Common Mosses of the Northeast and Appalachians

by Karl B McKnight, Joseph R. Rohrer, Kirsten McKnight Ward, Warren J. Perdrizet

Overview

A comprehensive guide to the mosses of the Northeast and Appalachians

This is the first book to help general readers recognize 200 common mosses of the Northeast and the Appalachian Mountains. With just this field guide, a hand lens, and a spray bottle—no microscopes necessary—readers will be able to identify and name many of the common species of mosses growing in the region's backyards, parks, forests, wetlands, and mountains. At the heart of this guide is an innovative, color-tabbed system that helps readers pick out small groups of similar species. Illustrated identification keys, colorful habitat and leaf photos, more than 600 detailed line drawings, and written descriptions help differentiate the species. This accessible book allows all nature enthusiasts to make accurate identifications and gain access to the enchanting world of mosses.

• 200 species included
• More than 600 detailed line drawings
• More than 400 color photographs
• Innovative color-tabbed system for species identification
• Illustrated species identification keys
• Helpful tips for moss collecting

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780691156965
Publisher:	Princeton University Press
Publication date:	02/25/2013
Series:	Princeton Field Guides , #86
Pages:	392
Sales rank:	372,937
Product dimensions:	4.70(w) x 7.50(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Karl B McKnight is associate professor of biology at St. Lawrence University. Joseph R. Rohrer is professor of biology at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Kirsten McKnight Ward is a third-generation botanist/field guide author and professional artist. Warren J. Perdrizet is a recent graduate of St. Lawrence University with a BS in biology.

Table of Contents

How to Use this Book 9

Key Features 10

Key Features Path to the Keys 16

How to Look at a Moss 18

Collecting Mosses 20

What Are Mosses? 22

Basic Structure of Mosses 25

Life History of Mosses 26

What Good Are Mosses? 28




Species Treatments

• Acrocarps 33
• Pleurocarps 173
• Leafless 317
• Peat Mosses 321

How to Use the Identification Keys 340

Keys 341

Habitat Lists 380

Moss Publications and Resources 384

Moss Names 385

Index 386

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Full of clear diagrams, excellent photos, and evocative descriptions, this splendid guide shows readers what mosses are and how to study them. Vegetative and reproductive characteristics are presented so that different species can be readily compared, feature by feature. This remarkable, delightful book makes a great contribution to the understanding and appreciation of moss diversity, and to the conservation of mosses."—Susan Moyle Studlar, West Virginia University

"This attractive and inviting guide will serve an important function in promoting the study of common mosses by nonspecialists. The interesting combination of drawings, field pictures, and dissecting microscope shots is effective, and the authors offer accurate, relevant, and scientifically solid information. A great addition to the botanical and natural history literature."—Jon Shaw, Duke University

Editorial Reviews

"Since this is the first moss field guide for the eastern states covering most common species, it fills a need for those interested in these plants."

Choice

"With a 10X loupe and this book, an entire new world can be opened to even a seasoned naturalist."—-DRK, Wildlife Activist

From the Publisher