sky Lupine) 81 

Mimulus angustatus (Pansy Monkeyflower) 82 

Primula hendersonii (Foothill Shooting Star) 83 

Sisyrinchium bellum (Blue Eyed Grass) 84 

Downingia concolor (Spotted Throat Downingia ) 85 


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Trail Map 

vi 

vii 


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General Flower Parts 

Stigma 

Petal 

Anther 

Pistal 

Style 

Stamen 

Filament 

Ovary 

Peduncle 

Leaf 

Pacific Union College is located in the California Floristic 

Province where Mediterranean like climate favors the growth 

of diverse floral species. Within the 1600 acre lot, PUC is home 

to a wide varity of plant specious including redwoods. Climate 

is characterized by cold wet winters and hot dry summers 

with occasional cool summer days due to the marine fog that 

maintains the diverse plant species. 

Lateral Root 

PrimaryRoot 

viii 

ix 


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NON-NATIVE 

FABACEAE 

Genista monspessulana 

French Broom 

FABACEAE 

Spartium junceum 

Spanish Broom 

Non-native species or invasive species are plants and animals 

that do not naturally occur in a specific location. Many times 

these species have been brought by humans from different 

places and introduced to new environments. These introduced 

species have a higher chance of success due to the absence of 

natural predators. Consequently, non-native species can come 

to dominate their new area and threaten native species to 

extinction. 

Pacific Union College has a variety of invasive species that have 

made this campus their home. Among these species are French 

Broom (Genista monspessulana), Spanish Broom (Spartium 

junceum), Armenian Blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) and Big 

leaf Periwinkle (Vinca major) and have a negative impact on 

the native ecosystem. In some areas of the PUC acreage and 

Howell Mtn. these have overgrown native species. The best way 

to eradicate nonnative species is to hand pull them out of the 

ground and keep up with these efforts so that they don’t grow 

back. 

ROSACEAE 

Rubus armeniacus 

Armenian Blackberry 

APOCYNACEAE 

Vinca major 

Bigleaf Periwinkle 

x 

xi 


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White Flowers 

ERICACEAE 

Arbutus menziesii 

Madrone 

A. menziesii is a tree commonly 

found on the coastal region of North 

America. Being an evergreen tree it 

contains leaves that can be attached 

for up to one year. The leaves are 

ovate with a thick waxy covering. Its 

white flowers are grouped in clumps 

like grapes. The flowers are easily 

recognizable for their resemblance 

to popcorn. 

Native 

13 


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ERICACEAE 

Arctostaphylos manzanita 

Perry Manzanita 

A. manzanita and other species of manzanita are known for 

its blood-red bark coloration. Growing up to 10 ft. in perfect 

conditions, this bushy shrub can be found growing on the edge 

of evergreen forest or chaparral. The leaves are oblong with 

a green sheen. Flowers are in clusters, consisting of urn like 

shapes. 

LILIACEAE 

Calachortus tolmiei 

Tolmie Star-Tulip 

C. tolmiei has a tiny flower that can 

be easily overlooked when hiking. 

This perennial herb produces a 

single white flower containing 

three petals. With a 2.5 centimeter 

diameter, the flower might appear 

larger for is hairy inner surface. 

Commonly found in the redwood 

forest, and can be seen blooming 

around the same time as the C. 

amabilis. (p.38) 

14 Native 

Native 15 


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CONVOLVULACEAE 

Calystegia collina 

Morning Glory 

BRASSICACEAE 

Cardamine californica 

Bitter Cress 

C. collina is an endemic plant species found in coastal and 

central regions of California. This flower can be commonly 

found growing in serpentine soil, or often on slopes. The plant 

consists of a rhizome root system that allows the plant to grow 

towards new location. The stem remains short and usually 

unnoticeable without close observation. The leaves are kidney 

shaped and sometimes deeply lobed. The plant is made of a 

single white flower with fused petals, and extend up to five 

centimeters when fully open. 

C. californica grows a region where environments change 

abruptly, this plant can be seen growing in a variety of habitats. 

Its range of habitats include shaded slopes, woodlands, 

chaparral, and roadside. Growing up to 1 ft. in height, each 

flower produced on a spike with white to light pink color. C. 

califonica can be confused with Raphanus sativus which can 

also be found in several colors. The main distinction between 

the two are the leaves; C. californica consists of three lobed 

leaves containing two leaflets and a large central terminal leaf. 

