Reviews for Trees and Shrubs of California

The average rating for Trees and Shrubs of California based on 2 reviews is 3.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2016-01-17 00:00:00 Linda Easter In the introduction, the authors note that "To classify is a natural human trait." I would heartily agree (Genesis 2:19,20). I always appreciate reading introductory chapters of natural history guides to gain overview of the subject matter. In this case, the authors present a summary of the woody flora found in twenty ecological regions of California - - from the low, hot Sonora desert to the short summers and snowy winters found in the high Sierra Nevada. I also appreciated the precise definition of trees being: "woody plants having one erect perennial stem or trunk at least 3 inches in diameter at breast height of 4.5 feet, a more or less definitely formed crown of foliage, and a height of at least 13 feet." Forests are defined as having "more than 20% canopy cover" while woodlands have less. My only criticism of the guide is that it does not (cannot?) include all species of shrubs, particularly the abundant manzanita and ceanothus families. The authors should have at least noted this in the introduction, and included their criteria for what was included. Otherwise, this is a handy guide and key to some of the botanical treasures found in California.

Review # 2 was written on 2011-11-11 00:00:00 Jake Clark Great reference book on California trees and shrubs, includes just about all of the common trees and shrubs found in forests, woodlands, and chaparrals, but less focus on desert species, although there are several listed.