California Trees

A field guide to the native species

COMING IN APRIL 2025

California Trees explores the majestic and diverse world of California’s largest organisms. It is a comprehensive guide celebrating the beauty and ecological significance of the state’s 95 native species. From the towering redwoods of the northern coast to the iconic Joshua trees of the desert, Trees of California takes readers on a journey through the state’s varied landscapes, showcasing the remarkable diversity of its arboreal inhabitants.

With detailed profiles for each species, including identification tips, habitat descriptions, and cultural or historical significance, the book is a perfect companion for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and environmental stewards. Illustrated with vivid photographs and expert insights into the vital roles trees play in supporting ecosystems, California Trees is an invitation to deepen your connection with the natural world and appreciate the unique beauty of the Golden State’s forests, woodlands, and wild spaces.

The Book Includes:

• ID tips and photos for 95 native tree species (Download the companion checklist [pdf])
• Refined range maps for each tree built with community science
• Detailed photo collections for identifying each species
• Destinations for finding trees in California
• Exploration of forest types and landscapes from across the state
• Sidebars exploring natural and cultural history of the state’s arboreal legacy

Wow! What a treat. This book is sure to delight any tree lover and become a favorite go-to reference. Offering a concise and comprehensive summary of California trees, this book is a stunning collection of plant glamor shots paired with species-level details, all organized in an intuitive, fun, and user-friendly format.

Lucy Kerhoulas

Professor of Forest Physiology, Cal Poly Humboldt

A worthy addition to the library or backpack of any California tree fiend or friend.

Ken-ichi Ueda

Co-founder, iNaturalist

This beautifully arranged book is a joyful exploration of California’s vast tree diversity, set in the poignant context of ecosystem vulnerability and resilience. 

Marie Antoine

Botanist and CA Professional Forester #3269

Finally, I can make sense of all the trees. This book is so well organized and fun to use. It’s wonderful to see the states arboricultural legacy laid out in one book. I will use it to travel the state and see them all.

Jenn Yost

Botanist and Professor, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

California is home to forests that attract visitors from all around the world. “California Trees” provides an engaging and lovely introduction to the 95 native species that populate the Golden State’s forests, woodlands, and deserts. This book introduces the state’s diverse habitats and, through clear text and excellent color photos, simplifies the problem of accurately identifying such diverse groups as the conifers and oaks. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiker, or simply curious about California’s incredible biodiversity, this book is a valuable guide to the trees that shape the state’s natural heritage.

Chris Earle

Author of The Gymnosperm Database

California Trees is a celebration of the state’s globally significant biodiversity with information presented in such a way to make accessible what could otherwise be overwhelming.

Stephen C. Sillett

Kenneth L. Fisher Chair in Redwood Forest Ecology at Cal Poly Humboldt

More than a comprehensive and superbly informative field guide, California Trees is a celebration of the diversity and magnificence of California’s wild trees and the wild places they inhabit.  Expert and beginner alike will be inspired to deepen their understanding of California’s trees, woodlands, and forests from this tour de force by two of California’s leading tree authorities and celebrated natural history authors.

Bruce Baldwin

W.L. Jepson Professor & Curator, UC Berkeley