Field Guide to Western Trees: Western United States and Canada

From the Author
An authoritative book that includes every tree that grows wild in western North America, including Alaska. Using the unique system of identification employed in the author's other tree books, the 387 trees of the region are divided into six major groups according to conspicuous characteristics. Within those categories, trees that look alike are brought together and compared in text and illustration, regardless of whether they are related or not. The color plates, beautifully painted by Olivia Petrides, the author's daughter and Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, emphasize details that may not be present or clearly visible in a photograph. Differences between trees that resemble each other are also listed in distinctive comparison charts. With range maps, keys, descriptions, and illustrations, the user can identify trees at any season, even when without leaves. Technical terminology is converted into plain English. The values of trees and their use by wildlife, Native Americans, and campers also are discussed.


From Book News, Inc.
This new field guide includes all the native and naturalized trees of western North America, from the arctic treeline in Alaska and Canada to northern Mexico. Some 400 trees are illustrated in color, along with comparison charts, range maps, keys to plants in leafless condition, and text distinctions between similar species. Beautiful work. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.


Book Description
This newly designed field guide features detailed descriptions of 387 species, arranged in six major groups by visual similarity. The 47 color plates and 5 text drawings show distinctive details needed for identification. Color photographs and 295 color range maps accompany the species descriptions.


Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
TWO-NEEDLE PINYON Pinus edulis Engelm. Pl. 1A short, round-topped, arid-zone tree mainly of the s. Rockies. Needles 2 per cluster, 3?4–2 in. long, dark green, sharp but not spiny. Cones short, 1–2 in. long, somewhat spherical, with thick, blunt, thornless scales and 2 wingless half-inch nuts per scale. Height 15–20 (50) ft.; diameter 1–2 (3) ft. Dry sites. Similar species: See Lodgepole Pine. Remarks: Like the other nut pines (see Singleleaf Pinyon), the fruits are eagerly sought by wildlife and humans alike. Reported to be the most common tree in N.M. A single-needle population is reported to occur in cen. Ariz. Resin from trunk wounds is said to have been used by Native Americans to waterproof woven bottles and to cement turquoise jewelry.


Buy from Amazon     Compare Prices

This new field guide includes all the native and naturalized trees of western North America, from the arctic treeline in Alaska and Canada to northern Mexico. Some 400 trees are illustrated in color, along with comparison charts, range maps, keys to plants in leafless condition, and text distinctions between similar species. Beautiful work. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)


Buy from Barnes & Noble     Compare Prices