The petals are smooth and maintain smooth color all through 

16 Native 

the leaf. 

Native 17 


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ASTERACEAE 

Chrysanthemum leucanthemum 

Ox-eye Daisy 

C. leucanthemum has a large flower at the end of its erect stem 

growing up to 1-3 feet. Its leaves are spoon shaped with serrated 

edges. The yellow center of the flower is referred to as capitulum 

and is composed of many disk florets. The white “petals” are 

actually ray florets. This flower can be seen blooming though 

mid spring till mid-summer. 

MONTIACEAE 

Claytonia perfoliata 

Miner’s lettuce 

C. perfoliata is a plant that can be added to your salad! The 

umbrella like leaves are refered to as perfoliate and is used to 

identify this type of flower. It is commonly found around moist 

environments. 

18 Non-Native 

Native 19 


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BORAGINACEAE 

Cryptantha flaccida 

Beaked Cryptantha 

C. flaccida or beaked cryptantha has a 

tiny flower that can be found growing 

next to D. concolor (p.85) and M. 

angustatus (p.82). Growing from 4-13 

inches tall, this plant has linear to oblong 

leaves with tiny bristles surrounding the 

stem. The yellow structures seen at the 

base of the petals are referred to as the 

fornice or the corona. 

ROSACEAE 

Fragaria vesca 

Wild Strawberry 

F. vesca produces a sweet fruit that 

can delight anyone who finds it in 

the wild. Compared to store bought 

strawberries, wild strawberries are 

much smaller concentrating its 

sugars into a smaller area which 

results in a sweet berry. The plant is 

a small perennial herb that flowers 

about 4 to five berries per stalk, 

leaves of three are serrated. 

20 Native 

Native 21 


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RUBIACEAE 

Galium aparine 

Common Bedstraw 

G. aparine is nature’s velcro. This plant 

has tiny hook like hairs all through 

its leaves and stem. The plant creeps 

along the ground and attaches itself 

to other plants in order to growing up 

upwards to the sun. Leaves of 6 to 8 

are arranged in a whorl, and the tiny 

white flower emerges from in-between 

the leaf and stem. 

POLEMONIACEAE 

Leptosiphon parviflorus 

Linanthus 

L. parviflorus has a slender stalk that 

emerges from a dense group of leaves. 

The cluster of leaves are divided into 

several lobes, linear shaped, and extend 

to two centimeters in length. The 

flower can vary in color from yellowish 

white to a pinkish tint. 

22 Native 

Native 23 


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LIMNANTHACEAE 

Limnanthes douglasii 

Common Meadow Foam 

L. douglasii is used in cosmetics by 

extracting the oil from its seeds. The 

inflorescence consists of heart shaped 

petals with anthers that are flattened 

that appear fused to the petals. The 

leaves are deeply lobed, appearing 

linear. 

SAXIFRAGACEAE 

Lithophragma heterophyllum 

Woodland Star 

L. hetrophyllum consists of leaves that 

grow near the bottom of the stem 

and it’s most often found leafless. 3-12 

flowers connect to a brown-colored 

“stem” called a peduncle. Flowers have 

a cup shaped calyx with sepals that are 

red in color. 

24 Native 

Native 25 


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PLANTAGINACEAE 

Plantago lanceolata 

English Plantain 

P. lanceolata is a plant that is known for its lanceolate basal 

leaves, with about 5 parallel veins. The stem grows erect 

to about two to four feet in height. Flower is an ovoid 

inflorescence with many small pointed bracts. 

ERICACEAE 

Pyrola picta 

White Veined Shinleaf 

P. picta or white veined shinleaf, 

is restricted to dry forests at mid 

elevation. The rosetted white veined 

leaves are commonly found growing at 

the base. The flower grows in clusters 

on the upper stem with a white pinkish 

petals. 

26 Non-Native 

Native 27 


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BRASSICACEAE 

Raphanus sativus 

Wild Radish 

R. sativus is an abundant species that 

grows in open woodlands and meadows. 

This flower is found in several colors 

including white, pink and yellow. The 

most noticeable characteristic is the 

four petals with pronounced veins. 

APIACEAE 

Scandix pecten-veneris 

Shepherds Needle 

S. pectin-veneris is a plant that can be easily identified for its 

needle like fruit that develops from a tiny white flower. Leaves 

are narrowly segmented and deeply divided. It blooms during 

early spring season, where soils are moist and partly shaded. 

