Field guide to grasses of California / James P. Smith, Jr. ; illustrated by Kathy Simpson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Smith, James P. (James Payne), 1941- author.

Contributor:

Simpson, Kathy, illustrator.

Series:

California natural history guides ; Number 110.

California Natural History Guides ; Number 110

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Grasses--California--Identification.

Grasses.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (449 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Oakland, California : University of California Press, 2014.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Grasses and grasslands are of increasing interest to conservationists, biologists, and gardeners. There are more than 300 species of native California grasses and they are found in almost every climate-from cool, wet forests to hot, dry deserts. Native grasses are also important to land restoration as they improve soil quality, increase water infiltration, and recycle nutrients. Their deep roots can tap soil water, which allows them to stay green year-round and to act as fire buffers around residences. Native grasses also provide vital habitat for many species of insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals. Despite their importance, grasslands remain one of the most under protected of California's vegetation types, and native grasslands have undergone the greatest percentage loss of any habitat type in the state. Grasses are also among the most difficult plants to identify. Organized alphabetically, Field Guide to Grasses of California covers common native and naturalized grasses and, to help identify them, also features over 180 color illustrations.

Contents:

Front matter

CONTENTS

Preface

INTRODUCTION

THE STRUCTURE OF GRASSES

GRASSES IN CALIFORNIA

COLLECTING AND IDENTIFYING GRASSES

ACCOUNTS AND DESCRIPTIONS

APPENDIX A: CHECKLIST OF CALIFORNIA GRASSES

GLOSSARY, ABBREVIAT IONS, AND SYMBOLS

INDEX

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references at the end of each chapters and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9780520958432

0520958438

OCLC:

881417147