Mojave Desert Wildflowers: A Field Guide to Wildflowers, Trees, and Shrubs of the Mojave Desert, Including the Mojave National Preserve, Death Valley National Park, and Joshua Tree National Park [Paperback]

Pam MacKay (Author)

Book Description

Series: Wildflower Series | Publication Date: March 2003

The Mojave Desert eco-region extends from eastern California to northwestern Arizona, southern Nevada, and southwestern Utah, and boasts plant communities as diverse as alkali sinks, dune systems, Joshua tree woodland, pinyon juniper woodland, mixed mojave scrub, and even riparian woodland. Mojave Desert Wildflowers will be appreciated not only by amateur wildflower enthusiasts, but experts will also find the detailed photographs and charts useful in distinguishing among similar species in difficult groups. Species are arranged by color and plant family for easy identification. This guide features 300 of the common species, full-color photographs, detailed descriptions, information on bloom season, and interesting facts about each plant.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Mojave Desert Wildflowers is the ultimate field guide to wildflowers, trees, and shrubs of the ecoregion that extends from California to Arizona, Nevada, and Utah and includes Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, and Joshua Tree National Park. Packed with vivid color photos and informative text, this valuable reference will help you identify and appreciate the unique and varied flora of this desert ecosystem.
This easy-to-use-guide features: a tough, water-resistant cover and extra-durable binding, made to withstand vigorous field use; detailed descriptions and color photos of more than 300 plants; an introduction to the habitats and ecology of the Mojave Desert; a glossary of botanical terms; a primer on plant characteristics.
Mojave Desert Wildflowers is perfect for the novice and expert botanist alike. Whether you are lucky enough to spot the stately Panamint Daisy or smell the distinctive fragrance of Grape Soda Lupine, this guide will enhance your next journey into the remarkable Mojave Desert.

About the Author

Pam MacKay is a professor of biology at Victor Valley Community College. She is involved in Mojave Desert conservation efforts, and has been instrumental in founding the new Mojave Desert Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, where she currently serves as Field Trip Chair. She serves as a volunteer naturalist for the Golden Trout Natural History Association.

Product Details

• Paperback: 338 pages
• Publisher: FalconGuides; 1st edition (March 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762711620
• ISBN-13: 978-0762711628
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #275,049 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #78 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Plants > Flowers

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely Easy To Use, April 16, 2006

By 

blackturtle "blackturtle.us" (eastern CA desert) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mojave Desert Wildflowers: A Field Guide to Wildflowers, Trees, and Shrubs of the Mojave Desert, Including the Mojave National Preserve, Death Valley National Park, and Joshua Tree National Park (Paperback)

This is probably the easiest to use desert plant book I have (and I have eight that focus on desert plants in all). What it lacks in completeness, it more than makes up for in terms of ease of use. There is a picture for each plant and the plants are grouped according to flower color. So as long as the plant is in bloom, it's not too hard to find out what it is. This book does a great job of covering the plants you are most likely to come across which makes it a great book to thumb through in the field. If you are dealing with similar species within the same genus or rare plants, you'll probably want to get the Jepson guide.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book!, May 15, 2003

By 

Becky White (Apple Valley, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mojave Desert Wildflowers: A Field Guide to Wildflowers, Trees, and Shrubs of the Mojave Desert, Including the Mojave National Preserve, Death Valley National Park, and Joshua Tree National Park (Paperback)

This guide is so easy to use and the pictures are beautiful. I highly recommend this guide for first time wildflower enthusiasts!

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gorgeous, Informative, Sturdy Field Guide, July 14, 2003

By 

James Otterstrom (Big Bear City, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mojave Desert Wildflowers: A Field Guide to Wildflowers, Trees, and Shrubs of the Mojave Desert, Including the Mojave National Preserve, Death Valley National Park, and Joshua Tree National Park (Paperback)

Pam MacKay's 'Mojave Desert Wildflowers' is a wonderfully informative & beautifully photographed guide to the wildflowers of the Mojave. This sturdy plastic-coated field guide contains over 300 gorgeous photos, finely detailed plant descriptions, and is virtually an introductory textbook on Mojave Desert ecology. I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates the Mojave Desert. The author lives & teaches in the Mojave and her dedication, attention to detail, and love of the desert are revealed on every page.

Jim Otterstrom