28 Non-Native 

Non-Native 29 


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CARYOPHYLLACEAE 

Spergula arvensis 

Corn Spurry 

S. arvensis or corn spurry is a plant that can quickly cover a 

large area using creeping roots. Its noticeable characteristics 

are its whorled linear leaves that grow segmentally. Flowers 

with five petals and five sepals that are smooth inside and 

hairy outside. 


Stellaria media 

Chickweed 

S. media is an edible plant that has 

been used by many. This plant has 

unique characteristics such as is deeply 

lobed petals, its sessile leafs that are 

directly attached to the petiole, and the 

fine hairs grow on a single side of the 

stem and sepals. 

30 Non-Native 

Non-Native 31 


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ANACARDIACEAE 

Toxicodendron diversilobum 

Poison Oak 

THEMIDACEAE 

Triteleia hyacinthina 

Wild Hyacinth 

T. diversilobum has a small white starshaped 

flower, but is better identified by 

T. hyacinthia or wild hyacinth has a close resemblance to D. 

capitatum (p.77). Growing from a corm, it produces two or three 

its leaves of three. It grows in mostly 

basal parallel veined leaves and a smooth tall stem. About 10- 

every habitat in Angwin with a wide 

12 flowers are arrange in an umbel, a cluster of pedicels rising 

range of green to brown orange leaf 

from a common point. From the pedicel, the flowers have funnel 

colors. If you ever come in contact with 

shape with greenish veins running along the underside center 

poison oak, wash the contaminated 

of each petal. 

area well with soap and cold water. The 

oils of this plant can linger and transfer 

to other parts of your body and even to 

other people if not washed. 

32 Native 

Native 33 


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Yellow to Orange 

Flowers 

ASTERACEAE 

Agoseris heterophylla 

Mountain Dandelion 

A.agoseris has a flower that is composed 

of many smaller flowers. The bright 

yellow petals are in fact individual 

flower that make up the composite 

flower. The leaves are serrated and are 

found at the bottom of the plant. 

34 Native 35 


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BORAGINACE 

Amsinckia intermedia 

Common Fiddleneck 

BRASSICACEAE 

Hirschfeldia incana 

Wild Mustard 

A. intermedia is an annual plant that can 

grow from 7 to 35 inches tall. Stiff hairs 

H. incana blooms early to mid-spring 

called trichomes extend from the stem, 

growing abundantly in disturbed areas. 

leaves, and even the calyx. The flowers 

The stem is gray greenish with lower 

are small and yellow with orange spots at 

rosette leaves, and upper leaves that are 

the base of each petal. The inflorescence is 

lanceolate. The yellow flower has four 

arranged in a spiral that uncoils as flowers 

petals with four yellow to green pistils. 

mature and bloom. Blooming can be seen 

Each cluster of flowers grows from the 

during the late spring and early summer. 

apex of each raceme. 

A. intermedia are commonly found in 

grasslands and dry disturbed environments. 

36 Native Non-Native 37 


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LILIACEAE 

Calochortus amabilis 

Diogenes Lantern 

C. amabilis also known as Golden fairy lantern or Diogenes 

lantern, consists of a bell like flower with three petals. Each 

petal has tiny hairs covering the inner part, and with a smooth 

outer surface. The sepals are lanceolate and 15-20 mm in length. 

The leaves are basal, parallel vain, and about 50 mm long. It has 

a bulb that producs smaller bulbils that grow into new plants. 

These flowers can be found growing in groups around dry slopes 

of open woodland. 

PAPAVERACEAE 

Eschscholzia californica 

California Poppy 

E. californica is a perennial plant 

consisting of four petals with a color 

range between yellow and orange. The 

flower develops with a calyptra, a green 

cocoon like protective structure. Once 

the flower blooms out of the calyptra 

falls off. The flower opens and closes 

depending on time of day and weather 

conditions. 

38 Native 

Native 39 


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HYPERICACEAE 

Hypericum concinnum 

Gold Wire 

H. concinnum, and H. perforatum might seem to be the same 

but at a second glance you may see distinct characteristics that 

set them apart. While they both have flowers that are 2 inches 

long, H. concinnum consists of a more robust appearance. The 

leaves are linear resembling the shaped of a canoe, with sharp 

tapered ends. The flower is composed of five yellow petals with 

pin-head, needle-like stamen. 

