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













MARY SAWATZKI (verified owner) –
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.
Dean Davis (verified owner) –
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.
Andrew Aldrich (verified owner) –
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.
Deborah Parks (verified owner) –
A great book – beautiful photos and helpful information. It’s a perfect size for carrying on a hike.
Sara Bendrick (verified owner) –
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 🙂
Stan Baczynski (verified owner) –
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.
Sharon Siewert (verified owner) –
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!
BettyAnn Clark (verified owner) –
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.
Claire S Perricelli (verified owner) –
Totally deserving of the award it received. Great book!
George Speckman –
Amazing!
Kim (verified owner) –
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.
Amy Brooks (verified owner) –
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.