wildflowers of orange county and the santa ana mountains

2013, 7” x 10″, 512 pages, 2600+ photographs
ISBN: 9780984000715

Describes over 600 species with one or more photos of each. Arranged alphabetically by plant family, the plants are described, summarized, and illustrated to facilitate learning. Similar plant specifies are mentioned and their differences highlighted.
Includes section on geology, geography, flower parts, scientific names, plant communities, and places to go wildflower-watching, all accompanied by photographs and illustrations. Though technical terms are minimized, those used are presented in a glossary. Written, edited, and review by professional biologists and local experts.
In an approach unique among wildflower guides, living things that rely on specific plants are presented alongside those plants, such as monarch butterfly, golddenbush borer beetle, snowberry clearing moth, coastal California gnatcatcher, cactus wren, Anna’s hummingbird and phainopepla. Groups of associated species (“guilds”) discussed include milkweed, cactus, California sycamore, California buckwheat, California lilac, yucca, and cattail.

Each entry features:
•Common and scientific names.
•Description with diagnostic characteristics italicized.
•Flowering time, habitat, and local range.
•Known and suggested places to find the plant.
•Meaning of its scientific name and name of the person that named it.
•For many, similar species with which it may be confused.

From shoreline of Crystal Cove State Park; to the canyons, grasslands, and foothills of Caspers Wilderness Park; beckoning peaks of the Santa Ana Mountains; and the rolling hills and washes of Temescal Valley, this book will be your guide to the beautiful wildflowers you encounter.