HYPERICACEAE 

Hypericum perforatum 

Klamath Weed 

Unlike H. concinnum, H. perforatum is found growing 

abundantly throughout California. While both have opposite 

leaves, H. perforatum leaves are flat, elliptical and with blunt 

tips. This plant in particular is poisonous to livestock but 

medically beneficial to humans. 

40 Native 

Non-Native 41 


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ASTERACEAE 

Matricaria discoidea 

Pineapple Weed 

M. discoidea is a compound flower that is commonly found 

growing near road sides and disturbed areas. This weed when 

smashed between your fingers releases an aroma that smells 

like a pineapple. The leaves are uniquely arranged in a feathery 

appearance and are deeply lobed. 

FABACEAE 

Medicago polymorpha 

Bur Clover 

M. polymopha is an invasive species of plant found growing 

everywhere. The small yellow flower and leaflets form in sets of 

threes. The plant is known for its furry fruit that gets stuck to 

anything that passes by it. 



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RANUNCULACEAE 

Ranunculus occidentalis 

Western Buttercup 

R. occidentalis is also confused with other buttercup species, 

however this species has notable distinction that helps with its 

identification. The flower consists of five petals that are evenly 

spaced, with a reflective sepal. The leaves are widely spaced, 

parted in threes, and with rounded tips. The lower stem and 

leaves are covered with tiny hairs. 

RANUNCULACEAE 

Ranunculus californicus 

California Buttercup 

R. californicus can be mistaken for other buttercups species but 

it has unique characteristics that help you correctly identify 

it. The first distinction is the number of petals, consisting of 

about 8-16 or more petals in a single flower. The leaves are 

deeply lobed/parted, segments are undivided, and tips are acute 

to round. These flowers can be seen blooming from early spring 

to mid-spring. 

44 Native 

Native 45 


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ONAGRACEAE 

Taraxia ovata 

Sun Cups 

T. ovata is found in grasslands where it grows close to the ground. 

This plant can become easily lost among neighboring grasses. 

It has four yellow petals that similarly resemble tea cups. Its 

stemless feature allow for the leaves to grow in a rosette where 

the flower emerges from the center of the rosette. 

FABACEAE 

Trifolium dubium 

Shamrock 

T. dubium is a plant that is wide-spread 

through the US and found growing 

disturbed locations. This plant has 

small pale-flowers with leaflets of three, 

it can sometimes be confused with M. 

polymorpha (p.43). 

46 Native 

Non-Native 47 


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SCROPHULARIACEAE 

Verbascum blattaria 

Moth Mullein 

V. blattaria is a biannual plant with two growth stages. The 

first year the plant develops basal leaves with a relatively small 

stem. During the second year the flower grows up to four feet 

producing loosely scattered flowers stalk along its inflorescence. 

Its species name blattaria originates from the plant’s reputed 

ability to repel cockroaches. 

VIOLACEAE 

Viola lobata 

Pine Violet 

V. lobata is a perennial plant that loves 

to grow in shady, moist environments. 

The flower consists of five brightly 

yellow petals, the lower petal having 

noticeable brown venation. On the back 

side of the petals only the two upper 

once have a dark red-brown color. The 

leaves have various shapes, dominantly 

being palmate with deep lobes. 

48 Non-Native 

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ASTERACEAE 

Wyethia angustifolia 

California Compassplant 

W. angustifolia is one of several mule 

ear species found in Napa County. A 

main characteristics of this flower is its 

narrow green phyllaries; a bract that 

forms bellow a composite flower. The 

leaves are basal, with narrow parallel 

venation. These growing abundantly 

in clumps this plant can found in open 

grassland meadows. 

50 Native 

51 


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Red to Pink 


CALYCANTHACEAE 

Calycanthus occidentalis 

Spicebush 

C. occidentalis is an endemic plant 

species in California. This deciduous 

shrub grows to about 15 feet tall. The 

flower has numerous petals that are 

red-burgundy color. The leaves are 

broad, ovate, oppositely growing from 

each other. The bark is dark brown 

with a similar aroma to camphor. 

52 Native 53 


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ONAGRACEAE 

Clarkia purpurea 

Winecup Clarkia 

C. purpurea is an annual plant that grows in diverse 

environments. During the spring, a thin stalk grows to about 

three feet with narrow lance shape leaves followed by an elegant 

cup shape flower. The inflorescence has four flowers that range 

from pink to burgundy with chardonnay red heart shape spots. 

