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

Print version record.

Cover; FIELD GUIDE TO GRASSES OF CALIFORNIA; Title; Dedication; Copyright; CONTENTS; Preface; INTRODUCTION; 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 GrassesACCOUNTS AND DESCRIPTIONS: SELECTED GENERA AND SPECIES; Appendix: A Checklist of California Grasses; Glossary, Abbreviations, and Symbols; Index; About the Author.

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.

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

English.

eBooks on EBSCOhost EBSCO eBook Subscription Academic Collection - Worldwide