California is rich because of its great valleys & mountain ranges, rivers & deserts, each home to a unique assemblage of plants & animals. The living landscape of California has changed dramatically over the past one hundred years. The process of rapid change began with emigrants who, from their native lands, carried seed & seedlings to be nourished by California's rich soils & hospitable climate. Change continues today with each wave of newcomers & the process remains unfinished. This book visits each of the major native plant communities that have evolved in California: the dunes & marshes of the coast, the forests that clothe the mountains & the deserts that attract visitors from around the world. It also examines the great cultural mosaic of early native inhabitants & how they built their cultures in harmony with native plants & animals. And finally it looks at restoration of habitats damaged by past activities. This book will assist readers to understand California's rich botanical landscape, past & present, & thus, help them make more knowledgeable decisions for the future. It is appropriate for general readers of natural history, high school & college classes. Available from the California Native Plant Society, 909 12th St., Sacramento, CA 95814.

"Describes and illustrates with color photos 520 species of wildflowers found in Nevada and Placer Counties, California. Also provides a physical description of the area, places to see wildflowers, Native American uses, and a complete plant checklist, which includes thirty-eight percent of the plants known to grow wild in California"--Provided by publisher.

Water shortages and water rationing are commonplace throughout California, rendering expanses of lawn and thirsty, nonnative plants unsustainable. The California Native Landscape addresses both concerns by showing homeowners how to succeed with natives and showing them how lush, colorful, and thriving their landscape can be. The authors stress the importance of smart garden design and combining the right plants to promote the natural symbiosis that occurs within plant communities. Native plants also play an important role in creating fire-resistant landscapes, and this new book has cutting-edge information on this crucial topic, refuting the myth that natives are more fire-prone than nonnatives. With its unique combination of proven techniques, environmental wisdom, and inspiring design advice, this is an essential resource for all California gardeners who want to create a beautiful, ecologically appropriate, and resource-conserving home landscape.

A must-have for every gardener in California looking for a new way to garden in a changing climate In recent years California has been facing extreme drought, and in 2015 they passed state-wide water restrictions that affect home owners. Unfortunately the drought is only going to get worse, and gardeners who aren’t willing to abandon their beloved pastime entirely are going to have to learn how to garden with the absolute minimum of water. The Drought-Defying California Garden highlights the best 230 plants to grow, shares advice on how to get them established, and offers tips on how to maintain them with the minimum amount of water. All of the plants are native to California—making them uniquely adept at managing the harsh climate—and include perennials, annuals, shrubs, trees, and succulents.

California Plants is an essential resource for outdoor enthusiasts. 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 features more than 500 species, along with detailed descriptions, fascinating natural history stories, and handy tree and wildflower color identification charts.