ONAGRACEAE 

Clarkia unguiculata 

Elegant Clarkia 

C. unguiculata is an endemic plant to California that grows 

mainly in oak woodland habitats. The slender stalk is commonly 

found leafless and with multiple flowers. The flower has paddle 

shape petals that are pink with small dots at the base of each 

petal. 

54 Native 

Native 55 


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POLEMONIACEAE 

Collomia heterophylla 

Varied Leaf Collomia 

C. heterophylla is a hearty plant that grows in diverse habitats. 

The leaves vary in shape and appearance; basal leaves tend to 

be lobed with toothed edges while upper leaves lack lobes and 

toothed edges. The flowers are star-shaped with pink tips, and 

an elongated white tube. On some occasions this plant is found 

having clusters of flowers of up to 20 per plant. 

GERANIACEAE 

Erodium cicutarium 

Coastal Heron’s Bill 

E. cicutarium is a plant that grows 

abundantly across North America. 

This flower has three lower and two upper 

pink purple petals. Both the steam 

and the leaves are covered with hairs 

that feel sticky. The most noticeable 

characteristic is its long and narrow 

fruit that resembles the bill of a heron. 

56 Native 

Non-Native 57 


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GERANIACEAE 

Geranium molle 

Crane’s Bill Geranium 

FABACEAE 

Lathyrus latifolius 

Everlasting Pea 

L. latifolius has invaded many 

G. molle grows from 2-10 inches tall, extending out with many 

road sides and grows abundantly in 

branches. The leaves are palmate with deep cuts. The flower has 

disturbed habitats. The stem is winged 

pink to purple petals with blue stamen. Each petal is jagged 

making it look rectangular in cross 

with deep cut making it look like two individual petals. 

section. The oblong to ovate leaves 

are compound and consist of winged 

petiole. The flowers emerge from the 

axil of the leaves with pink to purple 

petals that have an upper petal with 

a lower keel that is enclosed by two 

lateral petals. 

58 Non-Native 

Non-Native 59 


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FABACEAE 

Lathyrus vestitus 

Pacific Pea 

L. vestitus ranges from chaparral to 

woodland habitats. It is a vine with 

leaves that are oblong and composed 

of several leaflets that extend out 

with curly tendrils. The inflorescence 

includes a dense clusters of 15 flowers 

that vary in color from pink to dark 

purple. 

OROBANCHACEAE 

Pedicularis densiflora 

Indian Warrior 

P. densiflora is commonly found near oak or conifer trees. This 

is considered a parasitic plant that depends on nutrients of 

other trees, but unlike many parasitic plants P. densiflora is 

able to survive without the aid of other trees. The leaves are 

tripinnatifid and resemble a fern. The flower has bright pink red 

to dark red petals with spiky tips. This plant is commonly used 

in tinctures for its relaxing effect. 

60 Native 

Native 61 


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POLEMONIACEAE 

Phlox gracilis 

Slender Phlox 

P. gracilis is an annual plant that grows erect with lance shaped 

leaves. The flower has a tubular throat and calyx. The pink 

petals are heart shape with purple spots located at the base of 

each petal. 

POLYGALACEAE 

Polygala californica 

California Milkwort 

P. californica is a decumbent plant that lays along the ground 

with its extremities curving upwards and has pink flower. The 

leaves are long and ovate, with a small cluster of flowers pointed 

upwards with wing like sepal that are larger than the petals. 

62 Native 

Native 63 


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ROSACEAE 

Rosa gymnocarpa 

Wood Rose 

R. gymnocarpa is found deep within the forest where there are 

plenty of soil nutrients, moisture and shade. This shrub can 

grow quite large with long spines along the stem. The leaves are 

ovate with serrated edges. The flower has five petals that are 

bright pink to lavender with yellow stamens and pistil. these 

flowers will always catch your eye as they brighten up the forest. 

POLYGONACEAE 

Rumex acetosella 

Common Sheep Sorrel 

R. acetosella is usually found growing in 

acidic soils and is the first to invade new 

unpopulated areas. The slender stalk 

produces small yellowish to reddish 

flowers that look like small globes from 

a distance. The leaves are linear and 

resembles a sword and are found on the 

lower part of the plant. 



