Field Guide to Grasses of California. 2014. (Calif. Natural History Guides, 110).illus. 448 p. Hardcover.

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 tapsoil water, which allows them to stay green year-round and to actas fire buffers around residences. Native grasses also provide vitalhabitat for many species of insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals.Despite their importance, grasslands remain one of the mostunderprotected 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 difficultplants to identify.

Organized alphabetically, Field Guide to Grassesof California covers common native and naturalized grasses and,to help identify them, also features over 180 color illustrations.