A Flora of Southern California

A Flora of Southern California offers an in-depth exploration of the plant life in one of the most ecologically diverse regions in North America. The book defines southern California's geographic boundaries, encompassing areas from the Pacific coast to the high deserts and mountain ranges, including the Mojave and Colorado deserts, as well as the Channel Islands. This detailed guide examines the unique climatic and topographical features that shape the region’s vegetation, from the cool, fog-moderated coastal environments to the arid desert landscapes. It covers an array of plant communities, including coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and oak woodlands, providing readers with insight into the environmental conditions that influence plant distribution.

The flora of southern California is presented with a historical and ecological perspective, tracing the region’s plant life from the Eocene period through the present day. It explores the migration of plants, such as those from tropical and subtropical regions, and how the diversity of mountain ranges and rain shadows contributed to the development of the area's distinctive plant communities. The book also highlights the significance of local endemism, illustrating how many species are uniquely adapted to the diverse conditions found in the region's mountains, deserts, and islands. In addition to offering comprehensive descriptions of plant species, it emphasizes the interrelationships between plants and their environments, making this work an invaluable resource for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1974.