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Presidio of San FranciscoCoastal bluffs and Golden Gate Bridge
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Presidio of San Francisco
Marin Dwarf Flax

(Hesperolinon congestum)

 
Marin Dwarf Flax
Photo Credit: John Game
 

Status:
Federal: Proposed Threatened
State: Threatened
California Native Plant Society: List 1B, R-E-D Code 3-3-3 (see below)

3. Occurrence limited to one or a few highly restricted populations or present in such small numbers that it is seldom reported.
3. Endangered throughout its range.
3. Endemic to California

Family: Flax (Linaceae)

Habitat: Serpentine bluffs and grasslands and openings in serpentine scrub. At the Presidio this species is found on the serpentine bluffs.

General Distribution: Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo Counties. Fewer than 20 sites known. Only one site remains at the Presidio.

Description: This small annual species is four to eight inches tall, has a slender threadlike stem and linear leaves. The flowers are small with five rose to whitish petals and form congested, flat-topped clusters. Blooming time is from May to July.

Monitoring and Activities: Populations of this species are declining, and the species may soon be lost from the Presidio if recent trends are not reversed. Click to see graph of population changes.

Rare and Endangered Plants page

 
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Did You Know?
Enlisted men in the Buffalo Soldier regiments were paid thirteen dollars a month plus room, board, and uniform. The enlistment period was five years.

Last Updated: December 06, 2007 at 14:43 EST