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FABACEAE 

Trifolium depauperatum 

Dwarf Sack Clover 

T. depauperatum is a hearty plant that 

tolerates habitats from coastal prairies 

to mixed evergreen forests. This plant 

grows upright with oblong leaves. The 

most noticeable feature is its flowers, 

the pink flower inflates as its fruit 

becomes to mature. 

FABACEAE 

Trifolium hirtum 

Rose Clover 

T. hirtum is commonly recognized for its trifoliate leaves that 

are arranged in threes. This harry plant grows erect with an 

inflorescence that has many florets packed together. It is able 

to tolerate dry soils and so is abundant in many parts of 

California. 

66 Native 

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FABACEAE 

Trifolium willdenovii 

Tomcat Clover 

T. willdenovii is commonly found 

in grasslands in coastal regions of 

California. The leaves are trifoliate 

with lanceolate to ovate appearance. 

The petals are with white to dark 

purple splotches. The compact flower 

has two upper petals in the shape of a 

heart and two smaller lower petals with 

white tips that cover a fifth petal below. 

FABACEAE 

Vicia sativa 

Spring Vetch 

V. sativa as well as V. villosa (p.70) belong to a plant family that 

hosts symbiotic nitrogen-fixing. This plant has alternate leaves 

that are oblong to lance shape with needle-like tips. A single 

flower grows out from the axil with bright pink petals. 

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Violet to Blue 


FABACEAE 

Vicia villosa 

Hairy Vetch 

V. villosa is an invasive species in California but grows naturally 

in Europe. The leaves are compound with opposite leaflets. The 

inflorescence bears about 10-20 flowers along the stalk rangingin 

color from purple to blue. This plant is used in agriculture as a 

form of no-till farming for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen 

and make it available in the soil. 

70 Non-Native 

71 


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Native 

THEMIDACEAE 

Brodiaea elegans 

Harvest Brodiaea 

B. elegans is found in open woodlands and meadows of 

California. The blue-purple petals elegantly curve out and taper 

at the ends. Its most distinguishable feature is its staminode 

which resembles a stamen without anthers. 

RHAMNACEAE 

Ceanothus foliosus 

Wavyleaf Ceanothus 

C. foliosus is a shrub that grows in serpentine rich soils and 

exposed to lots of sunlight. This shrub is commonly grows to 

about three feet and is filled with brilliant blue flowers with 

yellow pin-head anthers. The leaves are small with wavy edges 

and a waxy layer lines the leaves making it shinny. 

72 Native 

Native 73 


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Collinsia heterophylla 

Chinese-Houses 

C. heterophylla is an annual plant which grows along shaded 

areas. This plant closely resembles a pagoda as its towering 

inflorescence develops in several whorls of flower. The violet 

purple flower make for a perfect garden plant as it attracts bees 

and the California native checkerspot butterfly. 

BORAGINACEAE 

Cynoglossum grande 

Grand Hounds-Tongue 

C. grande can be found growing in 

chaparral or oak woodlands where 

it can grow up to three feet tall. The 

basal leaves are ovate and can be up 

to 5 inches long. The inflorescence is 

arranged loosely in branching cluster 

extending out of a single peduncle. The 

flower has five bright blue petals with 

white appendages at the base of each 

petal. 

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RANUNCULACEAE 

Delphinium patens 

Spreding Larkspur 

D. patens is a perennial plant that 

grows up to 8 inches tall and bears 

anywhere from 1-30 flowers per 

plant. The flower has dark blue 

petals and sepals, the leaves are 

deeply lobed parting in threes or 

nines. 

THEMIDACEAE 

Dichelostemma capitatum 

Blue Dicks 

D. capitatum has a slender stalk that 

bears a cluster of 5-15 flowers. At 

the base it produces two or three thin 

parallel-veined leaves that extend 

to about 12 inches. The flower has 

purple triangular sepals with these 

varying from white, pink, blue or 

purple in color. 

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Native 77 


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Digitalis purpurea 

Foxglove 

D. purpurea is a perennial plant that can grow to seven feet. The 

leaves are large and most are found near the base of the stalk. 

Numerous tube like flowers adorn the stalk and petals are white 

to pink purple with darker spots on the lower inside surface. 

IRIDACEAE 

Iris macrosiphon 

Bowltube Iris 

I. macrosiphon is easily identified by 

its deep purple flower and its greenish 

gray leaves. In some areas of greater 

sunlight this plant develops closely 

to the ground resulting in shorter 

stems. The paralleled veined leaves 

contain two fibers that were favored 

in aboriginal California for making 

fish nets, deer snares, and other useful 

items. 

