California Plants: A Guide to Our Iconic Flora

by Matt Ritter, Edmund G. Brown (Foreword by)

Overview

An essential resource for outdoor enthusiasts in California.

With his vibrant photographs and lively writing, Matt Ritter takes the reader on a journey through the Golden State's iconic landscapes and abundant plant life.

This definitive guide includes:

• Over 300 pages with more than 500 species described and photographed
  
• More than 1,000 full-color photographs and 150 species range maps
• Detailed descriptions and fascinating natural history stories
• California tree identification flowchart
• Wildflower identification color guide
• Detailed glossary and comprehensive index

A portion of the proceeds from each book supports the California Native Plant Society and The Wildlands Conservancy. The book features a foreword by Jerry Brown, former Governor of California.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780999896006
Publisher:	Heyday
Publication date:	01/20/2018
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Matt Ritter is a biology professor in California. He is the author of several books including California Plants and A Californian’s Guide to the Trees Among Us.  He has an infectious love of trees and all things botanical. He lives in San Luis Obispo, California.

Table of Contents

Foreword i

The Wildlands Conservancy Statement ii

The California Native Plant Society Statement iii

Acknowledgments v-vii

Introduction 1

Maps 8

Coastal Scrub and Chaparral Plants 10

Wildflowers and Grassland Plants 58

Forest and Woodland Plants 112

Dune and Coastal Plants 194

Saltmarsh and Freshwater Wetland Plants 212

Desert Plants 234

Non-native Plants 262

Glossary 290

References and Further Reading 298

Online Resources and Botanical Gardens 299

California Tree Identification Flowchart 300

Wildflower Identification Color Guide 303

About the Author 305

Index 307

Index to Genera 320

Editorial Reviews

"The thrill I felt growing up among the gorgeous plants of California returned when I first opened the beautiful pages of this book—a call to love, enjoy, and preserve California's plants that will bring pleasure to anyone who picks it up."—Peter H. Raven, president emeritus, Missouri Botanical Garden

"If stories of place can be read in a land's flowers, shrubs, and trees, then this book is your guide to the history and wonder of California; a compelling invitation to celebrate and preserve its awesome diverse beauty."—Lorene Edwards Forkner, editor, Pacific Horticulture

From the Publisher