Field Guide to Grasses of California (California Natural History Guides Book 110)

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 underprotected 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. 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 underprotected 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. [ucpress.edu] 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 underprotected 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. The grass family and its relatives The names of grasses Grass classification The structure of grasses. Vegetative structure Reproductive structure Spikelet structure Inflorescences Grasses in California. California grass flora Where do grasses grow in California? Endemic grasses Rare, endangered, and threatened grasses Weedy grasses Toxic grasses Ethnobotanical uses Collecting and identifying grasses. Identifying grasses The subfamilies and tribes of California grasses Key to the genera of California grasses Accounts and descriptions : selected genera and species. Grasses and grasslands are of increasing interest to conservationists, biologists, and gardeners. Organized alphabetically, this book covers common native and naturalized grasses and, to help identify them, also features over 180 color illustrations. CONTENTS Preface INTRODUCTION THE STRUCTURE OF GRASSES GRASSES IN CALIFORNIA COLLECTING AND IDENTIFYING GRASSES ACCOUNTS AND DESCRIP T IONS APPENDIX A: CHECKLIST OF CALIFORNIA GRASSES GLOSSARY, ABBREVIAT IONS, AND SYMBOLS INDEX ABOUT THE AUTHOR This alphabetical guide covers common native and naturalized grasses of California and features over 180 color illustrations to aid identification.