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California Trees by Ritter and Kauffmann
California Trees TOC
California Trees - what is a tree?
California Trees - landscapes
California Trees - junipers
California Trees - dogwood
California Trees - destinations

California Trees book

Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 16 customer ratings
(16 customer reviews)

$24.95

A field guide to the native species

By Matt Ritter and Michael Kauffmann

Signed by Matt and Michael
Paper and Bow

Can we add a message on a notecard?

Category: Paperback Tags: California, Trees
  • Description
  • Additional information
  • Reviews (16)

Description

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.

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

Additional information

Weight 13 oz
Dimensions 5.5 × 8.5 × 1 in

16 reviews for California Trees book

  1. Rated 5 out of 5

    MARY SAWATZKI (verified owner) – May 4, 2025

    California Trees is outstanding in every way .I have been waiting for a book like this since the early 1960s when I had to slug McMinn in my backpack along with other publications. Storer and Usinger was the lightest. My training was in forestry although my interests were in arctic and alpine ecology (taiga) and not in ,as we used to say “getting the cut out.” Thanks again for California trees. Although I am long retired your book will still get a lot of use.

  2. Rated 5 out of 5

    Dean Davis (verified owner) – May 6, 2025

    Thanks Matt and Michael! I’ve been looking forward to this release for a while, and am pleased with its depth and layout in a packable size. Tough enough to take along.

  3. Rated 5 out of 5

    Andrew Aldrich (verified owner) – May 10, 2025

    California Trees is like a bag of potato chips (I’ll explain). There is one species per page, and each species is revealed with clear, succinct language and lovely photos. In an idle moment, you can open up to a random page and learn something about California’s trees. But like the chips, you can’t “eat” just one. On to the next tree, and the next; soon you start feeling like an actual botanist (or a better one if you already are one). This is a delicious book – and it’s gluten-free.

  4. Rated 5 out of 5

    Deborah Parks (verified owner) – May 15, 2025

    A great book – beautiful photos and helpful information. It’s a perfect size for carrying on a hike.

  5. Rated 5 out of 5

    Sara Bendrick (verified owner) – May 16, 2025

    Jam packed with great information for plant nerds and regular folk to enjoy. Such a great book to know more about the native trees among us. I intent to purchase more and gift them to my outdoor enthusiast friends. Also it not too big and great to bring along on a hike 🙂

  6. Rated 5 out of 5

    Stan Baczynski (verified owner) – May 18, 2025

    Handy field guide to native tree species of California(with range maps), non-native trees, and the More to Explore section incentivize regional and statewide discovery by Matt Ritter, an exemplary botanical educator, and Michael Kauffman, a broad spectrum botanical ecologist. The combination brings a wealth of knowledge to a compact compendium. Thank you, from a fellow arborist.

  7. Rated 5 out of 5

    Sharon Siewert (verified owner) – June 10, 2025

    As with their previous books we have purchased, this book was published with thorough research & integrity! I purchased this book for my husband, an avid remote ‘backcountry’ backpacker & he loves it! Thank you!

  8. Rated 5 out of 5

    BettyAnn Clark (verified owner) – October 23, 2025

    An amazing book exploring California’s native (and non-native) trees and shrubs. Nicely organized highlighting the distinctive climates, terrain, and factors affecting the adaptability of trees over the years.
    You will see trees differently when you’re out and about noticing the different types of oak trees and appreciating their ecosystem better.

  9. Rated 5 out of 5

    Claire S Perricelli (verified owner) – January 21, 2026

    Totally deserving of the award it received. Great book!

  10. Rated 5 out of 5

    George Speckman – January 21, 2026

    Amazing!

  11. Rated 5 out of 5

    Kim (verified owner) – January 30, 2026

    California Trees is a highly valued, easy to use, long awaited book on my shelf. I purchased recently is already tagged and showing signs of use. Showcasing California’s natural best, it’s part guidebook, part natural science, an inspiration for art projects.

  12. Rated 5 out of 5

    Amy Brooks (verified owner) – February 1, 2026

    A wonderful resource – I love the quality of paper and printing that Backcountry Press uses and will always be interested in their books even if I live a bit out of range (NW Oregon) – great books, great publisher.

  13. Rated 5 out of 5

    Colleen (verified owner) – February 23, 2026

    ‘California Trees’ is indeed a great read and field guide. I especially appreciate the clear Range Maps, the excellent photography and information pertaining to families and worldwide relationship to California species. Also, the ID tips are most helpful for me, a ‘beginner novice’ native plant identifier.

  14. Rated 5 out of 5

    Meredith Nielsen (verified owner) – February 26, 2026

    I have also been waiting for a book like this for a long time! This is a field guide with heart and soul and the authors do a wonderful job of sharing that with us tree lovers.

  15. Rated 5 out of 5

    Colette Kitlas (verified owner) – March 10, 2026

    California Trees is a guide which contains not only beautiful images of California native trees but is thoughtfully planned and well organized. The information content is simple and direct, without missing important details. Each tree has it’s geographical location, close up images of tree parts for ID, and a larger image of the tree in it’s native environment. The photos are fantastic, particularly the larger landscapes. This compact book is lightweight and water resistant. I look forward to many years of travels hunting for these trees and the California Trees as my guide. Thank you.

  16. Rated 5 out of 5

    Chauncey (verified owner) – April 29, 2026

    The book is a total Wow!!!
    Well organized, beautiful photos, abundant information. Wow!

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