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Map Satellite The northern end of this valley is a good example of a relatively undisturbed central Northern Coast Range valley, with valley oak woodland, riparian woodland, chaparral, and serpentine barrens present. Among the more conspicuous trees are leather oak, Quercus durata, valley oak, Quercus lobata, gray pine, Pinus sabiniana, ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa, Sargent cypress, Cupressus sargentii, and MacNab cypress, Cupressus macnabiana.
Several rare plants are found in this area, including Fritillaria purdyi, Hesperolinon drymarioides, and Brodiaea coronaria ssp. rosea. The latter is known from only this area.
Geologically, the area is a complex of Franciscan-age rocks, with folded sediments and serpentine intrusions. Some of the area is "extreme serpentine" with high concentrations of metals toxic to all but a few plants.
The area is of archaeological importance.
Complexion Springs is located within the area.
Integrity: A reservoir occupies a portion of the area, and a county road bisects it. There are a few buildings.
Use: Educational, research, observational, on public portion; remainder, private.
July 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
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