Valerianaceae (Valerian Family) The native members of Valerianaceae in the Bay Area are small herbaceous annuals with 4-angled stems, opposite leaves, and clustered inflorences. The flowers have a 5-lobed corolla that is two-lipped, usually with a sac-like spur and 3 stamens. The calyx is lobeless and small. They are all of the genus Plectritis. The plants grow crowded together, often forming a carpet on the ground (although the ones I've seen on Montara Mountain tend to apart in small, spread-out groups.) They are not well-known as garden plants, although some cultivated relatives, such as Centranthus ruber - (Red Valerian) - are quite popular. And bothersome when they escape to infest natural areas. On Montara Mountain, members of Valerianaceae include: Plectritis ciliosa ssp. insignis (Pink Plectritis) Plectritis macrocera (White Plectritis)

Plectritis ciliosa ssp. insignis Pink Plectritis Valerianaceae (Valerian Family) Flowers: Light pink to dark pink, decidedly two-lipped; in cluster atop stem; 5 petals with an elongated slender spur extending below the ovary. Two red dots on each side of middle petal lobe. Corolla 1-4 mm long. Blooms: March - June. Leaves: Opposite pairs, short petioles along stem. Fruit/Seeds: ?? Location: Open wet areas. Status: Native - Uncommon.

Plectritis ciliosa ssp. insignis 600x450 JPEG - 32K

Further description & Comment: 6 to 18 inches tall. Sometimes called "Long-spurred Plectritis." Though more wide-spread than P. macrocera.. (see below), growing in open fields and along trails, it is still not that common on the mountain. It does seem to favor moister ground. Look for it near stands of Iris and Fern in open areas. It's a distinctive plant - you'll know it when you find it. 600x450 JPEG - 64K

Plectritis macrocera White Plectritis Valerianaceae (Valerian Family) Flowers: White, in cluster atop stem; Slightly two-lipped; 5 petals with a short spur extending beyond the longer corolla tube. Blooms: March - June. Leaves: Broad, opposite, along stem. Fruit/Seeds: ?? Location: Open to shaded moist areas. Status: Native - Uncommon.	Plectritis macrocera 600x450 JPEG - 16K
	Further description & Comment: 6 to 24 inches tall. Some books call it "Rotund Plectritis". I've found these plants growing in small colonies along creek beds under heavy tree cover. They are not too common on Montara Mountain, but can be found in great numbers along the more forested creeks in southern San Mateo County

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