78 Non-Native 

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FABACEAE 

Lupinus bicolor 

Miniature Lupine 

L.bicolor or miniature lupine is similar to L. nanus (p.81) but is 

much smaller. Its noticeably hairy stem and leaves are a good 

way to confirm identification. The cluster of flowers growing 

around the stem is referred to as the inflorescence and it is 

about 3 inches in length. The flower is bicolored; lower petals 

are blue and the upper petals are white. 

FABACEAE 

Lupinus nanus 

Sky Lupine 

L. nanus or sky lupine is a common plant found in coastal 

environments as well as in chaparral. The leaves are linear and 

palmate with tapered ends. The flower has two upper petals 

(banner) which are white and two lower petals (wings) that are 

usually blue or purple. The keel is a petal covered by the wings 

that resembles a claw and is covered with tiny hairs. 

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PHRYMACEAE 

Mimulus angustatus 

Pansy Monkeyflower 

M.angustatus or pansy monkey flower is often fund growing 

next to D. concolor (p.85) and C. flaccida (p.20) in moist 

meadows. This tiny plant has linear leaves that extend about 

1-3 cm long and tubular calyx and the throat of the flower is 

covered with tiny hairs. The corolla is a bright pink magenta 

color with yellow dots on the lower “lips” of the flower. 

PRIMULACEAE 

Primula hendersonii 

Mosquito Bill 

P. hendersonii or mosquito bill star is a found in open woodlands 

from sea level to mountainous environments. The leaves are 

orbicular to ovate, forming a cluster of leaves at the base. The 

flower is bent downwards and its petals are reflexed backwards 

exposing the inner part of the flower. The coloration varies 

between magenta, deep purple and white. 

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IRIDACEAE 

Sisyrinchium bellum 

Western Blue-Eyed Grass 

S. bellum is known as blue-eyed grass and is commonly found on 

grassy slopes and in the redwood forest. The thin grassy stem 

reaches about 1 to 2 feet in height. Its true blue shiny petals 

and yellow pistil make this flower easy to identify. 

CAMPANULACEAE 

Downingia concolor 

Spotted Throat Downingia 

D. concolor or spotted throat downingia is endemic to California 

where it grows in moist ecosystems. This flower has two upper 

petals that resemble horns and three lower lobed petals that are 

fused. D.concolor can either be purple or blue color with a dark 

black throat, and can be found with occasional yellow speckles. 

84 Native 

Native 85 


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References 

Index 

DiTomaso, J.M., G.B. Kyser et al. 2013. Weed Control in Natural Areas in the Western 

United States. Weed Research and Information center, University of California. 544 pp. 

Baldwin, Bruce G., Douglas H. Goldman, and Linda Ann Vorobik. The Jepson Manual: Vascular 

Plants of California. 2nd ed. Berkeley, CA: U of California, 2012. Print. 

Niehaus, T. F., & Ripper, C. L. 1976. A field guide to Pacific States wildflowers: Washington, 

Oregon, California and adjacent areas. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 

Harris, James G., and Melinda Woolf Harris. Plant Identification Terminology: An Illustrated Glossary. 

Spring Lake: Spring Lake Publ., 2000. Print. 

Calflora - Search for Plants. (n.d.). Retrieved December 01, 2016, from http://www.calflora.org/ 

Gerritsen, M. E., & Parsons, R. 2007. Calochortus: Mariposa lilies & their relatives. Portland, Or.: Timber Press. 

