Southern California Mountains Wildflowers

Southern California Mountains Wildflowers presents 380 plant species of the diverse southern California Mountains, including dominant species and plants most likely noticed. With information about distinguishing less common species from those that are more widespread, this guide is sure to please botanists and more serious plant enthusiasts. Including many of the rare plants that make each mountain range unique, especially those endemic to the Big Bear region, a world-famous "biodiversity hotspot," this is a must-have for any wildflower lover. Look inside to find: - Detailed yet user-friendly descriptions and full-color photos of 380 wildflowers, trees, shrubs, and ferns - Information on flowering season and interesting facts about each plant- Natural history information for southern California mountains, including geography, geology, and climate- Discussion of plant adaptations to higher elevations- Information on conservation and threats to mountain plants- Early botanical explorers of southern California mountains- How native mountain plants were used by Native Americans- Plants arranged by color and family- A glossary of botanical terms

Pam MacKay has been exploring the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains for the past 20 years as a hiker, camper and photographer, especially of native plants. She has also been a botanical consultant for some of the carbonate mines on the northeastern slopes of the San Bernardino Mountains and has led numerous botanical field trips for her college classes and the California Native Plant Society. She is the author of Mojave Desert Wildflowers, a Falcon Guide, which is by far the most popular field guide to the Mojave and is widely used by wildflower enthusiasts and professional botanists alike. She is a full-time professor at Victor Valley College, where she teaches microbiology, cell biology, population and environmental biology, and tropical natural history courses. Tim Thomas has over 30 years of experience working as a field biologist in southern California. He has conducted surveys on all eight California Channel Islands, the South Coast, the Transverse and Peninsular Ranges from Santa Cruz to San Diego Counties, the deserts, and the eastern Sierra, including the Inyo and White Mountains. He has worked as a field biologist for a variety of organizations and agencies, including The Nature Conservancy, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the California Native Plant Society.