ANACARDIACEAE 

Toxicodendron diversilobium 

APIACEAE 

Scandix pectin-veneris 

ASTERACEAE 

Agoseris heterophylla 

Chrystanthemum leucanthemum 

Matricaria discoidea 

Wyethia angustifolia 

BORAGINACEAE 

Amsinckia intermedia 

Cryptantha flaccida 

Cynoglossum grande 

BRASSICACEAE 

Cardamine californica 

Hirschfeldia incana 

Raphanus sativus 

CALYCANTHACEAE 

Calycanthus occidentalis 

CAMPANULACEAE 

Downingia concolor 


Spergula arvensis 

Stellaria media 

CONVOVULACEAE 

Calystegia collina 

ERICACEAE 

Arbutus menziesii 

Arctostaphylos manzanita 

Pyrola picta 

FABACEAE 

Lathyrus latifolius 

Lathyrus vestitus 

Lupinus bicolor 

Lupinus nanus 

Medicago polymorpha 

Trifolium depauperatum 

Trifolium dubium 

Trifolium hirtum 

Trifolium willdenovii 

Vicia sativa 

Vicia villosa 

GERANIACEAE 

Erodium cicutarium 

Geranium molle 

HYPERICACEAE 

Hypericum concinnum 

Hypericum perforatum 

IRIDACEAE 

Iris macrosiphon 

Sisyrinchium bellum 

LILIACEAE 

Calochortus amabilis 

Calochortus tolmiei 

LIMNANTHACEAE 

Limnanthes douglasii 

MONTIACEAE 

Claytonia perfoliata 

ONAGRACEAE 

Clarkia purpurea 

Clarkia unguiculata 

Taraxia ovata 

OROBANCHACEAE 

Pedicularis densiflora 

PAPAVERACEAE 

Eschscholzia californica 

PHRYMACEAE 

Mimulus augustatus 


Collinsia heterophylla 

Digitalis purpurea 

Plantago lanceolata 

POLEMONIACEAE 

Collomia heterophylla 

Leptosiphon parviflorus 

Phlox gracilis 

POLYGALACEAE 

Polygala californica 

POLYGONACEAE 

Rumex acetosella 

PRIMULACEAE 

Primula hendersonii 

RANUNCULACEAE 

Delphinium patens 

Ranunculus californicus 

Ranunculus occidentalis 

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RHAMNACEAE 

Ceanothus foliosus 

ROSACEAE 

Fragaria vesca 

Rosa gymnocarpa 

RUBIACEAE 

Galium aparine 

SAXIFRAGACEAE 

Lithophragma heterophyllum 

SCROPHULARIACEAE 

Verbascum blattaria 

THEMIDACEAE 

Brodiaea elegans 

Dichelostemma capitatum 

Triteleia hyacinthina 

VIOLACEAE 

Viola lobata 

Agoseris agoseris 35 

Amsinckia intermedia 36 

Arbutus menziesii 13 

Arctostaphylos manzanita 14 

Brassica incana 37 

Brodiaea elegans 72 

Calochortus tolmiei15 

Calochortus amabilis 38 

Calycanthus occidentalis 53 

Calystegia collina 16 

Cardamine californica 17 

Ceanothus foliosus 73 

Chrysanthemum leucanthemum 18 

Clarkia purpurea 54 

Clarkia unguiculata 55 

Claytonia perfoliata 19 

Collinsia heterophylla 74 

Collomia heterophylla 56 

Cryptantha flaccida 20 

Cynoglossum grande 75 

Delphinium patens 76 

Dicholostemma capitatum 77 

Digitalis purpurea 78 

Downingia concolor 85 

Erodium cicutarium 57 

Eschscholzia californica 39 

Fragaria vesca 21 

Gallium aparine 22 

Geranium molle 58 

Hypericum concinnum 40 

Hypericum perforatum 41 

Iris macrosiphon 79 

Lathyrus latifolius 59 

Lathyrus nevadensis 60 

Leptosiphon parviflorus 23 

Limnanthes douglasii 24 

Lithophragma hetrophyllum 25 

Lupinus bicolor 80 

Lupinus discoidea 81 

Matricaria dicoidea 42 

Medicago polymorpha 43 

Mimulus angustatus 82 

Pedicularis densiflora 61 

Phlox gracilis 62 

Plantago lanceolate 26 

Polygala californica 63 

Primula hendersonii 83 

Pyrola picta 27 

Ranunculus californicus 45 

Ranunculus occidentalis 44 

Raphanus sativus 28 

Rosa gymnocarpa 64 

Rumex acetosella 65 

Scandix pectin-veneris 29 

Sisyrinchium bellum 84 

Spergula arvensis 30 

Stellaria media 31 

Taraxia ovata 46 

Toxicodendron diverdilobum 32 

Trifolium depauperatum 66 

Trifolium dubium 47 

Trifolium hirtum 67 

Trifolium willdenovii 68 

Triteleia hyacinthina 33 

Verbascum blattaria 48 

Vicia villosa 70 

Vicia sativa 69 

Viola lobata 49 

Wyethia angustifolia 50 

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Field Notes 

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Field Notes 

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Wild Flowers of Pacific Union College

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